The Wob: Hollywood’s Hottest New Hairstyle

(Clockwise from top left: AP, AP, Reuters, Reuters)

In order to achieve the wob, you’ll first need the lob haircut: a shoulder-sweeping style that’s a favorite about Hollywood stars. This will make it easier to create loose waves without compromising on length. And with a lob, your hair will be long enough to be worn in a ponytail or bun, but also short enough to avoid spending hours with the heating tools. “I like the wob look best when it sits in between shoulder and chin,” says celebrity hairstylist Nelson Vercher. “The wob also finishes very naturally, allowing bends and waves to settle in. The look is classic, easy and glamorous.” Chan also suggests getting trims every six to eight weeks to maintain the length of your hair. If you're willing to go short, the bob haircut will also suit this look. (Associated Press)

The secret to the perfect wob hairstyle? Having loads of body. And no matter your hair type, it is possible to amp up the volume in your mane. “If your hair is thin, ask your stylist for more layers, and if your hair is thick, have it texturized to remove weight,” says Mario Russo, owner and lead stylist of Salon Mario Russo in Boston. “Do make sure your wob is just above the shoulder or just below to prevent your hair from flipping out at the ends.” (Reuters)

“Do invest in quality styling products and tools to maintain your wob,” says Russo. “We suggest Oribe’s Dry Texturizing Spray to volumize, and a decent curling wand or medium round brush to add the soft, effortless waves.” (Associated Press)

“The reason why the wob works so well is that it adds dimension to all face shapes,” says Frank Barbosa, celebrity hairstylist for IT&LY Hairfashion. In addition to the cut, don’t be afraid to explore a richer, more golden shade of your natural hair color to better flaunt your natural features. In the case of actress Vanessa Hudgens, she decided to go bold with a sun-kissed beachy ombre. (Associated Press)

“With straight hair, you can use a curling iron to create long, loose curls,” says Fowler. “When curling your hair, make sure you curl small sections, probably no bigger than 1-inch sections. Also, do not curl your whole head. Remember, this style is supposed to be an effortless look.” (Reuters)

Since naturally curly-haired ladies already have bouncy waves to show off, Fowler says achieving the wob is as simple as scrunching your hair in place with some curl balm to eliminate fizz. You can fix a few strands with a curling iron, but leave much of it as-is. Remember, the goal is not to look polished. “Make sure you use a product to help eliminate frizz, as well as texturizing spray, which will give your hair a boost,” says Fowler. “You don’t want tight curls at all, or you may look like your grandma,” adds Chan. (Reuters)

“If your hair is super thick and unruly, try keeping your wob a little longer in length and finish up the style using some dry wax spray,” says Fowler. “This will definitely tone down the frizz.” (Reuters)

“If your hair is super fine, you need to enhance the volume by adding some root booster when you dry your hair, to add fullness,” says Fowler. “Then add some curling balm.” Make sure you use a light hand, as too much product can weigh your hair down and make it appear greasy. (Reuters)

While heating tools can create tousled waves instantly, excessive use can ultimately damage delicate strands. Maintain good hair health and consider letting your mane air dry in a bun for a natural, touchable texture. “Don’t be afraid to use your fingers to tousle and pull apart hair and make it a little messy to get the full wob effect,” says Russo. You can also use a lightweight sea salt spray before air drying for soft, beachy waves. (Reuters)

Stylists insist the wob style works for nearly everyone, but those with oval-shaped faces, in particular, will benefit the most from this style. Soft waves, especially with face-framing highlights, easily enhance one’s natural features with minimal effort. (Reuters)