Shags, Bobs, and Layers: Meet the Modern ‘Bombshell Hair’ Looks

Shags, Bobs, and Layers: Meet the Modern ‘Bombshell Hair’ Looks

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The bombshell blowout is back with a vengeance. This time, it’s raw, rebellious, and as messy as ever

Is there anything sexier than the bouncy, disheveled waves of a Victoria’s Secret model? It’s a no in the 2010s, but a yes today. Stiff, magazine-ready hair is officially out because the modern bombshell knows it’s not about every curl in place, but something more effortless and in tune with the rhythm of a woman’s day. It’s fresh, forgiving, and the hair trend to try this year. 

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The traditional bombshell was a true icon. One look at Josephine Skriver on the Victoria’s Secret runway and we were all rushing for our curling irons. The waves were breathtaking, but they all seemed to follow a strict code: endless lengths, highlights, and curls sculpted to the last strand. 

Fast forward to today when the look gets a rebrand. It still has the same bombshell DNA: volume, face-framing layers, and movement that exudes confidence, but a lot more character than control this time around.

Bombshell Shags

Shag Hair Jenna Ortega
Jenna Ortega
Miley Cyrus

The shag is not the first style you think of when you say “bombshell,” but that’s what makes it exciting. Its signature layers channel the classic waves associated with bombshell icons but with an edge. Meticulous curls are replaced with natural movement and unruliness. Layers fall freely, with natural volume from the cut, like the windswept allure of a traditional bombshell but with a bit more grit.

Beauty Tip: Ask for a shaggy haircut at the salon and have a texturizing spray as your best friend.

Airy Layers

Christina Nadin
Bruna Marquezine

Airy layers are longer than those of the shag, and the breezy reinvention of the classic bombshell look. It brings a soft lift to two places—the roots and around the ears—in a way reminiscent of drama but without the weight of perfection. Blown-out or air-dried, it plays with texture rather than taming it, creating an almost ethereal silhouette that moves with you.

Beauty Tip: The Dyson Airwrap paired with a lightweight mousse can add body to your hair without weighing down your strands.

Bombshell Bob

Steph Hui
Sydney Sweeney

Bombshell waves conjure visions of Victoria’s Secret angels or even Margot Robbie in The Wolf of Wall Street, but who’s to say short hair can’t do the same? Instead of cascading curls, you get lifted roots, tousled hair, and all-around bounce. The bob is a lot shorter in length but keeps the boldness, maintaining that same head-turning volume that a bombshell is known for.

Beauty Tip: Tools like the REVLON One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer are essential to this look, especially when working with straighter hair.

It’s frankly the future of bombshell hair; it’s got enough drama to keep that same spirit alive and well. 


Featured Image and Photos: STEPH HUI, LAUREN IVANA (via Instagram), CHRISTINA NADIN, WIGS AND TEA, SYDNEY FILES (via X), HAIR KEMPT

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