How to Grow Out an Inverted Bob

Co-authored by Kana Ishii

Last Updated: January 14, 2022 References

Inverted bobs are a fresh, super popular hairstyle, and you can look gorgeous with one! But when it’s time to grow it out, it can be a challenge. Knowing how to style it as it grows out prevents you from getting that mushroom look where your hair balloons out. Caring for your hair and your body can encourage hair growth, making the growing period shorter, and allowing you to get out of that awkward in-between stage sooner.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Styling Your Bob While It Grows Out

1
Have a goal in mind. As you grow out your hair, have an end look or goal in mind. Let your stylist know what kind of look or style you want to transition into. That way, they can slowly reshape your hair into your next style, giving you something to look forward to.
2
Ask your stylist to thin the ends. Thinning out your bob, especially near the bottom, can help it grow out without starting to look like a mushroom. Tell your stylist you’re specifically worried about your hair ballooning out as it grows out, and that you want it thinned.^{[1]
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3
Use a curling iron to add texture. As the front of your bob hits your shoulders, your hair will want to flip out at the ends. This style can look a little dated.^{[2]
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Research source} Instead, spray some texturizing spray through your hair, and then select random strands to curl around a 1 inch (2.5 cm) curling iron.^{[3]
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Expert Source

Kana Ishii
Licensed Cosmetologist
Expert Interview. 22 December 2021.}
4
Use accessories to balance your hair as it grows. You can always change up the way your hair looks by adding accessories as it grows out. A simple headband will keep your hair off your face, even if it’s too short for a ponytail. A few sparkly bobby pins can keep the heavy part of your hair away from the front of your face and balance out your bob while it grows.^{[4]
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5
Create a bedhead style. If your bob just feels super unmanageable, don't manage it! Instead, run some texturizing spray or pomade through your hair right after you wash it. Scrunch your hair in your hand from the tips to the root, and let it air dry. This will give your hair a bedhead look and will therefore cover up any awkward growth while you grow out your bob.^{[5]
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6
Braid your hair. Braids are a great way to manage hair while you are growing it out. Add some smaller braids to break up weight, add texture, and keep your hair out of your face.
7
Get a new hair color. A great way to take the focus off of your growing bob is to change up the color. You can go for something subtle, like lowlights and highlights, to add life to your hair color. Just be sure to avoid major color changes that involve bleaching your hair, as these could be damaging, especially when you want to grow length.^{[6]
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8
Add layers or bangs once your hair is shoulder length. Once your hair gets to shoulder length, adding a bang or having your stylist cut in layers can keep your hair looking clean and stylish.^{[7]
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Expert Source

Kana Ishii
Licensed Cosmetologist
Expert Interview. 22 December 2021.} Talk to your stylist about the best options for you.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Caring for Your Hair

1
Condition your hair every day. The key to growing out any haircut is making sure that your hair is healthy and strong. Healthy, strong hair grows out faster than unhealthy or brittle hair. Even if you don't wash your hair every day, you should condition it. Wet your hair and use a dime-size amount of conditioner. Work the condition through your hair and let it sit for 1 to 2 minutes. Then rinse it out and dry your hair as usual.
2
Use sulfate-free conditioners and shampoos. Shampoos or conditioners with sulfates can dry out your hair. Check the ingredients list of any shampoo or condition you're considering. If any of the ingredients end with "sulfate," don't get it.
3
Use a hair mask once a week. Hair masks are like an extra-strength conditioner. It's thicker than a conditioner, and you apply it to your hair like you would a regular conditioner - by working it through your hair. It's thicker and should stay on longer, about 5 minutes. Then rinse it out and dry your hair as you normally would.^{[8]
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- If you have very thin hair, stick with regular conditioner. The extra-strength ingredients in a hair mask can be damaging to your hair.
4
Try a scalp revitalizer to stimulate hair growth. Scalp revitalizer is a spray that has certain plant extracts, minerals, or vitamins that help stimulate your hair follicles. Healthy and stimulated follicles in turn lead to more hair growth, helping you grow out your bob quicker.You can find this spray at most beauty supply stores or in salons.
5
Use a wide tooth comb to comb your hair from the ends up. The wide teeth on the comb will help prevent any breakage in your hair – key to ensuring good hair growth. Start at the tips of your hair, about a half inch (1.2 cm) above the tips and come down. Move upward in half inch section, keep combing out your hair.
6
Get your hair trimmed every 6 to 8 weeks. It might seem counterintuitive to get your hair trimmed while you’re trying to grow it out. But a trim keeps the ends of your hair from splitting and maintains your hair’s overall health. It also allows your stylist to think and adjust the shape of your hair, making the growing process easier overall. Get a trim every 8 weeks or so, but make sure you tell your stylist you’re growing out your bob, so you really only want at trim.^{[9]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Taking Care of Your Body

1
Drink lots of water. The more hydrated your body is, the quicker your hair (and nails) will grow. Try drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day. If you find you forget to drink those 8 glasses, try filling a water bottle with 64 ounces (8 cups) of water and drink it throughout the day.
2
Eat a balanced diet. Eating well and making sure you get plenty of protein is important for hair growth. Try to eat a healthy, balanced diet on a daily basis to keep your hair strong and growing.
3
Exercise regularly. If your body is healthy overall, your hair will be healthier as well. Since healthy hair grows more quickly, exercising can help you grow out an inverted bob faster. Aim for 30 minutes of exercise a day. It can be a walk, a run, your favorite workout video, or a class at the gym.