Jenna Bush Hager's New Bob Haircut: Live TV Transformation Inspired by Leslie Bibb
The morning TV world got a major shake-up when Jenna Bush Hager revealed her brand-new bob haircut live on television. But this wasn't just any ordinary makeover – the Today show host's dramatic transformation was directly inspired by actress Leslie Bibb's viral haircut from HBO's hit series The White Lotus. Here's everything you need to know about this celebrity hair moment that's got everyone talking.
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jenna bush hager bob haircut credit: Craig Barritt/Getty; NBC |
The Big Reveal: Jenna's Live TV Hair Transformation
On Tuesday, June 17, 2025, during Today with Jenna & Friends, Bush Hager, 43, walked onto the stage sporting her fresh new look alongside guest co-host Leslie Bibb herself. The timing couldn't have been more perfect – or more awkward, as Bush Hager herself admitted.
"I feel a little... You know that '90s movie Single
White Female, where you try to copy somebody to such an extent?" Bush
Hager confessed during the show. "You made this haircut so famous, and
then I used your hairstylist, who is a star, to get the exact same haircut, and
I'm feeling a little strange."
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Jenna Bush Hager and Leslie Bibb. Credit: NBC |
The transformation was actually filmed during the previous day's episode on June 16, when celebrity hairstylist Chris McMillan – the legendary stylist behind Jennifer Aniston's iconic "Rachel" cut – performed the dramatic chop live on air. However, they saved the big reveal for the following day's show, creating maximum anticipation among viewers.
The Leslie Bibb Connection: Why This Bob Went Viral
Leslie Bibb's bob from The White Lotus Season 3 has
become nothing short of a cultural phenomenon. The hairstyle, which Bibb
playfully nicknamed the "cunty little bob" in a viral Instagram
video, has inspired countless viewers to chop their own hair. What makes this
cut so special? It's the perfect blend of edgy and sophisticated – a
chin-length, blunt bob that exudes confidence and modern chic.
The connection runs deeper than just aesthetics: Chris
McMillan, the celebrity stylist behind both Bibb's viral look and Bush Hager's
new cut, is also the creative genius who gave us "The Rachel" haircut
from Friends. This creates a fascinating through-line of iconic TV
hairstyles that have shaped pop culture.
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| Jenna Bush Hager credit: NBC |
During the June 16 episode, McMillan explained the organic
nature of Bibb's viral moment: "I didn't expect it [to go viral] because
it was just a grow out of a short haircut. The intention wasn't to give her a
bob, it was to grow her out into a bob."
Family Reactions: Mixed Reviews at Home
While Bush Hager's TV colleagues and fans praised her bold
new look, the reception at home was decidedly mixed. The mom of three shared a
hilarious video of herself revealing the new haircut to her children, whose
reactions ranged from lukewarm to theatrical disapproval.
"One of her daughters even ran off pretending to
cry," Bush Hager revealed, adding with a laugh that this dramatic response
was "our love language." However, she found support from an
unexpected source – her husband, Henry Hager.
"The best thing is my husband did like it. He was like,
'Damn, that's hot,'" Bush Hager shared. "Which was sweet." When
one of their daughters criticized the new look, Henry even jumped to his wife's
defense, reportedly saying, "She don't know fashion."
The 2025 Bob Revolution: Why Short Hair Is Having a Moment
Bush Hager's transformation comes at the perfect time, as
2025 has been dubbed the year of the bob by hairstylists worldwide. The Italian
bob, characterized by rounded, face-framing cuts roughly around the chin with
chunky, blunt ends and minimal layers, is poised for a 2025 takeover.
Top Bob Trends Dominating 2025:
The Italian Bob: This mid-length, slightly longer variation exudes natural
elegance and remains a firm favorite, continuing its reign as the effortlessly
chic alternative to sharper, more sculpted cuts.
Ultra-Short Bobs: Minimal length with maximum impact, these cuts are cropped
just below the ears or slightly above the jawline, perfect for anyone ready to
make a bold, low-maintenance style statement.
Blunt Bobs: Celebrity hairstylist Angela Calisti predicts that
"chic, blunt straight bobs with minimal layers for a sleek look" will
have a big moment this year.
The Draped Bob: This laid-back cut looks great on all hair types and has
been officially dubbed the It-Girl haircut of summer 2025.
Celebrity Hairstylist Chris McMillan: The Master Behind the Magic
Chris McMillan isn't just any hairstylist – he's a legend in
the industry. Known for creating some of the most iconic hairstyles in
television history, McMillan brings decades of experience to every cut. His
approach to Bush Hager's transformation was both professional and personalized.
"When I was here back in March, Jenna vowed to get on
board with the bob, and today is the day," Bibb told the audience during
the June 16 episode, showing that this transformation had been months in the
making.
