How to Go From Long Hair to a Short Bob Without Cutting the Hair

Pin up long and let short layers create a bobbed hairstyle.

Changing your hairstyle from long, flowing locks to a short, snappy bob can be a drastic fashion overhaul. Committing to a short hairstyle requires cutting hair, which can be costly to reverse with extensions and wigs if you are unhappy with the finished result. However, you can give a short bobbed hairstyle a test run without cutting your hair by artfully employing hairpins, hairspray and a finishing product or two. This technique can also be employed for costume parties by aspiring flappers, or it can give a jolt to your everyday styling routine.

Things You'll Need

• Fine-tooth comb
• Hair elastic
• Hairspray
• Hair pins
• Large-barrel curling iron
• Pomade

Instructions

1. Section your hair into a top section and bottom section by running your index fingers up the sides of your head, starting behind each ear and meeting at the top of the scalp. The hair you have gathered will be the top section, and the hair left hanging will be the bottom. Secure the top section in a loose bun at the top of your head with a hair elastic.

2. Separate a section of hair from the bottom layer into a chunk no bigger than 2" wide, as any larger will be unwieldy and difficult to pin. Spray the section with hairspray, then wrap the hair around your index finger. When the entire length of hair is swirled, slide it off of the finger and press the swirled hair flat against the head. Secure tightly against the scalp with two bobby pins and spray with additional hairspray to keep it in place. Repeat this process until all of your bottom hair section is pinned flat against your scalp.

3. Release the top section of hair from its bun and arrange it over the pinned hair to create the illusion of a bobbed hairstyle. Tucking in the ends of the top section by pinning the tips under the bottom row of pinned hair creates a smooth bob, while curling the top section with a large-barreled curling iron results in a short, tousled hairdo. Rubbing a dab of pomade between your fingers and lightly twisting the ends of the top hair section give the bob a chunky, textured finish.

References

• Seventeen: The No-Cut Bob
• Hair Boutique: Anatomy of Creating Curls