Whether you turn on the TV, scroll your social feed, or walk down the street, there’s one thing we can all agree on: bob haircuts are the go-to hairstyles right now. The trend is here to stay for a while, but not all cuts have the stamina to endure beyond this wave of popularity we’re seeing.
So what are the timeless bob shapes that never go out of style? The ones that you can look back on in five or 10 years and not wince a little bit in a “what was I thinking?” sort of way? We asked celebrity stylists about the bobs that’ll stand the test of time, and they all agreed on these five.
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The Blunt Bob
Look back through the decades and you’ll see the blunt bob over and over again. This cut is all one length with ends that are cut sharply versus having lots of layers. Part of its timelessness is the versatility it offers. “It can be styled various ways straight for a more dramatic look, or it can be worn slicked back,” says Gina Rivera, hair artist and founder of Phenix Salon Suites.
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French Girl Bob
There’s something about French style that’s timeless, so we’re not surprised to see the French bob on this list of iconic, forever-in-style bobs. “This bob is a little shorter, usually [hitting] around the chin and has that effortless, slightly tousled vibe,” says George Papanikolas, celebrity hairstylist and Matrix global brand ambassador. “It’s often paired with soft bangs and a bit of texture. Think cool, casual, and totally Parisian.”
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Layered Curly Bob
This iconic bob is all about shape and volume. “The cut includes layers that help enhance your natural curl pattern while removing any unwanted bulk,” explains celebrity hairstylist Annadjid "Kee" Taylor. “It brings bounce and definition in a way that’s structured, but still totally fun and playful.” She adds that whether you have looser spirals or tighter coils, this cut really shows off your texture without flattening it. And as a bonus, it grows out really nicely.
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Textured Lob
The slightly longer bob (a lob) with built-in layers is another classic style that’s remained iconic for years and will stay stylish for years to come. “This is a great cut if you're not quite committed to going short but yet you still want the bob effect,” Rivera tells us. “People generally add some layers to give the hair more volume and movement.”
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Soft A-Line Bob
Also known as a graduated bob, this classic short hairstyle features slightly shorter hair in the back that subtly gets longer in the front. “This cut is unique because it never goes out of style and can be styled many different ways,” Rivera says. “It can be worn straight and sleek, with beach waves, or naturally curly. And if left long enough, it can also be pulled back into a blush brush ponytail.”
If you’ve been contemplating a fresh twist on your short hair—or you’re committing to a big chop in the near future—it’s helpful to understand the best bob for your face shape. While many bob styles are easily customized according to your features, some do tend to flatter certain face shapes more than others. We asked professional stylists for their thoughts on the matter to help guide your salon chair decision.
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Round: Long, Layered Bob
Round faces have an equal width and length, creating a beautiful circular shape. For this face shape, try a longer, layered bob (also known as a lob) with soft angles and a center or deep side part. “This is a really great option for those with a round face,” says Christine Bellemare, co-founder of Maven A Collect. “It brings definition to rounder features and adds shape to create a flattering, balanced look.”
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Square: French Bob
Similar to round faces, people with a square face shape have an equal width and length ratio, but with more angular features and a stronger jawline. “A bob with softness around the face works great for a square face shape—like the French bob,” says Kimberly Gueldner, celebrity hairstylist and founder of Voel Hair. “A French bob has more layering and face-framing, which can soften square angles.”
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Oval: Chin-Length Blunt Bob
An oval face shape is equal parts square and round with a smaller forehead and a face length that's slightly longer than it is wide. Lots of styles suit this shape, a classic chin-length blunt bob is ultra-flattering. “It's such a chic look for that face shape because an oval face is softer and not angular,” Gueldner notes. “It can nicely handle the sharp edges of a blunt cut.”
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Rectangle: Bouncy ‘90s Bob
Rectangle face shapes are similar to an oval shape except they feel more angular, and the chin and forehead are the same length across. For those with this shape, Gueldner recommends a softer style. “Breaking up a bob with soft textured layers or opting for a longer bob with a ‘90s bouncy blowout can effectively soften the angles of a sharper jawline, providing a comfortable and flattering look,” she says.
