In 2023, Hailey Bieber opted for a fresh new trim, kicking off a hair trend that was officially declared the haircut of the year. 2023 was the year of the "box bob"—and once again, we had Bieber to thank for another defining beauty look. Naturally, the trend has prevailed, and box bobs are just as (if not even more) relevant in 2026—with celebs and influencers choosing them for the red carpet or for a carefree summer bob look.
But not all bobs are created equal, and what we love about the box bob is how light and choppy it is. So, what to request from your hairdresser if you want to try out this trend?
First things first, while it is blocky, this is not a classic blunt bob, so you’ll want to avoid a super-precise finish. Likewise, the ends are not gradually layered and are definitely not tapered; instead, ask for texturised layers, which are created by cutting at an angle rather than straight across. This style isn't just about removing length—the bulk of the weight needs to be removed, which helps to keep it feeling light and makes it easy to style. This is also great if you already have naturally thin or fine hair, since the style is less about volume at the roots and more about movement through the lengths.
Consider adding a few slightly shorter strands at the front of your hair—this breaks the line and prevents the style from looking too angular. Plus, adding some face-framing strands is a great idea if you frequently plan on wearing your hair in an up-do. In comparison to some bob haircuts, the box bob is fairly long, which is great because it allows for plenty of styling options. Above all, to keep a textured finish and maintain movement, don't opt for anything too polished. Texturising mists and matte pomades will be all you'll need to effortlessly create a tousled effect, while salt sprays will help to add shape if your hair is naturally super straight.
As someone who has had waist-skimming hair for the past decade, I have to admit I’m feeling tempted. The idea of a jaw-skimming choppy bob with blunt ends and plenty of movement through the lengths to prevent it from falling flat is oh so appealing. There really is something about a bob—maybe it’s the low maintenance or maybe it’s the undeniable ‘cool girl’ vibe it gives off—that’s got me seriously considering the chop. It’s chic, effortless, and looks great on everyone.
If you’re also feeling tempted, we've rounded up a selection of the very best box bob haircuts. Yep, everything you need to screenshot for your hairdresser.
The Best Box Bob Hairstyles for 2026
According to Hailey, her iconic box bob was inspired by the choppy style worn by Gwyneth Paltrow as Margot Tenenbaum in The Royal Tenenbaums.
Use a wave-enhancing spray or cream to add movement and keep ends looking choppy.
A box bob is the perfect style to show off some subtle blonde balayage.
This style can be adapted to all hair lengths and textures. This box bob look is so chic.
This look really shows how a box bob with blunt fringe can make hair look thick and full of volume.
No one does a bob quite like Zendaya—here she proves that a box bob and side part can be a winning combo.
Sleek but with a subtle wave to frame the face—we love this super polished box bob style.
Kristen Bell's box bob always looks effortlessly cool. Here she demonstrates the way that longer frontal layers can be used to create the illusion of length.
Want to accessorise? Clips work so well in short hair.
Emma's choppy box bob proves that all you need is the right styling products to add shape and create movement.
Jessie Ware's sleek bob teamed with a centre part is just perfection.
Waves and a box bob are a match made in heaven. We're obsessed with Bettina's glamourous Old Hollywood style.
A shoulder-skimming box bob not only looks chic, but has just enough length to style in an up-do as well.
Subtle highlights (especially face-framing ones) are great for adding dimension to a one-length box bob.
Proof that even a 'just woke up like this' moment can look chic with a tousled box bob.
As proven above, there are multiple ways to style a box bob, but we love this sleek, straight, classic look.
Not just for the straight-haired, box bobs look great with curly hair, too.
Gentle waves also look super chic with a box bob cut.
If you have thin hair, use a texturising spray to add volume.
The Best Hair Products for a Box Bob
Never has a product lived up to its name so well. From the first use, the volume is mega. It's beyond perfect for fine hair that tends to fall flat and needs a boost, and really will become your ride or die.
Like all JVN's products, this is a goodie. The salt-free wave spray enhances your natural texture, adding soft, effortless movement without stiffness or stickiness. Lightweight yet buildable, it’s ideal for air-dried waves and easy, undone styling.
Hair on the dull side? This delivers instant polish and luminosity as the lightweight formula smooths the hair’s surface, enhancing shine and softness while leaving strands looking sleek and healthy.
This creamy, flexible pomade is great for scrunching through lengths for a tousled effect, exactly like Bieber's. Plus, you can also use it to smooth flyaways in a sleek bun.
Unlike other hair oils, this one is light, thin, and dry in texture, as opposed to thick and greasy. It helps to soften coarse texture and repair broken strands, but won't weigh your hair down in the process.
Part moisturiser and part styling cream, this lightweight lotion helps to smooth hair and define curls and waves to give your box bob shape—oh, and it also happens to smell incredible.
If you've recently chopped off your locks, then dry, fluffy tips and split ends are probably a thing of your past—for now. To prevent them from recurring, use a nourishing hair mask (like this one) weekly.
To keep the ends of your bob sleek and choppy, like Bieber's, run a little of this smoothing cream through the tips. Fluffiness is quelled instantly.
Whether you wear your bob straight, wavy, or curly, this styler does it all.
Use this (divinely-scented) spray to prep your hair before styling —it helps waves and curls to last much longer.