From Cowboy Crops to Rebel Bobs, These Short Haircuts Will Dominate Your Social Feeds This Summer
This probably goes without saying, but bobs are having a moment—well, more like an entire era. "It’s like bob mania out here, and I’m not mad about it," declares celebrity hairstylist and colorist Dimitris Giannetos, who is known for coiffing many a celebrity 'do (including Joey King's Prada bob and Gigi Hadid's flicked bob). "The bob feels intentional and not high-maintenance. It’s clean, confident, and has this power to it. Plus, it works whether you’re in your effortless, off-duty model era or your red carpet moment."
In short (pun very much intended), bobs aren't going anywhere. In fact, they're expected to soar even higher this season. Summer, after all, calls for breezy, undone beauty looks—and what's more low-key than an effortless crop? "It keeps the neck free, it air-dries like a dream, and it always looks styled even when it’s not," Giannetos continues. "You don’t need to spend hours heat styling when the cut does the work for you. That’s the beauty of a good bob. It gives even when you give it nothing." Below, see the nine trending styles that are the epitome of effortlessly cool.
French Bob
Of course, we must start with arguably the most timeless crop of all. A French bob is always on-trend, characterized by airy texture and subtle waves. Bonus points if you pair it with wispy curtain or full bangs, according to hairstylist Kasper Heemskerk, international education director for Balmain Hair.
“The French bob lands above the chin with some layering to create texture and movement through the shape," adds stylist and Oribe global artist Mandee Tauber. "It’s short, flirty, and impossibly chic." And sure, while it may be a classic style, we have been seeing some fresh takes on the celebrity set—such as Pamela Anderson and Zoë Saldaña’s Met Gala looks. "These iterations make the cut feel new again," Tauber explains.
To nail that perfectly tousled effect, use a soft-hold mousse to encourage texture topped with a flexible hair spray. "Just keep it tailored to avoid bulk," Tauber shares.
Best Products to Use
Oribe
Matte Waves Texture Hair Lotion
Balmain Hair
Volume Mousse Strong
dae
Sunsetter Strong Hold Flexible Hairspray
Blunt Bob
Modern, polished, and fresh, the blunt bob is seeing quite the resurgence. "It’s a one-length, clean-lined cut that delivers high shine and bold simplicity," notes Tauber. "Falling at chin or shoulder length, it’s the blueprint for the trendy Italian bob.” It usually features a sharp, clean finish, but it doesn't have to; you can soften the ends if it feels too severe, so long as they all remain one length. "It flatters oval and heart-shaped faces especially well, while a longer blunt bob can soften square or round face shapes by elongating the silhouette," Tauber adds.
Best Products to Use
Kérastase
Gloss Absolu Glaze Drops Anti-Frizz Hair Oil
Drybar
Sparkling Soda Shine Mist
Cowboy Bob
Relaxed and "a little gritty," the cowboy bob is the ultimate cool-girl summer style. "It’s got soft movement with just enough edge. It’s not too precious and not too perfect. Think of it as the second-day-hair version of a bob. It’s got personality," Giannetos shares. It particularly suits oval, square, and round face shapes thanks to its ability to soften sharp features without losing structure, and it works wonderfully on textured hair that's medium to thick.
