STYLE

The second Dixie (D'Amelio) went pixie, we knew: 2023 is the year of the bob. Nervous about the chop? Fret not: With this inspo and our expert advice (plus a smidge of coif courage), flawless face-framing fringe is just an appointment away. 

@tayrussell

Sleek French Bob

This chic style is super versatile. "You can wear it straight and tucked behind your ears or you can wear it with a little bend," says celeb hairstylist Raven Hurtado. 

Ask for: A short French bob that's all one length, sans bangs, and hits below the ear. 

Haircut helpers: For a look like Taylor's, spray on a heat protectant, then style with a flat iron and a shine spray. A deep side part brings drama to an otherwise simple style. 

Your holy grail product: Eva NYC Mane Magic 10-in-1 Primer, ulta.com, $13

@zendaya

Butterfly Bob

This symmetrical style hits below the chin or just above your shoulders. While a simple cut, you can fake the illusion of long layers and lots of volume by parting hair to one side, like Zendaya. 

Ask for: A bob hitting mid-neck that's all one length. 

Haircut helpers: To create movement and texture, flip your hair back and forth after washing as it air-dries. Seeking something more sleek? Use a flyaway-taming stick paired with a tiny brush that'll keep the part and edges clean.

Your holy grail product: Kitsch Dual Edge Brush & Comb, mykitsch.com, $6

@annasophiarobb

Bangin' Blunt Cut

Long bangs on a short 'do offer a magical blend of sophistication and fun. 

Ask for: If you've already gone through your bang phase, all you need to add is an edgy blunt cut that hits just below the jawline. Long, textured layers give it an airy vibe, explains Hurtado. 

Haircut helpers: To prevent this look from falling flat (literally), use a volumizing mousse. Celeb hairstylist Laura Polko recommends applying it to damp hair at the crown before blow-drying. Finish with a texture spray around the face for a piece-y feel. 

Your holy grail product: Aquage Uplifting Foam, aquage.com, $22

@mandoo_stenberg

Curly Pixie

Curly girls can go short, too! This look defines coils and gives extra lift at the roots for va-va-volume. 

Ask for: Round layers to give curls shape and fullness. 

Haircut helpers: For textured hair like Amandla's, manipulate your curls with your fingers to create springy spirals with lots of bounce, Use a styling cream as you twist to ensure smoothness and definition. For a more polished finish, enlist the help of a quality diffuser. 

Your holy grail product(s): Maria Nila Styling Cream, marianila.com, $35 and Pattern Hair Dryer for Curly Hair, patternbeauty.com, $189

@summerfox__

Textured Bob

This cut allows for movement and helps to make wavy hair feel less bulky, explains Hurtado (so perfect for summer).

Ask for: A bob that falls slightly below the jaw with texturized ends.

Haircut helpers: Use a three-barrel iron for some bends, then scrunch in a wave spray for all the beachy vibes. 

Your holy grail product: Gisou Propolis Infused Texturizing Wave Spray, gisou.com, $39

@dixiedamelio

Choppy Pixie with Baby Bangs

What makes Dixie's cut stand out? A studied I-woke-up-like-this-messiness. And busy babes love the minimal styling time of this look. 

Ask for: Round, texturized layers that shape the head with choppy short bangs.

Haircut helpers: Stylist Dereq Clark recommends using strong hold hairspray and a shine pomade to shape strands with your hands. And...done. 

Your holy grail product: Matrix Fixer Hairspray, amazon.com, $22

@courtneyeaton

Shoulder-length Lob

This modern lob (long bob) ups the thickness and fullness of your look while appearing totally effortless. 

Ask for: A cut to just above the shoulder with a thick curtain bang that'll swoop on each side.

Haircut helpers: Straight to wavy textures are perfect for air-drying with just a touch of heat styling. Mist damp hair generously with an air-dry spray that'll reinforce shape and smoothness. For your bangs, style with a round brush, wrapping hair away from the face as you blow-dry for a flippy flow.

Your holy grail product: T3 Volume Round Brush, sephora.com, $35

Hey, girl! Just wanted to let you know that this story originally ran in our June/July 2023 issue. Want more? Read the print mag for free *today* when you click HERE.

Are you doing the big chop this summer? Show us pics of your fave hairstyles on Insta @girlslifemag!

More hair inspo, coming right up:
💇 How to protect color-treated hair
💇 The best hair tinsel for every hair color
💇 5 hairstyles inspired by your fave artists

Slider image: @zendaya

by Lisa DeSantis | 6/12/2023