Julianne Moore has officially joined the ranks of those swapping in their long strands for a chic bob, and the Sirens star looks incredible. The blunt, long-length bob is the shortest she’s gone since the 2000s, and it is giving every ounce of fresh summer energy. "Julianne’s bob is ultra-modern and minimal, but it still carries that timeless elegance she’s known for,” says Rodger Azadganian, celebrity hairstylist and founder of äz Craft Luxury Haircare. “It hits right at the jawline with a clean, blunt edge and [has] subtle shaping.” He adds that the look has a polished quality to it without feeling rigid, and when paired with the star’s signature red hair it’s super striking. The Rise of Bobs and Lobs As for what inspired Moore to go for the big chop, we can’t help but speculate it’s a combination of getting a new summer ‘do along with the rising trend of bobs and lobs, in general. "Short hairstyles—especially bobs—are having a major moment because they feel intentional, elevated, and completely liberating,” Azadganian tells us. “After years of beach waves and air-dried layers, the blunt bob brings structure back. It’s clean and confident, and it satisfies a craving for something low-maintenance that still looks pulled together.” William Whatley, celebrity stylist and creative education director for Scruples, agrees. He says we’re in the midst of “a revolution of the long hair trend, moving to a shorter look,” and that celebrities are a driving force. Bobs and lobs are an easy pivot away from longer hair that don't feel as extreme as a pixie cut, but still over that “wow” makeover moment. How to Get Julianne Moore’s Bob Anyone can wear a bob; it’s just a matter of finding the right now for you. “Julianne’s version works especially well for people with straighter to slightly wavy hair and strong bone structure,” Azadganian says. At the salon, ask for a blunt lob with no layers—and definitely bring a picture. For styling, use a heat protectant and blowout cream, then blow out your hair using a round brush. A flat iron can help with flyaways at the root and create those pin-straight ends, and a shine spray or serum will give you that ultra-glossy effect. If you have curls or texture, then Azadganian says to have your stylist customize the look with a layered or shaped bob. The key is working with your natural texture versus against it.

If you were debating going blonde this summer, let Bella Hadid's brand-new "Supermodel Blonde" be your sign to pull the trigger. Stunning us all at the 78th Cannes Film Festival, Bella stepped onto the red carpet sporting an Anthony Vaccarello Yves Saint Laurent black gown, Chopard diamonds, and a sun-kissed blonde hairstyle crafted by Jacob Schwartz, a Schwarzkopf Professional U.S. Hair Color Trend Ambassador. Bella is widely known as the brunette Hadid sister, so it may come as a surprise to learn that this new blonde look is very similar to the blonde of her childhood. That's right—Bella is a natural blonde just like her older sister, Gigi, who left heart-eye emojis in the comments when Bella made her blond hair Instagram-official. Looks like we may have to ditch calling them the Hadid sisters and opt for the Hadid twins instead! Schwartz describes Bella's color as "Supermodel Blonde," a multidimensional, soft-focus blonde that perfectly blends depth, brightness, and warmth. As many of us have unfortunately experienced, transitioning from brunette to blonde hair often comes with unwanted hair damage. So, to protect the health, dimension, and integrity of Bella's hair, Schwartz stretched the process over the course of two days. He also made sure to use products that foster hair health. “I started by highlighting ultra-fine sections all over Bella’s head using Schwarzkopf Professional’s Igora Vario Blond Super Plus with 20 volume," explains Schwartz. "It gave us the beautiful lift we needed while keeping the hair strong and healthy." Luckily for us, Schwartz is no gatekeeper and didn't stop there in explaining his process on Bella. Read on to learn the exact formula Schwartz used, just in case you want to copy and paste it onto yourself. How to Get the Look Schwartz took to Instagram just hours after completing Bella's look to share his formula. Carefully detailing steps one through nine, he so graciously ensured that any hairstylist reading it would understand exactly what to do to achieve similar, if not the exact same, results. While we don't quite understand some of his formula shorthand, here's the link to his post so you can DM it to your stylist. Paired with the Igora Vario Blond Super Plus, Schwartz also used Schwarzkopf Professional Igora Vibrance, a demi-permanent hair color and gloss, and Igora Vibrance for the lowlights. "To really lock in the dimension, I repeated the lowlights a second time," explains Schwartz. "This helped reinforce the dark blonde effect that still feels soft and natural." Bella's new "Supermodel Blonde" was finally complete once Schwartz went in with the Igora Vario Blond Super Plus for a second time. This step added additional brightness, leaving Bella with the perfect blend of creamy blonde and soft brunette—a hue for the red carpet or just a regular day at work.

