It’s safe to say I’ve been utterly obsessed with the chin-length bob hair trends that have emerged on some of my favourite celebs over the past couple of years. As someone with a bob hairstyle, I fist pump the air, acting as if I’m the CEO of some kind of invite-only short-haired members club when yet another chin-grazing look gets debuted on the red carpet.
So a couple of years ago, when Elsa Hosk took to her Instagram and shared the most insane 1950s Marilyn Monroe-inspired bob (which she paired with a leather trench coat, sheer tights and killer patent heels, FYI), I realised I actually needed to give mine a bit of a glow up.
Since getting my hair cut short, it’s only been one length as I eased myself into getting used to it. But I realised my bob actually looked quite heavy, especially as it started to grow out. So, I hit up the Larry King hair salon in Notting Hill and booked in with hair stylist Annie Redman (she’s responsible for Nina Nesbitt’s short, blunt bob).
My hair before chopping it to chin-length.
"Currently, your bob is sitting too heavy on the front,” Redman explained. "I am currently loving those that have more shape through the front, with a square outline or even curving up a little at the front. It makes it feel a bit edgier and more modern."
"With the scissors, I’ll point-cut the whole haircut so the outline is softer. I’ll then bring the front corners of the bob forward and take them off to give a rounded shape where the front is no longer than the back. Then, I’ll add some shorter pieces through the front and slice into the bob to give it a little bit of natural texture.”
My new chin-length bob.
The result? I’m officially in my bouncy bob era and loving every single second. I think there used to be the feeling that you couldn’t do much with bob haircuts, and longer hair gave a lot more scope for new and exciting creations, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. "This haircut is great because you can dress it up or down by either doing a glamorous blow-dry using mousse for lots of body or putting in a salt spray and defuse for a relaxed look,” says Redman. "You have a nice wave to your hair, so it’ll also dry really nicely naturally.”
Thanks to the timeless and versatile appeal, it seems that chin-length bobs are very much here to stay as we enter 2026. Here are 18 looks I’m currently loving.
The Best Chin-Length Bob Hairstyles
1. Choppy Bob
Elsa's choppy bob also looks stunning in a centre parting with some natural texture.
2. Glam Bob
Kerry Washington's look is giving all-out glam. I am living for the sweeping, voluminous fringe.
3. Shaggy Bob
A cross between a shag cut and a bob. The choppy fringe gives it a real '70s edge.
4. Sleek Bob
A sleek, slick and elegant chin-length bob that really accentuates TyLynn's jaw line.
5. Layered Bob
Similarly to my new haircut, the front has been cut into to give the overall look more shape and movement.
6. Soft Bob
Ever since I first saw Laura with a bob, I knew it had to be a lifelong partnership. I literally can't take my eyes off her or her hair.
7. Blunt Bob
If you have naturally thinner hair like Hailey, getting a blunt bob haircut can make it appear a lot thicker and fuller.
8. Micro Bob
Fashion influencer Grece is known for her iconic white-grey cheekbone-skimming bob.
9. Voluminous Bob
If a voluminous side-parted chin-length bob is good enough for Zendaya...
10. Parisian Bob
The sweeping bangs and natural waves make this cut feel super Parisian chic. It also beautifully elongates Chloe's neck.
11. Wet-Look Bob
A wet-look bob in the summer is always a good idea.
12. '70s Bob
Again, this feels like it has a '70s shag cut edge to it and I am feeling very tempted...
13. Braided Bob
I'm also tempted to take it slightly above the chin after seeing this effortlessly cool look.
14. Straight Bob
Katherine provides endless interiors, fashion and now hair inspo...
15. Curly Bob
I wish I had curly enough hair to pull off Franny's iconic look.
16. Wavy Bob
Soft waves are a great way to add shape and movement to straight hair.
17. Sculpted Bob
Looking for a low-maintenance style? This sculpted chin-length bob looks smart and is so easy to style.
18. Tuft Bob
Keep your eye out for the tuft bob in 2026—a shorter, jaw-length style with a choppy feel and flicked-out ends. So cool.
What Face Shape Suits a Chin-Length Bob?
As you can see from the inspiration above, chin-length bobs are an incredibly universally flattering style, which works for a wide range of different face shapes.
If your face shape is round or oval, then a straight or blunt cut chin-length bob can add an angular effect and serve to elongate the face. If your face shape is naturally more angular and square-shaped, then opt instead for softening layers and experiment with a wavy style or a strong side part.
Chin-length bobs are versatile and flattering, no matter which style you opt for. Ever since chopping my hair short, I've had so many compliments about my chin-length bob, and I've enjoyed experimenting with different styling hacks. Some days I lean towards a more natural, tousled effect, achieved via adding in some curls and waves, while on others I style it sleek and straight for a sleek, sophisticated finish—both so flattering.
Shop the Best Styling Products for Chin-Length Bobs
Redman ran this through my hair with her fingers when it was wet before blow-drying to give it volume and shine.
If you have a natural wave to your hair like me, give it a helping hand by scrunching in a curl cream before blow-drying.
I've persuaded that many people to buy the Drybar hot brush; I should be on a commission at this point. It's the closest I get to creating a salon-worthy blow-dry at home.
A lightweight heat-activated styling cream that smooths hair, reduces flyaways and protects against heat and humidity.
For braided and loc chin-length bobs, a nourishing scalp oil is a must.
Don't forget a bit of hairspray to hold your bob in place.