Taraji P. Henson Joined the Short Bob Parade

With a vintage twist.

Taraji P Henson
(Image credit: Getty Images)

If you scroll through photos from last night's Governors Awards ceremony, you'll be met with no shortage of short, blunt bobs. Need a list? I'm happy to supply: America Ferrera, Carey Mulligan, Cailee Spaeny, and Marlee Matlin could all be seen rocking the style—a winter haircut Pinterest board come to life.

My favorite take of the evening came from Taraji P. Henson, who has never shied away from a dramatic hair change-up. This time, she went full vintage, with her new cut ending right at her jawline. Created by celebrity hairstylist Tym Wallace, the style was chic and sleek, parted deeply to the side and tucked behind one ear with its ends curving toward the actress's face.

While Wallace and Henson previously worked together on a bob at the Creative Arts Emmys a few days prior, the January 9 take was completely new territory. While the Emmys look was full of body and wave, the Governors Awards brought sharp lines and slight volume.

"Taraji, Tym & a Bob = perfection," commented eyebrow extraordinaire Damone Roberts on Wallace's Instagram.

Other aspects of Henson's look included an absolutely wild golden stiletto manicure created by Temeka Jackson (seriously, I suggest scrolling through her Instagram to see these nails in all their glory) and sultry makeup by Saisha Beecham. The sharp nails and sharp edges of her brows were expertly coordinated with the hairstyle—not the first blunt look for the Oscar nominee, and certainly not the last.

"I am a total #HairChameleon—if I don’t switch it up, I get bored! I love trying new styles, colors, products, all of it. My all-time favorite trend is healthy hair," Henson previously told Marie Claire exclusively. "Learn to properly care for your scalp, and your hair will love you for it. The style I’m currently into is a sleek, long bob…but ask me again tomorrow and that may change."

Really, what might tomorrow bring for The Color Purple actress? It's awards season; anything can happen.

Sophia Vilensky
Freelance Writer

Sophia Vilensky is a Freelance Beauty Writer at Marie Claire with a beauty, wellness, and entertainment journalism portfolio that includes contributions to Byrdie, Bravo, Teen Vogue, and Us Weekly. Growing up in a family of beauticians—and through her own personal studies—she developed an in-depth understanding of aesthetics, cosmetic product formulation, and beauty treatment development and has also held roles as a senior copywriter, content strategist, and proofreader for top beauty and wellness brands. Even so, you'd be hard pressed to find her with her hair and makeup actually done. Sophia is based in Minneapolis and is a 2019 graduate of the University of Minnesota, where she majored in English and minored in cinema studies. During her time at the university, she was the Arts & Entertainment Editor for the Minnesota Daily, earning the 2019 Editor of the Year award for her work. She connected deeply with the Twin Cities arts scene, collaborating with leading beauty professionals, designers, and artists. Graduating Summa Cum Laude, her thesis—a close-reading of Vanderpump Rules—was featured on NPR. When not immersed in writing or testing new products, Sophia enjoys watching reality TV, reading, and exploring the newest woo-woo wellness trends. Keep up with her on Instagram @sophiavilensky.