Choosing the right hair color can feel like unlocking a cheat code to looking instantly more radiant—and it all starts with understanding your skin tone. In the world of color theory, most skin tones fall into one of three camps: warm, cool, or neutral. Not sure where you land? A little trick is to take a look at your veins. If they appear more green than blue, if gold jewelry makes your skin glow, or if you tend to tan rather than burn, chances are you’re rocking a warm undertone. While matching your beauty choices to your undertones isn’t a hard-and-fast rule, it is a smart (and fun) way to narrow down your options—especially when you’re staring down a wall of hair dye boxes or scrolling endless color inspo on TikTok. The right hair color can amplify your glow, make your eyes sparkle, and even out your complexion—while the wrong one might leave you looking washed out or overly contrasted. For those with warm skin tones, you'll tend to pair well with hues like caramel, chestnut, and rich auburns—but don’t let that stop you from trying icy blonde or jet black if that’s what makes you feel amazing. It’s all about how you wear it, how you style it, and how confident you feel. These aren’t rigid restrictions, but more so the equivalent of beauty GPS, helping you navigate to your most flattering shades without sacrificing personality. Hair color today is more expansive (and expressive) than ever. Think cinnamon copper melting into sandy blonde balayage. Or espresso brown topped with cherry cola gloss. There are endless ways to mix and match tone, dimension, and style to best suit your natural complexion—no need to compromise. Ahead, we’ve rounded up seven stunning hair colors that were practically made for warm skin tones. Read on for major inspo. 01 of 07 Buttery Blonde Buttery blonde is one of those universally flattering shades that feels both timeless and fresh, especially on warm skin tones. Its golden, sunlit undertones mirror the natural warmth in your complexion, creating that lit-from-within effect that makes skin look brighter and more even. Unlike cooler blondes, which can sometimes clash or look stark, buttery blonde adds harmony to your overall look, enhancing your natural glow instead of competing with it, as Wella Professionals Brand Ambassador Dereq Clark puts it. 02 of 07 Warm Chestnut Warm chestnut is basically the MVP of brunette shades for warm skin tones. With its golden brown base and soft caramel ribbons, this color delivers richness and depth without veering into anything too dark or flat. It plays up the golden undertones in your complexion, giving you that sun-kissed warmth—even if you actually haven’t seen the sun in weeks. “Warm skin tones typically look best in rich, golden, or coppery shades,” and chestnut checks all those boxes," says master stylist and owner the second Floor Salon, Rogerio Cavalcante. It avoids the gray or ashy cast that can make warm skin appear dull or sallow. Instead, this is the kind of hair color that makes your skin look clearer, your eyes brighter, and your whole look more cohesive. 03 of 07 Golden Honey Blonde Golden honey blonde is the ultimate sweet spot between blonde and brunette. This hue blends sun-kissed caramel balayage with soft, warm brunette roots, creating that seamless, lived-in color that looks like you're permanently under golden hour lighting. The warmth in the honey and caramel tones echoes the golden undertones in your skin, which brings out a natural radiance and creates serious face-framing glow. As Cavalcante notes, “when the tones in your hair complement the undertones of your skin, it brings out your features”—and this shade also has enough dimension to stay low-maintenance while still looking luxe, making it a go-to if you want something warm, wearable, and flattering. 04 of 07 Deep Espresso For warm skin tones craving something rich and dimensional, deeper shades with strategic highlights are the way to go. A dark, glossy base layered with caramel ribbons delivers both drama and softness—kind of like contouring, but with your hair. The deep espresso backdrop enhances the warmth in your skin without washing it out, while the caramel accents break up the darkness and catch the light in all the right places. These golden-toned highlights create contrast that’s flattering, not harsh, and help keep the overall look radiant instead of flat, says Cavalcante. 05 of 07 Rich Auburn When you're in the mood to turn heads and warm things up, fiery, dimensional reds are a power move. Think a rich blend of copper and golden brown that lights up your face the second it hits sunlight. This shade leans into the warmth of your skin tone, enhancing its golden undertones rather than clashing with them. Cooler reds with blue or violet bases can dull warm complexions, but this one? It turns the dial all the way up on glow. The result is a color that feels both luxe and lived-in, with just enough spice to make people do a double take (in the best way). 06 of 07 Rose Gold There’s something so dreamy about rose gold—it’s playful, edgy, and surprisingly wearable on warm skin tones. This metallic-meets-pastel shade blends soft pink with golden undertones, and the warm base mirrors the natural warmth in your complexion, keeping the color from washing you out. Cavalcante notes that unlike cooler pinks or silvery tones that can skew harsh, rose gold feels like an IRL Instagram filter. It’s a fun, flirty option if you’re craving something different but still want that skin-brightening, eye-catching payoff. 07 of 07 Ginger Snap Few shades bring the heat quite like ginger. This vibrant, spicy hue walks the line between copper and true red, and it’s a total showstopper on warm skin tones. With its rich orange and gold undertones, ginger hair doesn’t just complement your complexion - it amplifies it. It brings out the warmth in your skin, adds brightness to your face, and gives off a confident, playful energy. Cooler reds can sometimes flatten warm undertones, says Clark, but ginger leans into them, creating a natural glow. It’s bold, yes—but what's wrong with that?

