How to Grow Out a Bob

Co-authored by Steven Waldman and Hannah Madden

Last Updated: November 27, 2022 References

Bobs are fashionable, short haircuts that keep your hair off of your neck and shoulders. Sometimes, a new haircut is a good idea at first, but then you get tired of it or start missing your long hair. If you’ve decided that a bob isn’t for you and you want to try out a new hairstyle, growing out your hair can seem like a long, torturous process. But if you get your hair trimmed, add some layers, and keep your body healthy, you can get your hair long and healthy while looking good at every length in between.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Styling Your Hair

1
Add layers to soften the shape of your hair. Bobs are often cut in a blunt, straight across line at the bottom of your hair. You can ask your stylist to give you layers in order to soften out the line that your long hair will create. This will help your hair frame your face better and make your hair look more natural as it grows out.^{[1]
X
Expert Source

Steven Waldman
Professional Hair Stylist
Expert Interview. 27 July 2021.}
- Getting layers won’t take away from any length that you have so far.
2
Get bangs that frame your face. Growing out a bob can often leave very sharp lines in your hair. Getting side bangs or straight across bangs that frame your face can help to soften your features, especially if you have a longer face shape.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- Talk to your stylist about what bangs would be the best for your face shape.
Advertisement
3
Get highlights to lighten up your hair’s appearance. Growing out a bob is all about making your hair look soft and natural. Highlights, especially toward the front of your hair, can help to lighten up your style and make your face look more open. Try getting subtle highlights that are just a few shades lighter than your natural color.^{[3]
X
Research source}
4
Use accessories to make your hair look styled. If your hair is growing out awkwardly, you can try accessorizing to give it a new look.^{[4]
X
Expert Source

Steven Waldman
Professional Hair Stylist
Expert Interview. 27 July 2021.} Pin some pieces back with bobby pins, use a headband to create depth in the middle of it, or even tie a bandana on the top.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- You can buy hair accessories at most beauty supply stores, or even make your own.
5
Adopt a messy look to accept your hair for what it is. Sometimes, growing out a bob can make your hair look messy. This look can be fashionable if you play it up. Try teasing your hair or putting mousse in it to hold its volume. Hair doesn’t have to be sleek to look good!^{[6]
X
Research source}
- Adding layers in your hair will help you pull off the messy look.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Growing Your Hair Quickly

1
Trim your hair every 8 weeks. Although it may seem counterintuitive, in order to grow your hair fast you need to get it trimmed every 8 weeks. Trimming the ends of your hair removes split ends and damaged hair. This keeps your hair healthy and makes it less likely to break during the grow out process.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- You can set up standing appointments with your stylist, or trim it yourself.
2
Brush your hair every day to distribute your natural oils. Your scalp produces natural oils that keep your hair healthy and moisturized. By brushing your hair every day, you spread these oils to the full length of your hair. Brushing every day also increases the blood flow in your scalp, keeping it healthy.^{[8]
X
Research source}
- If you have curly hair and don’t use a hair brush, you can massage your scalp in the shower for the same effect.
3
Use shampoo sparingly so it doesn’t dry out your hair. Unless you have very greasy or fine hair, you should only use shampoo every 2 or 3 days. Shampoo is very drying and takes away the natural oils that your scalp makes. These oils help your hair grow faster and make it look shinier, too.^{[9]
X
Research source}
- If you live in a humid climate or exercise and sweat often, you might need to use shampoo more than every 2 to 3 days.
4
Limit how often you use heat to style your hair. Using tools like blow dryers, straighteners, and curling irons dry out your hair and can even burn it. The damage from heat like this does not promote growth and gives your hair more split ends. Try to stop using heat to style your hair, or at least use it sparingly, if you want your hair to grow quickly.
- Always use a heat protectant product on your hair before styling with heat. These products can be found at most beauty supply stores.
5
Eat a balanced diet to keep your hair healthy. Your hair is a part of your body and needs to be kept healthy just like any other area. Eating a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, healthy proteins, and whole grains will make your hair look healthier and grow faster. A balanced meal includes:^{[10]
X
Research source}
- ½ plate of fruit or vegetables
- ¼ plate of whole grains
- ¼ plate of healthy proteins
- plant oils in moderation

Expert Q&A

Question

How do you style a bob when growing out?

Steven Waldman
Professional Hair Stylist
Steven Waldman is a Professional Hair Stylist and the Director of Technical Training at Hair Cuttery. Steven uses his creative insight and extensive experience to drive educational programming and motivates facilitators and learners to communicate effectively, create and execute strategies to maximize potential, and achieve success. He uses unexpected sources such as art genres, architecture, and cooking to inspire shape, color, and cuts.

Steven Waldman

Professional Hair Stylist

Expert Answer

A shaggy, layered style adds texture and helps collapse your silhouette, creating a fashionable, flattering look.