Elevate your hair game and embrace the trendy, tousled look of a choppy wavy bob. Perfect for those with medium to thick hair, this style requires minimal length and maximum texture. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to achieve this edgy, stylish cut at home, plus pro tips on maintenance.
Before you start, ensure you have all the necessary tools. Apart from your hair, you'll need sharp scissors, hair thinning shears, hair clips, a rat-tail comb, a wide-tooth comb, and haircutting scissors with a guard or a trimmer with a guard.
Preparation and Initial Cut
Begin with clean, towel-dried hair. Comb it out thoroughly to remove all tangles. Using a rat-tail comb, section your hair from ear to ear across the top of your head. Clip this section up.
Starting with the hair behind your ears, make sure it's all one length. Hold your hair taut and use haircutting scissors to cut it to your desired length. Do the same for the hair at the nape of your neck. Once these sections are even, move onto the longer top section.
Creating Layers
Unclip the hair at the top. starting at the center, section off a small square-shaped piece. Using your rat-tail comb, measure and mark four to six different points around the top of your head. These will be your layering guide.
Hold each section with your non-dominant hand, with your thumb and middle finger forming a "C" shape around the hair. Use the scissors with your dominant hand to cut the hair in this "C" shape, creating a layered look. Ensure you're not cutting your hair straight across, but rather at an angle, which helps to create movement and enhances your natural wavy texture.
Blending and Texturizing
To create a choppy look, use hair thinning shears to texture the ends of your hair. Start by sectioning off the bottom inch of your hair. Holding it taut, run the thinning shears through the ends to remove bulk and create texture.
For a more dramatic choppy effect, use a trimmer with a guard. Start from the bottom and work your way up, mowing off small amounts of hair. This will create short, uneven pieces that blend with your longer layers, adding texture and enhancing your natural wave.
Styling and Maintenance
Once you've achieved your desired cut, it's time to style. After washing your hair, apply a texturizing product to damp hair. Using your fingers, scrunch your hair to encourage your natural wave. Let it air dry to maintain its texture.
For maintenance, regular trims every six to eight weeks will help keep your bob looking fresh and preventing split ends. Between trims, use a deep conditioning treatment to keep your hair healthy and hydrated. And remember, enhancing your natural texture is key to achieving a perfect choppy wavy bob.
Embracing your natural wave and adopting this stylish cut not only saves you the trip to the salon but also lets you channel your inner trendsetter. So go ahead, grab your scissors, and “choppy” chop to your heart's content!