It’s safe to say the classic bob haircut has made a huge comeback in 2025, with many A List stars such as Millie Bobby Brown, Selena Gomez, and Kim Kardashian spotted embracing shorter hair. We can’t see this changing anytime soon!
A bob is a great hairstyle for those who want a stylish, timeless, yet low-maintenance style. However, knowing how to style a bob can put some off from braving the chop; a common misconception is that short hair isn’t very versatile, however, this certainly isn't the case! There are many ways to style bobs, with chic loose curls being a favourite.
This step-by-step guide will show you exactly how to curl a bob with a flat-iron, allowing you to easily add volume, texture, and effortless style to your short hair.
Can you curl short hair with a straightener?
Curling hair with straighteners is a go-to for many different hair types, but there’s a common misconception that curling short, bob-length hair with a flat iron isn’t possible due to the limited length. However, this isn’t the case! With the right technique, it’s absolutely possible to curl a bob with a flat iron.
What you’ll need
Having the following tools and products to hand will help you successfully curl your bob with straighteners:
- A flat iron/straighteners
- Heat protectant
- A comb/brush
- Hair clips
- Hairspray or texturising spray
How to curl a bob with straighteners: A step-by-step guide
Step One: Prep your hair
Before beginning, ensure your hair is completely dry. If you’re styling your hair after washing it, be sure to thoroughly blow-dry it first. Applying a straightener to wet hair can cause significant damage due to wet hair being more fragile and susceptible to breakage.
To protect the hair further, apply a heat protectant spray evenly from the roots to the ends. This product creates a barrier between the heat from the flat iron and the hair, in turn preventing cuticle damage, moisture loss and protein breakdown. Finally, brush your hair thoroughly to ensure there are no knots or tangles, as this will allow for a smoother, neater finish.
If your hair struggles to hold a curl, apply a mousse or volumising spray before drying it to provide extra grip and hold.
Step Two: Section Your Hair
Dividing your hair into even sections makes the process of curling bobs with a flat iron much more manageable, especially if you also have short layers.
Separate the hair into the top, middle, and bottom sections, and then clip the top and middle sections away, leaving the bottom layer down for curling. The thickness of your hair may alter the number of sections.
Skipping sectioning and trying to curl all your hair in one layer can result in missing pieces and inconsistent curls, especially with shorter hairstyles such as bobs.
Step Three: Begin Curling
Once the hair is prepped and divided into sections, you can begin curling!
- Take a one-inch section of hair from the bottom layer and clamp the straightener near the root, or midway down if you want a looser curl.
- Twist your wrist to rotate the straightener 180 degrees away from your face and slowly glide the flat iron down the length of your hair. On shorter, bob-length hair, you may not manage a full twist for every section, especially around the back. If this is the case, try focusing on creating a bend or wave in the hair.
Be sure to get the timing right; moving the straightener too fast can result in the curl not holding its shape, and moving too slow can result in overheating and damage.
Step Four: Work your way through each section
Continue to follow the above process around your head in small, manageable sections. For a more natural look, try alternating the direction of each curl, curling one segment towards your face and the next away from your face. This technique also adds volume and texture to bobs.
When you get to the sections near your face, take your time as these are the most visible part of the hairstyle! Always curl away from your face to open up your features and frame your face.
Step Five: Set and Style
Once you’ve curled your short hair, it’s time to make the finishing touches that enhance the overall look and help it last!
Firstly, let your hair cool completely before brushing it or running your fingers through it. If you do this whilst it's still warm, it can cause the curls to drop and become flat. You can also pin your curls up so that they cool in shape, allowing for more definition and longer-lasting results.
To prevent the curls from looking too tight and structured, use your fingers to gently separate the curls once the hair is cooled. This loosens them to create a softer, effortless finish, which is especially flattering on shorter hairstyles.
To keep your curls in place, finish with a spritz of hairspray for a more polished aesthetic. Alternatively, texturising spray can also help hold curls while providing extra volume and a more undone look.
FAQs for curling short hair with a flat iron
Can I curl a bob using straighteners without products?
You can, however, products such as mousse and hairspray can help curls last longer. We’d recommend at least using a heat protectant spray to avoid damage.
What do I do if the curls look too tight?
Try gently tugging on the curls whilst they’re still a little warm, twist them with your fingers once cooled, or try lightly misting and going over the ends with a straightener for a looser finish.
How long does it take to curl a bob with straighteners?
This is dependent on the thickness of your hair and how experienced you are at using a flat iron to curl short hair. It will likely take 10 to 20 minutes.
How do I curl the back of my bob without burning myself?
Use a smaller mirror to see the back of your head more easily, stand with your back to a larger mirror and place the smaller mirror on a surface in front of you so you can see the back of your head in the larger mirror. To prevent burning, stick to small sections, move carefully, and work by touch. You could also consider a heat-resistant glove.
Is it safe to curl colour-treated or bleached short hair with a flat iron?
It is safe, but it's important to take extra care to prevent further damage. It’s best to always use a heat protectant, opt for a lower heat setting on your straightener, ideally 180°C or less, and avoid daily styling.
Curling a bob and short hair with straighteners doesn’t have to be complicated. Once this simple technique is mastered, there are endless possibilities, whether you’re aiming for classic curls, beachy waves, or just a little bit of extra volume.
