There is a clientele for solid, dense hair, but when she wants more options, the best advice is to add some internal, hidden movement. Oribe artists Joey George and Coby Alcantar joined forces for this session to demonstrate how to create a classic shape that still offers multiple and unexpected styling options.

Yes, a bob is chic and elegant and sophisticated, but can it also be, well, a bit boring and monotonous for some clients? With the right products, tools and cut, a classic bob can be transformed into anything from simple to strong to fashion forward. The power is in the hands of a skilled cutter and creative stylist.

“If the hair is heavy and resistant, internal texture is mandatory if you want to offer versatility,” says Coby Alcantar, Oribe educator and platform artist. “To encourage movement but maintain the length, you have to shift the texture.” Alcantar uses a razor internally to remove weight and shears on the perimeter to maintain strength.

“This results in the opportunity for styling options, otherwise it really is just one look, beautiful, yes, but just one look. Now she still has this plus more. Now it has flutter!”

For styling, Joey George shares how a desert stone inspired him for the bigger dramatic silhouettes.

“The look is about false graduation from the neck with irregular waves and texture,” George says. “Nothing is uniform, just like a stone. There is a rough outer surface with a surprising interior.”

Prep is very important for the heavily textured finishes. “You must have the end look in mind before you begin. My goal was to create a look with a lot of texture with internal movement. Once ‘set’ properly, I can mold into a dramatic shape. It’s a tighter wave, but not a fro.” Adds George, “I could not have created this look on this length and density without this cut.”

Hair: Joey George and Coby Alcantar for Oribe Hair Care
Photography: Roberto Ligresti
Makeup: David Maderich for Face Atelier
Fashion styling: Rod Novoa and JC