Pin long hair into a faux bob

Try a temporary shorter outline without cutting the lengths. A small hidden nape braid supports the folded sides.

When to use it

A faux bob folds long lengths under and pins them to a small hidden nape braid to create a temporary shorter outline.

When you want a temporary shorter outline and the lengths fold under without becoming too bulky or pulling.

Dry loose hair with enough nape length for a small braid and enough side length to turn under. Very dense or very long hair may make the roll too bulky.

Keep pin points in hair, away from the neck and scalp. Do not keep adding pins or tension if the folded hair is too heavy for the anchor.
Use ordinary bobby pins with intact tips; do not substitute open U-pins for this gripping anchor. Locate every pin before unbraiding.

Check the situations below before you begin, then follow the steps with those adjustments in mind.

Release the folded section

Take out that section’s pins while supporting its weight. If it cannot sit comfortably on the anchor, undo the style and choose a different outline.

STEP 1 OF 3
Build a small nape anchor
- Divide dry detangled hair into two larger side sections and a small nape section. Clip the sides aside without pulling at their roots.
- Split the nape section into three. Cross left over center, then right over center, repeating down its length. Fasten the end with a small soft tie.
- Coil that braid flat just above the nape and pin it in place without pressing the skin. This small braid will hold the folded lengths.
STEP 2 OF 3
Fold each side under and pin
- Unclip one side. Gather its ends and roll them inward toward your neck until the lower outline reaches the height you want. Keep root tension comfortable.
- Hold the fold with one hand. With the other, slide bobby pins through the folded ends into the braided anchor, keeping tips off your scalp and neck.
- Repeat on the second side at a similar height. Feel around the outline and move your head gently; remove and reset any pin that presses.
STEP 3 OF 3
Undo the outer folds, then the anchor
- Support one folded side and remove its bobby pins, letting the length unroll gently. Repeat on the other side without pulling the hidden braid.
- Locate and remove all pins holding the nape anchor. Uncoil the braid, unwind its soft tie and separate its crossings from the end upward.
- Check the nape by touch for a missed pin. Let the loose lengths settle and collect every pin, clip and tie.

Styling and later release; preceding detangling is separate.

Unmeasured editorial handling estimate for the stated scope. Familiarity, access and the item or hair being handled change the time.

The two sides sit at a similar shorter length, the nape anchor stays covered and head movement does not make pins press or roots pull.