Winter gave us the Lazy Girl Bun, spring sprung the Kitty Cut on us and now summer is preparing to make a splash with the Hydro Bob. ICYMI: Hairstylists first teased this style in a spring hair trends piece I wrote earlier this year and I predict it’s going to be *the* breakout look in the season ahead. Spotted on the likes of J.Lo and Sydney Sweeney, this sleek, wet look is both effortlessly cool and polished at the same time. Want to give it a whirl? I tapped three celebrity hairstylists to share how you can recreate the Hydro Bob just in time for summer.
The Hydro Bob Is the It Hairstyle to Take You Into Summer
Wet ‘n wild
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Published May 23, 2024
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Meet the Experts
- Gregory Patterson is a celebrity hairstylist and a DIY Color & Styling expert for Sally Beauty. He’s based in New York City and has previously worked as a lead stylist for Project Runway. His previous clients include Britney Spears, Anne Hathaway and Julianne Moore.
- Tom Smith is a celebrity hairstylist, creative color director at evo and a trend forecaster based in the United Kingdom. He has previously predicted trendy styles like “Bottleneck Bangs,” “Expensive Brunette, “Curtain Cut” and “Cowboy Copper.” His clients include Louise Redknapp and Geri Halliwell.
- April Kayganich is a hairstylist, educator and network stylist for Hairstory. She is currently a texture and color specialist based in Los Angeles and teaches aspiring stylists about how to work with all hair types.
What Is the Hydro Bob?
A Hydro Bob is basically a slicked back, slightly wet chin-length bob. Known as the softer version of the wet look from the runways, this style adds definition to your locks and enhances your natural texture. “The Hydro Bob has a sharp, slightly androgynous and editorial look that is drenched in gloss and moisture. It’s also incredibly practical [and easy] to achieve,” says Smith.
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Why Is the Hydro Bob So Popular Right Now?
For one, bob haircuts have been trending for quite some time (see: the Baroque Bob, Butterfly Bob, Box Bob, etc.), so adding one more to the mix is not at all surprising. I first caught a glimpse at the Hydro Bob at Paris Fashion Week, where it was all over the runways. Over the last couple of months, there’s also been an influx of celebrities like Jennifer Lopez, America Ferrera and Florence Pugh sporting some variation of the trendy hairdo. “The Hydro Bob has gained popularity all throughout 2024, but the summer will evoke a desire to leave the house with elegant, fresh, wet-looking hair—recalling days spent at the beach,” says Smith.
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How Do You Achieve the Hydro Bob?
According to our panel of experts, the steps are quite simple.
- Wash your hair with a hydrating shampoo and conditioner.
- Once you rinse, section off your hair before applying a smoothing cream (or a hair serum) throughout. Patterson notes, “You want to work in the products section by section, combing/brushing your hair into shape as you work up the style.”
- Apply a glossy oil for extra shine. Patterson adds, “This bob is fairly simple and doesn’t involve products that will leave your hair feeling crunchy.”
- Complete the look by air drying or blow drying on a low to medium heat setting to reduce frizz and set its shape. For a sleeker look, the hairstylists suggest running a flat iron through each section to finish.
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Does the Hydro Bob Work On All Hair Types?
Yes, the hydro bob can work on all hair types. The only difference is the way the hair is styled. For those with straight hair, Kayganich recommends starting with damp strands, whereas those with curly or coily hair should have soaking wet locks. She explains, “This look will be a little bit faster to achieve on straight hair because you don't have to layer products and keep brushing/combing it through multiple times. However, for curls, I typically layer gel and hairspray to achieve the wet look.”
How Do You Style the Hydro Bob?
As Smith previously explained, “The shape can be tailored to the individual. It can work with their features to create a length that sits between their lips and the middle of the neck. The styling products also provide definition and hold for those who like their hair to feel controlled and refined. You can tuck hair behind one or both ears along with combining the popular side part or single strands.” Here are some references to get you started:
Hydro Bob Styles
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1. Center Part
Side part, center part or no part—it’s your prerogative for how you want to style your bob. As for me, I’m considering taking a page out of America Ferrera’s book and keeping things sleek on either side for a more casual ‘do.
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2. Tucked Behind Ears
It’s a simple tweak, but one that will take your Hydro Bob up a notch (and away from your face).
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3. Flicked Ends
Add some shape to your Hydro Bob by flipping the ends out with a flat iron. Better yet, give some extra love to your side bangs and sweep them over to one side like Florence Pugh above.
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