From sleek chin-grazers to choppy lobs and soft, French-inspired cuts, there’s no shortage of ways to wear a bob—nd no wrong way, either. It’s the kind of haircut that feels intentional, sharp, and just the right amount of rebellious, proving this short 'do is as versatile as it is timeless. And with bobs showing up everywhere from red carpets to your Instagram feed, it’s clear the bob isn’t going anywhere. But things really get interesting when you add in color. The right shade can completely shift the energy of a bob. A glossy brunette can lean classic and clean, while icy blonde turns up the edge. Go copper and suddenly it’s giving French film star. A great color enhances the cut, frames the face, and adds personality—especially when your hair’s not relying on length to make a statement. Read on for seven hair color ideas that take the bob to the next level. Whether you're into bold hues or subtle tones, there’s something to match every vibe. 01 of 07 Red Undertones There’s something extra luxe about a sleek bob styled in soft, brushed-out waves. Add a deep brunette base with a hint of red undertone, and the whole look shifts into a new category of cool. The richness of the shade gives the bob structure, and “the deep red hue adds some youthfulness and fun to the look,” says Rodger Azadganian, founder of äz Craft Luxury Haircare. To keep the color glossy and multidimensional, go for a chocolate base with red accents and maintain it with a color-enhancing shampoo and conditioner. 02 of 07 Classic Brunette A sharp brunette bob hits differently, especially when the shade is a deep, dimensional chestnut. It’s sleek, strong, and quietly bold, proving that understated doesn’t mean forgettable. The richness of the color adds just enough contrast to make the cut pop, especially at a crisp chin length, says Azadganian. It’s a shift that feels instantly more directional and high-fashion - just look at Hailey Bieber, whose move from platinum to this deeper hue gave her whole look a cooler, more royal edge. 03 of 07 Old Money Blonde There’s a hue that feels less influencer, more quiet luxury - and it’s quiet luxury blonde, which is a go-to for elevated bobs. It’s that effortless kind of style that looks expensive but in actuality anyone can achieve. The cool tones catch the light just right, giving your look a fresh, polished edge. “This color has become a signature for good reason,” says Azadganian. “The icy highlights suit [Lucy Boynton’s] cool skin tone, and the natural-looking money pieces frame her face perfectly, highlighting her bone structure.” It’s the kind of blonde that’s quietly commanding. No drama, all impact. 04 of 07 Low-Maitenance Bolyage Balayage has become the go-to for anyone craving natural-looking dimension, and it’s especially stunning on a bob. Unlike traditional highlights, balayage is hand-painted for a sun-kissed, seamless effect that blends effortlessly from root to tip. On a shorter cut like a bob, this technique adds depth and movement without overwhelming the clean lines of the haircut. The result? A look that feels dynamic yet low-maintenance - a fresh way to bring texture and light to every angle. Plus, “this subtle balayage is perfect for adding dimension to the hair and requires little upkeep,” says Azadganian, making it a smart, stylish choice for busy days and polished evenings alike. 05 of 07 Pure Black There’s a reason jet black feels so powerful on a bob - it sharpens the silhouette and brings an immediate sense of polish. On a shorter cut, where the shape already takes center stage, the inky hue adds even more definition, acting almost like eyeliner for your hair. “Bobs are very sculptural in shape, and color defines that shape,” says Azadganian. This shade plays especially well with sleek, angular cuts, emphasizing the precision and structure. Keep it glassy straight for full impact, or soften it with a subtle wave... the color does the heavy lifting either way. 06 of 07 Barbie Blonde There’s something about a bright, high-impact blonde that brings out the best in a bob. The clean cut gives the color room to shine (literally) while the bold tone keeps things feeling fresh and full of attitude. With an iconic hue like Barbie blonde, you get a luminous finish that plays up every angle, whether you’re wearing your bob blunt, tousled, or layered. The shade catches the light in a way that adds movement and dimension, which is key for shorter styles that don’t rely on length for drama. Just remember, going this light isn’t low-maintenance. “If you're going for a shorter cut, I always recommend doing a color analysis by yourself or with a pro,” says Azadganian. It’s the best way to nail your perfect shade and make sure your upkeep routine matches your lifestyle. 07 of 07 Dark Roots There’s something undeniably cool about a bob that leans into contrast. Dark roots bring depth and structure to the cut, giving it a lived-in, modern feel that still looks intentional. That bit of shadow at the crown enhances the shape and makes any subtle blonde detailing pop even more, says Azadganian. It’s low-maintenance, high impact - and works especially well with tousled texture or a blunt, graphic line. Think of it as the easiest way to add dimension without overcomplicating your color routine.

