There’s a certain boldness to the Old Hollywood bob. You don’t ask for attention, you ask for it. This season, this iconic cut has emerged as a sophisticated statement, dominating red carpets and Instagram feeds alike.
Celebrities have embraced the vintage charm of the Old Hollywood bob, establishing it as the ultimate statement hairstyle. Kendall Jenner kept her look minimal and chic for New Year’s Eve with a short, wavy bob that exudes retro elegance. Sabrina Carpenter brought Old Hollywood glamor to the MTV VMA Awards with her voluminous blonde curls and soft bangs. Selena Gomez wowed at the Golden Globes with her sleek side-parted bob and sleek waves. Zendaya also jumped on the trend with her own take on retro style. These looks remind us of the timeless charm of classic Hollywood and prove that some styles never go out of style.
The Old Hollywood Bob conveys vintage charm and recalls the sleek, sophisticated style of the 1920s and 1930s. It’s a timeless, chic style reminiscent of stars like Jean Harlow, Louise Brooks and Katharine Hepburn. It’s usually styled with smooth, sharp lines, often lightly curled or tucked at the ends for soft, retro curves.
“This iconic hairstyle features a short chin-to-shoulder length cut with a sleek, structured finish. A modern update to the 1920s flapper vibe. Precision. It’s all about versatility and is perfect for both casual outings and formal events,” says Michelle Ribeiro, a Mumbai-based hairstylist.
When it comes to face shape, the Old Hollywood bob looks great on oval, square, and heart-shaped faces. “For oval faces, enhance your natural balance. For square faces, soften your jawline, and for heart-shaped faces, turn your attention downwards to balance your wide forehead. Round. For the face, it is effective to add volume to the top and style it at an angle to avoid emphasizing the roundness.The key is to choose a cut and style that brings out each individual feature,” adds Ribeiro.
How to understand correctly
To style an Old Hollywood bob, start with clean, dry hair. Apply a heat protectant and part your hair. For a smooth, polished look, use an iron to smooth the strands and tuck the ends inward. Add Shine Serum for a unique high-gloss finish. For a softer, more romantic feel, use a curling wand to create loose, even waves, then brush them out for a flowing, vintage-inspired texture. Finally, apply a light hold hairspray for long-lasting hold.
