Considering a Bob? This Understated Cut Is Tipped to Be Summer’s Chicest
The tapered bob is set to be one of the most requested short haircuts of 2026.
Year in, year out, there is one style that dominates the list of the most popular haircuts each year—the classic bob. Whether it’s a bluntly cut crop or a tousled waterfall bob, it’s a timeless cut for a reason, and its versatility is undeniable. However, if you’ve been flirting with the idea of going shorter but just don’t find yourself excited about a one-length cut (and you’re not quite ready to commit to a pixie), then it might be time you got acquainted with the tapered bob.
Softer and sleeker than a classic graduated bob, but not as dramatically short as this summer’s trending elfin bob, it’s the kind of haircut that looks pulled-together but is surprisingly low-maintenance. And it hits the sweet spot between being on trend for 2026 whilst still feeling timeless.
Ahead, we speak to a hair expert to break down exactly why the tapered bob is going to dominate this summer, along with all of the inspiration you’ll need to bookmark for your salon appointment.
What Is a Tapered Bob?
There seems to be countless bobs trending at any one time, so understanding exactly what defines a tapered bob is crucial if you’re thinking about asking your hairdresser for this cut. “It’s a bob that gradually gets shorter towards the nape of the neck, creating a neat, close-fitting shape…with a soft, streamlined silhouette,” explains hair stylist Elliot Bute from Hershesons, Fitzrovia. While some people use the term interchangeably with graduated bob, Bute does point out that they aren’t the same cut. “The two styles do overlap, but a graduated bob relies on stacked layers to build volume at the back,” he explains.
Who Suits a Tapered Bob?
As someone with textured hair, I’m always on the fence about going short for fear that my cut will end up looking blocky or overly volumised. However, Bute believes the beauty of the tapered bob is that it is so versatile and works on most hair types. “Fine hair can look fuller, thick hair benefits from having some weight removed, and natural waves add movement to the cut,” he says. “The key is tailoring the shape to the individual’s hair density and face shape… maybe with some subtle graduation or layering to enhance the tapered silhouette.”
Tapered Bob Inspiration
While we expect the tapered bob to really take off over the next few months, Bute advises looking to celebrities like Lily Collins, Selena Gomez and Millie Bobby Brown for inspiration right now. "Each wears a slightly different version, from sleek and sharp to softer and more textured, making them useful references for a salon consultation," he explains.
If you're thinking of dipping your toe into the tapered bob trend, then make like Lily Collins and keep the lengths at the front just slightly longer than the back.
Kelly Rowland's sleek, centre-parted bob is next-level chic.
Switching to a side-parting like Emma Willis is a great way to add volume to a short style, fast.
Keeping the hair shorter at the nape of the neck and longer at the front adds the most beautiful shape to Ebony Obsidian's curls.
Millie Bobby Brown's soft, beachy waves pair perfectly with her grown-out tapered bob.
Emilia Clarke's take on the tapered bob is classic—softly graduated and worn poker straight to show off the structured cut.
Worn with a feathery fringe, Kerry Washington's softly tapered bob is a really summery take on the style.
How to Style a Tapered Bob
According to Bute, a tapered bob is easy to style at home but does need regular trims (every six to eight weeks) to keep the cut looking fresh. “A lightweight mousse or air-dry cream will help, depending on your hair type, while a quick blow-dry can enhance the tapered silhouette,” he explains. “And if you’re happy with a softer, grown-out look, then you can stretch the time between trims a little longer.”
Particularly good for fine hair that can get weighed down with product, this airy styling foam adds volume and shine while enhancing texture.
As the name suggests, this multi-functional cream can be used to smooth ends, hydrate lengths, add texture, slick back flyaways and more.
For instant volume, blast a few spritzes of this root-lifting spray through dry hair for extra height.
This wet-to-dry brush is brilliant for styling short hair, whether you want to do a full polished blowout or just add shape to second day hair.
This new launch adds beachy texture and laidback waves to hair by just misting onto damp hair and scrunching.
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