Between the return of the ultra-short bob and the fashion for XXL lengths, many hesitate in front of the mirror. We dream of real change, without sacrificing years of growth or experiencing the famous “what if I regret?” after going to the hairdresser. The short or long dilemma is a little tiring.
Since spring 2026, a hybrid cut has become an emergency solution: a two-in-one hairstyle that gives the illusion of a false bob while keeping the length intact in the back. Popularized by Camila Morrone and sometimes nicknamed “forgotten haircut”, it is also talked about under the names of butterfly haircut or hidden bob from Korea, the famous hidden bob.
How This Hybrid Cut Creates the Perfect Illusion of a Bob
The simplest principle, put forward by ELLE, consists of keeping a long base throughout the hair and cutting only the front strands to the height of a square, a few centimeters below the chin. Carried forward, these locks frame the face and create a structured, almost graphic square, while the lengths remain discreetly hidden in the back; brought back, they blend into the mass to find long, flowing hair.
As for more elaborate versions, Korean salons have developed one where the lower section is cut into a short, clean square, while the upper part remains long and layered. Hair down, we only see the length; as soon as you tie it in a half tail or half bun, the square below appears. The , described as a long layered cut which gives the illusion of a square while keeping the lengths, plays on the same contrast, with strands from above and from the front cut approximately 5 cm below the chin.
What to say to your hairdresser to achieve a successful cut
To avoid any misunderstandings, it is better to arrive with a clear brief. Professionals recommend having hair that is well past your shoulders before starting, because you need enough material to create these different heights. The idea to formulate: a long base preserved, front locks (and possibly top) cut to the length of a square, in order to be able to hide or reveal this effect depending on the hairstyle.
You can summarize your request with this mini checklist:
- Keep the lengths in the back, without cutting more than the ends.
- Create a “false square” with the locks that frame the face.
- On thick hair, possibly cut a section from below in a hidden square style.
For whom, and how to live with this cut every day
This hybrid cut works particularly well on thick or dense hair, because it’s almost “two cuts in one.” On very fine hair, the bob below risks showing through and breaking the illusion; It is then better to stick with a butterfly version, with a softer gradient. It lends itself very well to naturally straight or slightly wavy hair, which makes it easier to layer layers and fall the false bob.
On a daily basis, it requires a minimum of styling after each shampoo to realign the different lengths: directed drying, a light blow-dry or a few strokes of the straightener are generally sufficient. The “false square” mode is played by bringing the short locks forward and hiding the lengths behind the nape of the neck; the XXL length mode, on the contrary, consists of blending these locks into the mass or relying on partial attachments, which discreetly reveal the hidden bob. TikTok is full of transformation videos with millions of views, proof that this chameleon cut is as amusing as it is reassuring.
Is this hybrid cut suitable for fine hair?
It is especially recommended for thick or dense hair. On fine hair, the hidden bob becomes visible and the illusion works less well.
What minimum length to adopt this illusion square cut?
Experts recommend hair well past the shoulders, in order to keep a real long fall while creating square-style locks.
Does this hybrid cut require a lot of maintenance?
It requires regular touch-ups on the front locks and light styling after each wash to realign the layers.
Sources
- Grazia
“Between the short and the square, this star cut for spring 2026 will make even the most indecisive people fall for it”
