3 min learn

Inspiration appears limitless for new-season hairstyles, however one theme is setting the tone for summer time. Whether or not it’s gently layered butterfly cuts, wavy iterations of the nostalgic graduated bob, or the freshly rising “Riviera bob,” delicate and ethereal are the developments du jour.

As seen on the spring/summer time 2026 runways, from Dior to Frederick Anderson—then final week, singer Rosalía—the Riviera bob is outlined by delicate layering, fluid motion, and bouncy curls, all of which lend themselves to a romantic look destined for a coastal Mediterranean trip.

Under, A-list hairstylist Larry King weighs in on why the lower is ready to seem in every single place in summer time 2026, and the best way to fashion it, relying in your hair kind.

Why is the Riviera bob trending?

In response to King, curly bobs that embrace an “easy, cool-girl power” really feel synonymous with hotter climate. “It feels contemporary, fashionable, and a bit rebellious—plus, superb for summer time, since taking size off immediately makes curls really feel lighter.”

By eradicating weight, King explains that curls are allowed room to spring up and exhibit their form. In flip, this interprets to minimal styling time and the chance to air-dry the hair, which couldn’t be extra welcome within the warmth.

How does the Riviera bob go well with completely different hair varieties?

Because the fashion is often worn as extra of a midi lower, it’s as versatile as it’s easy. When a floaty texture accompanies a collarbone-grazing size, the outcome appears to be like pure, low-maintenance, and wholesome on a variety of hair varieties. Even for high quality or skinny hair, the refined quantity and physique created by the curls visually improve motion.

In brief, the Riviera bob is thought to work with the hair, somewhat than towards it. Whereas these with curls and coils will profit from current texture, King notes that “even when your hair is of course straighter, you possibly can completely put on the look.”

“It’s about encouraging texture with the appropriate lower and styling merchandise somewhat than forcing it with warmth,” he provides.

The best way to fashion the Riviera bob now

Previous to styling, making certain the hair is hydrated is an important step—for any curly fashion, however notably in the summertime. King explains {that a} mixture of solar publicity, warmth, and humidity tends to deplete the hair. To fight dryness, a light-weight mousse or ending cream will provide moisture with out compromising motion.

“If in case you have curly hair, that is the proper time to embrace it,” says King. “I’d at all times advocate letting it dry naturally the place doable, however clipping the entrance part whereas it air-dries helps to regulate the form and cease that halo of frizz.”

Day-to-day, the “imperfect texture” required by the Riviera bob is well achieved utilizing a twig. King shares that his new Larry King Experience or Die Texture Spray is designed to “add grip, definition, and separation with out making the hair really feel sticky, which is necessary for curls and waves.”

For pure curls, as soon as the hair is dry, mist your texture spray of alternative and scrunch the hair upward to encourage definition. Or, when working with straight hair, “spray by way of mid-lengths and ends, then diffuse or twist sections round your fingers.”

At its core, the Riviera bob appears to be like finest with a lived-in end; King concludes that this makes it really feel extra “cool,” much less “overstyled.”