6 Ways to Wear a Bob This Autumn, Per Top Hairstylists

There’s an unmistakable chill in the air, and the evenings are drawing in. Autumn is mere days away. Even as an incredibly summer-pilled person, I can’t resist the allure of warm, cosy nights and the “back-to-school” reset that happens around this time. Whilst I may no longer be studying, there’s something about September that makes me want to shake up my routine, from purchasing unnecessary stationery to re-thinking my beauty rotation.

Yes, with the change of seasons comes the familiar urge to chop off my split ends, and of course, brave a bob. It’s the quintessential short autumn hairstyle—I mean, what looks better with a trench and a chunky knit? And of course, there’s no dearth of inspiration this AW26. “Bobs are definitely back this autumn with a myriad of ways to wear them,” notes TONI&GUY Global Creative Director, Cos Sakkas. “We’ve had structured, smooth and high-shine finishes, and are moving to more lived-in, effortless styles that are easy to achieve if you’re short on time and skill.”

So, whether you’re partial to an undone shag, or want something that complements your features beautifully, there’s something for everyone ahead.

6 Autumn Bob Trends for 2026

1. The Bixie

Iris Law wearing the bixie

Eva Goulding at Nicola Clarke Salon has hailed the “bixie” as the bob of the season. As the name suggests, it’s a mix between a pixie and a bob. “It’s a little more daring than your below-chin bob, so it’s perfect for those who are contemplating a pixie cut, but want to test it out first,” the hairstylist explains. “Think of it as a short bob with graduation, but not in the way we’ve seen before. This shape is a lot less structured, and the length lifts up to the lips, rather than falling triangularly.”

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2. The Butterfly Bob

frannfyne

If you’re a fan of the wolf cut, which was everywhere last autumn, then you’ll probably be keen on the butterfly bob too. It’s a softer, more whimsical evolution of that movement, explains award-winning hairstylist Gustav Fouche. “Rather than strong, solid lines, you have much more texture here. There are lots of layers around the face to emphasise the cheekbones and jawline, and the overall length sits somewhere between the jaw and collarbone. You can think of it as a more modern, layered version of the bob.”

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Living Proof Perfect Hair Day (phd) Advanced Clean Dry Shampoo 9.9 Oz

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3. The Kicked-Out Bob

Elsa Hosk

The kicked-out bob continues to reign supreme for AW26. This time around, though, it’s a little longer, but still all one length with minimal layering. As Goulding explains: “Your hairstylist will focus on graduation to encourage the hair to naturally kick outwards.” Plus, it’s very easy to style and great for most hair types, as you can wear it wavy, curly or straight.”

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4. The Boyfriend Bob

Laura Harrier

This season’s androgynous boyfriend bob is a slightly shorter, sharper take on the style. “This isn’t a heavily layered bob,” notes Fouche. “You want to retain a strong line through the bottom to give it that androgynous feel, but personalise it through the front with subtle layering around the cheekbones and movement around the face. It’s often worn with a centre parting, although it can easily be flicked to the side.” Of course, if you prefer, it can sit anywhere from below the ear to more of a lob length.