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Diamond: Chin-Length Bob with Curtain Bangs
The gorgeous diamond face shape has striking angular features with strong cheekbones. Bellemare recommends a chin-length bob with light, face-framing layers or curtain bags for diamonds. “This shape works great on diamond face shapes because it softens the angular lines around the jaw while drawing attention upward,” she explains. “Curtain bangs help open up the face and highlight the cheekbones, which are usually one of the most striking features on a diamond face.”
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Triangle: Midi Bob
The defining traits of a triangular face are cheekbones that sit high and a narrow jaw, sometimes with a wider forehead. It’s a stunning face shape, and the key is to highlight and balance your features. “A short-to-mid bob that hits just above the shoulders works really well for triangle face shapes because it balances the jawline by adding volume near the cheeks,” Bellemare says. “I like to keep the ends soft and avoid too much bulk at the bottom so the cut feels balanced and clean.”
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Heart: Face-Framing Lob
This face shape has a narrow chin that beautifully broadens toward the forehead, and it sometimes has that gorgeous widow's peak for a very defined heart shape. “For heart-shaped faces, a lob with a curtain bang is my go-to choice,” Gueldner says. “The curtain bangs work like magic, balancing a wider forehead. Add some beachy waves and texture, and you'll have a look that beautifully complements your heart-shaped face.”
Dabbling in the latest trends is a thrill. You can gleefully buy the Labubu, swap in a new style of pants, or switch up your jewelry. But going for a long-lasting change—like heading to the salon for a big chop to enjoy a fresh bob alongside everyone else—is technically a bit riskier. Sure, it’ll grow out if you realize it’s not for you, but you’ve got months of waiting in the interim. Trying to decide whether to embrace the bob or bow out of the trend? Stylists say to ask yourself these six questions first.
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Do I Really Want a Bob?
First thing’s first. You must ask yourself if you truly want a bob, or if you just want it because you’ve seen someone else wear it? “Trends are fun, but they don’t always translate across all hair types and lifestyles,” says Deisy Alfaro, hairstylist and curly hair expert for Dippity-Do. “This question checks your intention. If you’re inspired, great! But if you’re chasing someone else’s aesthetic, you might not feel as connected to the style once it’s on you.”
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Can I Live the Non-Ponytail Life?
If you’ve had long hair for a while, you likely appreciate the ease of tossing your hair into a ponytail or bun, or clipping it up in a cinch. Most bobs (and even lobs) make that trickier. “If you are a person who likes to have their hair up when they sleep, work out, or do daily activities, any of these styles, and a bob may not be for you,” notes Michael Dueñas, celebrity hairstylist and co-founder of Arove.
He adds that if you're not comfortable having your hair down most of the time or do not have the time to style it before you go out, this bob is not your coiffure calling.
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Will I Feel Confident With My Features Exposed?
The beauty of a bob (and why it works so well on so many people) is that it really highlights your features and shows off your face shape. “A bob puts everything front and center—your jawline, cheekbones, neck, all of it,” Alfaro says. “For some, that’s empowering. For others, it can take time to adjust.” She says it’s worth asking yourself if you’re ready to have less hair to “hide behind,” especially if you’re used to longer styles.
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Are More Frequent Haircuts Doable?
Longer hairstyles can go three months (sometimes longer) without a trim or fresh cut, but bobs definitely have more upkeep. Dueñas says you’ll likely need to go to the salon every six to eight weeks if you go for the chop. “Bobs are best when they are fresh and at the length they were cut for. If you are not OK with getting a haircut every one and a half to two months, you'll be unhappy with your haircut.”
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Am I OK Spending More Time Styling?
Another question to ask yourself before getting a bob is how much time you’re realistically willing to spend styling my hair each day. Alfaro says, “Bobs don’t always fall into place on their own especially for curly, wavy, or thick hair. This question helps reveal if you’re ready for a daily relationship with your flat iron, curl cream, or diffuser.” If not, she says you might end up frustrated with how much work it takes to keep it looking polished.
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Does it Suit My Hair Texture?
