How to style a bob with wide waves using a straightener

Create soft, wide waves in a bob, lob or shoulder-length hair with a wide-plate straightener. This suits anyone who wants a relaxed, done-but-undone look that holds its shape. You need a wide flat iron, a heat protectant and a little texture spray.

Wide Waves for a Bob | Easy Hair Tutorial 💫, by Mathilde Heather on YouTube. 10 min 4 s.

Video length
10 min 4 s
Time to do it
15 minutes
Difficulty
Easy
Steps
9

What you need

Steps

  1. Start with dry hair. Comb it through so there are no tangles, then clip the top half up and out of the way.

  2. Spray heat protectant evenly over all the hair you plan to style, holding the can about 20 cm away.

  3. Set the straightener to a medium heat, around 180 C, and let it heat up fully before you start.

  4. Take a section about 3 to 4 cm wide. Hold the iron vertically and clamp it near the roots.

  5. Turn the iron a half turn away from your face and glide slowly down the length. Keep the plate flat so the bend stays wide, not tight.

  6. Release the hair at the ends and let the wave cool in your hand or on the counter. Do not brush it out yet.

  7. Work around the head in the same direction, then unclip the top section and repeat, alternating the turn direction for a natural finish.

  8. Let the hair cool for a minute, then rake through with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to soften the waves.

  9. Mist texture spray through the mid-lengths and ends, then smooth a drop of hair oil over the ends to tame frizz.

Tips and common mistakes

Always use a heat protectant, and keep the iron moving so one spot does not overheat.

Let each wave cool before you touch it, or the shape will drop out.

Use a wide plate rather than a thin one, since a narrow iron makes tighter curls.

Keep the iron away from your face and ears, and rest it on a heatproof mat between sections.

Questions

Can I do this on a short bob?

Yes. Use smaller sections and start the bend lower, around ear level, so the waves sit in the length you have.

How long will the waves last?

Usually a day or two. Texture spray and a light hold spray help them keep their shape, especially in humid weather.

What heat setting should I use?

Around 180 C suits most hair. Use lower heat for fine or damaged hair and slightly higher for thick, coarse hair.

This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.

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