How to Curl a Bob: Tips for Adding Volume to Short Hair

Using smaller tools will help you get that perfect curl definition when styling your bob, hairstylist Paola Cabiedes told Southern Living. The Chi Ceramic One Inch Curling Iron and L’Ange 1 Inch Wand are two options to try. Cabiedes added that no matter what tool you decide to use, the first step is to clip your hair in layers and mist it with hair spray This will allow the curls to set in place.

The stylist added that you can start the process by taking your curling wand or flat iron from the ends and curling up all the way to the root. If using a flat iron, clamp a small section and turn it into a half rotation as you slowly drag it to the end. Then, when you move to the next section, turn it the opposite direction of the last, taking care to curl the front sections away from the face.

If using a curling iron, the Miami-based stylist recommends working your way from the bottom layer first, grabbing tiny, one-inch sections of hair. Once you’ve curled every strand, you can pull them down with your fingers for a looser curl. Finally, apply texture spray at the roots to add some volume at the crown.

There are so many ways to style your curly or curly-ish bob for any occasion. Over the years, many of our favorite celebs and influencers have shown us that creating a stunning look with a curly bob is just a matter of seeing the vision. Our girl, Ashley Benson, had a great beachy bob moment back in 2021. In a photo shared by her stylist on Instagram, those layers were given, and you could tell that Benson felt like quite the baddie.

Or you could take a leaf from the beautiful Sabrina Elba, who allowed her curls to stay defined as she posed for some stunning photos to post on her Instagram in 2023. And the best part about how she styled her hair is that it can be worn to casual or formal events, which we love!

This London-based influencer shows the beauty of curtain bangs and how amazing they look with a curly bob. In a selfie posted in April 2025, the influencer that goes by Lo was the epitome of chic as the sun illuminated the blonde highlights in her dark brown hair. The curls toward her ends give her a stylish and playful look, but those bangs surely steal the show.