We all know that the Kardashian-Jenner clan love to share an epic throwback picture or two on Instagram. I mean, the family have practically documented their whole lives with us at this point. Remember Kourtney’s leopard-esque college throwback? Iconic. However, Kim just resurfaced one old photo that had not yet been shared with the world and it’s from way back when the cropped bob was the in cut. Cue the '90s nostalgia…
Picture this: you and your cousins have just finished practicing a new Wannabe Spice Girls dance routine, your Tamagotchi pet just died (again), and brown lipstick, pencil-thin arched eyebrows, and purple shimmer eyeshadow are the go-to beauty looks. Ahhh, the golden era.
But the one hair look that most of us rocked at one point during the decade was the cropped bob, chopped just below the ears (thanks, Drew Barrymore). Think Posh Spice circa 1996 but a good few inches shorter. And of course, like us, Kim Kardashian was no exception to loving the trend.
The reality star shared the throwback hairstyle on her Instagram Stories in honour of her long-time friend Simone Harouche’s birthday. The pair are wearing coordinating blue outfits whilst standing outside a phone box (this was a pre-mobile phone era, people!), but I can’t stop staring at the bob.
Not only does her bob have flipped-out ends, but she is also sporting decorative clips which part the front pieces of hair away from her face. This was a classic trend, which was later transformed into floral or butterfly clips, worn horizontally across the head – another one of the classic looks Kim rocked.
Fast-forward to the 21st century and the cropped bob hasn't gone anywhere – in fact, a modern cool-girl messy waves bob haircut is more popular than ever.
Everyone's clicking on...
So, if you were thinking about growing your hair out for summer, it may be time to reconsider your look and join in on reliving your best 90s life.
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Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK, with over four years of experience reporting across the brand's print, social, video and digital platforms. Lia covers everything from emerging trend analysis to viral celebrity hair and makeup moments, making her an expert at spotting the season’s next big beauty look (before it takes over social media feeds).
In 2025, she was named The Rising Media Star at the Love Perfume Awards with The Perfume Shop, recognised for her outstanding digital fragrance content and for building genuine authority within the space. She is passionate about challenging outdated beauty stereotypes, championing inclusive representation in beauty, and educating readers on the trends, products and conversations shaping the industry today. Follow her on Instagram or find her on LinkedIn.