Some hair textures can make a bob very difficult to style, so it’s important to have a good handle on your hair type before jumping into this new-to-you style. “If you have extremely kinky or curly hair, it can be harder to tame and take more time and more work,” Dueñas explains. It’s not that you shouldn’t get the bob, it’s just that you need to be prepared for a learning curve and, likely, more time spent styling as mentioned above.
Sofia Richie Grainge oozes "clean girl" aesthetic with minimal makeup and a slicked-back, low bun. But while soaking up the sun in the French Riviera, the model and entrepreneur made a major hair change—the "French Bob"—which she debuted on Instagram. But her reason for making the jawline chop might surprise you.
While the cut is insanely chic and has been named the cool girl cut of the summer, her motivation for getting rid of more than five inches is something we all can relate to: she had "fried ends." In a TikTok video, she explains, “I did one too many Keratin treatments on my hair, and I’ve just been cutting at it and cutting at it, hoping I could get this ‘dead’ away…and it’s just not going away,” she says. “I know what I have to do to make this hair healthy again, and it’s to start over—so we’re cutting a bob.”
She's in good company. Even Leslie Bibb, whose White Lotus bob (you know, the one with the cheeky name) went viral, commented on Richie Grainge's post, "welcome sister." Jenna Bush Hager joined the bob club last week on air on the Today Show, when Bibb's stylist, Chris McMillan, gave her a similar cut.
What Is a French Bob?
The French bob makes a statement while still being wearable. It's short but not so short that you can't do different styles with it. Usually one length, this playful cut falls between the earlobe and the chin and is worn with effortlessly tousled texture.
London-based hairstylist George Curran—who chopped Richie Grainge's hair—says the secret to the French bob is keeping it blunt. He recommends asking your stylist to go through and soften and texturize the ends a tad but that blunt, heavy ends are key.
Should You Get a French Bob?
Another tip, Curran says, is that your hair has to look good when left natural for the cut to work. Sure, you can add some stylers for volume and frizz but if you have to fight your own texture too much, the style wont work because nobody wants a haircut they can't style.
The chic cut is a homerun. Richie Grainge says, "I freaking love it," while her hubby, Eliot, says, "I think it’s really, really pretty," in her TikTok video. Her millions of Instagram followers agree that summer hair goals have been served.
Even if you can’t make it to the beach, you can still achieve tousled, bouncy waves at home thanks to Kylie Jenner. The beauty mogul’s much-wanted hair tutorial has finally been revealed in a TikTok posted to her account.
Jenner has had many eras with her hair, from neon-colored wigs to teal blue ends and short bobs. Her beachy waves have been a recent go-to, embracing a more natural look that feels like something we too can achieve on our own at home.
Even though beach waves aren’t revolutionary (the style has been popular since the boho aesthetic gained popularity in the ‘70s), Jenner's waves are set apart from the flat, mermaid-like look we’re used to seeing. Jenner has volume—and lots of it. The bigger and bouncier, the better.
In the video, her hairstylist Cherilyn Farris demonstrated a step-by-step tutorial on how she achieves the look. Specifically, how she creates and maintains fullness throughout the style.
How to Get Kylie Jenner’s Beach Waves
Start by misting on a heat protectant that’s both humidity-resistant and lightweight—this helps lock in your style without weighing strands down. Farris recommends Fekkai Flexi-Hold Hairspray, Paul Mitchell’s Hot Off the Press Spray, and Ecru’s Sunlight Styling Spray to create a hold that lasts all day.
Once the hair is prepped, use a round brush to blow it out, lifting in upward strokes to build volume at the roots. In the video, Farris clips in extensions to give Jenner’s hair a fuller, more voluminous look.
Then comes the curling. Using a 1.50-inch curling iron, curl the bottom layer of hair toward the face for a more classic look. Once the bottom curls are done, Jenner's stylist swapped to a 1.25-inch barrel to create a looser curl. To keep the waves looking modern and undone, Guillaume Boucher, senior stylist at Jenna Perry Hair, suggests keeping about one inch of the bottom out of the barrel to create that effortless look with straight ends.
