Amal Clooney, the renowned human rights lawyer and fashion icon, has introduced a fresh hairstyle that's generating buzz across the beauty world. At the Cartier Women's Initiative event in Bangkok, Thailand, Clooney debuted what her longtime hairstylist Dimitris Giannetos has dubbed the "bell-bottom haircut" — a 1970s-inspired style that's equal parts nostalgic and contemporary. But what exactly is this haircut, and could it work for you?
The Bell Bottom Haircut: A 70s Revival With Modern Elegance
Just as bell-bottom jeans defined an era of fashion with their fitted hips that flare dramatically at the bottom, the bell-bottom haircut follows a similar silhouette. The style features hair that is cut straight and sleek at the top, close to the head, before gradually expanding with rounded volume at the ends. It's a geometric, one-length cut that creates a striking visual shape.
Giannetos, who has been styling Clooney's hair for years, revealed on Instagram that he drew inspiration from her outfit — a tiered, geometric lilac Prada dress with a sleek, rounded neckline. "Since her dress is geometrical, I wanted her hair to have a '70s flair!" he wrote. "I gave her the 'bell-bottom haircut' before I styled it in a soft, bouncy blowout."
According to Vogue, the haircut is characterized by its blunt edges and lack of layers, offering a subtle bounce while effectively framing the face. The style marries bohemian charm with refinement, making it suitable for both formal events and everyday wear. Giannetos paired the cut with a retro side part, combining multiple nostalgic hair eras into one cohesive look.
How the Bell Bottom Haircut Is Different From Other Bobs
The bell bottom haircut is part of a broader trend that hair trend forecaster Tom Smith has been tracking. Writing for ELLE, Smith explained that while many bob variations have emerged recently — from the hydro bob to the blunt bob 2.0 — the bell-bottom bob stands apart because of its distinctive silhouette. "This new cut has minimal layers; it's flipped out at the ends and can be styled with or without bangs," Smith said. "It's cut either with perfect precision or a more undone texture and is slim to the head near the parting before flaring out with volume at the ends."
The key difference from a standard blunt bob or a classic long bob is the intentional flare at the ends. While traditional bobs often feature inward curls or straight blunt lines, the bell-bottom look deliberately exaggerates outward volume at the bottom, creating that unmistakable bell shape. The style can work on various lengths, from a shorter bob to longer, shoulder-grazing cuts like Clooney's.
Celebrities including Hailey Bieber, Daisy Ridley, and Anok Yai have all been spotted wearing variations of the flicked-out bell-bottom bob, proving its versatility across different face shapes and personal styles.
How to Style the Bell Bottom Haircut
If you're considering the bell-bottom look, there are several styling techniques to achieve the signature shape. According to Giannetos, the cut itself is essential — he advises asking your stylist for a blunt cut without layers. If you already have layers, they can be cleverly integrated or concealed with tape-in extensions to achieve the desired blunt finish.
To style the look at home, follow these steps recommended by professional hairstylists:
1. Start with a heat protectant. Giannetos applied L'Oreal Paris EverPure Sulfate Free Iron Sleek Shield to combat Bangkok's humid climate and protect Clooney's hair from heat damage.
2. Blow-dry with a round brush. Using a small round brush, direct the hair upward and outward at the ends to create that signature flick. The key is drying the hair from underneath to build volume at the bottom.
3. Set with pins. After blow-drying, Giannetos secured the curls with pins until they cooled — a classic technique that enhances style longevity and creates lasting bounce.
4. Use a curling iron or hot air brush. For extra definition, you can use a curling iron or a wide-bristle hot-air brush to flick the ends outward. The BaByliss Air Wand is recommended by stylists for creating this shape.
5. Finish with a side part. The look is completed with a deep side part, which adds to the retro 1970s feel and helps frame the face.
Who Does the Bell Bottom Haircut Suit Best?
According to Giannetos, the bell bottom haircut is particularly flattering for individuals with V-shaped facial structures, as the wider ends help balance a narrower chin. However, the style's versatility means it can be adapted for different face shapes by adjusting the length and the degree of flare at the ends.
The cut works well for those with straight to wavy hair textures, as the blunt edges and outward flick are easier to achieve and maintain on hair that isn't overly curly. That said, with the right styling products and techniques, the look can be adapted for curlier textures as well.
One of the most appealing aspects of this haircut is its low-maintenance nature. "Polished yet minimal due to its one-length cut and simple face-framing layers, Clooney's hair refresh is a nod to quiet luxury," noted Grazia Daily in their coverage of the new style. The blunt cut means fewer salon visits for trims compared to layered cuts, and the styling technique — once mastered — can be done quickly at home.
Why the Bell Bottom Trend Is Taking Off
The resurgence of the bell-bottom haircut coincides with a broader cultural revival of 1970s aesthetics. From fashion runways to interior design, the decade's characteristic shapes and silhouettes have been making a steady comeback. The bell-bottom bob specifically has been gaining momentum since early 2024, with hairstylists like Anthony Nader telling Refinery29 that the trend is about "intentionally exaggerating that flicky look."
What makes Clooney's adoption of the style particularly impactful is her status as a style icon whose choices often influence mainstream beauty trends. Her hairstylist noted that he wanted to "complete the look on her hair with something timeless, chic — but, at the same time, make it bold." The result is a haircut that feels both fresh and familiar, retro yet thoroughly modern.
Key Takeaways
The bell-bottom haircut is a 1970s-inspired style featuring sleek, straight hair at the top that flares out with rounded volume at the ends, resembling the silhouette of bell-bottom jeans. It's characterized by a blunt, one-length cut without layers, a deep side part, and soft outward flicks at the ends. The style works particularly well for V-shaped face shapes and can be adapted to various hair lengths. With simple styling techniques involving a round brush and heat protectant, it's a relatively low-maintenance look that offers a polished, elegant appearance perfect for summer.
