If you want to next-level your hair heading into spring, we’ve noticed one style in particular – the “hydro bob” – rapidly racking up speed.
Photo: Instagram.com/karenwazen
It picks up from where last years popular ‘boy bob’ left off, the only difference? One element has quite literally been changed. We keep seeing the breezy cut paired with a liquid wet-look or “hydro” finish to keep things feeling very fresh.
What is the hydro bob?
Coined by leading hair stylist and trend forecaster, Tom Smith, “the hydro bob is 2024’s reincarnation of last spring’s boy bob,” he says. “It’s got that sharp, slightly androgynous, tailored look to it, but the key here is that there’s a little high fashion element that makes the hair look slightly more defined – it’s almost like a soft wet look,” he says. The idea is that the chop should take on a dewy dimension and look “drenched in gloss and moisture,” Tom says.
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We’ve already seen wet-look styles dominating red carpets and fashion week street style since the start of this year, but the shorter spring cut feels even more co-ordinated, reckons Tom. “The crisp line of the haircut is always going to make it look intentional,” he says.
As for the length, “the shape can be tailored to the individual, working with their features to create a length that sits between lips and the mid-neck,” says Tom. But this trend relies as much on the styling as the chop. “The use of styling products give definition and hold to make it a great haircut for those who like their hair to feel controlled and refined,” he adds.
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What products will give the hydro bob its wet-look finish?
Before you skip the trend as too high maintenance, Tom assures us the styling is actually “incredibly practical to achieve.” So, it’s one the lazy-girls can get on board with.
There are two ways you can achieve the wet look, Tom says. “The first is with leave-in styling products. I love nourishing leave-in creams such as Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother for this because it gives that moisture, hydration and definition, without it looking oily,” says Tom.
“But one better than that, if you don’t mind it looking slightly stronger and bolder and you love the idea of your hair being groomed and in place, is to use your favorite repair or moisture mask,” says Tom, who recommends Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector. “Use it as a styling product and leave it in your hair. Not only are you going to get definition in your hair, but you’re getting a treatment at the same time as styling your hair,” he says. The bonus is that it will make your hair look great in the style, but longer term, it helps strengthen, too. “It’s a great trick for those who don’t find the time to do weekly masks or treatments and will give the semi-wet-look effect while allowing your hair to soak in goodness at the same time,” says Tom.
How to style the look
Once you’ve nailed the texture, you can edit the styling with some cool-girl details. “You can wear it tucked behind one ear or both ears,” says Tom, who recommends coupling this accent with a statement earring if you want to make it look more evening-appropriate. It also works perfectly with the side partings and single strand tendrils that are also popular for spring.
Here are some of our favorite ways to wear it…
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Side-parted and combed back
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Ultra neat and tucked behind one ear
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Lightly waved
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Tucked back but with face-framing tendrils
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Combed back behind the ears
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Sort-of side parted and saturated
Photo: Instagram.com/haileybieber
Side parted with volume at the roots
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Slicked back with a single edge detail
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Side-flipped with height at the roots
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So glossy, it’s glazed
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Misted and mussy
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Originally published in Glamourmagazine.co.uk