As you get closer to the front, hold the wand vertically and curl away from the face to keep the curls relaxed and not too tight. One of the biggest secrets to achieve Jenner's waves is using a flat iron on the front layers and bangs. “Where I see people struggle with getting volume around the part line is usually because they’re using a curling iron,” Farris says. Hot tip: Using a flat iron instead gives more control so you can glide it through the bangs section, moving it up and down until you reach the ends. This way the straightener still adds texture to the front pieces but maintains volume, giving the best of both worlds.
To finish, use the curling iron for final touch-ups, adding in more defined curls and waves in different directions and lengths around the head to give that perfectly undone look. To maintain hold without having that crunchy ‘helmet head’ feeling, ditch the hairspray. Instead, use a texturizing spray—it gives “volume and movement without too much hold,” Boucher says.
Important Things to Remember
The most important tip when doing beach waves? Mix the types of curls up to avoid uniformity. Do this by using different hair section sizes, curl in different directions, and skip using the clamp on the iron for some of the curls to get that "flippy classic blowout look."
"In my opinion the best types of beach waves are ones that are imperfect and natural looking," Cherilyn Farris says. "I suggest waving sections in different directions using a curling iron or waving with a flat iron so there’s some variation in the wave movement."
If you are still struggling to master Jenner’s beachy wave look, Farris recommends using a three-barrel waver instead. Not only is it a more simplified alternative to Jenner’s multi-step routine, but it also requires just one tool. To keep the waves looking tousled and perfectly imperfect, Farris suggests switching up your technique by using the waver at different angles on sections next to each other. "The Mane wavers are my favorite since they come in two sizes, so choose the one that works best for your hair length,” Farris says.
Brie Larson just debuted a dramatic new pixie cut—and it’s the kind of 'do that will instantly have you doing a double take.
Trading in her signature shoulder-length strands, the Captain Marvel actress is now "rocking a soft, modern pixie cut with airy texture and side-swept bangs that beautifully frame her face,” shares celebrity hairstylist Jennifer Korab. “It adds a fresh, effortlessly cool touch to her look.” The cut is sharp, elegant, and carries a certain nonchalant cool—yet another example of Larson’s knack for turning even the boldest style moves into red-carpet gold.
Larson has long been a style chameleon, shapeshifting between ethereal gowns, power suits, and bold beauty looks without ever missing the mark. This haircut—crafted by Jacob Schwartz, Schwarzkopf Professional’s U.S. Hair Color Trend Ambassador—marks another evolution in her aesthetic - one that feels both deeply personal and very of-the-moment. “The pixie cut has become a symbol of self-assurance and transformation,” Korab explains. “It’s a top choice for those ready to switch things up.” We’re seeing a wave of high-profile pixie transformations from the likes of Zendaya and Lola Tung, signaling a shift toward simplified, expressive beauty. But and Brie’s take on the trend might just be our favorite yet.
With the right cut and styling, a pixie can be as cool and commanding as a full glam moment, which is a lot easier to manage day-to-day. Sound like a dream? Read on to find out exactly how to get Brie’s take on the trendy 'do—and how to style it like a pro.
What to Ask For at the Salon
Walking into the salon and asking for “Brie Larson’s pixie” might feel a little vague, so let’s break it down. If you're looking to recreate Larson's style (aren't we all?), Korab recommends you ask your stylist for a soft, modern pixie with wispy layers and longer, side-swept bangs. But steer clear of anything too boxy or structured, as movement is the magic element in this one. “The key is keeping the overall shape feminine and flattering, with movement and texture throughout to avoid a stiff or overly structured look," says Korab.
Plus, this cut is all about adaptability. It flatters most face shapes and can be customized based on your hair’s texture. Ask your stylist to use point-cutting or texturizing shears to add dimension and break up any heaviness. “Bringing a few reference photos can be really helpful so we can customize the cut to your face shape and hair type,” adds Korab. Mention that you want a piecey, lived-in finish with enough length in the bangs to style them to the side for that breezy, face-framing effect. The result should put-together, but not lifeless.
How to Style at Home
Styling a pixie might seem intimidating at first, but with the right products (and a few pro tricks), it’s surprisingly low effort. “It is an easy cut to style if you had a good stylist to do it,” says hairstylist Clara Purvis. “The key being the texture.” With a solid foundation, it’s all about enhancing that soft, piecey movement that gives the cut its signature look.
