Jennifer Aniston, after having the same style for a long time, received a makeover haircut in 2011. The cut was new for her, but it wasn't the first time we've seen this kind of bob. Indeed, it's perhaps the easiest mid-length bob for hairdressers to cut and their clients to style; and thus it is arguably the most prolific medium bob in hairdressing history. Furthermore, while it's difficult to recall Jennifer previously getting this exact clip following a trip to the salon, you may have seen her with it previously when she was "between styles"; i.e., after she let her short bob (2001) grow out into her favorite long hairstyle. This latest one completes the bob trilogy (short, medium, and long).
The front doesn't show the hair highlights but you can see all the fabulous colors from the side. Her streaks are usually narrow bands at the front, but this beauty has a wide swath of blonde until about half-way back, and then the contrast. The haircolor is the most creative aspect of the 'do, and got a rave review from an online beauty editor.
The Reviews Are In
The Daily Mail readers had plenty to say, offering over 300 comments. The top-rated opinion was written by a woman in Canada; over 1,000 people agreed with her. "This isn't a new hairstyle," she said. "It's the same style she has had for years, but a little shorter. She basically just trimmed her hair."
When Jen does anything with her hair people take notice. A trim makes headlines just like a major makeover. But the consensus comment was an exaggeration; it was actually more than a little update. When you compare before and after pictures, you'll see that the difference is more than a few inches -- it's more like six to eight! The texture, however, is still straight and even more straight than it was.
Why Did She Get Another Bob?
Although it was not a big surprise that she got a new haircut, because she had not had one for ages, it was surprising that she chose a bob. The last time she had bobbed hair (2001?), she quickly became unhappy with it. So why would she expect one almost identical in shape and only slightly longer to make her feel differently?
The gossip is that she quickly disliked the new blunt bob, too, complaining it makes her look like a "dowdy soccer mom" and older. Well, that's a rather harsh self-assessment if it is indeed her view. But she also trashed The Rachel, too! It is fair to say her hairstyles are better than her opinions. She tends to be too critical of herself. (How often do you hear any celebrities making such extreme negative public comments about their personal appearance?)
Was she just following hair fashion? You know how women do that and make choices based on fads and not what they really like, necessarily, nor what flatters them best. Bobs are trendy, and there may indeed be a shift from the shorter types, but this exact kind was not "in vogue" just before Jennifer got it. Besides, she is used to setting trends, not following them. Will this cut become big? Possibly, but probably not, simply because it's not a big enough change to inspire the masses. It will be copied, but not nearly to the extent of her epic coif.
The Hairdresser Explains
Jen's stylist, Chris McMillan, said she got the new style in general because they felt it was time for a change, but also the particular choice, because she didn't want to look like one of the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. They are apparently known for their long, layered hairstyles. They were correct on the former point, but misguided on the second. You should get a style because of who you are, not to differentiate yourself from other people. Nobody was mistaking her for a Real Housewife, nor accusing her of copying them. He wanted to go in a different direction, but, seriously, why wouldn't he want to try something much more creative? This "new" thing is much more "done" than the RH cuts; it's hairdressing 101. When Victoria Beckham's stylist went to work on her, he came up with something we'd never seen before.
High Ratings
Despite the comments and criticisms, many women have rated Jen's '11 cut as a five-star style, according to one online poll. (Many voters also gave it one star.) As long as you like bobs, you might want to consider the same look for yourself. It's virtually a wash-and-go design. The weaknesses, if there are any, are shape and texture. It doesn't score as highly as The Rachel, which had all those lovely features, but it will appeal to most ladies who need an easy, low-maintenance affair that is fresh, neat, and suits every work place and occasion.
