Sofia Richie-Grainge Just Debuted Her Shortest Haircut – And It's The Chicest Summer Bob

Ever the arbiter of quiet luxury fashion, Sofia Richie-Grainge just extended her eternally timeless style to a new hairstyle. Debuting her shortest hairstyle to date, the model eschewed her signature long lengths and the slicked-back chignon for which she is now synonymous for an equally chic, yet uncharacteristically short, hairstyle.

During a particularly aesthetically-pleasing sojourn in the South of France, Grainge took to Instagram to reveal what she describes herself as the 'French bob'. A far cry away from the uncut, messy bobs that have been dominating of late, Grainge's sleek soft bob is the most sophisticated of short summer haircuts, defined by soft ends and subtle texture.

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Celebrity hairstylist George Curran was behind Grainge's new French bob, who created the chin-grazing, face-framing cut for her holiday; the hairstyle itself sits just above the jawline and it appears as though Curran has cut subtle layers that curve slightly inwards to create soft movement. The result is relaxed, refined and effortless, and embodies timeless French style to precision.

Scroll Instagram and you'll see that many different interpretations of the French bob are taking shape right now, but Grainge's lends itself to a new trend coined the Parisian bob.
'Chic, nonchalant, and irresistibly cool, the Parisian Bob is the new evolution of the classic French bob,' shares hairdresser, Melissa Timperly. 'It's cut to graze the jawline with soft texture, and strikes the perfect balance between sophistication and effortless charm,' she adds.

If you're looking to emulate Grainge's cut, hairstylist Luke Benson suggests 'asking your stylist for a bob haircut with soft, internal layering and a natural finish.' To style, he says to 'work a little Keune Style Salt Mousse into damp hair and let it air dry or diffuse for that effortless wave and volume.'

The French bob also pairs perfectly with curtain bangs. 'With a subtle fringe or face-framing ends, this style flatters the bone structure best worn tousled; it’s the ultimate haircut for those who want to look effortlessly polished with minimal styling,' adds Timperly.

Whether you opt for a simple soft French bob or add choppy layers and a fringe, there's no denying the appeal of a shorter crop as soaring temps continue to take hold – and Grainge has undoubtedly made a very strong case for adopting a French bob in the peak-summer months.

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Amelia Bell

Multiplatform Beauty Director

Amelia Bell is the Multiplatform Beauty Director for ELLE UK and Harper’s Bazaar, developing beauty strategy, writing, editing, and commissioning, and leading beauty content across both sites. Amelia has a particular interest in wellness and longevity, exploring the skin-mind connection, and decoding the latest treatments, tweakments and runway trends. She also has bylines for Women's Health, Refinery29, British Vogue, Harrods Magazine, and more.