The Boyfriend Bob Is the Short Haircut Everyone Is Asking Their Stylists for This Season

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.