Zendaya’s dark mocha curly pixie-bob is a festive hair mood

Zendaya has closed out the year with a haircut that feels both playful and grown-up: a dark mocha, curly pixie-bob revealed in the run-up to Christmas. On social feeds and red carpets alike, the pixie-bob continues to trend because it delivers the impact of a short cut with the softness and versatility of a bob — and Zendaya’s curly version is a timely reminder that texture doesn’t need taming to look polished.

While celebrity looks are often created with an expert glam team and optimal lighting, the underlying idea is highly wearable: a shorter, rounded shape that celebrates curl pattern and frames the face. For UK readers considering a seasonal refresh, this is one of those cuts that can look striking even with minimal styling — provided the shape is tailored to your curl type and density.

What is a curly pixie-bob — and why “dark mocha” works so well?

A pixie-bob sits in the sweet spot between a cropped pixie and a chin-skimming bob. It typically keeps a bit more length at the top and around the fringe area, with a tapered nape and a rounded silhouette. On curls, that rounded structure can look particularly modern because it creates a sculpted profile without requiring pin-straight finishing.

The colour note matters here, too. “Dark mocha” (think rich brunette with warm, coffee-toned depth) is a flattering winter shade because it adds dimension without the harshness that can sometimes come with very inky black. Many UK colourists also favour deeper brunettes in colder months as they tend to look glossy and expensive-looking under artificial indoor lighting — exactly where we spend a lot of December.

Practically speaking, if you’re tempted by this look, the first step is not to search for the exact shade name; it’s to book a consultation and bring 2–3 reference images that show the cut from multiple angles, plus one image of your natural curl on a normal day. That helps your stylist calibrate expectations and create a shape that works in real life, not just on a red carpet.

How to ask your UK stylist for this shape (without ending up “too short”)

Short haircuts can go wrong when there’s a mismatch between what a client imagines and what a stylist hears. With curly hair, shrinkage and spring factor make communication even more important. Rather than asking for “Zendaya’s haircut” (which can mean different things depending on the stylist’s interpretation), try describing the elements that make it work.

• Length plan: Ask for a pixie-bob with “enough length on top to show curl definition” and a “softly tapered nape”.
• Silhouette: Request a rounded, face-framing shape rather than a flat or heavily layered bob.
• Fringe choice: If you want a fringe, specify whether you want curl-forward pieces that sit above the brows when dry (remember shrinkage), or longer swooping pieces.
• Weight placement: Ask the stylist where they plan to keep weight to avoid a triangle shape — especially if your curls are dense.
• Maintenance level: Be honest about how often you’ll refresh curls and how frequently you’re willing to return for trims.

Many curl specialists in the UK will cut curls dry or do a hybrid cut (shaping dry, refining wet), because it helps them see how the curl sits naturally. If your stylist typically cuts wet, it’s worth asking how they account for shrinkage and whether they’ll finish with curl-by-curl detailing.

Styling a curly pixie-bob at home: definition without heaviness

The appeal of Zendaya’s version is that it looks light, touchable and intentionally textured. To recreate that feel at home, it helps to prioritise definition and soft hold — not stiffness. Overloading a short curly cut can easily collapse the crown or make the sides look bulky.

Many stylists recommend thinking in layers: hydration first, then definition, then hold. For most curl types, technique is more important than using lots of products.

• Start with a clean base: Use a conditioner that gives slip so curls clump easily while detangling.
• Apply products on soaking-wet hair: This encourages even distribution and reduces frizz.
• Use a “micro amount” approach: For short cuts, begin with less than you think — you can always add.
• Define strategically: Finger-coil a few face-framing curls if you want that styled-but-natural effect.
• Dry with control: A diffuser on low heat/low airflow helps keep the shape rounded rather than blown out.

If your curls tend to puff at the sides, try drying the sides first with the diffuser angled upwards towards the roots, then finish the top last to maintain lift. And if you want the cut to look “freshly done” between washes, a light water mist plus a small amount of leave-in can revive the curl shape without weighing it down.

Colour considerations: keeping dark mocha glossy in winter

Deeper brunette shades shine when they’re reflective. In UK winter conditions — central heating indoors, cold air outdoors, scarves and coat collars rubbing at the nape — hair can lose shine quickly. The goal isn’t to chase a mirror finish, but to keep the cut looking intentional and healthy.

Colourists often recommend protecting brunette tones by minimising unnecessary heat, using lukewarm water when rinsing, and scheduling a toner or gloss appointment as needed rather than repeatedly recolouring the full head. If you’re prone to dryness, consider spacing out clarifying shampoos and focusing on scalp cleansing with gentle massage; it can help hair look fresher at the root without over-stripping the lengths.

For a realistic next step: if you’re considering going darker, ask your colourist whether a single-process brunette, a gloss, or subtle lowlights would best mimic “mocha” on your current base — especially if you have existing highlights that could turn muddy if simply covered.

Key Takeaways

• Zendaya’s dark mocha curly pixie-bob sits between a pixie and a bob, using a rounded shape to spotlight natural texture.
• For curls, success depends on shape and shrinkage planning — bring multi-angle references and a photo of your natural curl on a normal day.
• Ask your stylist for a softly tapered nape, length on top for definition, and weight placement that avoids bulk at the sides.
• At home, use fewer products than you think: hydration + definition + soft hold, applied on soaking-wet hair, then diffuse gently.
• To keep “dark mocha” looking glossy in winter, prioritise shine maintenance and consider gloss/toner support rather than frequent full recolours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a pixie-bob work on very tight curls or coils?
It can, but the cut needs deliberate shaping. Tighter textures have more shrinkage, so many stylists will keep extra length at the top and around the hairline to maintain balance. A curl specialist can advise on a silhouette that suits your density and hairline.

How often does a curly pixie-bob need trimming?
It depends on how sharp you want the outline to look. Many people book trims every 6–10 weeks to maintain the nape and overall shape, while others stretch longer if they prefer a softer grow-out.

Is “dark mocha” a warm or cool brunette?
Mocha usually sits on the warmer side of brunette, with subtle coffee and chocolate tones. Your colourist can tweak it warmer or more neutral depending on your skin tone and your existing colour.

Can I get this look without cutting all my hair off at once?
Yes. You can transition via a longer bob first, then gradually shorten the back and refine the top over a couple of appointments. This approach also helps you learn how your curls behave at shorter lengths.

What’s the easiest way to style a curly pixie-bob in the morning?
Refresh with water (a mist or wet hands), smooth a tiny amount of leave-in through the surface, then scrunch and diffuse for a few minutes. For definition around the face, finger-coil just a couple of curls rather than redoing the whole head.