Madelyn Cline Debuts a Fall-Ready Beach Bob—Here’s How to Get the Look

Outer Banks star Madelyn Cline is known in part for her long, summery, sun-kissed blonde hair. In a bold move for fall, she chopped off some length in favor of a low-maintenance bob that her stylist coined the “beach bob.”

We caught up with the celebrity stylist to talk about the haircut, why it’s ideal for the changing seasons, and how it differs from another popular style. He also shares how you can get the look and style it without using any heat (because this cut really is that simple).

What Is the Beach Bob? 

The beach bob is a mid-length lob that takes hair from late summer to early fall. Celebrity hairstylist Marc Mena says the versatile cut has longer layers in the back and several angles and layers in the front to create an effortless yet sophisticated look.

Mena introduces several iconic styles that are fall-ready, so when we saw the stylish shag cut on Madelaine Petsch, we had to know how the two styles differed. “We introduced the ‘midsummer shag’ back in mid-July 2024, which has a lot more layers while keeping the ends lighter,” Mena explains. Despite being similar lengths, the light ends make the shag more suited for summer heat.

“The ‘beach bob’ has a heavier headline, which gives it the bob effect,” says Mena. These weighted layers make the cut ideal for early fall, and as it grows out, Mena and Cline will have endless styling options.

“The haircut and length create the conditions for a seamless transition from summer into fall,” Mena explains. “By the time fall arrives, we’ll have more length to play with, to create ponytails and updos, which are more aligned with the season.”

What to Ask Your Stylist

This beach bob cut is all about angling and layering the hair so it falls bluntly below the shoulder, but not so blunt that it has no movement. “Ask your hairstylist for longer layers in the back with more angles and layers in the front around the clavicle, keeping the hairline blunt throughout,” says Mena. Since the cut is meant to grow into the fall season, upkeep is minimal.

Mena adds that the beach bob is so versatile that you can create several different looks, whether you air dry into beachy waves or intentionally curl for a demure baroque bob effect. To maximize the potential of the cut, make sure your stylist accounts for your hair’s natural texture when dry. The ideal length should consider factors like curl shrinkage.

How to Air Dry and Style a Beach Bob

In the spirit of low maintenance, Mena thinks this cut is the perfect length to air dry quickly, which will greatly minimize hands-on styling time. Here are his steps to take the beach bob from wet to ready without any heat tools.

1. Start by applying a mousse (Mena recommends Maria Nila’s Pure Volume Mousse) on damp hair utilizing a scrunching technique, applying evenly from scalp to ends.
2. Once applied, twist up hair into a topknot using a hair clip to secure to the top of your head.
3. Let the hair set until it’s almost dry.
4. Once 90% dry, release the clip, and let the hair fall down and dry naturally for a perfectly textured, full-bodied beach bob.