Your hairstylist flips the blow-dryer to “off” and unrolls the last round brush from your bangs. Pumping a drop of oil onto their hands, they rake it from the middle of your hair to the ends and pull off your cape with a giant grin on their face. They’re satisfied with the results of your appointment, but you certainly are not. Whether the result looks nothing like your inspo picture, the cut is way too short, the highlights are streaky, or (god forbid) all of the above, we’ve all fought back tears in the salon chair. Most likely, your first instinct is to smile through the pain, lie, and say you love it. But, that doesn’t help you or your stylist. Kindly and clearly expressing your disappointment to your stylist will not insult them—they want you to leave happy. We’ve previously discussed when to communicate with your stylist and what tone to use, but now we’re going to teach you how to speak up when you aren't happy with your look. The key is telling them exactly what you want to change and understanding where the miscommunication was; we reached out to three haircare professionals to teach you how to do just that. If the below phrases are what you want to say, the pros tell us what you should say instead, so the stylist can help correct the issue and you both leave the salon happy. “I Wish It Was a Little Lighter." Instead of saying you wish your hair were a little lighter, hairstylists need to know where on your head you’re unhappy with the color. “Imagine your hair is black and white, like a black and white photo,” suggests Liz Haven, a hairstylist, educator, and co-founder of Kaleido Hair. The black represents the darker parts of your hair, and the white represents the lighter parts, or the highlights. If you can do this, you can point and tell your hair stylist exactly which “black” parts you wish were more “white.” The problem here is most likely porosity. Similar to how a dry sponge will absorb all the sink water, extremely dry or porous hair will absorb all the product. “Because of the porosity and how parched it was, when we introduced that toner, it brought it all in, making it appear darker than it actually is,” explains Haven. To fix this, you can ask your stylist for a clarifying treatment to strip some of the color, or you can embrace “toning for the fade,” like Haven suggests. Go home, wash it a couple of times, and let the toner naturally fade to a lighter shade. “I Was Hoping My Hair Would Be Darker.” In this scenario, it’s just as important to specify where on your head you’re not happy with the color; except this time, you need to point to which “white” spots you want to be more “black.” If you feel the entirety of the head is too light, it may be a very simple fix. “We just need to drop a level with the toner,” explains Lyanne Segui, a hair stylist at The Artist House. Hair color levels range from one (black) to ten (lightest blonde). So, if you express to your hair stylist that you would like to drop a toner level, it can take your hair from a level nine blonde to an eight, making the hair darker. The exact opposite of what you’d be asking for above! Aside from toner issues, it’s possible the highlighted pieces processed too quickly. “If the hair cuticle is more open than anticipated, that could lead the lightener to work more aggressively, which could lead to over-processing, or lightening of the hair to a level lighter than the goal,” explains Segui. The fix here would be the same—ask to drop a toner level! “The Cut Doesn’t Feel Quite Right.” Fingers crossed that when you say this to your hairstylist, you were hoping for something shorter than what you got. When it comes to the cut, nothing is more important than the initial consultation. Show, don’t tell, your hairstylist exactly where you want your hair to land. Is it the bottom of your chin? Your chest? Even the fanciest hairstyle lingo won’t save those inches that fell to the floor if you don’t make the cut you want clear from the get-go. To avoid disappointment in a client’s cut and/or color, Ash Fortis, hair colorist and educator, and owner of XO Hair Lab, trains her team to help clients dissect their inspo photos, a huge component of the initial consultation. “A client will bring in a photo, and they may not understand exactly what they like about the photo,” she says. “Try to get the clients to say what parts of the picture they like.” If you’re looking for some hairstyle lingo to better express the cut you want, try weaving in terms like angles, layers, curtain bangs, blunt cut, or maximum movement. To really impress your hairstylist, get more specific by describing the type of layers you want. “The distance between the short, medium, and long layers is the distance that the shortest layer is from the perimeter of the hair,” explains Haven. If you want maximum volume and movement, you want to ask for shorter layers, but if you want more of a seamless blend and uniform length, ask for longer layers. “It Looks a Bit Streaky.” If your hair came out streaky, it’s a contrast issue and shouldn’t be too hard to fix. “It’s going to be a shift in how they [the stylists] place the dimension. Whether it’s a highlight or a lowlight, they placed it too dense or too thick, and the contrast is too stark,” says Haven. What you need to ask for—and you can use these exact words!— is a more seamless blend of the dimension. If you want to simplify it even more, go back to the black and white photo analogy and ask for more of a blurry gray instead of thick black and white lines. It’s also possible that instead of looking streaky, your hair came out too blended and appears almost one-dimensional—you want some of that streakiness back! Express to your stylist that you want more contrast in your hair. By asking for this, you’re telling your stylist you want to see a more defined difference between the highlights and the darker hair underneath. “It Came Out Kind of Ashy.” Nothing to change here, ashy is actually the perfect descriptor to use! Ashy describes a cool-toned blonde, meaning the hair has gray, blue, or even greenish undertones, and it’s a term commonly used among stylists. If this is the case, it’s another example of unwanted results because of high-porosity hair. Hair stylists try to account for porosity, or dryness, before applying color, but there’s only so much they can control when it comes to the speed at which your hair lifts during the lightening process. “For us,” says Fortis, “the best thing would have been in the beginning to say ‘hey, I just want to let you know I’m not looking for ashy hair. I don’t want smoky.’” If the tone isn’t mentioned by the client in the initial consultation, the stylist should bring it up.

