Straight hair can be turned into a short curly wig in two main ways: temporary heat styling or semi-permanent chemical/textile methods. Pick the route that matches how long you want the short curly wig to last and how much daily upkeep you’re willing to do.

1. Same-Day short curly wig (wash out)  
   • Prep: Shampoo, condition, then work in a heat-protectant mousse (light hold, no crunch).  
   • Tool: ¾–1 inch curling iron or wand. Wrap 1-inch sections away from the face; leave 1 cm of the ends out for a modern, undone look.  
   • Bangs: Curl bangs only halfway down, then brush out with fingers so they sit softly across the forehead.  
   • Set: Cool-shot from dryer, light mist of flexible hairspray. Lasts until next wash.

2. Overnight Heatless Waves  
   • Damp hair + lightweight styling lotion.  
   • Split into 6–8 sections, twist each into a tight rope, coil into mini buns, pin. Sleep in satin bonnet.  
   • Morning: Undo, shake, apply serum on ends. Gives loose, beachy short curly wig that drop by day two.

3. Semi-Perm Solutions (6–12 weeks)  
   A. Cold wave perm at a salon  
      – Choose a rod size that matches the bob length (usually yellow or pink rods).  
      – Ask for a “root lift” if you want volume at the crown.  
      – Bangs can be permed on the smallest rods so they curl forward, not upward.  
   B. Keratin-based soft curl  
      – Less damaging, looser pattern, fades gradually. Good if you want to experiment.

4. Wig Route (zero commitment)  
   • Buy a heat-friendly synthetic curly bob wig with bangs.  
   • Steam or 250 °F curling iron can tweak curl size.  
   • Use dry shampoo at the roots to remove shine and blend with your bio hairline.

5. Straight-Hair Maintenance After Curling  
   • Deep-condition once a week—permed or heat-styled hair loses moisture fast.  
   • Sleep on silk pillowcase to reduce frizz.  
   • Refresh second-day short curly wig with a spritz of water + leave-in (1:4 ratio), scrunch.

Rule of thumb: the tighter the rod or barrel, the shorter the bob can be before it turns into “poodle.” For chin-length bobs, stick to 1-inch or larger tools/perm rods.