It appears that the bob may just be the most versatile haircut to exist. Sounds like a paradox? Absolutely, but in 2026 there are endless ways to wear short hair. In the last few weeks alone, swathes of celebrities have stepped out sporting the haircut of the season. Take Scarlett Johansson's distinct styling, America Ferrera's '60s-coded iteration, Jessica Chastain's Marilyn Monroe blonde, and Halle Berry's tousled shag. Naturally, they're serving as inspiration ahead of our next salon appointment.
Indeed, the bob brigade is only ramping up. In fact, in its first-ever Beauty Trend Report, Pinterest notes the bob as a major player across the hair category. The report explains, 'the new bob is all about shape with some give. Instead of one sharp, perfectly blunt cut, the focus is on movement'. Which explains why 'short layered bob haircuts' have seen a 571% uptick in search across the platform, while 'textured french bob' has increased by 338% and 'shag bob hairstyles' by 214%.
With a renewed focus on lived-in, ruffled textures, flippy ends, and shaggy layers, specific bob styles are coming to fore once again. Enter the 'varsity bob' which is currently enjoying a 1600% year on year increase in Google searches. Zoey Deutch has given us the most enticing interpretation to date, but there are ample celebrities who have dabbled in the look from Millie Bobbi Brown to Kendall Jenner.
'The varsity bob is characterised by a preppy and sporty finish,' explains hairstylist and Grazia Beauty Panellist, Tom Smith, who coined the look. 'There is bluntness and structure to the haircut itself but a relaxed and undone quality to the style and finish which gives it a slightly utilitarian and practical look while also leaning into the athlesuire style that’s so popular in wellness and beauty.'
What sets it apart from other bob styles? 'It varies from other bob styles due to the contrast of bluntness and choppiness, and it has a structure that’s more like a short haircut than one that is traditionally bob-like,' he adds.
There are many reasons behind its mass appeal, nostalgia being one of them. 'There’s definitely a nostalgic and almost collegiate feel to the look, it makes me think of back to school American universities, which perhaps is why it makes so much sense this time of year'. Outside of that, the revival can be put down to the rise to contrasting undone and polished styles.
'People understand that the benefits of having a great haircut can mean undone styling looks more intentional. I always say the more high-maintenance you are in-salon the lower maintenance you get to be at home. So, if you invest in a great well-shaped haircut and a colour thats designed to grow out and fade well, you’l keep your hair looking good more of the time with less effort day-to-day.'
To get the look ask your hairstylist for a crisp, one length bob with subtle texturising at the ends. Layers should be avoided or kept to a minimal and only incorporated if very thick hair types require removal of bulk.
As for styling, Smith loves leaning into the practical and sporty feeling of it. A great benefit of the look is it doesn't require over-styling and you can work with your natural texture. Simply apply an air dry cream to clean towel dried hair. Next, create your parting of choice and tuck the front part of the bob behind the ears until it dries. This will give a relaxed kink around the face which helps to create interest to the otherwise minimal haircut shape. If more texture and volume is required, employ the use of a texturising spray, likeLiving Proof's Full Dry Volume & Texture Spray, £37, which perfectly balances lift, hold, and modern movement.
It really is that easy.
Shop: Varsity bob essentials
Sameeha Shaikh is Grazia's beauty writer, working across all categories to bring you insights on the latest trends, industry news and the products you need to know about, viral or not (most probably viral).
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