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of walking out of the salon with freshly colored hair—the kind that earns compliments, somehow makes your skin look brighter, and makes your eyes look more awake. But that magic doesn’t just come from a good gloss or a trendy shade. More often than not, it depends on how well your hair color plays with your skin’s undertones. If you’ve ever tried a hair color that looked amazing on someone else but felt off on you, undertones were likely the culprit. While your skin tone describes the depth—fair, medium, deep—your undertone is all about the subtle shades beneath the surface. Cool undertones have hints of pink or blue, while warm undertones skew golden or peachy. And those with cooler undertones may want to opt for a lighter hue, like platinum or ash blonde, while folks with warmer undertones should lean toward deeper, more neutral shades. When your hair color aligns with your skin's undertone, everything clicks, bringing a natural balance and glow that even the best filter can’t replicate. If you're not sure where to start, don't fear—we broke down the best shades that are made to complement cool skin tones. 01 of 07 Ash Brown There’s a certain elegance to tones that feel lived-in, effortlessly expensive, and quietly cool. That’s exactly the energy behind ash brown, the shade Lily-Rose Depp wears as her signature hue. With its smoky, muted base and barely-there highlights, it flatters cool-toned skin by softening contrast and dialing up dimension. “The key to this shade’s magic is its soft, blended highlights that mimic the natural lightening of hair, creating a fresh, expensive-looking finish,” says celebrity stylist and IGK Hair Care co-founder Chase Kusero. It’s understated, yes, but it does the job well. 02 of 07 Warm Caramel Caramel might sound warm (and it is), but that’s exactly why it works so well with cool-toned skin. The contrast creates a gorgeous glow effect, like a natural filter that softens and brightens all at once. This hair color adds depth without completely overpowering. “Hair color is as much about enhancing the texture and tone of our skin as it is about personal style,” says Kusero. “It’s best to choose hair colors that complement the natural changes in their skin tone. Warmer tones, like rich caramel, honey blonde, and soft golden brown, tend to add warmth to skin, while subtle highlights or balayage can also be flattering, adding movement and texture while blending in with the natural hair color.” The result is soft, dimensional, and effortlessly radiant. 03 of 07 Icy Blonde Icy blonde is practically made for cool skin tones. It mirrors the same silvery, ethereal undertones in the skin, creating a seamless, luminous effect. “There’s something undeniably striking about a cool, polished blonde,” says Richy Kandasamy, vice president of color development and R+COLOR collective member. “It catches the light just right, has an almost ethereal quality, and never veers too warm or brassy.” The key is in the tone: ashy, silvery hues that neutralize warmth and amplify brightness. “This look is light, cool-toned with silvery undertones,” he adds. “It creates a crisp, almost platinum base that counteracts any warmth.” The result is high-impact, high-shine, and incredibly flattering for anyone with pink or blue undertones. 04 of 07 Raven Black There’s just something so powerful about inky, raven-black hair. Not to mention, on cool-toned skin, it creates a striking frame that makes every feature sharper and more defined. Think Kylie Jenner’s jet-black locks, with her glossy, glass-like strands that feel both edgy and elevated. The key to pulling it off? Maintenance. “It’s important to keep the tone and shine vibrant with a regular gloss and color balance,” says Louise Rusk, master colorist and co-founder of Jess & Lou Beauty. Without it, the color can fall flat or skew dull—but with the right upkeep, it gives that next-level impact. 05 of 07 Ash Blonde Ash blonde is the perfect way to brighten cool skin without going overboard. It’s subtle yet striking, offering a soft lightness that feels natural but elevated. “Most people look better with a hair color that is a shade or two lighter than their natural color, and definitely some texture and dimension with lighter or tonal ribbons of color,” says Rusk, which is exactly what ash blonde delivers. The cool, smoky undertones prevent any unwanted warmth, while the play of soft highlights adds depth and movement for an effortlessly sophisticated finish. 06 of 07 Rosewood Brown Soft, moody, and just unexpected enough, rosewood brown is the cool-toned brunette’s secret weapon. With its deep base and barely-there flush of rosiness, it plays up the contrast against cool skin without leaning warm or brassy. The effect? Dimensional, rich, and a little romantic. 07 of 07 Smoky Lilac Cool skin tones can totally pull off pastels, as long as they’re dialed down and dusted out. Enter smoky lilac: a soft, muted take on lavender with gray undertones that keep things sophisticated. It’s playful but polished, edgy but wearable. On cool skin, it reads like an IRL filter, brightening, softening, and adding just the right touch of attitude.

