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Home • Bobs

Celeb Looks: The Evolution of the Bob

Ever since the first flappers chopped their tresses to their chins in a gesture of defiant, sexed-up liberation, "the bob" has reigned as the most sophisticated hairstyles of all time. Really, you'd be hard-pressed to name one other 'do that's survived two World Wars, the invention of television and the iPod revolution! Its easy to see the bob's timeless appeal: Falling anywhere between the cheekbones and clavicle, the angle instantly adds a certain chic to your look. From Marian Anderson to Michelle Obama, here are our favorite bob moments over the last century.
By Deena Campbell · Updated October 27, 2020
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01
1928, Chic Chanteuse
History-making singer Marian Anderson in her classic cut circa 1928.
The Evolution of the Bob
02
1955, Crisp Coif

In the Fifties, Lena Horne rocked a softly curled bob with graduated layers framing her face.

The Evolution of the Bob
03
1967, It’s a Mod, Mod World

On the opening night of her Broadway musical “Hallelujah Baby,” singer/actress Leslie Uggams worked a deeply angled, ultra-Mod bob. We’re living for the eye shadow.

The Evolution of the Bob
04
1973, Basic Bob

Giving all kinds of fierce at a 1973 photo shoot, Diana Ross sports a jaw-length, blunt bob with tons of volume.

The Evolution of the Bob
05
1988, Wig Deal

At a fashion party in the late Eighties, Naomi Campbell has a blast in an asymmetric flapper wig.

The Evolution of the Bob
06
2001, Jagged Edge

Iman arrived at Emanuel Ungaro’s 35th anniversary rocking a razor cut bob with slightly jagged edges.

The Evolution of the Bob
07
2006, Retro Chic

Janet Jackson hit the red carpet rocking a long-ish bob with bangs. The vampy, wine-stained mouth and smoky eyes perfectly compliment her 1920s-inspired look!

The Evolution of the Bob
08
2009, Golden Lady

At a screening for’Xmen Origins: Wolverine,’ Halle Berry showed up rocking a bobbed bouffant with glorious golden highlights.

The Evolution of the Bob
09
2010, First Lady Locks

First Lady Michelle Obama reinvigorated the bob in 2010 with her eternally perfect, not-one-hair-out-of-place style.

The Evolution of the Bob
10
2011, Powerful Bob

Jenifer Hudson struck a powerful pose at the 2011 VH1 Divas Celebrates Soul event with her bouncy bob.

The Evolution of the Bob
11
2012, Short and Sleek

Nicki Minaj celebrated the Christmas Extravaganza at Webster Hall with a perfectly cut bob. 

The Evolution of the Bob
Getty Images
12
2014, Blonde Bob

Gayle King shows off a layered golden bob at Bravo’s Watch What Happens Live.

The Evolution of the Bob
Getty Images