The Hydro Bob Is The Only Short Hair Trend We Need In 2024

The hydro bob is taking over short hair trends in 2024. The style is a shorter, sleeker iteration of the wet hair trend. Hairstylist Tom Smith told Vogue Arabia that the hydro bob is the revamped version of last year's "boy bob," which offered a hot take on chin-length hair. This year, the hydro bob offers even more. 

"It's got that sharp, slightly androgynous, tailored look to it, but the key here is that there's a little high fashion element that makes the hair look slightly more defined – it's almost like a soft wet look," Smith explained, adding that the styling should make hair look as if it's "drenched in gloss and moisture." The deliberate finish makes the hydro bob our number-one hair look this year.

What makes the hydro bob so distinct is that it tends to have blunt ends, so if you're already in love with the structural sharpness of the power bob, you're in luck. The hydro bob works best when styled on hair that doesn't feature too many layers. When asking for the hydro bob, aim for a length anywhere between the lips and the middle of the neck. Then style it so that it looks slick and wet. The look is gorgeous and incredibly easy to achieve. 

The key to creating a hydro bob is all in the styling, and leave-in products are your best bet. As Tom Smith explained to Vogue Arabia, "The first [way to achieve the look] is with leave-in styling products. I love nourishing leave-in creams such as Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother for this because it gives that moisture, hydration and definition, without it looking oily." Products like Moroccan Oil Hydrating Styling Cream are another great option. Apply a generous amount to your hair and slick it in place with your fingers. 

Hair masks are another good tool for styling the hydro bob. Instead of a cream, take advantage of the shiny texture of masks and give your hair some pampering while you're out and about. "If you don't mind [the bob] looking slightly stronger and bolder and you love the idea of your hair being groomed and in place ... use your favorite repair or moisture mask," Tom Smith told Vogue Arabia. "It's a great trick for those who don't find the time to do weekly masks or treatments and will give the semi-wet-look effect while allowing your hair to soak in goodness at the same time," Smith added. It's certainly one way to get the shiniest hair of your life! 

To ensure sufficient texture, use a sea salt spray while working with the hydro bob. As stylist Faye Redfern explained on TikTok, a texturizing sea salt spray is a great way to add dimension. Combine that with your styling cream or hair mask to ensure that the hair continues to look wet, while also holding some volume. But be sure to tread carefully: sea salt spray can dry out your hair, so you don't want to use it every day.  Thankfully, a hair mask over your hydro bob can keep it well moisturized. 

One of the best parts about the hydro bob is that you can sculpt and style it easily. Take advantage of your hair's pliability in this state by playing around with the "tendy" hair trend. Simply take a small, face-framing piece, and twist the tendril into place with the same styling cream or hair mask you're using on the rest of your head. A delicate tendril is a gorgeous way to incorporate more dimension into the hydro bob.

The hydro bob works best when sculpted with a middle part. Tuck one or both sides of your hair behind your ears to complete the look. As stylist Tom Smith said on TikTok, the hydro bob has a high-fashion look, so sleek grooming, thanks to a middle part and ear tucks, is the best way to embrace the ultra minimalism of 2024's hottest bob.