There must be something in the air, because yet another celebrity has succumbed to the siren call of the bob. But this time, it’s not Gracie Abrams or Demi Moore. No, this chop comes as something of a surprise, because Ariana Grande, whose hair has become almost as recognisable as her music, has taken the plunge.
For years, the actress, singer and beauty brand founder has been synonymous with sky-high ponytails and waist-length extensions. Her MO? Hair - and lots of it. Colour wise she's flirted with everything from honey blonde to picante brunette but the length remained consistent. Until now, that is.
This latest look sees Grande trading her signature strands for something altogether softer and (no doubt) lighter. Celebrity hairstylist Zebulen Howell has declared it the ‘Petal Bob.’
‘It’s that classic bob shape with soft ends, which I think fits Ariana perfectly,’ Howell explains. ‘The Petal Bob feels particularly fitting given the feel of her new album and how much she talks about resonating with softness and florals. There’s something delicate, sweet and soft about it, with just enough movement. All of those qualities are reflected in the hairstyle, making it a beautiful extension of Ari herself.’
There’s also a practical side to the transformation. Given Grande’s long time reliance on hairpieces and extensions, a shorter style could offer a welcome wealth of benefits. ‘Ariana is so used to wearing weighty hair-pieces, often slicked back in to tight, structured high ponies,’ says Howell. ‘If you’re someone who wears extensions you’ll know it’s only natural to want to ditch the length and opt for something more carefree from time to time. It’s also a great opportunity for the hair to regain its strength and get healthy again.’
Her parting has garnered some attention online, too. Instead of her usual slick back, she’s opted for a side part that has an almost vintage quality, with the hair sweeping across the face and tucking neatly into place. ‘It’s playful and soft against her face, and incredibly youthful,’ says Howell. ‘What makes it feel modern is that it doesn’t look like a deliberately cut fringe. Instead, it looks as though the hair has simply been pulled over and tucked, which gives it that sweetness.’
If Grande’s new cut has you scheduling in your next trip to the salon, the key is to keep things soft. Howell recommends asking your hairdresser for lightly textured ends and a length that sits around the collarbone. ‘That way, you get the movement and lightness of the look without veering too far into a traditional, shorter bob,’ he adds.
Thankfully, the styling is equally uncomplicated. The finish appears smooth and blow-dried, with the ends given just enough shape to stop the cut from falling flat. ‘Use a GHD styling iron to bend the ends outwards for a more pronounced flick, before tucking the side-parted section into place with a high-shine gel or hairspray,’ says Howell.
The trick? Don’t overwork it.
‘This is a pretty, cute look and there should be softness and breezy movement,’ says Howell. ‘There’s no harsh heaviness and no blunt edges. It’s classic and chic, but still playful.’
So consider this your sign to book that appointment - it’s Petal season, after all.
Rachael Martin is Grazia’s Beauty director. Originally from Northern Ireland, she studied English Literature at Queen’s University Belfast, before moving to London to pursue a career in magazine journalism.
Image credits: @arianagrande