7 Steps to a Stunning Faux Bob

Above the shoulders, textured bobs may be the cut of the moment right now, but that doesn’t mean you actually have to do any cutting. Put those scissors away!

Commitment phobes, you’re in luck because the faux bob is everywhere right now. Like the hair extension, the faux bob is the answer to indecisiveness, and it's perfect for testing out what making the chop would actually look like on you.

Plus, points for versatility: this isn’t a one-look wonder. Here are three ways you can play it (scroll down for complete how-to instructions):

Retro

Allison Williams

Amy Adams

Taylor Swift

Modern

Kate Beckinsale

Kerry Washington

Emma Watson

Here's how to make it happen:

1. Start with freshly washed wet hair and apply a strong hold mousse (we love TIGI's Catwalk Curlesque Lightweight Mousse for its lightweight finish but firm hold factor) and blow dry smoothly.
2. Once it's dry, use a tail comb to work out your part line: a deeper part will tend to have a more retro effect, but if a centre part better complements your face and you want to keep it modern, look to Kerry Washington's just slightly off center look for inspiration.
3. You need texture to pull off this look, so (see Emma Watson: gurl looks chic, but just a tad too proper) start with a 1 to 1 1/4 inch barrel tong like the John Frieda Curling Iron and texturize by creating tight, 1 inch curls across the head, starting from the ears down (if you're going for a relaxed Kate Beckinsale or Allison Williams-style look) or closer to the roots (a la Kerry Washington or Taylor Swift).
4. Allow the curls to cool completely before brushing out to keep their volume in tact -- you need it to get the bob happening. For retro styles like Allison Williams' and Amy Adams', you can be a little gentler on the brushing.
5. If you have a lot of hair, you can either take the bottom third and affix into a low ponytail to make it easier in the next step, or just leave loose for finer hair types.
6. Work your hair into the faux bob shape by bending the entire bottom of the hair underneath itself (this make take some practice!), and pin tightly against your head using bobby pins. Try the criss-crossing technique to help you secure for an all-night hold.
7. If you are going for a Kate Beckinsale style mod look, you can pull random pieces out at the front, back and side sections.
8. Finish with a generous spritz of hairspray all over for hold.