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Zendaya made waves when she stepped out recently with beau Tom Holland, sporting a new, luxe shoulder-length hairstyle. Earlier this year, the Challengers actress surprised us all by going blonde. Now, she’s made her second major hair transformation of the year, and returned to her brunette roots with this chic, mid-length lob.
Like Zendaya herself, this ‘old money’ hairstyle looked both polished and effortless, perfectly blow-dried but swept to the side like the A-list actress had just run her hands through it. If you’re like me, the minute you saw the pics of Zendaya in this custom Louis Vuitton leather dress, sporting her gorgeous dark ‘do, you would have immediately hit save to show your hairstylist. However, to quote Carrie Bradshaw, I couldn’t help but wonder whether this cut on me would look less ‘Zendaya’ and more ‘my mother’.
While the style looks undeniably youthful and fresh on one of the most gorgeous actresses of a generation, this shoulder-length chop can easily verge on dowdy with a hint of ‘news anchor’ when done poorly. Having tried a similar haircut before, I somehow walked out of the hairdresser looking like a sitcom mum and not, as I’d hoped, Alexa Chung. So, how do we cut a sexy lob without falling into the mum trap?
“Don’t over style,” warns Creative Director of Headcase Hair, John Pulitan. “If you have a really great natural texture then work with your natural texture as much as you can. You do this by using styling creams or sea salt spray and adding them in wet hair and allowing the texture to dry in, and then once your hair is dry finishing the look with a tong or a straightening iron. Finishing the look with a dry texturising spray is always good, but if you experience flyways or frizz then you can finish with a moisture styling cream or a curl cream to help settle frizz or flyways.”
In the case of Zendaya’s exact bob, O&M COR.Creator and Founder of Wakefields, Dane Wakefield, predicts her stylist has used large velcro rollers to achieve the “major volume and bounce”. “Then smooth it out with a paddle brush to get that sultry, polished look. This style has tons of movement and looks effortlessly seductive—perfect for a fresh, modern vibe!
And if you’re chopping a new shoulder-length style, what do you ask for at the salon? As it turns out, there’s a fine balance.
“Firstly, you have to make sure that the length is below the shoulders,” John explains. “But it also can’t be too long—two to three inches below the collarbone would be the longest length you could wear this style.”
John continues with layering tips: “Also make sure that there aren’t too many layers as this will create a disconnection in the shape and the haircut will start to flip and look mumsy. At the same time, it can’t be too solid or blunt as it will just sit really bulky and look like an awkward length that is growing out.”
All that said, John concludes that it depends on your hair texture and face shape, so a chat with your stylist is vital.
Which haircut is best for shoulder-length hair?
We also consulted Amanda Tua, Founder & Creative Director at Amanda Tua Hair to help you figure out exactly which shoulder-length cut is best for your hair type. From how to ask your hairdresser for the right trim for your hair type to which products will do your freshly-chopped tresses justice, scroll on for Amanda’s tips for how to achieve the best shoulder-length hairstyle at your next appointment.
Curly and Wavy Hair
“Ask your stylist for a dry cut to work with your natural curl pattern,” Amanda advises those with curls. “Make sure they have experience with cutting wavy/curly hair, an Instagram account is a good indication of skill level. With the right stylist, curly/wavy hair can rock any style and any shape at this length.”
Straight Hair
“Straight hair is made for bangs as it will sit perfectly into any style,” Amanda says. “Light layering and maximum texture will add lift and volume, and encourage the hair to move more.”
Thick Hair
“Shags and layered styles with maximum texture are great for thick hair,” she suggests. “They prevent bulk, and will hold their shape for longer, so less maintenance is required.”
Fine Hair
As for those with fine hair, Amanda recommends a blunt cut as a way to trick the eye into seeing thicker volume. She concludes: “Blunt styles are great as they give the illusion of more thickness through the ends.”
Coily and Afro Hair
“Make sure you seek out an experienced Afro hairstylist who can offer you a haircare regime to nourish and care for your curls,” Amanda recommends. “A classic round Afro at any length is flattering for all face shapes. If you are opting for a protective style, be sure to trim off any dead ends, for best results.”
The Best Shoulder Length Hairstyles, 2024
Zendaya
Zendaya’s mid-length style sits just below her shoulders, and is side-parted with curled ends.
Kendall Jenner
Kendall debuted blonde, shoulder-length hair at fashion week 2024.
Hanna Lhoumeau
If curly-haired girlies need a hair idol for mid-length hair, look no further than French model and influencer, Hanna Lhoumeau. Her tight curls are slightly layered with a fringe.
Margot Robbie
After saying farewell to her long Barbie hair, Margot Robbie made a statement with this sleek lob. The Australian actress has straight hair, and styled her blunt haircut with a few face-framing highlights.
Emily Ratajkowski
Side-swept, slept-in hair is the goal. Here, EmRata shows off her volume with this slightly longer-than shoulder-length hairstyle.
Selena Gomez
Selena Gomez has naturally thick hair, allowing her to have a fuss-free lob. However, on this red carpet occasion she’s styled her shoulder-length bob with subtle waves and high gloss.
Yara Shahidi
For shoulder-length coiled, afro or curly hair, Yara Shahidi shows how to do it with long layers.
Related articles
- What is the f*ck ass bob? (And 5 questions to ask yourself before making the chop)
- 7 Hair Trends We’ll All Be Embracing This Summer
- The Most Dramatic Celebrity Hair Transformations This Year
The post Zendaya Makes A Convincing Case For The Luxe Lob appeared first on ELLE.