Why The Bob Is Still The Hottest Celebrity Hair Trend For 2026
If the spring/summer 2026 runways and recent red-carpet glam proved anything, it’s that the bob will be this year’s defining hairstyle. Here, celebrity hairstylist GEORGE NORTHWOOD shares the right bob for every hair type, as well as his effortless styling tips and inspiring iterations. By MALENA HARBERS
The bob haircut was the undisputed hairstyle of the spring/summer 2026 runways – worn voluminous at Stella McCartney, structural at Bottega Veneta and center-parted and sleek at Louis Vuitton. Recent red carpets were also rife with the hair trend, making it clear that the bob is the hair trend that’s here to stay. The biggest takeaway from this trending cut is that there’s an iteration for every hair type and texture that’s flattering and delivers on styling ease. “If you choose a bob that’s right for your hair, it won’t need much styling,” affirms Northwood. “It’s OK to choose one that’s not [appropriate for your hair type], but it’s important to understand that you’ll likely have to put a lot of work into it. The choice is yours.”
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The minimalist blunt bob
Forever fans and recent converts of this one-length, razor-sharp chop include Emma Stone, Lily Collins and Hailey Bieber (styled with kicked up ends). “The key is not about styling it straight but about the cut – keep it one length all over, with no shape at the front, and slightly above the shoulder,” says Northwood. It’s ideal for finer hair types but you can make it work if you have thicker hair, too. Simply take a bit of the weight out of the lengths, since thick hair can look too chunky when it’s all one length, but avoid any choppiness.” To style, Northwood suggests letting your hair dry naturally, whatever the texture. “Add a dollop of hair cream or a hydrator, then let it do its thing – if you can avoid blow-drying your hair, that’s a bonus, as this style looks its best when air-dried.” If your hair dries too straight, consider adding a loose wave using a curling iron. “It should look easy and effortless but still polished.”
The choppy bob
This timeless style of bob is nice if you like to wear your hair a bit shaggier and undone, as opposed to polished or styled. Look to Carey Mulligan’s recent tousled chop as well as previous iterations worn by Natalie Portman and Jenna Ortega for inspiration. “It’s very chopped-into and almost layered through with choppiness, and it pairs well with a grown-out fringe. It looks equally chic when worn a bit longer than your traditional short bob, just verging onto the collarbone.” Think vintage Helena Christensen here. It’s easiest to style if you have naturally wavy or curly, medium to thick hair. “If you have quite fine or thin hair, beware of too much layering, as this can make it look even thinner and limp,” says Northwood. When it comes to styling, a simple texture or surf spray is all you need. “This type of bob is especially good for the beach, because it’s very shaggy, and it’s easy to scrunch up and dry naturally – but, at the same time, it’s also long enough to pull into a ponytail, however small, to get it off your face in the heat.”
The big and bouncy bob
The trick to getting this type of bob on point is all about volume and, more often than not, a sultry side parting (think Sydney Sweeney and Raye’s Old Hollywood glam-inspired versions). “It’s a great bob if you have thick, curly or textured hair because it looks best when your hair looks thick,” says Northwood. The cut, he says, is still quite blunt, but with a bit of shape around the face so that it doesn’t look too round. “If you don’t have thick hair, you’ll need to blow-dry body into it first, which can be hard work on a daily basis.” If you do have thick, curly or textured hair, there’s still a bit of maintenance involved here. “This style looks best worn blow-dried with a big round brush, or you can use hot rollers or a curling iron to really embrace the volume.” Start with a volume spray or lotion before blow-drying and finish with a hydrating cream or oil on lengths – especially if you have textured hair. “The look is very rich, nourished, healthy-looking hair.”
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