If the Met Gala is the Super Bowl of beauty trends, sculptural hair just claimed MVP. And even though the event was a while ago, the trends seem to echo through the rest of the year. This year's main hair takeaway that we can already see taking shape? Sculptural designs. This season’s red carpet turned into a runway for hair as high art—sleek, high-gloss finishes, swooping waves, and gravity-defying buns sculpted with the kind of precision you’d expect from couture gowns. Celebrities like Dua Lipa, Tessa Thompson, and Ego Nwodim didn’t just wear sculptural hair, either—they embodied it. The hair was the centerpiece of the evening, redefining what red carpet glam can look like. Sculptural hair is bold, intentional, and unapologetically expressive. “We’re moving away from the undone and minimalistic, and into something with more statement, more shape, and a lot more intention,” says celebrity hairstylist Cynthia Alvarez. The shift mirrors fashion’s love affair with maximalism - dramatic silhouettes, rich textures, and standout structure—and signals a beauty evolution that’s all about impact. Want to bring the sculptural movement into your own routine? Keep reading for a deep dive into the trend and how to pull it off at home. What Is Sculptural Hair? “Sculptural hair refers to hairstyles where the stylist has created a certain shape using very carefully chosen tools and techniques,” says hairstylist and owner of Noordwyk Salon, Clara Purvis. “It’s a nostalgic nod to Y2K moments—think intricate braids and constructed updos, but made fresh for 2025.” These aren’t wash-and-go styles. They’re deliberate, elevated, and highly styled looks meant to express individuality and creativity. Alvarez adds that sculptural hair "goes beyond traditional hairstyling by focusing on defined shapes, intricate textures, and sometimes even gravity-defying silhouettes." These styles showcase bold, expressive forms - loops, cones, waves, and molded ponytails that double as visual art. And while the trend feels forward-facing, its roots run deep, particularly within Black hair culture, where sculptural styles have long been a form of artistry, identity, and cultural expression. From the towering updos of the '60s to intricate braided designs passed down through generations, these looks are anything but new. But now, fueled by social media’s hunger for boundary-pushing beauty, sculptural hair is stepping into the spotlight, unapologetically front and center. How to Try Sculptural Hair Okay, so maybe you’re not walking the Met Gala steps—but that doesn’t mean you can’t channel that same high-drama energy in your bathroom mirror. Whether you’re going for full-on architectural glam or just want to zhuzh up your topknot, these looks are surprisingly doable with the right tools (and a little finesse). 1. Sculptural Updo Sculptural and sultry, this style is all about turning heads. Start by pulling your hair into a sleek, tight bun using a strong-hold gel. Next, Alvarez recommends separating a few front pieces, smooth them with product, and use the tail end of a comb to curve them into soft, S-shaped swoops that frame the face. It’s equal parts delicate and defined for hair that is obviously styled with intention. Lock it all in with a firm-hold hairspray and let the curves do the talking. 2. Textured Bob This isn’t your everyday wave. Tessa’s 'do had major movement and a graphic, sculpted shape at the ends. To mimic this silhouette, curl your hair in a single direction (no alternating this time) and fluff it out with a wide-tooth comb for that undulating effect. Not sure how to curate those sharp, upturned ends? Alvarez recommends spraying a strong-hold hairspray on your strands, place a flat sifter underneath, and hit it with your blow dryer and voilà! You've got blunt ends that defy gravity. 3. High-Shine Side-Part Pony This look is sleek, striking, and just the right amount of dramatic. Start with a deep side part and pull your hair into a tight, mid-level ponytail - just don’t forget to leave out two face-framing strands, says Purvis. To get that wet-look gloss, run a styling cream through the hair, then twist and curl those front pieces before pinning them along the hairline. For a bold finish, twist the ponytail into a sculptural bun and secure with pins. 4. Bold, Curved Pieces Okay, this one's definitely more on the editorial side - but you can channel a simplified version. Create a tight, clean ponytail using gel to smooth everything down. Then, using a comb and some patience, sculpt a few curved sections (Purvis calls them "feather-like") around the base of the ponytail and pin into place. “It’s almost like your hair is hugging your head,” says Purvis. It's a fierce and feminine style that will turn heads.

