We’ve all considered going short with our hair at some point, haven’t we? For some of us, we took the plunge in our youth, looking for inspiration in the pages of our trusty magazines or from our favorite celebs who had blunt cuts. I went through my “bob stage” as soon as I entered high school (which, looking back, wasn’t the smartest decision, since I didn’t know to to take care of my relaxed hair). Pictures of me at that time reveal bangs that were cut too short and a bob that barely skimmed my jaw. I was shooting for the chic French-girl bob of my dreams but ended up with a style that had me wishing I had never taken up the scissors.
Even after I let my hair grow out and moved on to hairstyles and cuts that weren’t such a dramatic departure from my original goal, I always wondered what could have been. Given the opportunity and the right products, I could have transformed that bob into something ridiculously stylish and high-fashion. If you, like me, are wondering if blunt cuts are for you (and you’re not afraid to take a risk here and there with the right guidance), you’re in the right place.
Shelly Aguirre, a stylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago, explained how and why blunt cuts have taken over Hollywood. “The reason this blunt bob is so popular is simple—it can look great on any hair texture,” says Aguirre. “Depending on the density, this trend is pretty easy to pull off and versatile.” If you’re still not convinced on how easy it is to style a blunt cut, Aguirre also shares the best ways to approach them. (Spoiler alert: Getting your hair chopped is not as scary as it seems.) “It may seem boring to have a one-length bob, but you have plenty of styling options with this classic cut,” she begins. “Wearing it wavy can show off a more fun side, or you can keep it straight for a sexy streamlined look. Add a fringe, side sweep, or full bang, and you’ll be able to embrace an entire new look for this classic style.”
If you’re looking for fun and unique ways to update your blunt cut, we’ve rounded up eight of our favorite celeb looks. Keep scrolling to see who made the list, and shop the products needed to make them happen.
Obsessed with Hailey Bieber’s new bob? We are too. Re-create this sleek look by parting your hair in the center and using frizz-fighting products for that sleek and shiny finish. Since getting her hair cut, Bieber has been spotted out and about with bone-straight strands that look like they’ve never seen a gust of wind or split end.
More often than not, actress and singer Zoë Kravitz can be seen in gorgeous knotless goddess braids on and off the red carpet. At the 2022 GQ Men of the Year party, Kravitz premiered a sweet and simple pixie that showed off her iconic high cheek bones. To re-create her camera-ready look, opt for styling creams and gels that will keep your locks in place.
Curly short cuts are perfect for framing the face while bringing on all the texture and movement. At Dior’s Paris Fashion Week F/W 23, actress and brand ambassador Yara Shahidi wore her super-defined curls with layered bangs. If you’re dying to try out this look, be sure to invest in curl-defining gel, cream, and nourishing hair milk.
When I think of celebs who pull off timeless hairstyles, Lily James immediately comes to mind. Recently, the actress attended the 2023 Golden Globe Awards with an effortlessly chic chocolate-toned bob cut in one length. For a touch of golden-era Hollywood glam, try adding a gentle swoop with a flat iron.
Recently, Emma Chamberlain has become the absolute queen of choppy, textured hairstyles. Seen here attending the Louis Vuitton womenswear S/S 23 show during Paris Fashion Week, Chamberlain rocks a bleach-blonde bob styled with endless tousled waves (and, of course, texture). Embrace this style by adding texture spray and frizz-fighting styling spray to your haircare routine.
Love them or hate them, high-fashion mullets and wolf cuts look like they’re here to stay. Miley Cyrus has claimed the mullet as one of her go-to styles, bridging the gap between rocker-chic and runway-worthy. Ready to try it? Get your hands on styling gels, creams, and sprays to add incredible texture and body to your look.
Here’s another celeb who’s fully embraced retro-inspired styles. Jenna Ortega attended this year’s Golden Globe Awards with a swinging ’60s blunt bob featuring flipped ends and full curtain bangs à la Brigitte Bardot. Once you’ve used your hot tool of choice for the ends of the hair, use a volumizing spray and styling cream for height and body.
In search of a celeb-approved cut that embraces waves? Look no further than Emily Ratajkowski for inspo. Pictured here outside the Marc Jacobs F/W 23 show, EmRata can be seen wearing a bluntly cut wavy bob with short bangs. To make this look yours, your best friends will be a good wave-defining mousse and a styling foam.
