I Just Cut 8 Inches Off My Hair—These Are the Products My Bob Can't Live Without

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(Image credit: @joiedejude)

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.

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(Image credit: @joiedejude)

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.

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A Few Ways I'm Styling My Bob
(Image credit: @joiedejude)

Products I Love Now That I Have Short Hair

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On Days When I Go Wavy
(Image credit: @joiedejude)

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On Days When I Go Straight
(Image credit: @joiedejude)

Shop Celeb Stylist Anh Co Tran's Product Picks for Short Hair

Up next, how to use mousse for really great hair.

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Judith Jones
Senior Fashion Market Editor

Judith Jones is the senior fashion market editor at Who What Wear who specializes in shopping content and trend stories with high-affiliate impact. She shares the coolest, most desirable fashion market finds and brands for every budget. Previous to working in fashion, Judith worked as a TV host on the PBS travel show Globe Trekker (airing on Netflix and Amazon Prime) sharing her passion for travel and culture.