If I learned anything from the final episode of The Summer I Turned Pretty, it’s that the influence of the French bob knows no bounds. Bob haircuts have been everywhere pretty much all summer, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that even the show’s main character, Belly (played by Lola Tung), decided to undergo a post-breakup chop that she debuted in the show’s series finale, which premiered on Amazon Prime on Sept. 17.
At the end of the penultimate episode, Belly walks into a hair salon after moving to Paris, hinting at a major hair transformation—because nothing signifies new beginnings like cutting off a few inches. The series finale picks things up a year later, and Belly’s brand-new, shoulder-length, Parisian bob is revealed within the first few minutes.
Author Jenny Han, who executed produced the show and wrote the book that it’s based on, recently spoke to Vogue about the show’s decision to have Belly cut her hair.
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“I think women often cut their hair after a breakup or when they want to let go of old baggage and signal to people that they’re ready for change,” she explains. “The idea is that if you look different, then you can feel different.” While the bob itself looks great on Tung, she didn’t actually fully commit to going shorter. According to Vogue, the show’s hair and makeup team cut a few inches off the front of her hair and installed a short U-part wig in the back. A little TV magic, if you will.
The French bob differs from the traditional bob in that, in most cases, it’s cut just above the jawline and worn with a fringe, though Belly’s sits slightly above her shoulders. It’s also a low-maintenance hairstyle that works for every season, and it’s the perfect kind of cut to get if you want to get rid of some split ends or damage—or in Belly’s case, old relationship baggage.
If Belly’s new hair was all the convincing you needed to go shorter, read ahead to shop a few bob essentials before you grab the scissors.
BaBylissPRO
Nano Titanium Styleswitch Ionic Multi-Styler & Hair Dryer
This heat tool comes with multiple attachments that help you style your hair in a variety of ways while adding extra volume.
IGK
Beach Club Texture Spray
For even more volume and to achieve a slightly-tousled look, grab this lightweight texture spray.
Bumble and bumble.
Thickening Dryspun Volume Texture Spray
This will also give you some extra volume, especially if your hair is on the flatter or thinner side.
T3
Smooth ID 1” Digital Ceramic Flat Iron
If you want your bob to look sleek, try using a ceramic flat iron. This one has customizable heat settings, which comes in handy if you’re worried about heat damage.
K18
Airwash™ Dry Shampoo
Dry shampoo can give your bob a slightly lived in look while extending your style for a few days.
