There’s a new short haircut making waves, and it’s as sweet and nostalgic as its name suggests. The “Malt Shop” bob is 2025’s latest vintage-inspired hair trend, serving up a mix of retro charm and modern polish.
Think soft, rounded ends, subtle volume, and glossy movement that feels like a nod to the 1950s but styled for today’s cool-girl aesthetic.
The look gets its name from the classic soda shop era, think vintage diners, cherry-topped milkshakes, and swing skirts, where clean, softly sculpted hairstyles reigned supreme. But instead of feeling dated, the modern “Malt Shop” bob updates that old-school energy with effortless sophistication and versatility. It’s polished enough for red carpet moments yet casual enough for everyday wear, making it the go-to short cut for anyone looking to mix elegance with ease.
The shape and the styling
The signature of the “Malt Shop” bob lies in its structure. The cut typically sits between the jawline and shoulders, with gently curved ends that frame the face. Stylists often incorporate layers or undercut shaping to add subtle movement, ensuring the style flatters multiple face shapes and hair textures. A deep side part or soft middle part enhances the vintage feel, while a silky blowout or slight curl at the tips completes the look.
To style at home, a round brush and a bit of heat protection spray go a long way. After blow-drying, a smoothing serum or lightweight shine oil helps achieve that reflective, milkshake-smooth finish the trend is known for.
Why everyone’s talking about it
The “Malt Shop” bob is more than a haircut, it’s a vibe. It channels an era of timeless femininity while celebrating individuality. Celebrities and influencers are embracing the look for its balance between structured glamour and soft playfulness. For Black women in particular, the style’s adaptability is part of its magic, it works beautifully with silk presses, relaxed textures, or textured blowouts, adding a nostalgic yet fashion-forward flair.
Sweet, sleek, and endlessly chic, the “Malt Shop” bob proves that some trends never go out of style, they just get a fresh, glossy twist.
