Zendaya bob: how to copy her cropped look from Challengers

Zendaya bob: Zendaya pictured with a side parting, with her bob hair in loose waves and wearing a glittery black blazer as she attends the Bulgari Hotel Roma opening event at Bulgari Hotel Rome on June 08, 2023 in Rome, Italy/ in a pink template

(Image credit: Getty Images/Daniele Venturelli)

last updated 22 June 2023

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The iconic Zendaya bob is taking center stage in her new steamy movie Challengers. So, here's how to recreate the chic hairstyle yourself, according to a stylist...

In case you missed it, Zendaya first debuted a fresh and flowy bob hairstyle back in December 2022, which swiftly topped the list of Zendaya's best hair looks, with fans obsessing over her new, glamorous crop.

Now the Dune actress' hair transformation is gnarring attention once again as it's a defining look in her latest film, Challengers—which she stars in alongside Josh O'Connor and Mike Faist. And in case you've been inspired by Zendaya's sophisticated cut, here's exactly how to achieve her enviable look and bouncy waves IRL. Ready to take notes?

How to recreate the Zendaya bob yourself

It was during Euphoria's FYC event on December 18, 2022 that we were first introduced to Zendaya's new side-swept bob (which of course, stole the show). Unsurprisingly, Zendaya's outfit paired perfectly with her 'do. She wore a body-hugging Houndstooth skirt, a black button-down polo and Christian Louboutin pumps—a subtle nod to the '20s.

euphoria cast at the show's fyc event on december 18, 2022

Since then, we've seen the actress and indisputable fashion icon, rock a number of variations to her look on and off the red carpet, from loose curls to a Hollywood blowout.

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And of course, her soft and uber-sophisticated waves in Challengers, which we spied in the first-look trailer. Each one of her styles just proves how versatile and fun bobs can be—so for anyone considering a change, here are some styling tips, straight from the experts...

Meet the expert: Gregory Patterson

Gregory Patterson, a celebrity hairstylist and DIY expert for Sally Beauty, gave us the intel for achieving a bob like Z's, regardless of hair type and texture. If you were thinking about playing up your style in the new year, consider this a sign.

Decide on a length

Before you ask your hairdresser to start chopping, you'll want to decide on a length that will be manageable once you leave the salon.

"Bobs are super customizable, no matter your ideal level of maintenance, so team up with your stylist and make sure to let them know how you want to wear your bob and how much you’re looking to commit to styling," Patterson says. "They’ll work with you to create the perfect cut for your unique needs."

Consider the maintenance

Keep in mind that the shorter you go, the more often you'll need to schedule a cut to keep the style in tact. Typically, those who have bobs are visiting their stylists every six to eight weeks.

"Ask for a low-maintenance bob that will grow out and evolve well into a lob, and longer time between visits," Patterson recommends. "Considering your hair type and texture is crucial here."

For some however, a bob can make their strands take on a totally new life.

"And when you think about your perfect bob, or lob length cut, [it] might be one to best support an air dried lifestyle—something you may have never known your texture is capable of doing," he adds.

Find the right product

Anyone who's thinking about following in Zendaya's lead will want to invest in a texture spray for upkeep.

"Bobs take on such a vibe as they move and live during the day and these types of support products lend way to the cool vibe we’re after here," Patterson says.

You'll also want to add a finishing touch to the polished look with a little shine!

"Also consider “Vinyl” (aka mega-high reflective shine!) looking products to really glam up a bob and make it POP," Patterson says. "These can be super-shine gels, gels with shine sprays on top, and healing oils to give your BOB a super-star glam up."

Zendaya, we're curious to see what you'll wow us with next! In the meantime, here's what eager fans need to know about the forthcoming Euphoria season 3.

Need a TV show recommendation? Maybe a few decor tips? Danielle, a digital news writer at Future, has you covered. Her work appears throughout the company’s lifestyle brands, including My Imperfect Life, Real Homes, and woman&home. Mainly, her time is spent at My Imperfect Life, where she’s attuned to the latest entertainment trends and dating advice for Gen Z.

Before her time at Future, Danielle was the editor of Time Out New York Kids, where she got to experience the best of the city from the point of view of its littlest residents. Before that, she was a news editor at Elite Daily. Her work has also appeared in Domino, Chowhound, and amNewYork, to name a few.

When Danielle’s not writing, you can find her testing out a new recipe, reading a book (suggestions always welcome), or rearranging the furniture in her apartment…again.

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