McMillan's philosophy centers on creating cuts that enhance
natural beauty while making a statement. His work on both Bibb's White Lotus
look and Bush Hager's new style demonstrates his ability to create cuts that
become cultural moments.
How to Get Jenna's Look: Styling Tips and Maintenance
If you're inspired by Bush Hager's dramatic transformation,
here's what you need to know about achieving and maintaining this look:
The Cut:
- Length: Chin-length with subtle
variations based on face shape
- Style: Blunt cut with minimal layers
- Texture: Clean lines with slightly
rounded edges for softness
Styling Tips:
1. Use a round brush while blow-drying to create that
perfect curve under
2. Apply texturizing spray for added volume and movement
3. Finish with a light-hold hairspray to maintain the shape without
stiffness
4. Consider your face shape – this cut works particularly well
on oval and heart-shaped faces
Maintenance:
- Schedule
trims every 6-8 weeks to maintain the sharp lines
- Invest
in quality hair products designed for short hair
- Use
heat protectant when styling to prevent damage
The Psychology of a Hair Transformation
Bush Hager's openness about feeling "a little
embarrassed by the attention" reveals something deeper about major hair
changes. As she put it, "I felt lighter. There's a lot of change
happening, and I feel a little embarrassed by the attention."
Leslie Bibb's response was particularly insightful:
"You're displaying vulnerability, which is powerful." This exchange
highlights how hair transformations often represent more than just aesthetic
changes – they can symbolize personal growth, new chapters, and the courage to
step outside comfort zones.
The Power of Live TV Makeovers
Bush Hager's decision to cut her hair live on television
continues a tradition of memorable TV makeover moments. This isn't her first
hair adventure on air either. In 2020, during the early days of the pandemic,
she invited celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton on for a Zoom lesson on
temporary root cover-ups when salons were closed.
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| Jenna Bush Hager on 'Today.' Credit:NBC |
The live format adds an element of authenticity and
vulnerability that viewers connect with. It's real, unscripted, and shows
celebrities experiencing the same nervousness and excitement about major
changes that regular people feel.
Social Media Reaction and Cultural Impact
The transformation has sparked widespread discussion across
social media platforms, with viewers praising Bush Hager's boldness and sharing
their own bob inspiration photos. The hashtag #JennaBob has started trending,
with fans posting their own Leslie Bibb-inspired transformations.
This viral moment demonstrates the continued power of
television to influence beauty trends and the interconnected nature of pop
culture, where a haircut from an HBO series can inspire a morning show host's
transformation that then influences viewers worldwide.
Expert Opinion: Why This Cut Works
Professional hairstylists have weighed in on why Bush Hager's
new look is so successful:
1. Face-flattering proportions: The chin-length cut enhances her
facial features
2. Professional versatility: The style works for both casual and
formal settings
3. Age-appropriate boldness: The cut is edgy without being too
extreme for her lifestyle
4. Easy maintenance: Perfect for her busy schedule as a
working mom
The Future of Celebrity Hair Influence
Bush Hager's transformation represents a broader trend of
celebrities using their platforms to experiment with beauty looks inspired by
fictional characters. This cross-pollination between scripted entertainment and
real-life style choices shows how modern audiences engage with media.
As The White Lotus continues to influence fashion and
beauty trends, we can expect to see more celebrities and everyday people
drawing inspiration from the show's distinctive aesthetic choices.
Conclusion: More Than Just a Haircut
Jenna Bush Hager's bob transformation is more than just a
celebrity makeover – it's a cultural moment that connects television, beauty
trends, and personal courage. By drawing inspiration from Leslie Bibb's viral White
Lotus look and executing the change live on television, Bush Hager has
created a memorable moment that resonates with viewers facing their own
transformation decisions.
Whether you're considering your own dramatic chop or simply
enjoying the spectacle of celebrity style evolution, Bush Hager's journey from
long blonde locks to a chic bob proves that sometimes the best changes happen
when we're brave enough to step outside our comfort zones – even if it means
looking a little like that person whose style we secretly admire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What inspired Jenna Bush Hager's new haircut?
A: Leslie Bibb's viral bob from The White Lotus Season 3
inspired the transformation.
Q: Who cut Jenna's hair?
A: Celebrity hairstylist Chris McMillan, famous for creating
"The Rachel" haircut.
Q: How long is Jenna's new bob?
A: Chin-length, ending right at the shoulders in an A-line
style.
Q: What did her family think?
A: Mixed reactions from kids, but her husband loved it,
calling it "hot."
Q: How often does this cut need maintenance?
A: Professional trims every 6-8 weeks to maintain the sharp lines.
