*Contains spoiler alerts.* Some plot twists you can see coming (Team Conrad vs. Team Jeremiah drama, anyone?). But in Season 3 of The Summer I Turned Pretty, the real gasp-worthy moment wasn’t about love triangles — it was Belly’s hair.
After three seasons of long, glossy waves, Belly Conklin (played by Lola Tung) made the chop heard around TikTok. In the penultimate episode, fresh off a broken engagement, she heads to Paris and tells her stylist, “I’m ready for something new this summer.” The result? A sleek, shoulder-grazing bob now known as the “Belly bob.”
What Is the Belly Bob?
The Belly bob is basically the French bob’s Gen Z rebrand. Picture a blunt bob cut just above the shoulders, beveled at the edges so it naturally curves inward. The finish is glossy and soft — polished but not severe, and romantic but not girlish. It’s the haircut version of moving on with your life and making sure your ex sees it on Instagram.
The Belly Bob vs. Other Trending Bobs
We’re living in peak bob era, and Belly’s version is entering the chat with major main character energy. Here’s how it stacks up:
- The Castle Bob – Inspired by 1920s icon Irene Castle, this cut was all about liberation and daring change. The Belly bob feels like its modern heir: still rebellious, but softer, with Parisian polish instead of flapper drama.
- The Clavi Cut – The long bob (aka “lob”) grazing the collarbone has dominated runways and salons for seasons. Belly’s bob is shorter and bolder, signaling this isn’t just a refresh — it’s a transformation.
- The Undone Shag Bob – This messy, rock’n’roll vibe is trending hard too. Belly’s bob is its chic opposite: smooth, minimal, the kind of haircut that whispers “revenge chic” rather than “festival wild.”
Summing It Up: if the Castle bob was about the Roaring Twenties, and the clavicle lob is for those who want to keep their safety net, the Belly bob is about now — modern, fearless, and just a little romantic.
Why You'll Love the Belly Bob
- It’s a fresh start. Nothing screams moving on quite like snipping inches off. Belly’s chop is basically the haircut equivalent of Taylor Swift’s All Too Well (10 Minute Version).
- It’s timelessly chic. French-girl crops are always in style, and the length makes it wearable for most face shapes.
- It’s low-maintenance. With beveled ends and natural shaping, it looks good whether you’re polished for a date night or running errands in sweats.
How To Ask Your Stylist for the Belly Bob
Tell your stylist you want:
A classic blunt bob with beveled edges that sit just above the shoulders. The beveling is what keeps it from looking too severe, giving it that natural inward swoop.
How To Style the Belly Bob
The best part? It’s as effortless as the show’s Cousins Beach (Cottagecore) aesthetic.
Step 1: Apply mousse on damp hair for added volume and control.
Step 2: Part the hair in the center and rough-dry the roots flat.
Step 3: Use a round brush throughout the lengths to smooth and tuck the ends under.
Step 4: Finish with a lightweight styling cream to smooth flyaways and frizz.
Shop The Products:
Bumble and bumble. Thickening Full Form Soft Hair Mousse
Ibiza Hair Round Boar Bristle Brush
ILES FORMULA Weightless Styling Cream & Finishing Serum with Heat Protection
Should You Get the Belly Bob?
If you’ve been flirting with the idea of shorter hair, the Belly bob might just be your sign. It’s equal parts chic and symbolic, the kind of haircut that says: I’ve grown, I’ve learned, and yes — I look amazing while doing it. And sometimes the best way to turn the page is to cut the hair.
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