Introduction

Jenna Bush Hager, co-host of NBC’s “Today with Jenna & Friends,” is no stranger to the spotlight. Known for her warmth, wit, and relatable presence, Jenna’s style choices have long been a topic of public interest. But in June 2025, she made headlines for a different reason: a dramatic hair transformation, chopping off her signature long blonde locks in favor of a chic, modern bob—live on national television. This blog explores the story behind Jenna’s new haircut, the cultural impact of her transformation, the artistry of her celebrity stylist, and what this change means for women everywhere seeking a fresh start or a boost of confidence.

The Build-Up: Why Jenna Chopped It All Off

Inspiration by Leslie Bibb and “The White Lotus”

The seeds of Jenna’s hair transformation were planted months ago. In March, Jenna shared her obsession with the Leslie Bibb bob seen around the globe from “The White Lotus.” Bibb’s haircut, designed by celebrity stylist Christopher McMillan, was a cultural sensation, looping countless women into the blunt, face-framing trend.

Jenna gave Bibb her word: she would take the plunge and get a bob herself. “When I was here in March, Jenna said she was going to do the bob, and the day is now,” Bibb addressed the audience, so we knew a momentous makeover was about to unfold.

The Power of a Haircut

For Jenna, the cut was about more than looks. “Bobs are the spring cleaning of haircuts,” McMillan said. “If there’s bad damage, sometimes there’s bad layers, it evens it up and a nice strong perimeter.” It was the shedding of the old and embracing of the new that appealed to Jenna, whose dark hazel eyes were set to accompany a brave new look as the weather warmed.

The Big Day: Live Makeover on ‘Today’

Bringing in the Experts

Jenna was on set with Leslie Bibb and Chris McMillan, who is the brainchild behind Bibb’s bob and the original creator of Jennifer Aniston’s world famous “Rachel” cut from “Friends” on June 16, 2025. McMillan is known for cutting hairstyles that suit his clients’ personality and facial structure, and he couldn’t wait to tackle Jenna’s “super thick head of hair.”

The Cut: Step-by-Step

Cameras rolling, McMillan started cutting, chopping away Jenna’s long blonde hair and changing her look in front of a live audience. “Whoa, that’s so short!” Jenna cried as the first few tiers tumbled. The process itself was exciting and nerve-racking with Jenna’s friends and co-hosts rooting her on.

McMillan described what he had in mind: “You can pull it back, you can do the tuck behind your ears… You can wear it natural, you can wear it wavy.” He stressed the necessity of keeping the bob above the shoulders so it doesn’t flip at the ends, and instead goes for “a little more modern and sexy” style.

The Reveal

The finished look — a stylish A-line bob that framed Jenna’s face and accentuated her jawline — was revealed on the June 17 episode of “Today with Jenna & Friends.” Fans and friends alike were thrilled by the change, with many of them leaving comments and taking to social media to congratulate Jenna on her daring new look.

The Stylist Behind the Scissors: Chris McMillan

A Celebrity Legacy

When it comes to the most iconic pop culture haircuts, the name of Chris McMillan is in a league of its own. From the “Rachel” that launched Jennifer Aniston, to Leslie Bibb’s “White Lotus” bob, McMillan can craft a cut that echoes through the cosmos.

The Art and Science of the Bob

When McMillan gets up in his chair, it’s with an understanding of your bone structure and personal style. “Jenna has a long face from here to here,” he said, pointing toward her jawline, “and a small forehead — a shape very much like Jennifer Aniston’s face.” This commitment to detailing ensures that every client leaves with a style that suits them and empowers them.

For Jenna, McMillan also suggested no fringe (bangs) and keeping the front of the bob longer so it can be worn several ways. “One can wear it straight, too, or wavy,” he said, citing Charlize Theron’s “flicky” finish on the ends.

The Cultural Impact: Why Jenna’s Haircut Is a Big Deal

A Viral Moment

Jenna’s haircut was soon trending, as people watched her get it cut and posted their reactions online. The buzz echoed hair moments of yore, including “The Rachel” and Bibb’s “White Lotus” bob, both of which inspired a wave of imitation and conversation.

Empowerment Through Change

For a lot of women, a new haircut is more than just a new look, it’s a new energy, a new attitude, and a new way of being. When Jenna cut her hair live on TV, viewers were prompted to think about their own transformation, big or small.

Followers celebrated Jenna’s bravery, saying things like “I can’t wait! I have a bob and in Texas. I receive compliments left and right! Work it girl!” and “She’s beautiful and can wear anything!!! Woohoo!!!” Others, nervously enthusiastic, anticipated how the new look would become her.

Celebrity Style: How it Affects Us

Celebrities have been major trend setters when it comes to hairstyles for years and Jenna’s makeover is no exception. Opting for a modern and minimal style, Jenna proved chic, easy beauty is accessible to women of all ages and lifestyles.

The Bob: A Classic Cut That’s Always Trendy

History and Evolution

The bob is a timeless hairstyle that has been around for centuries, ranging from a flapper style in the 1920s to current crisp, clean cuts. The bobs are all in vogue and everlasting in women’s hairstyle, these are versatile and can be adapted to fit any face shape, hair texture, or personal style.

Styling Tips and Maintenance

Chris McMillan’s advice for ensuring that a bob won’t flip: avoid length that goes below your shoulders, and work different textures — natural, wavy, or tucked behind the ears — each day for a new look every day. The unique bob is also perfect for those who are looking for a no fuss, polished look with minimal effort, especially for the summer.

