Gone are the days of the layered bob—according to an expert, the “tuft bob” is the hairstyle that’s going to take the summer of 2026 by storm
In 2026, the bob is more popular than ever in hair trends. However, a new variation is starting to make waves on red carpets and social media: the tuft bob, a voluminous bob that’s emerging as the must-have hairstyle this summer.
The bob in 2026: a trend that’s constantly reinventing itself
For several seasons now, the bob has established itself as one of the most popular haircuts. In 2026, it reaffirms its status as a must-have, with an ever-wider variety of styles. As a result, the structured box bob, the tousled and tapered French bob, and the graphic, 90s-style short bob continue to dominate the runways and fashion news feeds.
This year’s trend is clearly all about personalization. Each bob is tailored to the wearer’s face shape, natural hair texture, and personal style. What’s more, celebrities, influencers, and expert hairstylists have played a major role in making these cuts even more desirable.
Between the ultra-glossy bobs on the red carpet and the textured cuts worn by fashion icons, the bob isn’t about to lose its top spot. Yet, amid all these variations, a more daring version is starting to turn heads.
Zoë Kravitz and Emma Stone, the first ambassadors of the voluminous bob
A beauty expert at Who What Wear UK was the first to notice the rise of this hairstyle. According to her, the voluminous bob has been taking the red carpets and social media by storm since the beginning of 2026. It has been spotted on influential celebrities such as Zoë Kravitz and Emma Stone, who are known for their ability to launch major hair trends.
Their adoption of the shaggy bob was enough to catapult this hairstyle into the ranks of this season’s must-haves. As a result, demand at salons has begun to rise, and hairstylists are gearing up for it.
“The tuft bob is taking the red carpets and social media by storm,” according to a beauty expert at Who What Wear UK.
The tuft bob: What exactly is it?
The tuft bob is a subtle blend of a straight bob and a mullet bob. It features a short, layered, and very dynamic look. However, its true signature lies elsewhere: in a small, unruly strand at the back of the head, which is slightly longer or more textured than the rest.
This strand immediately creates a “full” look, hence the name of the cut. The ends are styled outward to highlight this area and create natural, tousled yet chic volume. The result is a preppy, modern, and slightly playful look.
This style blends a confident nonchalance with refined sophistication. As a result, the full-bodied bob stands out as the perfect answer to the trends of 2026: a cut with character that doesn’t require hours of styling.
- A hairstyle that combines a straight bob and a mullet
- A stray strand at the back, slightly longer or textured
- Outward-curling ends for natural volume
- A preppy, modern, and slightly playful look
- Perfect for adding volume to fine hair
A full-bodied bob that works for all hair textures
The tuft bob works with all hair textures. On straight hair, it creates a modern take on a graphic style—very clean and precise. On wavy or slightly curly hair, however, it enhances the trendy tousled look that’s in style this season.
As a result, this cut isn’t limited to just one hair type. Whether your hair is fine, thick, straight, or textured, the voluminous bob finds a way to highlight your hair’s natural texture.
How can you style the tufted bob for everyday wear?
To bring out the full potential of the tufted bob, texture is key. A salt spray or a lightweight styling product is all it takes to accentuate the movement of the outward-curling ends without weighing the hair down. The key is to maintain a natural, almost spontaneous look.
In addition, regular maintenance of the layered cut is essential. The small strand at the back needs to be touched up at the salon to maintain its unique shape and prevent it from blending into the rest of the hair. This way, the cut retains its character between salon visits.
An off-center part can also add a touch of charm. It further emphasizes the tousled-chic look of the cut. Those who prefer more polished looks can also use a quick blow-dry to accentuate the outward-flipped ends.
Plus, playing around with accessories opens up new styling possibilities. A clip, a subtle headband, or even nothing at all: the full-bodied bob stands on its own and adapts to any look, from the most casual to the most polished.
