Back to school makes you want to start from scratch, hair included. On Google, searches analyzed by the beauty platform Fresha show that the bob, or “bob”, dominates desires for short cuts.
Three bobs in particular are exploding, with up to +408% of requests over three months. All that remains is to choose between a minimalist bob, a very elaborate gradient or a blurred bob like an extended vacation.
Scandi Bob: the minimalist Scandinavian bob for back to school 2026
Star of searches with +408% of queries, the Scandi Bob embodies the Scandinavian bob with very little gradient, worn between the jaw and collarbones. Hairstylist Irinel de León, quoted by Vogue US, describes it as . It particularly highlights, assures hairstylist Alicia Dobson, quoted by WomanAndHome.
This discreet bob works especially on fine to normal, straight to wavy hair, which is left to fall almost naturally. A slight movement, a parting in the middle or on the side is enough to find that Quiet Luxury spirit, without endless styling time.
Butterfly Bob and volume squares: when the gradient is the trend
Short version of the Butterfly Cut, the Butterfly Bob is worn between the jaw and the shoulders and multiplies the airy layers for a butterfly effect. Its lines are , specifies hairstylist Jenna Spino, cited by Glamor US. For hairstylist Chris Baker, quoted by Elle UK, this square, and, as hairstylist Phil Smith, quoted by Stylist, recalls, .
On fine hair, a well-balanced layer gives volume without overly depleting the ends, while on thick hair it lightens the mass and recalls the spirit of very layered squares. About the shag square, describes the hairdresser Gianni Coppa, quoted by Gala. More structured, the Parisian bob at the jawline follows his advice: , while an Italian bob.
Riviera Bob and long bobs: the vacation-style blurred-chic effect
Derived from the Italian bob, the Riviera Bob keeps a full but less finished base, almost back from the beach. Hairstylist Danielle Priano finds it, notes Danielle Priano, cited by Harper’s Bazaar, while Adir Abergel emphasizes that, notes hairstylist Adir Abergel, cited by WhoWhatWear.
Worn just below the jawline or up to the collarbones, it adds volume to fine to medium-thick hair without stiff blow-drying. We have already seen it on Eva Longoria with a long, supple bob at the collarbones, ultra inflated, gently layered and surrounded by shorter strands like side bangs, for a hair lifting effect without cutting it very short. For a darker atmosphere, the 2026 school year can also take inspiration from Rihanna’s perfectly smoothed glossy black lob, combined with structuring curtain bangs. According to Fresha, the Butterfly Bob already has +174% searches and the Riviera Bob +125%, confirming their status as the star bobs of the moment.
Which 2026 trendy square to choose according to the shape of my face?
The Scandi Bob highlights narrow faces by creating an illusion of width, the Butterfly Bob is the ally of round faces, while the Riviera Bob is easily modulated thanks to the length.
Which back-to-school square requires the least maintenance?
The Scandinavian bob, with very little gradient, is content with natural styling, while the Butterfly Bob reveals all its volume with blow-drying or rollers, while the Riviera Bob is designed to remain chic without being complicated to maintain.
Are these 2026 bobs suitable for fine or curly hair?
The Scandi Bob works particularly well on fine to normal, straight to wavy hair, the Butterfly Bob can be worn on straight or curly hair by adapting the gradient to the thickness, and the Riviera Bob adds volume to fine to medium thick hair.
Sources
- Beauty Test
“Eva Longoria adopts this new short cut with side bangs, the summer hairstyle trend”
