Millie Bobby Brown Debuts a Short, Dark Lob for 2026

Millie Bobby Brown has kicked off 2026 with a noticeably sleeker hair moment: swapping her recent XXL, mermaid-red lengths for what appears to be her shortest and darkest look in months. Shared via Instagram in a post and video, the star’s new cut reads as a tidy long bob (lob) with a deep brunette tone—clean, glossy and highly wearable. For anyone considering a new-year reset, it’s a timely reminder that small changes in length and colour placement can make hair look more modern, healthier and easier to style day-to-day.

Why the short, dark lob feels like a 2026 power move

Celebrity hair shifts often track broader beauty movements, and this one lands squarely in a place UK salons know well: polished practicality. A lob—especially one that sits around the collarbone—bridges the gap between “I want a change” and “I still need options”. It can be worn straight and glassy, tucked behind the ears for a sharper silhouette, or loosely waved for that effortless, lived-in finish many clients ask for.

The darker tone matters too. After seasons of brighter coppers and reds, returning to brunette can look instantly more expensive and minimal, particularly when it’s paired with a blunt-ish perimeter and shine-forward styling. Many stylists also find that deeper shades visually emphasise gloss and condition, because light reflects more evenly across the surface—provided the cuticle is smooth and the hair is well cared for.

Real-world practicality: if you’ve been toying with a chop but feel nervous, ask your stylist for a collarbone lob first. It’s usually the most forgiving “transition length” and still plays nicely with ponytails and clips.

What to ask your stylist for: the ‘dark lob’ brief (without guesswork)

If you take one lesson from Brown’s switch-up, it’s that the best lobs are tailored. Face shape, hair density, natural texture and your daily styling habits all influence whether a lob looks swishy and precise—or strangely heavy. In UK salons, a strong consultation is where this cut succeeds.

• Length: Collarbone or just above, depending on your neck length and how much movement you want. Slightly longer can feel softer and more versatile.
• Perimeter: A clean line (blunt or softly blunt) for a modern finish. If you have thicker hair, internal layering can remove bulk without disrupting the outline.
• Parting: Centre partings can look editorial and balanced, while a side part can add volume and lift at the roots.
• Framing: Subtle face-framing pieces can keep a lob from feeling too severe—especially if you’re transitioning from very long hair.
• Colour direction: “Deep brunette with shine” is a useful phrase. If you’re covering faded red, ask about a gloss/toner strategy so the brunette doesn’t pull overly warm or muddy.

One thing to keep in mind: going from vivid red to dark brunette can be deceptively complex. Even when hair looks dark, underlying warmth can resurface as coppery tones over time. Many colourists recommend a staged approach—often involving toners and maintenance glosses—to keep the brunette looking rich rather than brassy.

How to style a short, dark lob so it looks glossy—not flat

A lob lives and dies by finish. With shorter lengths, the eye goes straight to the ends, so condition and polish matter. If you love the “expensive brunette” look, prioritise shine, smoothness and a soft bend through the mid-lengths.

• For sleek and straight: Rough-dry with tension using a paddle brush, then refine with a straightener in small sections. Aim for a gentle curve at the ends rather than pin-straight.
• For soft movement: Use a medium-barrel tong or straightener to create loose bends, alternating direction for a natural result.
• For volume at the crown: Blow-dry the roots away from the scalp, then set the top section with Velcro rollers for 10–15 minutes.
• For that ‘glass’ feel: Finish with a light serum on the ends only (too much near the roots can collapse the style).

Also worth noting: darker shades can make dryness more obvious if the hair is dehydrated, because the contrast between dull and shiny areas is more visible. Many stylists recommend weekly conditioning treatments and mindful heat use to keep the texture supple.

Real-world practicality: set yourself up for success by booking a trim every 6–10 weeks. A lob holds its shape best when the perimeter stays crisp.

Considering a dramatic colour switch? A cautious, hair-friendly approach

Brown’s change is a useful prompt for anyone itching to go darker after a bright phase. If you’ve been wearing copper, auburn or fashion reds, remember that pigments can linger in the hair fibre. Going dark on top may look immediate, but long-term results depend on how porous your hair is and what colour services have happened before.

In salon terms, your colourist may talk about:

• Porosity and fade patterns: Previously lightened or heat-damaged hair can grab pigment unevenly.
• Filling: Adding back underlying tones so brunette looks balanced (and doesn’t turn khaki/flat).
• Glossing: A shine-and-tone service to keep brunette looking fresh between appointments.

If you’re doing this at home, it’s wise to be conservative: choose demi-permanent options where possible and consider a strand test. If your scalp is sensitive or you’re prone to irritation, dermatologists often advise patch testing colour products and avoiding application on broken or inflamed skin.

Real-world practicality: bring two or three reference photos to your appointment—one for the cut line, one for the colour depth, and one for the finish (sleek vs waved). It helps your stylist translate “dark lob” into a personalised plan.

Key Takeaways

• Millie Bobby Brown’s 2026 hair update swaps long, mermaid-red lengths for a short, dark lob that looks polished and wearable.
• A collarbone lob is a practical “big change” cut: modern, low-fuss, and still easy to style in multiple ways.
• When asking for a lob, focus on the perimeter shape, internal weight removal, and face-framing details—not just the overall length.
• Moving from red to brunette can require toning and maintenance to prevent warmth reappearing over time.
• To keep a dark lob looking expensive, prioritise shine, gentle heat styling, and regular trims to maintain a crisp line.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a lob suitable for fine hair?
Often, yes. A lob can make fine hair look fuller because the ends sit at one level. Ask your stylist about minimal layering and a slightly blunt finish to maximise thickness through the perimeter.

How often should I trim a lob?
Most people find a lob looks its best with a tidy-up every 6–10 weeks, depending on how sharp you like the line and how quickly your hair grows.

Will going darker make my hair look healthier?
Darker colour can create the appearance of improved shine and uniformity, but it doesn’t automatically repair damage. Condition, cuticle smoothness and good aftercare are what make hair truly look glossy.

I’m currently red—can I go brunette in one appointment?
Sometimes, but it depends on your hair history and porosity. Many colourists prefer a planned approach using “fill” shades and glossing to keep the brunette rich and even as it settles.

What’s the easiest way to style a lob at home?
A smooth blow-dry with a paddle brush is the simplest route. If you want bend, add a few loose waves with a tong and finish with a tiny amount of serum on the ends.