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Celebrity bobs to inspire your next trip to the salon
These celebs have gone for the chop and we're inspired to do the same
By Sarah Ilston
There's no denying the power of getting your hair cut. After months of salons being closed, we finally have the opportunity to book in for a total hair refresh, get our split-ends trimmed and roots re-done.
But, if you’re contemplating a total hair overhaul post-lockdown and are thinking of finally taking the plunge and opting for shorter hair, then look no further than these 20 celebs who dared to chop off their locks, with gorgeous results...
From Halle Berry’s recent dramatic Oscars look, to Jodie Turner-Smith’s iconic pregnancy cut and Penélope Cruz's transformational chop — there’s a myriad of different styles, cuts and textures in our celebrity bobs round-up to inspire your next salon decision.
There's no denying the power of the bob, and whether you decide to opt for a choppy, chin-skimming style, or a sultry lob, it's guaranteed to add instant chic points to your overall look. Just make sure you know how to style your hair post-salon (read our handy guide here) as shorter styles — though totally worth it — are a little more high maintenance than lazy longer locks. We recommend investing in some decent tools, like this GHD Creative Curl Wand, for easy styling.
And if you’re keen to see how a radical change-up might look on a real, non-celeb, have a look at these incredible pictures of 5 women before and after getting their hair cut shorter.
Without further ado, here are our favourite celebrity bobs...
Halle Berry
Halle Berry mesmerised at the 2021 Oscars recently — from her stunning gown to her sharp, choppy ultra-short bob, it's safe to say we're officially obsessed.
If you're looking to completely revamp your lockdown look then this could be the style for you, complete with this season's on-trend micro-fringe (think Lily Allen) et all.
Cate Blanchett
The 51-year-old Hollywood star oozes glamour at practically every occasion, thanks in part to her platinum blonde hair.
We love her elegant choppy bob because it's so versatile. Wear straight, wavy or curled, just be sure to book in for regular trims to maintain the shape.
Penélope Cruz
Oozing sex appeal, Penélope's long, glossy bob is the perfect advert for how a simple chop can completely transform your look — we imagine these Instagram pictures will have inspired many a post-lockdown hair length switch-up!
Keeley Hawes
The reigning queen of TV drama, Keeley Hawes, has opted for short hair since she was young — bar the occasional longer hairstyle for a role — and we think she's on to something.
Looking low-key yet pulled together when tucked behind the ears in the day, or opting for full-on Hollywood glamour by adding waves for an event, her layered bob can be switched up to suit any occasion.
Margot Robbie
Side-parted, blunt cut with a gentle kink is how we'd describe possibly one of our favourite hair looks from Margot.
Her hair colour rarely veers away from her signature pearl blonde hue, but the length does vary — and she really hit the nail on the head with this effortlessly chic style.
Jodie Turner-Smith
Could we be more obsessed with the Queen and Slim star (who's also starring in the upcoming Anne Boleyn TV series)? We think not.
Pictured here pregnant and glowing at the BAFTAs — pre-pandemic — Jodie's chin-skimming curly, voluminous bob is the epitome of hair goals.
Zooey Deschanel
Known for her girl-next-door long dark locks, Zooey debuted a much shorter, more grown-up style here and it really suits her.
For anyone hesitant to take the leap and go for a dramatic chop — use this as your inspo.
Celeste
Celeste's natural hair was styled into a slick jaw-skimming bob for the Oscars. We love how it frames her face and adds drama to her outfit.
Jennifer Aniston
![jennifer aniston attends the uk premiere of horrible bosses at bfi southbank on july 20, 2011 in london, england](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/gettyimages-124217026-1619691495.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:* ""Horrible Bosses" London Premiere - Outside Arrivals")
Who could forget when Jennifer Aniston cut her hair short? First as Rachel Green in Friends and again in 2011 for the Horrible Bosses premiere here.
She's known for sticking to her signature longer, glossy style in recent years, but we think this shorter cut is a classic. And also a good option if you want to experiment with a bob, but don't want to lose too much length.
Lucy Hale
If you're going for the chop, then have a think about how you'd style it post-salon. Choppy cuts are great if your go-to will be messy waves a la Lucy Hale. It's worth investing in a GHD hair wand to add texture and definition to your style.
Blake Lively
The epitome of Hollywood glamour, this is one of our favourite looks from Blake — not too short to be a dramatic change but enough to add volume, drama and a definite 80s vibe.
Zawe Ashton
Understated yet seriously chic, this slicked-back bob is a great, fuss-free way to style natural short hair. It's also the perfect way to disguise unwashed hair.
Kate Mara
Super-short, super-blunt and super-bleached — this isn't a style for the timid, or those after a low-maintenance cut, but it's certainly a head-turner. Perfect for your post-lockdown re-entry look.
Diane Kruger
Proof that curly hair and short styles go hand-in-hand, opt for a serious side-parting with face-framing curls like Diane and let your ringlets do the talking.
Alexa Chung
Known for her long, sweeping fringe and long bob, Alexa is the ultimate hair inspiration — there's something gloriously French chic about this choppy, asymmetric style... Or maybe it's the red lip?
Sienna Miller
With summer festivals on the horizon, we're a) big fans of bringing back this retro plaited hairstyle, and b) can see ourselves rocking this short, fuss-free wavy bob with the myriad of strappy sundresses we've got our eye on — anyone else?
Rihanna
One from the archives of her Rude Boy days, we've never stopped thinking about this iconic bold look from Rhianna.
Firstly the brightly coloured hair, which — if Chrissy Teigen is anything to go by — seems to be having a comeback, and also the bouncy glossy bob, which feels like the perfect post-lockdown chop, doesn't it?
Emma Stone
Cute-as-a-button is how we'd describe this 2014 chin-skimming look from the Cruella star. Take to the salon and ask for short layers to copy Emma's cut.
Freida Pinto
Sleek, straight and centre-parted is how all the celebs are wearing their hair these days — if you're a tuck-behind-your-ears kind of girl then this simple yet chic style is the one for you.
Emily Ratajkowski
Naturally, anyone as gorgeous as the 29-year-old model will look great no matter what their hair length, but there's something about this shorter style that adds even more glamour.
Maybe it's the perfectly tousled waves, maybe the rich brunette shade, or the added volume a short cut brings — maybe it's all three...
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