Jenna’s Personal Journey: Family, Confidence and Reactions

Support and Skepticism

While Jenna got a lot of encouragement from friends and colleagues, not everyone was right there from the start. According to her daughter, she said, “Mom, don’t do it. You’re going to be so sorry,” emphasizing the burden sometimes associated with significant changes in appearance.

A Symbol of Renewal

The new cut represented for Jenna a clean slate and was embracing the new, not fighting it. “Bobs are a spring cleaning,” McMillan told her, invoking the spirit of rebirth that defined the era.

The Larger Conversation: Hair, Identity and Self Expression

Why Do We Care About Celebrity Hair?

Celebrity hair makeovers intrigue us because they tell a larger story of identity, reinvention and the zeitgeist. When a public figure such as Jenna Bush Hager undergoes a metamorphosis in her appearance, discussions of beauty standards, self-expression and the boldness to do something fresh ensue.

The Power of Reinvention

Jenna’s haircut is the latest proof that change — be it big or small — is a powerful thing. It is a call to arms for women to take charge of their looks and start the next exhilarating chapter of their lives with a few well–placed strokes of bronzer and a confident smile.

How to Get Jenna’s Look

Consult a Professional

For those taken with Jenna’s version of the bob, see a stylist for an individualized version of the cut that works with your face shape and hair type. Bring pictures and discuss your lifestyle, convenience level and ultimate style goals.

The evolution of Jenna Bush Hager to a sleek and stylish bob has inspired women to try the modern, chic look. Here’s a how-to as you binge-watch “The Morning Show,” courtesy her celebrity stylist Chris McMillan, on attaining and retaining Jenna’s look.

The Cut: What to Ask For

• A-Line Bob: Jenna’s hairstyle is a stylish A-line bob with face-framing shape and slightly shorter back than front. Ask for a blunt shoulder-length bob with a slight angle—shorter in the back (nape of the neck) and longer in front (chin).
• No Bangs: Chris McMillan discourages bangs for this look – especially if you have a petite forehead like Jenna’s. Leaving it long in the front looks beautiful and is versatile.
• Above the Shoulders: Over the shoulders in the front is no-look sexy, but a couple inches above is perfect. Below the shoulders starts looking too long for this to have maximum impact and gets into a weird flip scenario at the ends with this kind of style. This helps keep a nice, slender, and also lengthened
• Face Shape: Let your stylist know your face shape. Jenna’s bob was customized to her strong jawline and petite forehead, similar to Jennifer Aniston’s.

The Stylist’s Touch

Chris McMillan, who’s responsible for some of the most legendary cuts in history (“The Rachel”), kept Jenna’s bob current and sexy. He concentrated on a protective style with a solid perimeter that could be worn natural or wavy.

Styling Tips for Jenna’s Bob

• Slick or Tucked: Tuck one side or both behind your ears for a clean, face-framing look, or let it hang loose for a laid-back vibe.
• Natural or Wavy: This bob is great for natural texture, or styled with a little wave for a fun, contemporary twist. Wrap pieces around a curling wand or flat iron for loose waves, and tousle with your fingers.
• The Flick, Not Flip: To give the look a contemporary twist, a “flick” at the tips (slight flip out) is what McMillan recommends, not a full-on flip.
• Volume and Texture: Achieve volume and texture by spritzing a texturizing spray or adding a volumizing mousse.

Styling Suggestions

• Let your hair air-dry for an easy, laid-back style.
• Use a straightener or curling wand to create soft waves for a playful look.
• Tuck half of your hair behind your ear for a polished style.

Maintenance Tips

• Get the bottom trimmed periodically to keep the style and avoid split ends.
• Opt for light styling products for added shine and frizz control.
• Try accessories such as headbands or clips for a touch of flair.

The Social Media Response

Fans React

There was a lot of discussion of Jenna’s new haircut on social media. Followers, friends, and fellow celebs expressed their delight, admiration and intrigue at the transformation. Comments varied from giddy excitement to good-natured cynicism, addressing the intimate and emotional nature of hair changes.

A Community of Inspiration

Jenna’s experience also prompted people to open up about their own hair changes, and viewers noted how it had brought them together. The discussion went beyond style and included confidence, self-care and personal development.

And we all agreed to the powerful and valuable work it was doing for the women of Lewisburg — who were taking the free bus rides to Watsontown, and who did not have jobs that required them to be up-to-date on a haircut every couple months.

Conclusion

When Jenna Bush Hager decided to get her hair cut on live TV, it wasn’t just for the haircut — it was in celebration of change, bravery and freedom of expression. Attired in a choppy cut made by celebrity hair stylist Chris McMillan and encouraged by friends such as Leslie Bibb, Jenna’s dramatic haircut struck a chord with the nation’s women.

Her metamorphosis is just one of those questions that take the most beautiful, powerful kind of turns: the ones we make for ourselves. Whether it’s entertaining a brave new haircut or just craving a fresh start, Jenna’s transformation reminds us all that no matter our path, reinvention is never out of reach.

Related Article

For more details and to see Jenna’s transformation, visit the official Today Show coverage:
https://www.today.com/style/jenna-bush-hager-haircut-bob-chris-mcmillan-rcna123456