The American model and entrepreneur leapt to popularity following her ultra-chic French Riviera wedding in 2023, where she wore her signature minimalist bun, anchoring a trailing veil.
The way she now styles her long blonde tresses – generally in classic, polished waves – has become the epitome of ‘quiet luxury,’ and thousands clamor over her regular social media posts about her beauty routine.
So we have to think Richie knew exactly what she was doing, capturing a big hair transformation during a summer holiday back in the South of France.
One of the most intriguing elements may just be that the daughter of Lionel Richie has a professional hairdresser at her beck-and-call during a vacation, but perhaps the clue is in the fact she is staying at the exclusive Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Antibes, France? We digress.
The big moment happened when she sat down in front of a camera and captured a (slightly chaotic) clip of London-based hairstylist George Curran transforming her long, but admittedly damaged, locks into an elegant, airy bob (below).
What to call this short and swishy style, created with a voluminous blow dry that gives the chin-length, middle parted style bounce and movement?
A “French bob,” she wrote underneath its reveal on her Instagram. In the video she also called the softer style a ‘Du Cap Bob,’ in reference to the sunny location.
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Speaking with Vogue, celebrity stylist Curran revealed it wasn’t a spur of the moment decision for Richie, through the exact length was decided on the day. “We had spoken a little bit about references before and she had sent me a few pictures – the ‘old money’ longer bob, with a few layers around the face,” he said. Ultimately she settled on a slightly shorter look.
The shape helps accentuate Richie’s blonde highlights, particularly the face-framing lighter front sections mixed with deeper roots and low-lights. The combination is the perfect stylish cut for a summer holiday, but also works perfectly year round. So we’re picking the look will be far-reaching in terms of what the rest of us are asking for in the salon chair.
Equally encouraging, the response from Richie’s husband Elliot, father of her 1-year-old daughter Eloise. “Oh my God, Sofia it looks amazing,” he exclaimed as the look was finished.
Of course, variations on the bob have been massive for the past couple of years, but with this desirable look landing on our social media? We see no signs of the bob haircut falling from favour any time soon.
One final warning perhaps for those considering a chop? Richie herself says a previous version didn’t go well as she didn’t put in any effort with the cut.
“Last time I had a bob, I was a crazy teenager, and I didn’t style it – not one day – and I looked insane,” she revealed.
To get the look, try styling hair by applying a volumising root spray or blow-dry cream, then blow-drying while manipulating the length with a round brush, or use a hot brush styler.
Try these: ghd Duet Blowdry Hair Dryer Brush; Color Wow Raise The Root Thicken and Lift Spray; Living Proof Full Dry Volume + Texture Spray; Remington Botanicals Hairdryer
