The bob has been trending for a few years now, so we’ve seen a lot of offshoots of the look, and might we say the Baroque bob might be the most beautiful? The baroque bob is a voluminous, elegant, old money style we saw all over the Golden Globes red carpet and beyond on stars like Zendaya and Selena Gomez. Want to get the chic look? It’s all in the styling. Learn the expert tips and tricks below.
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What is a baroque bob?
This look is a structural, playful, textured, sexy take on a short bob cut, says celebrity hairstylist Rosibel del Jesus. “The Baroque bob is a dramatic and theatrical hairstyle inspired by the Baroque art movement’s love for exaggerated forms, strong contrasts, and dynamic motion,” explains Rogério Cavalcante, professional hairstylist and owner of the Second Floor Salon. “Today, the word Baroque usually implies that which is highly detailed and elaborate.” He notes that a Baroque bob tends to have sharp contrasts in texture and styling choices as well as “elongated or asymmetrical lines, adding a sense of tension and dynamism, much like the art and architecture of the Baroque period.”
What should someone ask for in the salon if they want to get the look?
Depending on a client’s natural texture and how they will be styling it at home, del Jesus advises asking for a one-length blunt-bob cut or a bob cut with very light layers for a more piecey look. “Ask for a bob haircut with sharp, clean lines or asymmetry for a structured base and added texture through curls or waves to create drama and volume,” says Cavalcante. “Remember that this is more about styling than the cut itself, so it will require work at home to reproduce the same look.”
Pro tip: “When looking to change your style, I always recommend looking up your face shape and/or hair type and the style you want to achieve so you can manage expectations,” says celebrity hairstylist and CEO/co-founder of The Beachwaver Co. Sarah Potempa. “You should also always bring inspo pics so you and your stylist can have a consultation regarding expectations before starting the styling.”
How to style the Baroque bob
As Cavalcante noted, the Baroque bob really comes to life through styling. “What elevates a baroque bob, making it appear more elegant, is the volume,” says Potempa. Cavalcante also likes to highlight the asymmetry—for example, one side curled and voluminous, the other side sleek behind the ear.
All the experts recommend beginning by putting product in your hair to help boost volume. Rosibel begins by spraying Christophe Robin Instant Volumising Mist with Rose Water ($39) at the root of damp hair. Meanwhile, Cavalcante recommends a double product approach, starting with Roz Root Lift Spray ($42) at the roots to add volume and lift. Followed with Authentic Beauty Concept Amplify Mousse ($28), working it through mid-lengths and ends for added body and hold. Then, blow dry hair with a round brush to create a smooth, voluminous base.
Then turn to a curling iron. “For some curved ends and more volume, use the Beachwaver B1.5 ($99) to create a roller set. For even more epic volume, finish off the look with some Team Texture Dry Finishing Spray ($28),” says Potempa. Similarly, Cavalcante recommends creating exaggerated waves or curls on one side of the hair using the T3 Curling Iron ($150). “For a dramatic effect, leave the other side sleek by tucking it behind the ear or pinning it flat with a bit of R+Co Balm ($32) to hold it in place.”
Then comes some shine-enhancing products. Del Jesus likes to add Mr. Smith Serum ($59) for shine and R+Co Bleu Featherlight Hairspray ($46) for hold. Cavalcante opts to warm a small amount of Gisou Honey Infused Hair Oil ($46) in his palms, then run it lightly over the hair to add shine, smooth frizz, and create a polished look. He finishes with a mist of Oribe Structure Spray ($48) to help maintain the bold shapes and textures. “For extra lift at the roots or to lock in the asymmetry, give the finished look a final spray near the crown and along the sides,” he adds.
Who does the Baroque bob work for?
The Baroque bob is not the most low-maintenance trend around but the final product is worth the work. “The Baroque bob is perfect for the client that wouldn’t mind spending a little more time blowing out their hair for the volume and bounce,” says del Jesus.
Cavaclante says the Baroque bob is ideal for anyone who enjoys bold, artistic styles with a sense of drama or is seeking a statement look for events, hence why it’s so important on red carpets. He also recommends it “for individuals with oval, heart, or angular face shapes. The sharp lines and added volume can enhance these features.”
It’s also a great cut for those with medium to thick hair. Cavalcante says this will help ensure hair holds structure and texture, while del Jesus notes that for those with naturally curly or wavy hair, the Baroque bob will still look amazing without the work of a blowout.
Ultimately, the Baroque bob can work for a variety of hair types and face shapes with some minor tweaks to help it best fit the individual, says Potempa. “Just make sure you are prepared for cut maintenance to keep the desired shape.”
