Zendaya has adopted this retro short haircut, dethroning the classic bob on the catwalks of Fashion Week.
For spring 2026, a retro short cut is shaking up the classic bob and making its presence felt on the hottest red carpets. The granny bob has it all: elegant structure, minimal maintenance and instant style. But what really makes this bob so different from the rest?
The granny bob, the retro haircut born in the 1920s, is back with a vengeance.
The granny bob is a version of the classic layered bob. The locks are short at the nape of the neck, then gradually lengthen to frame the shape of the face. In this way, the cut gains structure without ever appearing rigid.
This short haircut originated in the 1920s. Today, it’s making a comeback, driven by hair nostalgia and a taste for granny style. In spring 2026, it made its mark on the catwalks of Paris Fashion Week and on red carpets.
In just a few weeks, this short bob has gone from being a micro-trend spotted by beauty insiders to the most popular cut in salons. From Zendaya to Emma Stone, celebrities have embraced this bob with an open neckline. Teyana Taylor and influencer Grece Ghanem have also incorporated it into their style.
“Worn one way, it can be stoic and powerful. Styled another, she can be fun and playful.” – Kenna Kennor, hairstylist, in Glamour US
Why the short bob appeals to minimalists and fashion fans alike
The strength of the granny bob lies in its ability to change register depending on the hairstyle. Hairstylist Kenna Kennor cites Emma Stone as her muse of the moment. What’s more, Zendaya has already adopted it, amplifying interest in the cut among a wide audience.
The bob with its open neck speaks as much to minimalist profiles as to more fashionable looks. As a result, it adapts to very different personalities without losing its visual identity. This is undoubtedly one of the reasons why it is so popular on the web.
How this short cut adapts to every hair type
On fine hair, the gradation towards the nape of the neck creates volume where a straight bob can pack it in. In this way, the short cut reveals real movement even on the lightest materials. The result is more airy than with a classic bob.
On thick or curly hair, on the other hand, the hairdresser lightens the inside of the cut. This allows movement to be maintained without a helmet effect. The technique varies according to texture, but the spirit of the cut remains the same.
The structure that frames the face is also adaptable to a wide range of morphologies. Simply adjust the length of the chin or cheekbones. In this way, the cut can be customized to suit each individual’s features.
- Uncluttered neck with locks that extend towards the face
- Internal gradation for thick hair to avoid helmet effect
- Natural volume created on fine hair by gradation towards the nape of the neck
- Adjustable chin or cheekbone length to suit body shape
- Cut adopted by Zendaya, Emma Stone, Teyana Taylor and Grece Ghanem
What to ask at the salon to get the right result
In the salon, you can ask for a short, layered bob with an uncluttered nape and longer locks around the face. Showing a photo of Zendaya or Emma Stone helps the hairdresser understand the desired effect. This makes communication easier and the result more precise.
The technical vocabulary can vary from salon to salon. But the principle remains the same: a short nape, a gradual gradation and framing highlights. Clarifying these three points is enough to point the hairdresser in the right direction.
An ultra-lightweight routine for daily bob care
One of the strengths of this short cut is its low-maintenance routine. Just step out of the shower, apply a styling serum and detangle with a wide-tooth comb. Then leave to air-dry for the signature natural granny bob effect.
This effortless approach fits in well with fast-paced lifestyles. What’s more, the absence of daily blow-drying preserves the hair fiber over the long term. The short cut therefore gains in practicality what it offers in style.
The granny bob is also easy to recomb between salon appointments. The degraded structure retains its shape even without intervention. As a result, maintenance remains light from week to week, making it a practical option for busy lifestyles.
When it comes to choosing your next short haircut, the granny bob ticks boxes that are rarely put together: customization according to hair texture, styling versatility and real time savings. In 2026, this retro 1920s bob will be much more than a passing trend.
