The bob has made a big comeback over the past few years. We’ve had Jennifer Love Hewitt’s “mom bob,” Jessica Biel’s “f-ck ass bob,” Leslie Bibb and Jenna Hager Bush’s blunt bobs, and Gigi Hadid’s “matte black” bob. Kris Jenner even played around with different bob styles last summer. Well a new on-trend bob just dropped: the Japanese Bob.

The Japanese Bob is a sleek, minimalistic take on the bob. It sits at or just below the jaw and is characterized by sharp lines, very little layering, and a soft silhouette. It’s supposed to be low-maintenance yet polished and fashionable. Some notable examples of celebrities that have Japanese Bob haircuts include Keira Knightley, Naomi Watts, and Kelly Rowland. According to Cosmo, the Japanese Bob is turning into this season’s most requested hair styles.

What is the Japanese bob?
At its core, the Japanese bob is a precision cut rooted in meticulous technique. It favors clean geometry, controlled movement, and healthy-looking shine over heavy texturizing.

As hairstylist Danielle Louise explains, “The Japanese bob is a precision cut that focuses on ultra clean lines, subtle internal layering, and a softly structured silhouette. It is usually cut at jaw length or slightly below, with a blunt finish but natural movement through the ends.”

What separates it from a classic blunt bob is the detail. “Japanese cutting techniques prioritize balance and micro precision, so the shape frames the jaw without looking heavy. It feels minimal, polished, and quietly expensive,” she says. The result is a shape that looks intentional from every angle—sleek, refined, and effortlessly modern.

Its current resurgence also reflects a wider shift in hairstyle trends. “There has been a clear shift away from heavily textured, beach wave styles. Clients are asking for cuts that look intentional, healthy, and elevated without requiring constant styling,” Danielle notes.

Who is the Japanese bob best suited to?
One of the reasons the Japanese bob is trending is for its versatility. The length can be adjusted to flatter different face shapes, while subtle layering allows for customization without losing that signature structure.

“It works especially well on straight to slightly wavy hair because the precision of the cut is visible,” Danielle explains. “Fine to medium hair types benefit from it as the blunt perimeter creates the illusion of density.”

And when it comes to upkeep, this one’s for the low-maintenance girls among us. It sits as it should with minimal effort but still has a refined, fashion-forward finish. So, rest up and treat yourself to those 10 extra minutes in bed.

[From Cosmopolitan]

I love this hairstyle so much. I love short hairdos and think this one is such a classy, chic look that’s easy to manage. I can see why so many people are requesting it right now and would absolutely rock a Japanese Bob if I could. I’ve tried many times over the years, but sadly, I really can’t pull off shorter hair in general. My hair is just too thick and wavy for anything above shoulder length. I’ve finally just grown out a terrible bob I got two years ago. In the meantime, I’ll just look enviously at pictures of women rocking this hairstyle and wait until longer beach waves come back into style.

Photos credit: Jennifer Graylock-Graylock.com/Avalon, Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency/Avalon, Janet Mayer/INSTARimages.com