Is there anything more exciting than watching a style icon drop a major hair change right before the new year? I don’t think so!
As we look ahead to 2026, it seems we have already found our first major beauty trendsetter. Hailey Bieber’s Hair Transformation is the Biggest Sign of a Fresh Start—and I, for one, am ready to book my salon appointment immediately.
After sporting beautiful, long, subtle ginger-spice-hued brown locks for a good chunk of the past year, the Rhode founder revealed a shoulder-grazing, slightly layered long bob (or “lob”) on her Instagram.
This isn’t her sharp, chin-length bob of 2023, but a softer, bouncier take, perfectly styled with that middle part she loves. Her longtime hairstylist, Justine Marjan, was the mastermind behind the chop, sharing the look with the simple caption, “chop chop.”
This switch-up isn’t just a spontaneous trip to the salon; it signals a big shift, both personally and in the wider beauty world. Let’s dive into why this cut is already set to be the must-have style for 2026.
The New Year Chop
There is a powerful reason why so many people, Hailey included, opt for a dramatic hair change right around the holidays and new year.
- New Chapter Energy:
Cutting hair is often linked to letting go of the past and embracing a fresh start. For someone as busy as Hailey, who balances a billion-dollar brand and motherhood, a “fresh cut” symbolizes shedding the weight of the previous year and stepping confidently into the next.
- Functional Fashion:
The long bob is incredibly practical. It retains enough length to still be pulled up into a sleek ponytail or her signature slicked-back bun, but it offers the lightness and volume of a shorter cut. It’s perfect for the on-the-go entrepreneur.
Features of Hailey’s Bob Cut:
- Soft Layers: Unlike the blunt bobs of the past, this one features subtle, soft layers that give it movement and a retro 60s-inspired bounce, especially when the ends are flipped out.
- Volume is Vital: The cut is designed to look voluminous and healthy. It has structure at the bottom, making fine hair look thicker and giving thick hair a beautiful shape.
- The Color: Her hair remains in her signature natural brunette shade, which looks glossy and rich, highlighting the healthy ends of the Hailey Bieber bob.
