The Trending Bob Haircuts of 2026

2026 is stepping things up in the world of haircuts, and the bob is making an appearance throughout. Clients still want wearable, low-maintenance cuts that feel intentional but not overdone, and these bobs can do exactly that. With cuts inspired by the 60’s as well as diving into precision-led bobs, here are the trending bob haircuts your clients might be asking for this year (if they’re feeling brave).

 

From the 60’s to the 90’s, and now back and better than ever for 2026. The Flippy Bob is a short, classic cut that focuses on lining up around the chin, with the ends turned up for that playful flip. Spotted on trendsetter Molly Mae, we love the Flippy Bob for its polished, girly look, which is genuinely low-maintenance when it comes to styling. This cut first had its moment in the 60s, was reinvented in the 90s, and now it’s back again with a cleaner, more wearable finish.

When cutting this bob, it’s important to use vertical, point-cutting techniques to remove weight, add layers, and create texture. When styling this bob, the key is to keep it simple; all your clients need is a round brush and a hairdryer (or a blowout brush for even more ease). A quick flick at the ends and you're done! It’s the perfect option for clients who want short hair without going too sharp.

 

If edgy, cool-girl was a haircut, this would be it. The Shaggy Lob sits at the shoulders and blends the blunt shape of a bob with choppy layers of a 70s shag. It’s super jagged and lived-in, ensuring lots of movement. For this cut, texture is everything! This cut works especially well on clients with a natural wave due to its unstructured shape, and will result in a voluminous and soft finish. For the low-maintenance clients, this super care-free cut is the perfect choice to give that cool-girl finish, without the need to overstyle.

 

Somewhere between a bob and a pixie cut lives the bixie, perfect for the clients wanting to go “short but not too short”. This cut is lighter and less weighty compared to a traditional bob, with slight movement sitting around the neck and jawline. Compared to the pixie, the weight is lower, and the front of the cut is softer and more tapered.

When it comes to styling, lift is key. Take a round brush to create shape from root to tip to ensure you’re adding volume to the cut. If your client has a natural curl, twist and scrunch the hair around the face while wet to encourage the texture to sit neatly into the cut. The Pixie is feminine and modern, with an edgy twist, and we couldn’t be more obsessed.

 

If you thought the bob couldn’t get any shorter, think again. The Micro Bob is cut between the cheekbones and just above the jawline, making it ultra-short and sharp, with maximum impact. Spotted on singer Gracie Abrams, it can be worn glossy and expensive-looking, or worn air-dried with a little spritz of texture spray for that undone French feel. Either way, the outline of the Micro Bob needs to be precise and blunt. Remember, it’s not about heavy layering, it’s about the shape. The Micro Bob is perfect for clients who want something strong and statement-making without the over-complicated styling. What’s not to love?

Set to be the ‘official’ trending bob of 2026, enter the Japanese Bob. Now, this isn't just any kind of bob. What sets this bob apart is the control and precision it takes to achieve this sculpted cut. Focusing on ultra-clean lines and barely-there texturising, the Japanese Bob roots from the Japanese cutting technique that prioritises balance and micro-precision over heavy layering.

Attention to detail is everything when achieving this cut, meaning every section matters! It usually sits around the jawline or slightly below, with very subtle internal shaping to allow for some movement. For clients stepping away from the overly styled, and overly layered look, this cut delivers something more: healthy, glossy and quietly expensive.

Shape matters in 2026, and across all of these trending bob cuts, it’s clear that clients want hair that feels effortless yet looks put together. As a professional hairdresser, 2026 is the year to dive into precision techniques, learn how to personalise cuts to your clients' wants, and to do so with confidence! If you want to elevate your precision-cutting skills and learn how to personalise bobs for different face shapes and hair types, discover our ultimate cutting courses with MT Masterclass, available at Alan Howard. Click here to find out more!