Joey King’s Prada Bob Is the Season’s Hottest Haircut

Summer temps have everyone sweating, but you know who remains effortlessly cool? Joey King—and her new cropped ‘do has a lot to do with it. The typically long-haired actress recently sauntered down the red carpet at the La Plus Precieuse des Marchandises premiere with an ultra short haircut that her stylist, Dimitris Giannetos, nicknamed the “Prada Bob.” We’re calling it now: This is officially the “it girl” cut of the season. 

“This haircut is coined the Prada Bob because it represents style and sophistication, and it’s also an Anna Wintour/Devil Wears Prada reference,” says New York City-based celebrity stylist Rick Wellman. “The look is strong, unapologetic, clean, and polished-chic. It’s confident while still being feminine.” 

Editorial hairstylist Zahir Ziani adds that the cut perfectly epitomizes Prada’s aesthetic with its straight, sophisticated, and structured shape. It’s streamlined and understated while still packing a punch. 

What Is the Prada Bob? 

The Prada Bob is a blunt cut (no layers) with crisp, clean lines that rest at or just below the chin. It also has a subtle inward curl that grazes the lower cheeks. Ziani says, “The hair is usually styled straight and sleek, emphasizing the precision of the cut.” If you need another reference point, Anna Wintour is the OG Prada Bob queen; she’s seldom wavered from her signature style. 

Can Anyone Pull Off the Prada Bob?

There are no hard rules when it comes to beauty, so if the Prada Bob is calling your name then go ahead and book that salon appointment. That said, there are a few things you may want to consider in terms of choosing a flattering length and manageability.

“There can be varied lengths for this look—though it should land above the shoulder or you lose the effect—so anyone can actually wear this look varied in length according to face shapes,” Wellman says. “Just be cautious if you have a wide strong jaw to not accentuate it by making the bob in line with a square jaw.” In this case, he recommends going a bit shorter or longer to soften your features. 

As for texture, straight or wavy hair tends to work best with a precision-cut blunt bob like this, especially if you want to wear it sleek and straight like King. 

“Textured hair can be more challenging, as it would require a sleek blow dry to achieve the same look, and possibly a flat iron, as well, “Wellman notes. “The good news is that, if properly blown out, the style could last a few days.” 

How to Style A Prada Bob

When styling at home, apply a smoothing blowout cream, like the Oribe Straight Away Smoothing Blowout Hair Cream $18, Oribe) and blow dry with a round brush. Curl your ends slightly inward as you work. Zahir says you can go back in with a flatiron to straighten and perfect the sleek look. 

“Avoid using volumizing products and instead try sleek, smoothing products,” Wellman advises. “These will create shine and sleekness and still have movement.” On that note, avoid the temptation to go overboard with hairspray since this too much will prevent the soft and natural movement of the Prada Bob. With the right precision haircut, your hair will stay put on its own. 

To combat frizz, use a lightweight serum or finishing spray, such as Alfaparf Milano Semi Di Lino Sublime Cristalli Smoothing Finishing Hair Spray ($28, Amazon). As for upkeep, Ziani says to schedule a trim every six to eight weeks to keep the ends sharp and the style fresh.