From heart-melting meet-cutes and enemies-to-lovers tropes to email penpals and Mr Napkin Head, the romantic comedy is a source of laughter, tears and (often unrealistic) expectations of love. Along the way, the genre has served up some solid hair inspiration, too. And one in particular: the romcom bob.

If you stop to think about your favourite romcoms, you’ll quickly notice there are bobs aplenty, but one style in particular always reigns supreme. Just look at Reese Witherspoon in Sweet Home Alabama, Gabrielle Union in 10 Things I Hate About You, Ginnifer Goodwin in He’s Just Not That Into You and Meg Ryan in You’ve Got Mail. 

“A romcom bob is a jaw-line blunt bob with added texture,” explains Lilli Bridger, hairstylist at Larry King. “Taken up to the hairline at the back of the head, it’s the same length the whole way round, meaning it does not get longer at the front.”

If you’re considering the cut, Bridger confirms it works on all hair types, adding it’s “best for making thin hair look thicker”.

While bobs can vary in the amount of maintenance required, the romcom bob thankfully falls on the lower end of the spectrum – an effortless style that doesn’t require much in the way of product or tools. “It’s best worn textured,” says Bridger. “Spray some volume mist into dry hair to bring out the texture of the cut, using a finishing cream to define pieces. Wear it with a side-parting, flicked over to one side.”

Bridger’s favourite versions of the romcom bob were worn by Winona Ryder and Christy Turlington in the 90s. She also advises looking to Hailey Bieber and Kaia Gerber for more recent takes on the haircut. 

Looking for more inspiration to take to the salon chair? We’ve rounded up some of our favourite interpretations of the romcom bob below…

Images: Getty