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Home • News

Ask the Experts: Johnnie Wright's Tips for Rocking a Bob

Not only is the bob one of the most timeless, classic haircuts of all time, it's also one of the most versatile! With all the different shapes and incarnations of the style (think: bangs, waves, layers, shaggy pieces), virtually every woman in the world can rock a bob. We chatted with Johnnie Wright, artistic style director for Softsheen Carson and Michelle Obama's hairstylist, about the changing face of the bob--and how to make yours look it's brilliant best.
By Essence · Updated October 29, 2020
01
Versatile Vixen

“The bob has always been very versatile,” says celeb hairstylist Johnnie Wright. “Whether it’s A-line, asymmetrical, short or long, it never feels dated.”

Ask the Experts: Johnnie Wright's Tips for Rocking a Bob
02
Side to Side

“A side-swooping bang is a nice addition if you want to cover your forehead, but you’re not ready for a blunt bang.”

Ask the Experts: Johnnie Wright's Tips for Rocking a Bob
03
Fierce and Flawless

Keri Hilson’s flawlessly cut and styled, platinum blonde bob is one of the prettiest styles we’ve seen in ages.

Ask the Experts: Johnnie Wright's Tips for Rocking a Bob
04
Blonde Ambition

“Ask your stylist for a razor cut to add texture to your bob. This gives the style a messier look. Bobs don’t always have to be so structured.”

Ask the Experts: Johnnie Wright's Tips for Rocking a Bob
05
Red Alert

Rihanna’s hairstyle seems to change every other week, but we’re partial to this slightly grown-out, irregularly wavy bob.

Ask the Experts: Johnnie Wright's Tips for Rocking a Bob
06
Fabulous First Lady

Michelle Obama’s smooth, sleek bob—created by Johnnie Wright—perfectly suits her day-to-night lifestyle.

Ask the Experts: Johnnie Wright's Tips for Rocking a Bob
07
Minaj Mane

“A bob should be shorter in the back and longer in the front. It’s about the shape more than the length, as Nicki Minaj proves with her long front pieces.”

Ask the Experts: Johnnie Wright's Tips for Rocking a Bob
08
Retro Chic

Dirty Money’s Dawn Richard sports a classic, 1920s-style Louise Brooks bob.

Ask the Experts: Johnnie Wright's Tips for Rocking a Bob
09
Va-Va-Volume

“To give your bob more body and movement, add Roots of Nature Healing Thickening Cream ($6, walgreens.com) to damp roots before blowing dry.”

Ask the Experts: Johnnie Wright's Tips for Rocking a Bob
10
China Bob

“A lot of women feel more comfortable with bangs. The China bob look is always a great choice, with the heavy, blunt cut bang.”

Ask the Experts: Johnnie Wright's Tips for Rocking a Bob
11
The Shining

“Rinse hair with cool water to seal the cuticle and add shine to your bob. Top off your look with Softsheen Carson Optimum Care Mineral Oil-Free Sheen Spray ($6.50, walgreens.com).”

Ask the Experts: Johnnie Wright's Tips for Rocking a Bob
12
Easy Breezy

Santigold’s tousled bangs add a chic easiness to her structured bob.

Ask the Experts: Johnnie Wright's Tips for Rocking a Bob
13
Caramel Coif

“There are three components to a great bob: cut, style, and color. Color is a fabulous enhancement to a sleek, A-line bob.”

Ask the Experts: Johnnie Wright's Tips for Rocking a Bob
14
Sleek Chic

“Bobs can be customized to flatter every face shape. Experiment with your style by creating a deep middle part.”

Ask the Experts: Johnnie Wright's Tips for Rocking a Bob