There’s one ritual that remains consistent for me: With every big life event comes a bold and transformative haircut. From noteworthy birthdays to starting school or a new job, getting married, and having kids, these new chapters in life have always sparked the desire for a dramatic chop. What can I say? My hairstyle plays a significant role in how I feel. And there’s no doubt I always feel empowered, stronger, and somewhat changed after a new cut.
I recently had my second baby, and as you might guess, one month later, I was sitting at the hairdresser ready to cut my long locks into a short choppy bob. Everything about the decision felt right—I needed to feel like myself again after having a baby but not my old self, a changed sense of self. Despite my hairstylist warning me that a short, textured bob requires a lot more time, effort, and styling—I was up for the challenge, plus I hadn’t had a bob since my late teens, and this time around I wanted it to feel current and fresh—I went for it.
It just so happens bob haircuts are having quite the moment this year (as spotted on the likes of Jessica Alba, Kaia Gerber, Selena Gomez, and Gigi Hadid), so I got a blunt textured bob and thinned out some of my hair to prevent it looking too heavy on the bottom.
If you’re thinking of going short, celebrity hairstylist Anh Co Tran shares some advice. “The number one thing to keep in mind is your lifestyle. For example, how much time are you willing to spend styling and maintaining your hair on a daily basis? Bobs can sometimes require a bit more upkeep, especially if your hair is thicker or curlier since you’ll have to style it more,” he says, adding, “If you have an on-the-go lifestyle, use Milbon’s Wave Defining Cream 1 for a quick wash-and-go look. If you have a bit more time, you can prep the hair with Milbon’s Humidity Blocking Oil and flat-iron the hair straight for a sleek look. You can also style your bob with some barrettes or even a chic headband for a touch of personality.”
Since short hair is way harder to maintain than long hair, purely because it actually involves styling—if you want to go lob or bob—you’re going to need to stock up on the right products. Below, I’m sharing the ones I swear by right now whether I’m going for a tousled wave or a sleek-and-straight style. These products keep my locks styled, smooth, and looking luscious. Then, keep scrolling to see more of celebrity stylist Anh Co Tran’s picks.
A leave-in conditioner is a must for me to minimize frizz and flyaways. I apply it to my damp air focusing on the ends in particular. My hair always looks smoother when I use it.
I apply a small amount of this coconut oil– and shea butter–infused product, which is part foam, part cream mousse, onto wet hair to add definition without the stiffness.
While I have a great flat iron that also creates effortless waves (see below), I’m still perfecting my skills at this! Most of the time, I’ll reach for my curling iron to create some loose waves. I make sure to curl away from my face and keep the ends out for a modern blunt style.
My hair is on the dry side and gets frizzy pretty easily. This leave-in styling cream is a miracle worker to get my locks looking hydrated, smooth, and frizz-free while providing a soft hold.
To add just the right amount of texture and volume, I’ll lift sections of my hair and spray this from root to tip then tousle hair with my fingers. I’ll then spray it onto my finished style for extra texture and hold.
When I want to add piecey texture to my tousled waves, I’ll dab a dime-size amount of Ouai’s matte pomade through my ends for texture, shape, and separation.
Second or third-day hair always looks better on me. I like to stretch out the time between washes with an oil-absorbing dry shampoo. This one is ideal for extending my blowouts, creating volume, and acting as a dry shampoo.
I’ll almost always use hair oil to keep frizz away and help my hair to look more hydrated and smooth. Kérastase’s hydrating hair oil serum is on the pricier side but is very much worth it. I use it on towel-dried hair before I blow-dry to smooth and protect, and I also apply it to my ends once my hair is dry to control frizz and add shine.
For a blunt, polished style, I’ll add Virtue’s 6-in-1 Styler to my damp hair from root to mid-shaft, and once my hair is dry and styled, I’ll add a small amount to my ends. It’s great for adding shine, texture, and softness.
For a sleek bob, I’ll blow-dry in a downward motion after adding oil and texturizing cream. My Dyson dries short hair so quickly, but if I’m going wavy, I’ll sometime use the diffuser when I don’t have time to use the curling iron.
When I want my hair to look smooth, sleek, and as shiny as glass, I’ll spray this smoothing spray onto dry hair before using my flat iron. It also provides heat protection.
This flat iron does it all—it’s perfect for creating sleek and polished straight hair as well as effortless waves.
I’ll usually finish my sleek ‘do with a few sprays of R+Co’s trophy shine texture spray to add instant radiance and subtle texture.
“I always recommend Milbon’s Wave Enhancing Mousse 4 for curly and wavy hair types who are interested in enhancing their curls or waves.”
“One look that’s been very popular recently is the slicked back ‘wet’ look! So if you’re interested in re-creating the sought-after look on your own, then I’d recommend using Milbon’s Wet Shine Gel 5.”
“For those who are a bit more minimal, be sure to incorporate Milbon’s Texturizing Sea Mist 3 into your hair routine, especially if you’re looking to get some natural texture in.”
“Lastly, you can use Milbon’s newest product and a favorite of mine, which is the Satin Texturizing Cream 3. This product is great for polishing and adding separation to the hair as well.”
