As I'm sure we're all aware, the bob haircut is nothing new; its uber-short style has been around since the dawn of time (read: Adam and Eve probably rocked the shoulder-length 'do at one point). Though, having said that, one celebrity who knows how to 'add a little bit of spice' to the look is none other than superstar actor, Zendaya. Enter: the inverted teacup cut...
From cropped honey blonde curls to a 1950s Old Hollywood cut, it's safe to say that Zendaya has dabbled in periodical bobs. And her most recent look is no exception. Coming to us via an Instagram ad for Smart Water, Z is sporting a brunette flicky take on the world-renowned style.
See all that we're describing in the below video reel post:
And just for good measure, you can examine every detail of her strands with the following snaps:
As shown, the root and body of Zendaya's locks have been slicked back with a disguised parting. But adding said va va voom to the bob, her hairstylist (who is yet to be named) has curled the ends of her tresses upwards. This shape is where the looks namesake originates. I mean, it really does look like an inverted teacup, no?!
Not only is this style one that we 90s folk wore back in the day (an era for the books) but it's also a 21st-century, contemporary look.
Everyone's clicking on...
After all, if it's good enough for Zendaya, it's certainly good enough for us. The hairstyle of summer 2023, perhaps?
Follow Lia on Instagram.
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 She is passionate about challenging outdated beauty stereotypes, championing inclusive representation in beauty, and educating readers on the trends, products and conversations shaping the industry today.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.
