2026’s Biggest Hair Trend? The British Bob
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Salons are already getting their predictions in for the new year
There’s a lot to love about a frazzled British woman – her chaotic charm, artfully mismatched fashion and, of course, her wonderfully windswept (yes OK, messy) hair. And so, when she heralds in a new trend, we take notice. Cue, the British bob, which salon experts predict will take 2026 by storm.
What Is A British Bob?
What do Alexa Chung, Keira Knightley and Lily Collins all have in common? (Besides being British style icons.) They all have cracking bobs. And not just any old bob. These three are the poster girls for loose bobs with a natural edge – aka, the British bob.
‘A British bob is the modern and undone take on the classic bob,’ explains Jason Collier, celebrity hairstylist and founder of Studio 23. ‘It usually sits around the jawline to collarbone, with soft movement and a cool, slightly undone finish. The focus is on natural texture rather than precision, so it looks effortless without being overly styled.’
So unlike a traditional bob – which is sharp, blunt and symmetrical – you can think of the British bob as lighter and more relaxed. ‘It tends to have subtle layers, softer edges and sometimes a fringe, giving it a lived-in feel,’ notes Jason. ‘It’s less about perfect lines and more about wearability.’
And with salon preferences shifting towards low-maintenance hairstyles that still uphold a level of polish, Jason adds that ‘the British bob fits perfectly with that vibe as it offers an easy, grown-up style that works for everyday life. It also reflects the wider trend for natural and understated beauty.’
Alexa Chung is know for her signature messy lob (Photo by Anton Gottlob for Vinted)
Who Suits This Cut?
The key factor that makes this a winning cut for 2026, says Jason, its versatility. ‘It works well on straight to wavy hair, and can be adapted for finer hair with light layering to add movement,’ the stylist notes. ‘Face-shape wise, it flatters most people – particularly oval, heart and square faces – as the softness helps to balance features. And a good stylist can tailor the length and fringe to suit everyone.’
How To Ask For A British Bob In The Salon
‘It’s helpful to ask for a soft, textured bob with natural movement,’ instructs Jason. ‘Bringing a couple of reference photos is always useful, especially ones that show the length and overall feel you like. Be clear about how much styling time you want to spend day to day.’
But most importantly: ‘Tell them to avoid any sort of blunt finish.’
How To Style It
The British bob’s best quality? Its versatility. Second? Its low-maintenance status. ‘Keep styling simple,’ emphasises Jason. ‘A lightweight mousse or texture spray can enhance natural movement without weighing the hair down. Rough-drying or using a diffuser works well, and a quick pass with straighteners or a curling wand on random sections can add shape without looking too done.’
What Next?
Expect to see more people putting their stamp on the British bob in 2026, says Jason. ‘There’ll be variations in length, fringe styles and texture,’ he predicts. The stylist also hints that there’ll be movement towards ‘embracing natural hair patterns, making it a timeless option that continues to evolve with individual style rather than strict trends.’
Hair Inspiration: The British Bob
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