I Got a "Cowgirl" Bob Haircut, and the Edgy Style Feels Very Me

I am admittedly someone who changes their hair often and sometimes on a whim. Switching up my hair feels like a fun and easy way to express my personal style and match whatever vibe I've been into lately — usually something edgy. I love having fun with my hair and I'm not particularly attached to it, so big chops and vibrant colors (aka lots of bleach for my naturally dark brown mop) are a regular part of my rotation.

Last year, I experimented with a split-dye mullet, and while I loved the finished product, it was a lot of maintenance, both with daily styling and upkeep in the salon. So, after playing with some bright red and purple, I started letting it grow out and tried to strip my hair back to mostly one color. That's when I found myself with shoulder-length hair and a caramel ombré and I liked it, but I didn't love it. It just felt a little too boring to be me.

Then I saw the picture of Megan Fox's "cowgirl" bob. I was already thinking about bringing my caramel tones to platinum, and this flirty, blunt, textured style felt like the perfect vibe to go with the new color — something that would take it from a haircut to a hairstyle without requiring daily styling.

I took the inspiration picture of Fox to my trusted stylist, Lindsay Yamashita at SB Beaute in Sherman Oaks, California, who I know is familiar with my semi-curly texture and the kind of vibes I like to strive for. I explained that I was feeling bored and wanted to bring some edgy style back to my life — my only request was that I could still put my hair behind my ears. During our consultation, she said some of the examples on Pinterest might end up feeling too front-heavy, but if she aimed for a cut in between square and textured (typical of the cowgirl bob) it should work. For the length, we decided on below the chin but still short enough that there would be a distinction between the ends of my hair and my shoulders.

After the cut, we went in for the color. Then, a couple of hours later, it was finally time to wash, condition, and style. I was obsessed — the final product was exactly what we were hoping for. The platinum color mixed with the effortless style of the cowgirl bob achieved the perfect edgy look for me to feel like myself again. Now, weeks later, I still love it and can confirm it is a very low maintenance style.

One thing to know if you're also going for a cowgirl bob and have thick hair with a wavy or curly texture like mine is in order for this style to fall flat, I also have undercuts on both sides of my head. If I didn't have those, this style would undoubtedly end up looking like a triangle with ends that are much wider than the top. Just work with your stylist to decide what makes the most sense for your hair type.

Jordan Shalhoub (she/they) is the supervising producer for Vox Media's lifetyle group and has been creating content and digital media since 2012. They started their career as a documentary editor and continued to report and create around real stories that impact real people — at the heart of their experience is a love of storytelling. She also brings to her work a personal passion for wellness through a fitness trainer certification, mental health advocacy, and championing LGBTQ+ rights (and joy!).