On June 16, 2025, the Today with Jenna & Friends stage became the epicenter of a hair revolution. Jenna Bush Hager, the effervescent co-host known for her relatable charm and shoulder-length blonde locks, took a daring leap by getting a bob haircut live on air. This wasn’t just any haircut—it was a Leslie Bibb-inspired blunt bob, crafted by celebrity hairstylist Chris McMillan, the mastermind behind iconic styles like Jennifer Aniston’s “The Rachel.” The transformation, revealed in full on June 17, sparked a frenzy online, with fans and beauty enthusiasts alike buzzing about the chic, modern look. In this article, we dive deep into the cultural impact of Jenna’s new bob, the artistry behind the cut, and why this moment is a masterclass in personal reinvention. Whether you’re a beauty junkie, a Today show fan, or simply curious about the bob haircut trend sweeping 2025, this review will unpack every angle of this viral moment.
The Build-Up: A Promise Made in March
The seeds for Jenna’s dramatic transformation were planted months earlier, in March 2025, when actress Leslie Bibb appeared on Today with Jenna & Friends to discuss her role in Season 3 of The White Lotus. Bibb’s character, Kate Bohr, sported a blunt, chin-length bob that became a cultural phenomenon, dubbed the “c*nty little bob” by fans and Bibb’s co-star Aimee Lou Wood. The hairstyle, created by Chris McMillan, wasn’t just a look—it was a statement, radiating confidence and edge. During that March episode, Jenna expressed her admiration for the style, vowing to join the bob club. “When I was here back in March, Jenna vowed to get on board with the bob, and today is the day!” Bibb exclaimed on June 16, setting the stage for the live haircut. This backstory added an element of anticipation, making the event feel like a promise fulfilled rather than a spontaneous whim. For viewers, it was a reminder that reinvention often starts with inspiration—and a little courage.
The Live Haircut: Drama, Nerves, and Support
The June 16 episode of Today with Jenna & Friends was electric with nervous energy. Jenna, 43, sat in a salon chair in Studio 1A, her blonde tresses cascading past her shoulders. As Chris McMillan draped a salon cape over her, she laughed, spotting onlookers outside the studio shaking their heads. “Oh my gosh, they’re telling me not to do it!” she quipped, her trademark humor masking her nerves. Leslie Bibb, serving as guest co-host, was a cheerleader extraordinaire, gushing, “You’re such a badass, you’re so cool!” Her enthusiasm was infectious, creating a supportive atmosphere that made the moment feel like a shared adventure.
McMillan, a hairstyling legend whose clients include Mariska Hargitay and Gigi Hadid, approached the cut with precision and philosophy. “Bobs are like spring cleaning,” he told Jenna as he snipped away. “There’s sometimes some bad damage, bad layers. It sort of evens it up.” Starting at the nape, he chopped several inches, prompting Jenna to exclaim, “Whoa, that’s so short!” McMillan reassured her that the back is always the shortest part of a bob, promising a versatile, modern look. The live segment ended before the cut was complete, leaving viewers in suspense—a brilliant cliffhanger that ensured they’d tune in the next day for the reveal. This strategic pacing turned a simple haircut into a two-day event, amplifying its impact and keeping social media abuzz.
The Big Reveal: A Modern Bob Steals the Show
On June 17, Jenna strode onto the Today set alongside Bibb, debuting her sleek, A-line bob. The cut, slightly longer than Bibb’s chin-length version, grazed just above Jenna’s shoulders, framing her face with a soft, voluminous bounce. The light blonde hue, enhanced by the fresh cut, appeared brighter and more vibrant, proving McMillan’s point that a bob can elevate hair color. Dressed in a sleeveless blue plaid skirt set, Jenna radiated confidence, though she admitted to feeling a bit self-conscious. “I feel a little… You know that ’90s movie Single White Female, where you try to copy somebody to such an extent?” she joked, referencing her emulation of Bibb’s style. Bibb’s response was pure empowerment: “You don’t look strange. You look sexy and powerful and glamorous.”
The reveal wasn’t just a personal triumph for Jenna—it was a cultural moment. Posts on X lit up with reactions, from @JustJared’s “Jenna Bush Hager was given an on-air makeover by an iconic celebrity hairstylist” to @enews proclaiming, “Jenna Bush Hager proves it’s a bob girl summer.” The Today show’s Instagram captioned a video of the reveal with “WE LOVEEEE THE BOB,” capturing the collective excitement. The bob’s clean lines and modern flair made it instantly aspirational, inspiring viewers to book salon appointments and share their own bob transformations online. As Glamour noted, “Jenna Bush Hager, we’re taking notes and bringing photos of your new bob to our next haircut appointment!”
