Thumbnail image of a woman with a flat bob haircut holding her hair and looking frustrated, with bold text reading ‘Why Your Bob Looks Flat (and How to Fix It).’

Bob Hair Tips Straight from Alfred Guzman

 

Every week at Bokaos Salon & Spa, I see clients fall in love with their bobs. Some love the sharp, polished version. Others lean toward a softer, tousled style. Either way, the bob is one of those cuts that looks simple but needs the right upkeep to stay fresh.

I’m Alfred, one of the stylists here in downtown Pasadena, right near the IPIC Theater. I’ve been cutting and styling bobs for years. Let me share the tips I give clients who sit in my chair. These little habits make the difference between a bob that looks “okay” and one that always turns heads.

Tip 1: Keep Up with Trims

Bobs grow out quickly. One month it’s sharp and chic, the next it starts to lose shape. That’s why I recommend coming in every 5–7 weeks for a cut and style. Regular trims keep the lines clean and the overall look light. A client once told me she waited three months between visits, and she couldn’t believe how heavy her bob felt by then. Staying on schedule saves you from that frustration.

Tip 2: Change Up the Texture

A bob doesn’t need to look the same every day. Some days you’ll want it sleek and smooth, other days you might crave a soft wave. A flat iron gives you that mirror-shine finish. A curling wand adds bends for movement. A spritz of texturizing spray creates that undone, airy look. On warm Pasadena afternoons, a light smoothing cream keeps the flyaways at bay without flattening your hair.

  • Flat iron = polished
  • Curling wand = playful
  • Texturizing spray = effortless

Tip 3: Protect the Ends

With shorter hair, every split end is more visible. Heat styling can add stress quickly, so I always recommend a good heat protectant before using irons. If you’ve got color services on your bob, regular deep conditioning keeps it glossy and strong. Many of our clients pair their trims with a conditioning treatment right at the salon to keep their bob shiny and healthy.

Tip 4: Match the Cut to Your Face

Not all bobs are created equal. A blunt bob that hits at the jawline looks bold on oval faces. An angled cut helps elongate rounder faces. Adding layers can soften strong jawlines. During your consultation, I’ll always recommend tweaks that bring out your best features. The goal is to find the cut that fits both your style and your shape.

Tip 5: Quick Refresh Tricks

Busy mornings happen, and clients often ask how to bring their bob back to life without starting from scratch. These are my go-to tips:

  1. Dry shampoo for volume and oil control.
  2. Blow-dry just the crown for a fast lift.
  3. Tuck one side behind your ear for a clean, effortless look.

Small touches like these keep your bob looking fresh between salon visits.

Extra Tip: Special Event Styling

Bobs style beautifully for nights out or special events. Whether it’s dinner in Old Pasadena or a wedding, adding curls, volume, or sleek shine transforms your bob instantly. Many of our clients book a make-up session with us too, so they leave ready for photos and compliments.

Final Thoughts

A bob is timeless, flattering, and full of possibilities. With the right care and a few pro tricks, it’s one of the easiest cuts to love. If you’re in Pasadena and thinking about getting a bob, or if your current one needs shaping, come see me at Bokaos Salon & Spa. Together we’ll find the version that feels most like you.

We’re at One Colorado Square, 52 Hugus Alley, Pasadena, CA 91103. Call us at (626) 304-0007 or book online through our booking page. Let’s make your bob the cut people notice for all the right reasons.

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