Stylists Share Their Top Hair Trends For 2026
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1 month ago
The salon has spoken
What do your 2026 plans entail? A skincare shift? A new fitness regime? Or maybe a new relationship with your sense of wellbeing? If none of the above take your fancy, then make your ‘new year, new you’ moment one for the salon. We asked stylists which hair trends are about to take over the salon in 2026. Here’s the verdict.
Revealed: The Biggest Hair Trends For 2026
Think ahead: what will the salon look like in 2026? ‘Next year will be all about hair that feels effortless but still looks put together,’ predicts Neale Rodger, Style Director of STIL Salon. ‘Clients want texture, movement and colour that grows out softly – nothing too “done”. It’s shaping up to be the year of lived-in structure and polished shapes with an easy, wearable finish.’
And it seems to be a sentiment shared by the industry. ‘As people continue to prioritise ease, longevity and hair health over quick, high-maintenance transformations, we are seeing looks that are low-maintenance become more popular,’ adds Jason Collier, celebrity hairstylist and founder of Studio 23 and Jerome Russell Bblonde KOL. ‘It’s also the same for polished but understated styles, hence why rich brunettes and bobs are gaining popularity.’
Intrigued? Below, we round up what the salon experts have to say about the hair trends set to dominate 2026:
Top Trends At A Glance
- Soft Bob
- British Bob
- Micro Bob
- Weightless Crop
- 90s Pixie Cut
- Cinnamon Blonde
- Dimensional Browns
- Colour Melting
- 80s Volume Shag
- Micro Fringe
- Natural Texture
- Air Drying
1. Soft Bob
Thought you’d seen the last of the bob trend? Think again. The salon is only getting more creative when it comes to this crowd-pleasing hairstyle. ‘The bob isn’t going anywhere, but the 2026 version is softer around the edges,’ says Neale. ‘Think of a clean outline paired with natural texture, so the cut keeps its shape without looking stiff. And it’s picking up pace already; I’m seeing more clients asking for a bob that feels chic but low maintenance. It works on so many hair types, and that versatility is why it’ll be huge next year.’
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2. British Bob
There’s even a homegrown spin on the cut set to make waves in 2026, says Jason. ‘The British bob is a standout for 2026,’ the stylist tells C&TH. ‘It sits between chin and collarbone, with a clean, squared-off base, minimal layering, and soft, posh movement rather than heavy texture.
‘It’s a look that feels polished and practical and is perfect for anyone who wants a shorter style with minimal fuss,’ he adds. ‘It’s also air dry friendly, easy to blow-dry or straighten, and requires barely any styling. It’s very quiet luxury and understated, which makes it super wearable.’
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3. Micro Bob
Other bobs, meanwhile, will make a statement. ‘Cropped, chic and ultra-cool – the micro mini bob is set to be one of 2026’s most transformative cuts, oozing fashion-forward energy,’ predicts Andy Heasman, International Creative Director at Rush Hair. ‘Falling in between the jawline and the cheekbone, the micro mini bob commands attention in any room, embodying a more polished, daring approach to the much-loved classic bob.
‘With its clean, sharp lines, this cut is designed to be eye-catching without feeling overdone,’ he continues. ‘It focuses on precision, offering a strong, structured shape that naturally enhances the face. If you’re looking to make a statement, the micro mini bob will be the next evolution of the contemporary, classic cut.’
And for more micro bob inspiration, see our guide here.
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4. Weightless Crop
And for those craving an even bigger transformation, think shorter – and cropped. ‘I’m seeing a big shift towards softer, weightless crops,’ observes Neale. ‘It’s a short cut, but there’s nothing severe about it. It’s all about diffused edges, airy movement and a bit of natural lift through the front. It gives you that cool, effortless look with almost no styling effort.’
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5. 90s Pixie Cut
Another short cut set to be a hit in the salon is the classic pixie – but this time, it comes with a 90s twist. ‘This new look builds on the momentum we’ve already seen in 2025, particularly after Kim Kardashian debuted her striking pixie at Paris Fashion Week,’ explains Suzie McGill, International Artistic Director at Rainbow Room International. ‘The focus for 2026 is on softer, more relaxed versions that feel wearable, versatile, and chic.