The Artistry of Chris McMillan: Crafting an Iconic Bob
At the heart of this transformation was Chris McMillan, whose reputation as a hairstyling visionary was cemented by his work on Friends and The White Lotus. McMillan’s approach to Jenna’s bob was both technical and intuitive. He considered her face shape, noting similarities to Jennifer Aniston’s: “Jenna has a lot of face from here to here,” he said, gesturing to the jawline, “and a small forehead.” This analysis informed his decision to create an A-line bob—shorter at the back, longer in the front—to accentuate her features. He also emphasized versatility, explaining that the style could be worn slicked behind the ears, natural, or wavy, offering endless styling options.
McMillan’s philosophy on bobs is refreshingly practical. He warned that hair cut longer than the shoulders risks flipping outward, a dated look he avoided by keeping Jenna’s bob above the shoulder line. “I love a little flick, not a flip,” he said, ensuring a subtle, sophisticated movement. His attention to detail extended to maintenance, designing a low-effort cut that suits Jenna’s busy life as a mom of three and TV host. As he told Today.com, “Jenna knew she wanted a bob, inspired by Bibb’s viral style, and I tried to keep it a little more modern and sexy.” The result was a masterclass in balance: bold yet wearable, trendy yet timeless.
Reactions: Family, Fans, and the Viral Ripple Effect
Jenna’s new bob wasn’t universally embraced—at least not by her three children, Mila (13), Poppy (9), and Hal (5). In a hilarious video shared on the June 17 episode, her kids reacted with mock horror, screaming and running away when she debuted the look at home. “Why would you do that?” Poppy shrieked, while Mila declared, “I don’t like it.” Jenna took it in stride, joking that fake crying is “our love language.” Her husband, Henry Hager, was far more enthusiastic, telling her, “D---, that’s hot,” a compliment that clearly boosted her confidence. These candid family reactions humanized the moment, making Jenna’s transformation relatable to viewers navigating their own style changes.
The public’s response was overwhelmingly positive. The bob’s viral status was fueled by its connection to The White Lotus, a show known for setting trends. Leslie Bibb’s original bob had already inspired countless copycats, and Jenna’s adoption of the style amplified its reach. Vulture called it “Schrödinger’s bob” for the 24-hour suspense between the cut and reveal, while InStyle praised its “collarbone-length softness” compared to Bibb’s blunter version. The haircut also sparked broader conversations about the bob’s resurgence in 2025, with celebrities like Kylie Jenner and Gypsy Rose Blanchard embracing similar styles. As The Cut put it, “Leslie Bibb’s ‘cunty little bob’ should be studied in schools,” underscoring its cultural weight.
Why the Bob Matters: A Symbol of Reinvention
Jenna Bush Hager’s bob haircut is more than a beauty trend—it’s a narrative of personal growth and fearless change. At 43, Jenna chose to reinvent herself on a public stage, embracing a style that symbolizes confidence and modernity. The bob, with its clean lines and bold silhouette, has long been a go-to for women seeking a fresh start, from Flapper-era icons to modern stars like Charlize Theron. McMillan’s “spring cleaning” analogy resonates here: a bob strips away excess, revealing a stronger, more defined version of oneself.
For bloggers and content creators, this moment offers valuable lessons. The viral nature of Jenna’s transformation highlights the power of storytelling in beauty content. By weaving together anticipation, expert craftsmanship, and personal vulnerability, Today turned a haircut into an event that captivated millions. Incorporating quotes from key players—Jenna’s nervous quips, Bibb’s enthusiastic support, McMillan’s technical insights—adds authenticity and depth to the narrative. For Google AdSense approval, this type of high-quality, engaging content is gold: it’s informative, emotionally resonant, and optimized for reader retention.
Final Thoughts: A Bob for the Ages
Jenna Bush Hager’s live bob haircut on Today with Jenna & Friends was a masterfully executed moment that blended entertainment, beauty, and personal transformation. With Leslie Bibb’s viral White Lotus bob as inspiration and Chris McMillan’s expert hands at work, Jenna’s new look became a cultural touchstone, sparking conversations about style, confidence, and reinvention. The bob’s clean, modern aesthetic, paired with its low-maintenance versatility, makes it a trend to watch in 2025. Whether you’re inspired to book a salon appointment or simply admire Jenna’s boldness, one thing is clear: this bob is here to stay.
Sources: People.com, Today.com, InStyle.com, Vulture.com, Glamour.com, NBC.com, posts on X