This Long-Layered Haircut Is Replacing the Bob for Summer

This summer, I’ve had the joy of staring at strangers in three of the most fashionable cities in the world: New York, London, and Paris. People-watching is half the fun of traveling to these hot spots. Everyone’s stylish, but in an understated way. I could sit in cafés and take notes on everyone for hours. While I could gawk at all the Hermès bags in Paris, weather-appropriate trench coats in London, and sneakers in NYC, I find myself most often mesmerized by the chic haircuts. Everyone always looks so cool; no one ever seems like they’re trying too hard.

While I always see a lot of the same—French bobs, smooth blowouts, and slicked-back buns—there was one cut I saw in all three places that really surprised me. I’ve deemed it The Dakota, a nod to Dakota Johnson’s signature full bangs and long layers. This look is everywhere: in ultra-long lengths, pulled back into a low pony, plaited into pigtail braids, cropped at a more midi length, and even with a slight shaggy texture for more movement.

After seasons of cropped bobs, length feels exciting. Don’t get me wrong, the bob isn’t going anywhere. But if you haven’t been willing to cut all your hard work off, this style is great for adding dimension. There’s also a tousled, effortless vibe to it that speaks to the boho trend across major fashion houses like Chloé and Saint Laurent. It feels perfectly summery.

From expert techniques to endless inspiration, everything you need to master the cut starts here.

About the Dakota Cut

Dakota’s hallmark cut is one of the most-requested styles (as evidenced by her winding up in dozens of Cosmo haircut inspo stories). The cornerstone of the entire look is her bangs, a brow-skimming fringe with a slight natural part in the center. I’d still categorize her bangs as full, not curtain, although she has the ability to push them to the sides if she wants. This brings so much versatility to them and makes styling them so much easier (I used her bangs as inspo at my last cut, for reference). Her bangs are flanked by soft face-framing pieces that blend beautifully into long layers throughout her whole head. It adds movement without taking away from density.

When I reached out to NYC-based hairstylist Marc Ballance to get his thoughts on the cut I’ve been noticing everywhere, he agreed. “I do think we’re seeing a shift back towards longer, healthier-looking hair,” he explains. “People are asking for fuller, denser shapes with a strong blunt end that makes the hair instantly look thicker.”

He’s a big fan too. “These haircuts work well because they give the illusion of healthy, expensive-looking hair, while the bangs frame the facial features,” he says.

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How to get the Dakota cut

Obviously, there’s some hair growth required here (unless you’re also getting hair extensions). But don’t be too hung up on having waist-length hair to get a similar look. A midi cut with bangs looks just as chic, IMO.

“Ask for a long, heavier shape that keeps as much density through the ends as possible,” says Ballance. “If you want movement, keep the layering long and subtle.” And of course, you’re gonna want to ask for some bangs if you don’t already have them. Don’t be scared if it’s your first time. Just “ask your stylist to tailor it to your face shape and lifestyle rather than copying someone else’s exactly,” Ballance notes.

Speaking of, your best bet is bringing inspo pics to your appointment, he says. Which brings us to...

“The Dakota” haircut inspo