The Hydro Bob Will Be Summer’s Hottest Hairstyle

We know what you’re thinking: another bob haircut? Yes, people, buckle up, because there is another short hairstyle taking over social media, and it’s called the “hydro bob.” We know we sound a little bit like an ex-boyfriend trying to convince you he’s finally changed when we say, “This bob is different,” but honestly, we mean it this time. No really, we do.

Remember last year’s “boy bob?” This year’s version is the hydro bob, a liquid hair look that combines styling and the perfect cut to give you hair that is Instagrammable AF, and celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Kaia Gerber, and Jennifer Lopez agree. “The hydro bob has an androgynous, elevated, cool girl feel,” Justine Marjan, celebrity hairstylist and Ghd brand ambassador, tells PS. Ahead, experts break down everything to know about the trending look, including who the hydro bob looks best on, how to ask for it at the salon, and how to style it at home. Keep reading to learn more.

What Is the Hydro Bob?

The hydro bob is a “slicked-back super short bob that does not go past your chin in length,” celebrity hairstylist Davontaé Washington says. “There’s one distinct quality that makes it stand out from similar cuts: the hydro bob has an emphasis on the finished look being super shiny, almost wet in appearance.”

The look can be customized, but it’s most often seen on straight hair. “The celebrities seen wearing this look have all gone for a no texture base,” Washington says. “If you want to recreate their looks, go for straight hair to start. I would not recommend this cut for oily or highly textured hair types unless you wish to straighten your natural hair.”

When asking for the style at the salon, Washington says to ask for a sharp cut at the ends that is one length and blunt. Typically, the length will not go past the chin. “Your stylist should texturize your hair ever so slightly so it makes it easier to slick back,” she adds. “This will give it the high fashion feel you see on your favorite celebs.”

When it comes to in-salon maintenance, it’s all up to personal preference, but most stylists suggest going in for a refresh every six to eight weeks. “Regular trims help to keep the hair healthy and the style defined, which prevents split ends and helps maintain the overall shape of the bob,” Aaron Grenia, co-founder of IGK Hair Care, says.

How to Style a Hydro Bob

As celebrity hairstylist Mark Townsend says, “The hydro bob is all in the styling,” and we couldn’t agree more. Townsend suggests skipping the volumizing products and instead opting for smoothing products applied to damp hair. “I love adding a few drops of the Alfaparf Milano Semi di Lino Smoothing Oil ($56) before blow-drying to ensure the hair cuticle will be sealed and shiny,” he says.

Marjan suggests blow-drying the hair sleek and then doing a pass with the Ghd Chronos Flat Iron ($329). When all is said and done, Grenia recommends adding a few drops of the IGK Crybay Anti-Frizz Serum ($27) to the hair to tame any flyaways and give everything a polished look.

However, if you want a super wet look, Washington says she recommends layering products. “Start by applying the Maree Keratin Hair Serum ($25) for shine, and then apply a gel to lock in the wet appearance,” Washington says you can opt to slick back the hair or wear a middle part. “Don’t be afraid to apply the products with your hands, utilizing a brush to slick back the hair as desired.”

While the look is most often seen on straight, sleek hair, Townsend says it can be customized and worn curly or wavy. In this instance, he says to skip the blowout and start styling by adding the Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil ($30) to wet or damp hair. “You want the curls to stay very hydrated, so use more than you usually would,” he says. From there, add another layer of smoothing oil, but make sure to do it in sections to ensure all the hair gets saturated.