Start by rough-drying damp hair with your blow dryer, using just your fingers to control the flow and direction. This gives the style a natural lift and helps set the foundation for bangs that fall just right. Then, "use a styling cream to give it separation and shine and eliminate frizz, or if you need more hold, use a soft, malleable pomade to give more control,” Purvis advises.
Or, if you want to channel Brie’s exact texture, Korab recommends layering your haircare products for an airy-yet-polished finish. Start with a mousse on damp hair to boost volume without weight. Once dry, mist with your go-to finishing spray to piece out the layers, then finish with dry texturizing spray to amp up movement and create that just-undone feel. “These products work well together to deliver that cool, modern pixie vibe with just the right balance of structure and softness,” says Korab.
For in-between wash days, refresh your roots with a dry shampoo powder to keep volume intact, and smooth a tiny drop of hair oil through the ends for shine and softness. For an edgy take, twist small sections while blow-drying or pinch the ends post-styling with your fingertips for a more tousled, editorial finish.
Between her delightfully down-to-earth “pretend” cooking show videos and her ever-sunny outlook on life, Jennifer Garner continues to charm us all. (True story: When I first interviewed her, she casually mentioned that she and her daughter had spent the weekend putting together care kits for unhoused people. That’s just who she is.)
So, naturally, when I spotted a recent Instagram snap of her rocking a brighter, lighter hair color, I had to know everything. One quick call to her longtime colorist Tracey Cunningham later, and I had the full scoop.
Why the switch? Garner—known for her classic, girl-next-door brunette—updated her look for her upcoming role in The Five-Star Weekend, an adaptation of the popular novel headed to Peacock. To create this luminous new hue, she turned to Cunningham, who dubbed it “Champagne Ribbon Brunette.”
The shade is a seamless blend of warm brunette tones and soft, golden highlights that frame the face. “It’s a sun-kissed effect that feels both polished and playful,” says Cunningham. Think effortless, elevated, and 100% ready for summer.
Want in on the look? Show your colorist Garner’s photo and ask for “subtle ribbons of brightness that frame the face and add natural movement.” It's a modern refresh of the early 2000s chunky highlight—only now, it’s all about softness and dimension.
Even better? Cunningham shared her exact formula. To achieve those glowy, ribbon-like highlights, she used Schwarzkopf Professional BlondeMe Premium Lightener with 30 Volume, followed by a toner using Igora Vibrance All-Over Gloss. Consider your summer hair goals unlocked.
Body hair is personal. If you're good with yours, keep scrolling. If you're curious about the best hair removal method for each body part, we asked dermatologists to break it down for you here. For easy ways to prevent ingrowns (the worst!), get a smoother shave (I was doing it all wrong), and make waxing less painful, read on.
Everything You Need to Know About Ingrown Hairs
Maybe the biggest summer bummer of them all, ingrown hairs are a common phenomenon. They can be especially prevalent where hair is thick or curly—the bikini area, armpits, and nape of the neck.
What causes ingrowns
If you understand why they happen, it’s easy to prevent them, says Kavita Mariwalla, MD, a dermatologist in West Islip, New York. “As the hair grows out, it can get trapped under the skin’s surface. Instead of growing out straight from the pore, it curls back and creates the dreaded bump.” The more it grows, the more inflammation, redness, and irritation you get.
How to prevent bumps
For prevention, Mariwalla suggests exfoliating, which coaxes hairs out of their pores and keeps dead skin cells from building up and trapping the hairs. Use a pad containing alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy acids (like Buff & Brighten AHA/BHA Body Exfoliating Pads, $30; shop.sweetspotlabs.com) a few times a week on prone areas, or apply a 50/50 mix of Differin 0.1% Adapalene Gel ($15; target.com) and your regular body moisturizer. Also, never go commando in your athleisure.
How to treat ingrowns
Now, let’s say you’ve already got one. (Womp womp!) No matter what, do not pop it, urges Mona Gohara, MD, associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine, or you’ll run the risk of slower healing, infection, and scarring. Instead, she recommends applying a warm compress, then using a salicylic or glycolic acid treatment. Let the hair work itself out. If you need to tamp down the redness stat (beach day?), dab on some over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream. Avoid scrubbing or using a loofah in the area, because it can irritate the skin and make things worse. You should be fine in about a week.
