Earlier this year Hailey Bieber opted for a fresh new trim and kicked off a haircut trend that has officially been declared the haircut of the year. Yes, 2023 is the year of the ‘box bob’—and once again we have Bieber to thank for another defining beauty look. We already hailed the bob as a key hair trend for 2023, but not all bobs are created equal, and what we love about the box bob is how light and choppy it is. So, what to request from your hairdresser if you want to try out this trend?
First things first, while it is blocky, this is not a classic blunt bob, so you’ll want to avoid a super-precise finish. Likewise, the ends are not gradually layered and are definitely not tapered, so ask instead for texturised layers which are created by cutting at an angle rather than straight across. This style isn’t just about removing length—the bulk of the weight needs to be removed, which helps to keep it feeling light and makes it easy to style. This is also great if you already have naturally thin or fine hair, since the style is less about volume at the roots and more about movement through the lengths.
Consider adding a few slightly shorter strands at the front of your hair—this breaks the line and prevents the style from looking too angular. Plus, adding some face-framing strands is a great idea if you frequently plan on wearing your hair in an up-do. In comparison to some bob haircuts, the box bob is fairly long, which is great because it allows for plenty of styling options. Above all, to keep a textured finish and maintain movement, don’t opt for anything too polished. Texturising mists and matte pomades will be all you’ll need to effortlessly create a tousled effect, while salt sprays will help to add shape if your hair is naturally super straight.
As someone who has had waist-skimming hair for the past decade, I have to admit I’m feeling tempted… The idea of a jaw-skimming choppy bob with blunt ends and plenty of movement through the lengths to prevent it from falling flat is oh so appealing. There really is something about a bob—maybe it’s the low maintenance or maybe it’s the undeniable ‘cool girl’ vibe it gives off—that’s got me seriously considering the chop. It’s chic, effortless, and looks great on everyone.
If you’re also feeling tempted, we’ve rounded up a selection of the very the best box bob haircuts. Yep, everything you need to screenshot for your hairdresser.
According to Hailey, her already iconic box bob was inspired by the choppy style worn by Gwyneth Paltrow as Margot Tenenbaum in The Royal Tenenbaums.
Use a wave-enhancing spray or cream to add movement and keep ends looking choppy.
A box bob is the perfect style to show off some subtle blonde balayage.
This style can be adapted to all hair lengths and textures. TyLynn’s super short box bob look is so chic.
This look really shows how a box bob with blunt ends can make hair look thick and full of volume.
No one does a bob quite like Alexa Chung—here she proves that a box bob and side part can be a winning combo.
Hilary Duff proves that the wet look is a fun way to update or glam up your box bob for a special occasion.
Sleek, straight, and swept in at the ends—we love this super polished box bob style.
Debora Rosa proves that even when grown out, the choppy ends and lifted front layers of a box bob look great.
Kristen Bell’s box bob always looks effortlessly cool. Here she demonstrates the way that longer frontal layers can be used to create the illusion of length.
Want to accessorise? Clips work so well in short hair.
Emma’s choppy box bob proves that all you need is the right styling products to add shape and create movement.
No matter what your hair length, texture always elevates a look.
Franny’s micro-fringe is so on trend paired with her box bob.
Waves and a box bob are a match made in heaven. We’re obsessed with Bettina’s glamourous Old Hollywood style.
Jen Landon’s jaw-length box bob and fresh blonde balayage is everything.
A shoulder-skimming box bob not only looks chic, but has just enough length to style in an up-do as well.
The best thing about short hair? The minimal time needed to style it. Use straighteners and a styling cream to recreate Kimmy’s beachy waves.
A box bob gives the appearance of effortless texture and body, even on fine hair.
Subtle highlights (especially face-framing ones) are great for adding dimension to a one-length box bob.
If you want to freshen up your box bob for summer, bright blonde and soft beachy waves are the way to do it.
Another major perk of a box bob? Tuck behind your ears to show off your earrings.
This is a more expensive texturising spray, but it is one of the best. It’s perfect for fine hair that tends to fall flat and needs a boost.
Some salt sprays can be drying and leave hair feeling sticky, but thanks to propolis and castor oil, this formula helpfully keeps hair soft and shiny.
This creamy, flexible pomade is great for scrunching through lengths for a tousled effect, exactly like Bieber’s. Plus, you can also use it to smooth flyaways in a sleek bun.
Unlike other oils, this one is light, thin, and dry in texture, as opposed to thick and greasy. It helps to soften coarse texture and repair broken strands, but won’t weight your hair down in the process.
If you’ve recently chopped off your locks then dry, fluffy tips and split ends are probably a thing of your past—for now. To prevent them from reoccuring, use a nourishing hair mask (like this one) on a weekly basis.
One thing that hasn’t changed about Bieber’s hair is how healthy and shiny it appears. This fine mist will add an instant glass-like sheen to your bob—essential for the ‘cool girl’ look.
One of the best things about short hair? You can set down your hairdryer, because your hair is about to dry (naturally) a whole lot quicker. This lightweight cream helps it to do so without frizz and flyaways developing.
To keep the ends of your bob sleek and choppy, like Bieber’s, run a little of this smoothing cream through the tips. Frizz and fluffiness is quelled instantly.
