In a stunning display of style, Zendaya has made headlines by debuting a fresh, luxurious shoulder-length hairstyle during a recent outing with her partner, Tom Holland. This latest transformation follows her earlier switch to a striking blonde look, marking her second major hair change of the year. Now, the actress has returned to her brunette roots, showcasing an elegant mid-length lob that exudes sophistication.
This ‘old money’ hairstyle strikes the perfect balance between polished and effortless, appearing as if the A-list star has just run her fingers through her perfectly blow-dried locks. For anyone who spotted Zendaya in her custom Louis Vuitton leather dress, it’s hard not to feel the urge to save those images for a trip to the salon. However, it’s only natural to wonder if this chic cut would evoke more of a ‘mom’ vibe rather than embodying Zendaya’s effortless glamour.
While the lob looks refreshingly youthful on one of today’s most stunning actresses, it can easily lean towards the dowdy side if not styled correctly. Having experienced a similar haircut myself, I left the salon feeling more like a sitcom mother than the fashion-forward figure I had hoped to resemble. So, what’s the secret to achieving a sexy lob without falling into that ‘mum’ trap?
“Don’t over-style,” advises John Pulitan, Creative Director of Headcase Hair. “Embrace your natural texture as much as possible. Use styling creams or sea salt sprays on damp hair and let it dry naturally. Once your hair is dry, finish the look with a curling wand or straightener. A dry texturizing spray can enhance the finish, but if you face flyaways or frizz, a moisturizing styling cream or curl cream can help tame them.”
For those wanting to replicate Zendaya’s specific look, Dane Wakefield, co-founder of Wakefields, suggests that her stylist likely used large velcro rollers to create the impressive volume and bounce. “After that, smooth it out with a paddle brush to achieve that sultry, polished appearance. This hairstyle exudes movement and offers an effortlessly seductive vibe—perfect for a contemporary aesthetic!”
If you’re considering a shoulder-length chop, what should you ask for at the salon? Achieving the ideal lob involves a delicate balance.
“Ensure that the length falls below the shoulders,” John explains, “but it shouldn’t exceed three inches below the collarbone at most.”
He also provides layering advice: “Avoid too many layers, as this can disrupt the overall shape and lead to an unflattering, disconnected look. Conversely, a style that’s too solid or blunt can appear bulky and awkward, as if it’s in the process of growing out.”
Ultimately, John emphasizes that the best haircut depends on your hair texture and face shape, making a thorough consultation with your stylist crucial.
Finding the Perfect Shoulder-Length Cut
To further assist in identifying the best shoulder-length style for your hair type, we reached out to Amanda Tua, Founder and Creative Director at Amanda Tua Hair. Here are her recommendations on how to achieve the perfect shoulder-length look during your next salon visit.
Curly and Wavy Hair:
“For those with curls, request a dry cut to work with your natural curl pattern,” Amanda advises. “Choose a stylist experienced with wavy or curly hair, as their expertise will ensure that your style looks fantastic at this length.”
Straight Hair:
“Straight hair pairs beautifully with bangs, allowing for a seamless integration into any style,” Amanda notes. “Opt for light layering and maximum texture to add lift and movement.”
Thick Hair:
“Shaggy and layered styles with plenty of texture work well for thick hair,” she suggests. “These styles reduce bulk and maintain their shape longer, requiring less upkeep.”
Fine Hair:
For those with fine hair, Amanda recommends a blunt cut to create the illusion of thicker strands. “Blunt styles enhance the appearance of volume, especially at the ends,” she adds.
Coily and Afro Hair:
“Seek out an experienced Afro hairstylist who can provide a nourishing haircare regimen,” Amanda advises. “A classic round Afro at any length flatters all face shapes. If you’re choosing a protective style, be sure to trim off any dead ends for optimal results.”
Trending Shoulder-Length Hairstyles for 2024
- Zendaya: Her mid-length lob falls just below the shoulders, styled with a side part and softly curled ends.
- Kendall Jenner: The model debuted a chic blonde shoulder-length cut at Fashion Week 2024.
- Hanna Lhoumeau: Known for her tight curls, this French model and influencer demonstrates how to layer mid-length hair beautifully.
- Margot Robbie: The Australian actress showcases a sleek lob, styled with subtle face-framing highlights after parting ways with her long “Barbie” hair.
- Emily Ratajkowski: EmRata’s side-swept hairstyle reflects a slightly longer-than-shoulder look, epitomizing a carefree, voluminous vibe.
- Selena Gomez: With naturally thick hair, Selena effortlessly sports a lob with soft waves and a glossy finish for added flair.
- Yara Shahidi: For those with curly hair, Yara demonstrates how to style long layers perfectly.
With these insights, anyone considering a lob can confidently embrace a hairstyle that is both trendy and flattering, channeling the effortless style embodied by icons like Zendaya.
Related Topics:
How To Create A Cool-girl Look With A Bob Haircut