The Specific Bob Haircut I Always See on Stylish French Women, Celebrities and Supermodels

A collage showcasing a range of stylish 90s bobs.
(Image credit: Who What Wear UK)

Our obsession with bob haircuts isn't going anywhere. But if we had to choose a favourite, we'd contend that the perennially chic '90s bob hair trend would be the style that made the cut. And it's no surprise—this classic haircut is a timeless choice if you're looking to cut your hair short, and with so many variations to choose from, there is a bob haircut to suit everyone. (From the Italian bob to the stacked bob, we've seen just about every type of bob hairstyle resurface!)

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(Image credit: GETTY)

Taylor LaShae's '90s bob has body and volume.

According to hairstylists, we can expect the style to maintain its momentum as we begin to book in for our seasonal refreshes, and we're already seeing signs that the '90s bob trend is cropping up again. No longer reserved for off-duty supermodels or actresses, this is one hairstyle that's crossed over to the mainstream. Yet, there's still no shortage of celebrities like Hailey Bieber and Victoria Beckham showcasing why the tousled chop has endured.

But what makes the '90s bob so timeless? I asked Jordanna Cobella, British Hairdressing Awards London Hairdresser of the Year winner, owner of Cobella Salon and all-round hair expert, for all the details.

What Is the '90s Bob?

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(Image credit: GETTY IMAGES)

Model Christy Turlington had this voluminous bob in the '90s.

This nostalgic bob haircut references the chin-skimming, swishy bobs seen on Christy Turlington and Winona Ryder in the '90s. "The nineties bob is a statement cut that can be any length between a pixie cut and a bob, usually worn wide with a bend or a wave and a statement fringe," says Cobella.

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(Image credit: GETTY IMAGES)

Actor Winona Ryder's side-swept bob has an effortless mood.

It has a Parisian silhouette and feel, too, and Cobella notes her current muse as influencer Taylor LaShae when she's in the salon. "It can make your hair appear so much thicker, elongate the neck and expose the décolletage in an elegant way," she says.

"It's great for those who are bored of their mid-length cut and want something with more of a statement." Plus, if your hair already has a natural wave to it, this cut helps enhance it even further. "Since this haircut is short, it will also encourage a wave for anyone who has wavy hair [that doesn't form] on hair that is too heavy or long."

What to Ask for in the Salon

If you're looking for a bob that has plenty of volume and movement, the '90s bob is a great choice. Cobella recommends asking for choppy, effortless texture or a French bob. Some stylists will opt to cut your hair with a razor if it's thicker, which gives extra texture to the lengths, whereas scissors work best for those with finer hair.

During the consultation with your hairstylist, ensure to communicate how short you want to go, and ask for a square shape rather than the rounded shapes seen with haircuts like the bubble bob.

Ready to go for the chop? Scroll ahead for all the '90s bob haircut inspiration for your next appointment, as well as Cobella's tips for styling.

'90s Bob Haircut Ideas

1. Beachy Texture

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(Image credit: @haileybieber)

Hailey Bieber's swishy cut is so flattering at this jaw-skimming length and with a soft wave.

2. Soft Flip

An image of Selena Gomez with a 90s bob.

(Image credit: @hungvanngo)

Take it from Selena Gomez's TikTok beauty hacks and this stylish look, the sleekest way to evoke the decade is to add a soft flip to the ends of your tresses.

3. Choppy Layers

An image of Nicola Peltz Beckham with a 90s bob.

(Image credit: @nicolaannepeltzbeckham)

Nicola Peltz Beckham is fusing the wolf cut with her mother-in-law's iconic Posh Spice bob.

4. Sweet Bends

An image of Ayo Edebiri with a 90s bob.

(Image credit: @milesjeffrieshair)

Make like Ayo Edebiri and enhance your texture with these sweet bends.

5. French Girl Flair

An image of Lily Collins with a 90s bob.

(Image credit: @lilyjcollins)

Crisp and polished.

6. Off-Duty Chic

An image of Alexa Chung with a 90s bob.

(Image credit: @alexachung)

Alexa Chung brings a little 1920s flair to her 90s bob with the subtle finger wave flick.

7. Proper Posh

An image of Victoria Beckham with a 90s bob.

(Image credit: @victoriabeckham)

Take it from Victoria Beckham, 90s bobs are just as stylish now as they were then.

8. Tousled Chic

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(Image credit: @rochellehumes)

I love the undone texture of Rochelle Humes's bob cut.

10. Sculpted Bixie

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(Image credit: @alyssainthecity)

Want something shorter? Alyssa's cut is so chic.

11. Romantic Curls

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(Image credit: @brosiaaa)

The shape works beautifully on curls, too.

12. Sweeping Side Part

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(Image credit: @frannfyne)

So. Damn. Chic.

13. French-Girl Volume

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(Image credit: @sylviemus_)

A naturally coily texture works great with the '90s bob silhouette.

14. Old-Hollywood Glamour

@melodiebance '90s bob

(Image credit: @melodiebance)

Pair your bob with some retro sunglasses for the ultimate '90s look.

Products To Shop to Style the '90s Bob:

1. Drybar Hold Me Hair Clips

2. Ouai Curl Creme

3. Babyliss Hydro Fusion Anti Frizz Hair Dryer With Diffuser

4. Nioxin Density Defend Volumising Dry Shampoo for Greasy and Fine Hair

5. Living Proof Full Dry Volume & Texture Spray

6. Kitsch Eco-Friendly Microfiber Hair Towel

7. Hair by Sam McKnight Cool Girl Texture Mist 250ml

8. Kitsch Recycled Plastic Xl Thermal Rollers

9. Davines OI Oil

This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.

Eleanor Vousden
Beauty Editor, Who What Wear UK

Eleanor Vousden is the beauty editor for Who What Wear UK. She was previously deputy editor at Hairdressers Journal, health writer at Woman & Home and junior beauty editor at Powder. She has also contributed to Wallpaper and Elle Collections.With a degree in fashion journalism from the London College of Fashion, she has 10 years of industry experience and has been highly commended at the BSME Talent Awards for her work on Powder and also contributed to the title winning Website of the Year at the PPA Awards.Eleanor’s journalistic focus is providing readers with honest and helpful beauty content. She has interviewed celebrity makeup artists, hairstylists and dermatologists throughout her career, as well as celebrities such as Hailey Bieber, Sarah Jessica Parker and Scarlett Johansson.