You can go ahead and give the extensions a rest—short hair is the vibe and we’ve seen practically every iteration of it in recent months. There’s the ‘90s chic Christy cut, the Parisian bob with its French girl glamour, and you can’t forget the soft and feminine pageboy bob or ultra sophisticated Italian bob. As many head to salons for the big chop, many questions have emerged about styling short hair post-salon visit. Here, with stylist insights, we’re helping you learn how to style a voluminous bob. 01 of 06 Step 1: Avoid Applying Heavy Products at the Root One of the biggest mistakes people make when styling a bob is applying heavy styling creams or oils right at the root. You should also steer clear of conditioner at the root, adds Erin Shellabarger, hairstylist and international educator for Alter Ego Italy North America. When washing your hair, she says to stick to lightweight shampoos and conditioners so your hair isn’t weighed down from the get-go. 02 of 06 Step 2: Use a Volumizing Product This is kind of a no-brainer, but a volumizing product is your bestie when it comes to a bob with serious lift. “Start with a volumizing mousse or spray right at the roots,” advises Larissa Engel, hairstylist and owner of Hair by Larissa in Sola Salons. “Some of my favorites include Color Wow's Xtra Large Bombshell for weightless volume and Color Wow's Raise the Root Thicken + Lift Spray.” Work it in evenly. 03 of 06 Step 3: Blow Dry to 80% With Your Hair Flipped After you’ve applied your volumizer and any heat protectant, it’s time to blow dry. “Start by flipping your head upside down, then direct the air from your blow dryer to lift the roots,” Shellabarger advises. “Do this until your hair is about 80% dry.” Step 04 of 06 4: Section and Blow Out with a Round Brush Next, you need a round brush and some clips. “Clip your hair into sections, starting from your nape up,” Shellabarger says. “You will blow dry with the round brush from the nape to the crown (the top of your head). Make sure to lift the top section up, overdirecting the hair to create maximum volume.” 05 of 06 Step 5: Set in Rollers and Cool Once the hair is dry, Shellaburger likes to put large Velcro rollers in and let them cool while she moves onto her makeup and gets dressed. “The longer the rollers cool, the longer the volume will last,” she says. If you want to fast forward this process, Engel recommends using the cool setting on your blow dryer. And if you don’t have rollers, you can wrap and pin sections of hair. 06 of 06 Remove Curlers and Brush Out After 10 to 20 minutes, remove the curlers or curled sections gently, then brush up and back with a wide-tooth comb or hairbrush. Finish with a little bit of lightweight shine spray, or a medium hold hairspray to help lock it all into place. For more of a tousled look, Enger says to use a texturizing spray and lightly scrunch hair. On day two, Shellaburger says that “switching your part will give you a different style and bring back the volume.”

Balayage has been serving gorgeous hair color since the 1970s, and the looks keep coming a half century later. In fact, balayage is as popular as ever thanks to its ability to melt colors in the dreamiest, most natural-looking way. “Balayage is a hand-painted highlighting technique that creates a soft, natural gradient of color, mimicking the way the sun would naturally lighten your hair,” explains Chase Kusero, celebrity colorist and co-founder of IGK Hair Care. “It’s one of the most customizable techniques out there, which makes it perfect for playing with multiple tones and color dimensions.” Whether you’re looking to add depth, brightness, or just something new, balayage is an easy way to blend shades together. Here are some of the most gorgeous balayage color combos you can try. 01 of 08 Cinnamon and Toffee This balayage color combination fuses a rich cinnamon base with hand-painted ribbons of warm toffee blonde through the mid-lengths and ends. “It’s perfect for brunettes who want to add brightness without going overly blonde,” says Nick Arrojo, celebrity stylist based in New York City. “The cinnamon keeps it grounded, while the toffee adds glow and dimension.” He recommends this look for anyone with warm skin tones since it can make your complexion pop and hair shimmer. 02 of 08 Medium Brown and Caramel This more tone on tone highlight is great for medium brunettes who want to add some sparkle to their hair without any high maintenance commitment. “Caramel-toned highlights are painted into the hair with a medium strength mixture to ensure the proper level of lift,” explains celebrity colorist Cassie Cohen. The result is a quiet luxury melt that grows out like a dream. 03 of 08 Copper and Brunette Red tones are a definite do for summer, and this balayage color combo offers just enough. “Think warm espresso brunette roots melting into ribbons of copper and amber,” Kusero says. “The copper adds brightness without going blonde, and it enhances natural depth. It’s perfect for brunettes who want a seasonal shift or a bolder edge without going too light.” Plus, he adds that copper catches the light beautifully and warms up the complexion. 