‘There’s also a playful 90s influence, nodding to icons like Halle Berry, Toni Braxton, and Kate Moss, who all made the pixie their signature for a period of time during the decade,’ she adds. ‘What makes the pixie so appealing is just how adaptable it is. It can be ultra-short, feature long bangs, or embrace texture through waves or plaits, suiting all face shapes. Softly revealing the nape of the neck, it instantly brightens the face and adds a little bit of an edge.’
And for more 90s pixie cut ideas, see our guide here.
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6. Cinnamon Blonde
As for colours – think soft, tonal hues that feel lived in. Cue: cinnamon blonde. ‘This tawny, beige blonde is perfect for a fresh start. Its multidimensional tones add depth to any hairstyle,’ says Seung Ki Baek, Creative Colour Expert at Rush Hair. ‘And it’s versatile; cinnamon blonde can work for most colour palettes, with a warm acorn base and subtle vanilla blonde pieces swirled through the hair. It also doesn’t have a harsh re-growth line, making it the perfect shade if you’re looking to prioritise healthy hair in 2026, but still want to stay bright and blonde.’
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7. Dimensional Browns
Following a similar beat, Jason predicts a revival of rich, dimensional brunette tones. ‘There will be a shift towards luxe tones,’ he emphasises, ‘like deep chocolate, espresso, and hyper glossy brunettes. We will also see a lot of multi-tonal brunette blends that catch the light and change in the light. These quiet-luxury brunette shades offer understated elegance, are flattering on many skin tones, and feel timeless rather than just a trend.’
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8. Colour Melting
2026’s answer to balayage? Colour melting. ‘As we move into the new year, colour melting feels like the natural next step for lived-in colour: subtle, modern, and wearable,’ says Suzie. ‘The technique blends at least three shades from root to tip so gently that the colours appear to melt into one another, creating a finish with no harsh lines and no obvious beginning or end. It offers both softness and refinement at a time when many clients are looking for something more understated than traditional balayage.
‘It’s beautifully versatile, working on all hair types, but it’s especially flattering on golden blondes, honey brunettes and warm coppers, where the tones flow together with a watercolour-like ease,’ she adds. ‘The effect adds natural shine, depth and dimension, without the upkeep that comes with high-contrast colour, which is why it’s already gaining momentum among those wanting something polished yet low-maintenance.’
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9. 80s Volume Shag
It’s not all quiet luxury and contemporary elegance, though. Tom Warr, Academy and Creative Director at Blue Tit London, sees a revival of one particularly prominent pandemic trend: the shag. And not just any old shag, either: ‘In 2026 we’re going to see more of that 80s shaggy, choppy mullet with a punk rock style, lots of texture and volume on top. Think of it as an evolution of the shags and wolf cuts we’ve seen the last few years, but with more attitude.’
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10. Micro Fringe
Stylists also see a great fringe revival coming for the salon – and the shorter, the better. ‘What’s gonna be hot? Baby bangs, also called micro fringe, mini bangs and pixie bangs,’ says Stefania Mastrogiuseppe, owner of Blue Tit Hammersmith. ‘It’s a very short fringe that sits mid forehead or even higher. It can be cut blunt for a more dramatic look or choppy and textured for a softer and modern look.
‘It goes really well with pixie cuts that are super trendy at the moment and also with very long blunt hair that is also a statement.’
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11. Natural Texture
There might be a time and a place for sleek, polished cuts – but it’s not 2026. ‘I think we’ll also see a shift towards more authentic hair patterns,’ suggests Jason. ‘I predict lots of natural waves, soft movement, lived-in texture, and cuts that enhance rather than fight the hair’s natural movement.
‘We’ll see a lot of relaxed shapes, airy layers, subtle shaping, minimal heat styling, and techniques that allow hair’s natural pattern and movement,’ he adds. ‘This trend is a move away from over-styled, overly polished looks and for many clients – especially those with curls or natural waves – this opens the door to healthier hair routines and lower maintenance which supports the growing hair-as-wellness movement.’
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12. Air Drying
Speaking of, get ready to drop the hair dryer. ‘Air drying is having a revival and there’s a real appetite for cuts that work with your natural texture,’ says Neale. ‘We’re tailoring layers so the hair air dries into its best shape, enhancing waves, removing bulk, and adding movement. After a year of heat-styling fatigue, clients love the idea of hair that behaves on its own.’
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