The ‘Bubble Bob’ Adds Volume for Thicker-Looking Hair—Here’s How to Style It

Bob haircuts come in many variations, and the “bubble bob” is a classic, simple take that is easy to maintain and resembles—you guessed it—a bubble. The most important aspect of the bubble bob is not the cut, but how you style it.

There’s a big emphasis on volume and bounce, which ties it to other high-volume cuts like the a-line bob. We spoke with an expert hairstylist to determine who this bob works best on, how to ask your stylist for the look, and how to style it at home for the best results.

What Is the Bubble Bob?

The bubble bob is very similar to other bobs in that it can vary in length, layering, and angle. “A bubble bob is more voluminous and rounded than other bob styles with bounce and fullness all around,” says salon owner Nunzio Saviano. “It’s very bubble-like.”

Saviano says the bubble bob is flattering on most face shapes, but works best on oval or heart-shaped faces. A longer length that hits below the chin can be elongating and works better for round face shapes. 

Usually, you see this cut styled straight, so straight hair textures may be easier to work with on a day-to-day basis. However, you can absolutely wear this cut curly, wavy, or air-dried. Saviano says the cut “works best with medium to thick hair to enhance its volume and bouncy look.” However, thin hair can also rock this look with a little extra styling effort.

How to Ask Your Hairstylist for the Cut

Before you head to the salon, determine your face shape and the length you’re most comfortable with. “Most importantly, ask the hairstylist what the best length is for your face shape and if your hair texture can achieve such a look,” says Saviano. 

If you have fine hair, ask your stylist to incorporate soft, invisible layers into the cut. An overall blunt cut with feathered edges can add subtle volume and encourage the hair to fall into a more bubble-like shape. 

Saviano says it’s also important to ask your stylist how much time is required to maintain and style the look based on your hair type. The stylist can set your expectations because the cut may look very different after you leave the salon, wash it, and let it air dry the first time. This can be disconcerting if you weren’t expecting to blow-dry your hair every morning.

How to Maintain and Style a Bubble Bob

This particular bob requires some styling to reinforce the bubble shape. While you can air dry it and wear it more naturally, it won’t have the same volume or impact as when heat-styled. For air drying, tuck the hair behind your ears to get a natural rounded shape on the front pieces, or pop in some Velcro rollers while your hair is damp and let it dry that way.

“Rollers are ideal to style a bubble bob,” says Saviano. “They are best for long-lasting volume.” For heat styling, get the main lift with a round brush and a blow dryer, then finish off with rollers.

“To start, use a volumizing mousse all over, dry with a round brush, and put hot rollers or Velcro rollers to set the volume,” explains Saviano. “A strong hair spray is your best friend for this look.” When blow drying, flip your upside down, and blow dry the root of the hair for added volume.

Regular trims (every 4-6 weeks) will help the ends from wanting to turn outwards, but you can go longer between cuts and still get that same bubble effect with hot tools or rollers.