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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
01
1928, Chic Chanteuse
History-making singer Marian Anderson in her classic cut circa 1928.
Celeb Looks: 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.

Celeb Looks: 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.

Celeb Looks: 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.

Celeb Looks: 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.

Celeb Looks: 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.

Celeb Looks: 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!

Celeb Looks: 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.

Celeb Looks: 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.

Celeb Looks: 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.

Celeb Looks: The Evolution of the Bob
11
2012, Short and Sleek

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

Celeb Looks: 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.

Celeb Looks: The Evolution of the Bob
Getty Images
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