Allow me to preface this article by saying that I’m in desperate need of a haircut, and it’s not just because I’m currently dealing with stringy, limp ends. I’m champing at the bit for a change. I’ve had the same long layers pretty much my whole life—aside from a stint of wispy bangs—and 2026 is officially the year I’m switching up my go-to ‘do. Good thing I have an abundance of expert-backed hair trends to choose from! The entire list of cuts, colors, and styles is worth a scroll, but one dramatic chop (well, dramatic to me) refuses to leave my brain: the low bob.
“The low bob is really taking over,” celebrity hairstylist Chris McMillan—whose longtime clients include Jennifer Aniston, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Leslie Bibb—tells me about the mounting trend. Below, discover all the details you need to get the look.
What is the low bob?
Essentially, the low bob is an iteration of the lob, one that’s grown out just a bit longer. “I’ve been lobbing off a lot of hair lately, but the bobs are getting a little bit longer and sitting lower,” McMillan shares. “This isn’t a sharp, rigid cut. It’s soft, wearable, and meant to move.” Ideally, the ends of the bob brush the collarbones, just like Hailey Bieber’s fresh cut courtesy of celebrity stylist Justine Marjan. Bieber has been responsible for a slew of bob trends since she debuted a blunt crop in 2023, so we can only expect her grown-out version to inspire a flood of 2026 styling appointments. I may or may not be booking my own haircut as we speak…
For those who want to get in on the low-bob action (ahem, me), Marjan recommends asking for a “collarbone-grazing blunt cut with slight [face] framing and point cut around the front.” As for styling? While shorter crops are often higher-maintenance, McMillan swears this version “looks good without trying too hard.” Just make sure to keep your ends nourished and bouncy (the ends are what immediately draws the eye), and you’ll be all set.
“Healthy hair is the trend, and the low bob shows that off better than anything,” McMillan adds. “It feels modern, effortless, and works in real life, not just in photos.” Of course, you’ll want to bring plenty of reference images to your stylist, so feel free to screenshot the inspo photos below, then stock up on celeb- and editor-approved products to help your low bob look its best.
More Low-Bob Inspiration
(Image credit: Getty Images; Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)
We must begin with Aniston, no? The softly layered crop she debuted at the 2024 Golden Globes is the perfect low-bob inspo.
Elsa Hosk is always on my hair mood board.
Curly low bobs always have gorgeous bounce.
This sleek, blunt version looks so chic.
Okay, now I also want to commit to curtain bangs!
A curved fringe frames the face so beautifully.
Diana Silvers knows her way around a cool-girl cut.
Shop the Look
Chris McMillan
The Dry Texture and Volume Spray
For lived-in cuts (including the low bob!), McMillan’s texture spray is a godsend. “It adds movement and volume and takes the preciousness out of the hair, so it feels cool and effortless,” he says.
Mane
It’s Giving Body Large Hot Thermal Round Brush
To secure those flippy ends, Bieber uses this heated round brush in a now-viral TikTok.
Bumble and bumble
Heat Shield Blow Dry Accelerator
Before even thinking about picking up the hot tools, you’ll need a good heat protectant. I adore this one from Bumble and Bumble, which also reduces blow-dry time and smooths frizz and flyaways.
Ranavat
Mighty Majesty Fortifying Repair & Shine Hair Serum
My strands always look glossy with a few pumps of this jasmine-infused hair serum. I’ll apply it on damp, freshly showered hair and to dry ends for a refresh.
Olaplex
No. 7 Bonding Oil
Olaplex’s Bonding Oil is such a staple. I love taking the mini one-ounce bottle with me on the go.
Crown Affair
The Finishing Gel
This is my ride-or-die hair gel! If you have a wavy-curly texture like me, you need this gel-cream for air-dry days.
Aveda
Light Elements Defining Whip
You only need a tiny amount of this hair wax to create perfectly piecey ends. Bonus: It works great on bangs!
Dae
Sunsetter Strong Hold Flexible Hairspray