Nanocellulose is of great interest in various areas nowadays as a natural nanostructured biomaterial. However, in many applications, the high hydrophilicity due to a large number of hydroxyl groups is not desired. The hydrophobic modification of nanocellulose can thus increase its application. This work reviewed recent developments of methods for nanocellulose hydrophobic modification, through physical adsorption and chemical grafting. The applications of hydrophobic nanocellulose were also reviewed.