Take the "Wah!" Out of Waxing
Waxing can hurt, but these tips will help it go a little more smoothly.
“Make sure the hair is the right length—about a quarter to half an inch,” Mariwalla says. If it’s too short, the wax won’t have enough hair to grip for clean removal from the root. Waiting too long between waxes can result in ingrown hairs and make the experience more uncomfortable.
Don’t wax right before, during, or right after your period, when pain sensors are heightened.
Skip the moisturizer before your appointment, which makes it harder for the wax to adhere to the hair.
Exfoliate two days before you wax—no later, or the skin will be sensitive during your appointment.
“Take ibuprofen 30 to 45 minutes beforehand, and apply a numbing cream 30 minutes prior if you’re really dreading it. During the wax, breathe out when they pull,” Gohara says.
Shave the Right Way
Sorry, but you’re shaving the wrong way. (It’s OK; they even get it wrong in razor commercials!) Shaving against the grain—as in, up your legs or up your bikini line—increases the risk of ingrown hairs and irritation. If you insist on going in that direction, we get it. It does result in a closer shave. Just shave at the end of your shower, Gohara says, when hair is softest. Maybe even do your first pass with the grain and then a second round against it. And use a ton of shaving gel to minimize friction, Gohara adds.
Dermaplane Like a Pro
A dermaplane—i.e., a delicate razor that shaves off dead skin cells and peach fuzz—can leave you with a smooth, glowy face. If you wanna DIY it, Michelle Henry, MD, clinical instructor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College, has the how-to: “Gently stretch the skin with your fingers to create a taut surface. Hold the blade at a 45-degree angle and use light, featherlike strokes in the direction of hair growth.” Never dermaplane over active acne or irritated skin, and don’t use a dull blade (change it after three or four uses).
The Lowdown on Laser Hair Removal
The bikini area and underarms are fan favorites for lasering, because it means less shaving, fewer ingrowns, and minimal upkeep. With armpits, for example, you’ll need several sessions (generally at least six, starting at about $200 a pop), but results can last one to five years. If you’ve heard lasering is not for women of color, that’s false, Gohara says. “Darker skin tones absolutely can laser, but it’s crucial to go to a provider who uses an Nd:YAG laser, which protects melanin in the skin and targets the hair safely.” Call and ask before booking.
Is Nipple Hair Normal?
Don’t stress ’em! “Tweezing is fine for the occasional stray, but if they keep returning and they bother you, laser hair removal is a longer-term fix,” Gohara says.
Hair Removal Helpers
The best merch to help you pluck, shave, or trim.
Tweezerman Mini Slant Tweezer
She’s angled, she’s grippy, and she can be sharpened for free. So plucking good!
Flamingo Disposable Dermaplane
The stainless-steel blade and curved handle make for a peachy defuzzing experience.
Nimbi Disposable Razor
This razor is made from a compostable alternative to plastic and gives you a super-close shave.
Gillette Venus Gentle Trimmer
Designed to work on thick hair (wet or dry), this pubic hair trimmer has little fins that protect the skin.
Minimal effort, maximum gorgeousness. That’s the vibe in the beauty industry as of late, and ghost blonde hair color fits the bill exactly. The look is low key glam—a barely there shimmer of sun-kissed highlights that feel almost accidental. Sort of like a faint whisper of summer brightness akin to the energy given by soapy nails or “no makeup makeup.” Intrigued by this apparition? Keep reading to learn everything about this trending hair color.
What Is Ghost Blonde Hair?
Ghost blonde is a barely‑there approach to highlighting hair blonde via superfine, gently lightened strands only a notch or two lighter than your base color. “It’s not a full-on bleach moment; it’s a barely-there, whisper-soft glow into your natural base,” says Olivia Thompson, hairstylist and blonde specialist for Joico. “Think muted, sun-kissed ribbons that catch the light without screaming for attention.”
