Like most of the chronically online community, Kim Kardashian has clearly been mining her own archive for inspiration. Seen on the 2026 Oscars Vanity Fair party red carpet last night, the Skims founder channeled her 2016 self with a tousled, shoulder-skimming bob styled by Mustafa Yanaz, plus lashings of black eyeliner, matte bronzer, and a cool-toned nude lip. Wearing a glittering Gucci gown, Kardashian also popped in a pair of colored contact lenses for good, nostalgic measure.
Kardashian’s “clavi-cut”—a bob that finishes at the clavicle—is a flattering choice for all face shapes, explains hairstylist David Lorente. The invisible layers create the illusion of healthy fullness, while the semi-blunt, feathered ends add an undone, effortless quality. It’s reminiscent, Lorente says, of Kurt Cobain’s ’90s cut, and highly adaptable. The volume of layers you choose or where you prefer to part it can dramatically alter the effect. For example, Kardashian chose a swept-over, messy style, with fluffy flyaways, and a deep side parting.
The next best thing about the clavi-cut, Lorente explains, is that it suits people of all ages. “We’ve never stopped doing this cut because it’s the perfect middle ground between longer and short hair,” hairstylist and founder of Salon Cheska, María Baras, explains.
Because the main characteristic of a clavi-cut is the length, there’s so much room to play with how to make the style your own. Hailey Bieber prefers a sharp center parting with beachy, loose waves throughout the body, while Pamela Anderson likes flicky ends and super shaggy layers. Recently spotted at Paris Fashion Week, Demi Moore chose an ultra-wet look, while Selena Gomez has been known to keep her clavi cut pin-straight and sleek.
Aside from Kim Kardashian’s clavi cut, what say the bobs and chops of 2026 so far? Plenty. From textured cuts to bixies a la Zendaya and Gracie Abrams, to Olandria’s micro-bob: there’s certainly much to play with. Expect more twists on the short style to come.
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