What Is a Box Bob? Experts Weigh In

If you had asked me five years ago what hairstyle I thought would see the most evolutions and viral iterations, the bob would’nt have topped my list. What used to be a plain Jane style, the bob haircut has now become one of the most versatile and beloved hairdos among influencers, beauty lovers and celebrities alike. Dozens of subtle variations now make the bob suitable for nearly any aesthetic.

The latest and greatest in bob trends is the box bob, a sleek, structured take on the classic cut that’s already shaping up to be one of fall’s biggest hair trends. If you’re interested in experimenting with this sharp-edged style, we tapped experts for a full rundown on all things box bob.

Featured Experts

What is a box bob?

“The box bob is all about precision,” says celebrity hairstylist Dimitris Giannetos. “The box bob is unique in the fact that it’s cut blunt with straight lines to create a modern, structured look,” he explains. “Unlike a softer bob that curves with the face, this style has a boxier, almost architectural feel that makes it incredibly chic and fashion-forward.” In addition to its squared-off nature, Paul Labrecque, creative director, master stylist and colorist with Paul Labrecque Salon and Skincare Spa, adds that the “fringed edges” of the box bob make it different from other bob haircuts.

What hair types and face shapes suit a box bob?

With celebrities and influencers like Dixie D’Amelio, Gigi Hadid and Meredith Duxbury all turning to Giannetos for the perfect box bob, you may feel eager to jump headfirst into the trend yourself. But is it right for you? According to Labrecque, “A box bob will look great on those with oval, rectangle, heart and pear-shaped faces,” adding that it “probably isn’t the best choice for those with a more square or round face.” As for hair texture, Giannetos notes, “the box bob works beautifully on straight to wavy hair, because those hair types allow the clean edges to really shine through.”

How do you style a box bob?

Getting the perfect, A-list-level haircut is one thing, but learning how to style it on your own is a whole different ball game. Luckily, our experts have plenty of tips and tricks for making sure your box bob looks salon-fresh day in and day out. “The key to styling a box bob is to keep the finish sleek and polished so the geometry of the cut really pops,” Giannetos begins. “I like to blow-dry with a round brush and then go in with a smoothing product like L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Frizz Killer Serum Leave-In ($9) to eliminate frizz and add shine. If you want a slightly edgier, editorial finish, a spritz of L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray ($16) at the ends can hold that sharp, straight shape,” he explains.

Labrecque also suggests nailing your blow-dry routine to make sure your box bob is always in tip-top shape. After washing, he recommends you “shake your strands dry with a little texturizing spray,” like his Paul Labrecque Volume Style ($28). “Then, when your hair is fully dry, use a light pomade to help bring out and show off your fringed edges,” he adds.