She says it’s called “ghost blonde” because the blonde is almost invisible versus super high contrast and obvious. Basically: it's hazy, diffused, and ethereal (sorta like a ghost, hence the name) that looks like a sheer filter across an entire head of hair.
Nick Arrojo, celebrity stylist, agrees. He adds that ghost blonde is different from other blondes in that it’s not platinum, silver, or golden. “It’s more muted, almost dusty,” he says. “There’s a diffused, smokey cast to it, like moonlight on pale hair.”
Who Can Wear Ghost Blonde Hair?
Ghost blonde is ideal for darker blondes, light brunettes, and even redheads or coppers who want that beachy lift without a dramatic transformation. It’s also perfect for anyone new to lightening or virgin hair. And Thompson says they may not even have to use lightener; your stylist may be able to use color or tone to subtly shift strands.
“I also want to mention, this look is amazing for clients who've had a color analysis,” Thompson tells us. “Ghost blonde is super customizable, so we can match the tone and lightness to your exact seasonal palette. Whether you’re a ‘soft summer’ or ‘warm spring,’ this is the ultimate personalized blonde.”
What to Ask for At the Salon
Ask your stylist for a low-contrast, sun-kissed balayage that lifts only one or two levels and blends like a glow filter. “Use the words diffused, soft-focus, and muted dimension,” Thompson says. “Also, show your inspo pic of ghost blonde emphasizing that you're not looking for traditional brightness but more of a tonal veil that catches light subtly.”
How to Maintain Ghost Blonde Hair
Once you get home, make sure to take care of your hair. Even though processing is minimal for this type of blonde (there’s very little, if any bleach used), it’s still important to nourish your strands after your appointment. Reach for a deep conditioner at least once a week, use color-safe hair care products, and consider using a bond builder to strengthen your strands.
Also avoid over-toning, which may be tempting, Thompson says. Too much toner can mute the natural variation that makes ghost blonde work. Aim for touch-ups every 10 to 12 weeks instead of the usual six to eight.
A little peek around Hollywood, influencer culture, or even the streets in your own neighborhood and one thing is for certain: Short hair is the vibe right now. We’ve seen countless iterations of the bob and lob, not limited to the Parisian bob, Christy cut, or boyfriend bob. The draped bob is the latest short-energy fare that’s making the salon rounds, and it might just be the look that inspired you to run to the salon for the big chop at last.
What Is the Draped Bob?
A draped bob is a short haircut with soft layers throughout and curtain-esque bangs that beautifully frame the face, says Gina Rivera, hair artist and founder of Phenix Salon Suites. The cut gets its name because of the soft layers, which are “draped” across the head like beautiful, satin-y fabric that “falls into place without effort,” Rivera notes.
The style’s meant to work with your natural hair texture and can be blown out or tousled depending on the look you’re going for that day.
So how is it different from other trending looks? It’s the way the layers are worked into the hair. For example, some bobs or lobs don’t have any layers at all, and others may be shorter or have more of a graduated effect. The draped bob stands out for its softness and easy-going layers.
“It's a great effortless summer cut,” Rivera tells us. “It is low maintenance and looks good after letting the hair air dry which makes it easy when traveling to different climates.” Plus, it works well on every hair type and is easily customized to your facial structure.
How to Get the Draped Bob Yourself
First thing’s first: Always bring a picture to the salon to show your stylist. They’ll be able to see what you’re talking about and customize the draped bob to your own hair texture and face shape. Along with that, Rivera says, “Ask for a bob that has softer, longer layers, adding more layers around the face. And if you like bangs, the curtain bang works well.”
She adds that the cut is super low maintenance and grows out well, which means it’s a great option for those who like to space out salon visits or who can’t get into the salon every six to eight weeks like you need with some bobs.
For styling, you can simply wash and let air dry; a little air drying product will go a long way to minimize frizz and flyaways and enhance your natural texture. Rivera especially loves a mousse for this style (versus a gel or heavy cream) because it keeps the look soft and moveable.
If you want to try a blowout, use a heat styling product and smoothing cream, then blow out in sections with a small to medium-size round brush. This creates a nice ‘90s blowout look that’s so popular right now.