04 of 08 Smoky Lilac and Cool Platinum Want to try an unexpected balayage look that plays with color? This could be it. A blend of icy platinum blonde with soft, smoky lavender tones woven throughout delivers a cool, futuristic finish without feeling over-the-top. “This look is all about clean, high-impact color with a creative edge,” Arrojo says. “Platinum is hugely popular because it’s bold, bright, and surprisingly versatile; it makes any fashion-forward tone pop and gives a polished, editorial feel to the hair.” Meanwhile, sheer lilac adds softness and individuality, making this combo perfect for anyone who wants a modern, eye-catching look with a hint of personality.” 05 of 08 Cool Blonde and Beige This combo blends soft champagne and beige tones with icy blonde pieces throughout. “It’s more modern than traditional platinum, and feels l sophisticated, dimensional, and wearable,” Kusero tells us. “It’s ideal for natural blondes or highlighted clients who want to soften their look while staying bright. The beige helps ground the cooler pieces and keeps the blend creamy, not stark.” He recommends using a purple toning product to keep the cool blonde bright. 06 of 08 Mocha and Caramel Calling all dark brunettes. This look starts with a rich, chocolatey mocha base and infuses caramel balayage throughout for a beautiful, dimensional blend of warm tones. “The caramel pops without overpowering, and it gives an effortless glow,” Kusero says. “This look is universally flattering and works beautifully on deeper brunettes looking to add warmth and movement. The lived-in blend grows out beautifully, too.” 07 of 08 Champagne and Ash Blonde For a cool toned blonde balayage, look no further than this divine color combo. “This blonde requires both a bleach mixture and a low light. The bleach power should be reflective of how bright and light the desired blonde is; and the low light is a mixture of a darker, neutral color that is in the same family as the client’s natural level,” Cohen says. “This combination is for a blonde that loves to see dimension and lots of varying tones and color throughout their blonde.” 08 of 08 Golden Honey and Peach Here’s a medium blonde with a playful touch of warm peach tones. “Golden honey blonde with soft peachy tones melting through the mids and tips is a fresh take on warm balayage,” Arrojo says. “Peach is having a moment, and this combo gives you a fun, seasonal refresh without going full pastel.” He adds that it looks amazing on golden or neutral skin tones and is perfect for blondes looking to try something new while staying sunny and warm.

Short hair reigns this summer, as evidenced by the many trending bobs inspiring people to run to the salon with instructions to chop it all off. That said, we’d like to formally introduce you to “The boyfriend bob,” which is joining ranks with cropped styles like the chic Parisian bob, nostalgic Christy cut, and retro-modern pageboy bob. So what is the boyfriend bob and what separates it from the rest? We’ve got answers ahead. What Is the Boyfriend Bob? The boyfriend bob is a jaw-length, squarish medium style with some minimal layers thrown in for a little texture, says Sean James, a celebrity hairstylist based in Santa Monica, Calif. “It’s borrowed-from-the-boys, but in the best way. The name comes from its masculine-inspired, boxier silhouette; it’s short and chic, but not overly styled—more indie film than high-maintenance glam,” James says. “It's got that undone-yet-intentional vibe.” It’s no surprise this statement-making hairstyle is gaining momentum. Right now, people are craving ways to lean into their own personal style and embrace a little edge, but in a way that doesn’t require them to fuss for hours in front of a mirror. It’s why simple, fresh makeup and breezy, comfortable clothing is also king; the boyfriend bob melds right in. “Celebs like Zendaya, Jenna Ortega, Florence Pugh, and Carey Mulligan have all recently rocked versions of the boyfriend bob,” James says. “And just this year, Nicole Kidman walked the Met Gala with a beautifully sculpted bob-like look—it was sleek, modern, and powerful.” Pro Tips on Styling the Boyfriend Bob What makes the boyfriend bob so special is how versatile it is. “It can be lived-in and edgy or polished and sharp, James says. “For example, I’ve given Jamie Pressly so many amazing variations over the years for everything from red carpets to magazine covers.” Basically: It’s a haircut that lets you express who you are. Play with Texture: The boyfriend bob has built-in layers, so go ahead and amplify them. James recommends doing this with a texture pomade. “Rub a pea-size amount between your palms and press into the ends or hairline to define the shape,” he says. Make it Glossy: Alternatively, you can dress up your boyfriend bob with a sleeker finish. Use a finishing spray or add some hair oil from the mid-lengths to ends to add shine without flattening the structure. Keep it Hydrated: Weightless moisture is your friend, James says. The idea is to keep your strands nourished and hydrated but to not weigh them down. Look for lightweight moisturizers versus heavy oils and creams. Schedule a Trim: “This look grows out well and works with most face shapes, but I always recommend a trim every six to eight weeks to keep the shape sharp,” James advises.