Notify Your Hairstylist: The '90s-Inspired Heartthrob Bob Is Set to Return in 2025

      As a beauty editor, the hair trend that’s currently dominating my feeds is the “heartthrob bob.” This stylishly androgynous and charmingly floppy haircut blends elements of '90s boy band members with the contemporary short hair trend favored by cool girls today. Picture Leonardo DiCaprio in Romeo + Juliet, Nick Carter during his Backstreet Boys days, or a young Brad Pitt with his tousled, middle-parted hair. Indeed, this latest bob trend draws inspiration from the heartthrobs that adorned the walls of a '90s teenager's room. With our current fascination with '90s beauty trends—promoting the revival of skinny brows and lip liner—it seems only fitting that the boy-band bob would also make a return.

      What Is the Heartthrob Bob?

      At its essence, the heartthrob bob is a chin-length bob haircut featuring soft layers and a curtain fringe that gently sweeps across the face. It offers volume without excessive fuss and exists between a grown-out pixie and a casual shag haircut. This style exudes a low-maintenance vibe, reminiscent of stepping off the set of a 1997 Calvin Klein campaign. While sharply defined bob styles like the blunt bob and laser-cut bob have been popular recently, the heartthrob bob is intentionally undone. It emphasizes movement and texture without appearing over-styled; it’s playful and soft. This hair trend has been reimagined for 2025, with celebrities like Ariana Greenblatt, Emma Chamberlain, and Taylor Hill experimenting with their own variations, whether it’s through a sweeping fringe or choppy layers.

      How To Style the Heartthrob Bob

      The heartthrob bob's versatility is one of its greatest attributes. Let your hair air-dry for a relaxed, skater-boy appearance, or utilize a round brush and mousse for a vintage blowout. Alternatively, scrunch in some texture spray for a lived-in, post-concert effect. The goal is to maintain softness—favor natural bends over perfectly straight strands. Don’t overlook the fringe; whether you opt for a full curtain fringe or a subtle side-sweep, it’s the face-framing aspect that ties the look together.

      Ready to try the heartthrob bob? Scroll down for plenty of inspiration to bring to your salon appointment.

      Heartthrob Bob Haircut Ideas

      The combination of effortlessly tousled hair and fringe makes me eager to show this picture of Taylor Hill to my hairdresser. Emma Chamberlain's bob has a strong boy-band vibe.

      The modern interpretation retains freshness with a choppy curtain fringe and layered cut. Those with curly hair can also join in by embracing their hair's natural texture. This trend can appear incredibly chic, as evidenced by Loïcka Grâce's cropped heartthrob bob-pixie hybrid with an iconic face-framing swoop.

      Incorporating a curtain fringe is the simplest way to refresh your bob while embracing the '90s aesthetic. I’m absolutely in love with this wavy bob and curtain fringe combination.

      Shop the Trend:

      **Larry King Haircare**

      My Nanna's Mousse

      A good hair mousse is essential for adding volume and hold to your bob hairstyle.

      **Dyson**

      Airwrap I.d. Multi-Styler and Dryer

      The curling barrels and round brush attachments of the Dyson Airwrap are excellent for styling a curtain fringe to achieve the heartthrob bob look.

      **JVN Hair**

      Complete Air Dry Cream

      For those blessed with natural curls or waves, this air-dry cream is perfect for enhancing your hair without heat.

      **Super Healthy Hair**

      Pro-Dry Barrel Brush

      A quality round brush is crucial for shaping curtain fringes—Beauty Pie's is a favorite among many.

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      bob haircut