Ashley Graham’s hair stylist reveals a genius hack to fake a bob

Ashley Graham (Getty Images)
Ashley Graham (Getty Images)

Whether she’s rocking a wild ponytail at the MET Gala or a wavy bob on a vacay in Tulum, it’s fair to model Ashley Graham is one of those lucky people who can do no wrong with any hairstyle.

But long before committing to her now shoulder-length do, Graham tried one hairstyling hack that had us all of us fooled.

Last week, the model’s hairstylist David Lopez took to Instagram to reveal a genius hack he used on Graham during their time together on “America’s Next Top Model” to make her hair shorter without the commitment of scissor — or a wig!

According to the post, Lopez took the bottom layers of her hair and braided them flat to the head and away from her face, leaving the shorter top layers (around the hairline and the crown of her head) out to fake the look of a bob. For a real, full-effect, Lopez then cut hair extensions to blend in with the length of the “bob” and clipped them into the hair to fill in any gaps.

If this hack sparked some inspiration (which we’re sure it did), here are home things to keep in mind:

Don’t try on freshly washed hair

We suggest trying this hack on second or even third day hair. Clean hair won’t have the grit to hold the braids in for a long period of time. But if you’re super determined, try priming you hair with hairspray or dry shampoo to help lock in the braids. Oh, and don’t forget bobby pins!

Use small hair elastics

To help capture the effect of a real bob, ditch your typical hair elastics and trade them in for the small invisible ones. The last thing you’d want is a chunky piece of the elastic peeking through your locks.

Haobase 250 Pcs Black Elastic Ponytail Holders

Haobase 250 Pcs Black Elastic Ponytail Holders
Haobase 250 Pcs Black Elastic Ponytail Holders

Shop it: $8, Amazon

500/1000 Pcs Clear Elastic Ponytail Holders

500/1000 Pcs Clear Elastic Ponytail Holders
500/1000 Pcs Clear Elastic Ponytail Holders

Shop it: $2-3, Ebay

You’ll get the best results with wavy hair

We’re not saying straight hair won’t work, but the key to Graham’s fake bob are the waves. Waving the hair effortlessly adds dimensions and creates the illusion of fuller head of hair — nobody will know you have braids hiding under there. To create Graham’s same loose waves, use a wide-barrel curling wand.

InfinitiPro by Conair 3-barrel Interchangeable Curling Wand

InfinitiPro by Conair 3-barrel Interchangeable Curling Wand
InfinitiPro by Conair 3-barrel Interchangeable Curling Wand

Shop it: $70, Amazon

T3 SinglePass Curl 1.25” Professional Ceramic Curling Iron

T3 SinglePass Curl 1.25” Professional Ceramic Curling Iron
T3 SinglePass Curl 1.25” Professional Ceramic Curling Iron

Shop it: $200, Sephora

Finish with a texturizing spray

To finish the fake bob, Lopez locks in the style with a texturing spray. Texturizing sprays help hold style while instantly adding texture, taking your fake bob to the next level.

OUAI Texturizing Hair Spray

OUAI Texturizing Hair Spray
OUAI Texturizing Hair Spray

Shop it: $32, Sephora

Blow Pro Textstyle Dry Texture Spray

Blow Pro Textstyle Dry Texture Spray
Blow Pro Textstyle Dry Texture Spray

Shop it: $21, Shoppers Drug Mart

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