The hair trends for 2026 are all about a polished look with a refined, elegant touch, plus a personal feel. Celebrity hairstylist George Northwood says, “Sleeker, healthier, and glossier hair will be big this year. It’s not about hair that’s overdone or stiff, but styles that look put together with a natural, flowing feel.” Celebrity hairstylist and Dyson Beauty global ambassador Irinel De León adds, “There’s less focus on hair looking overly styled, and more on movement, natural texture, and small details that make a style feel unique.”
Think early 2000s and ’90s elegance: crimped hair, crown braids, chignons, bouncy blow-dries, and rich brunette shades. These looks need healthy hair and a more thoughtful styling approach. While there are no strict rules for cut, color, or finish, the overall vibe is a clear shift from recent years—which is exactly why it feels so fresh.
Below, Vogue talks to experts about the key hair trends defining 2026.
Key Takeaways
– The best hair trends of 2026 focus on being polished, with a refined twist, and personalized.
– Expect to see styles like side parts, enhanced natural texture, and modern crimping as some of the biggest hair trends this year.
Side Parts
Monica Schipper/GA/Getty Images
A nod to the classic early 2000s style, De León says side parts are making a comeback. “They can instantly change the shape and mood of a hairstyle,” she explains. “They can look polished and glamorous, but also cool and effortless, depending on how you style the rest of the hair.”
She suggests using a detangling comb or a tail comb (like the La Bonne Brosse Large Detangling Comb) for a precise part. “A good rule is to use the arch of your eyebrow as a guide for where to place your part,” she says. “Then create a clean line from there.”
Once the part is set, she recommends using something like the Dyson Supersonic r Hair Dryer with the flyaway attachment to smooth hair and tame flyaways. “It gives you a clean, polished finish without making hair feel stiff or flat,” she adds.
Enhanced Natural Texture
Jeff Spicer
Less is more is the motto for 2026, and experts think many will choose to let their natural texture shine. “We’re moving away from the idea that everyone needs the same perfectly polished wave,” says De León. “It’s more about working with your hair’s natural pattern and bringing out its best texture.”
To “enhance” your natural curls or waves, she advises applying a curl cream or a lightweight styling product (like the SheaMoisture Coconut and Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie) to wet hair and spreading it evenly, using your hands to encourage the natural curl pattern. Then, use a diffuser to dry hair while keeping your curls’ natural shape and definition. “The key is not to overwork the hair,” she says. “I like to let the diffuser do the work and avoid touching the curls too much while they dry, so the finished texture stays defined, soft, and natural-looking.”
Airy Crown Braids
Samir Hussein
Romantic and whimsical (and for fellow Coachella fans, 2012 to 2015 was the peak of “boho chic”), De León says crown braids are having a real moment. To give them a modern twist for 2026, she suggests making them feel airy. “They’re not overly perfect,” she says. “They have softness and movement.”
To achieve an airy crown braid, she says to start by creating two large sections down the center of your head, leaving a few soft pieces around the face. Then, work a moisturizing cream or light pomade through the hair before braiding each section. When braiding, keep the braids loose; you’ll want to gently pull apart small sections to add volume and get that airy,Finish the look by wrapping the braids around the crown or toward the front hairline, then pin them in place discreetly with bobby pins.
The Clavi-Cut
John Nacion/Getty Images
Everyone loves a good short cut, but this year is all about the return of the clavi-cut. “It’s not quite a bob, and it’s not long hair, so it has this really effortless quality,” says celebrity hairstylist Joseph Maine. “It’s also one of those lengths that looks just as good tucked into a jacket or collar as it does styled.”
Maine says the less styling, the better, and to focus on movement. Prep damp hair with something like Color Wow Dream Coat and blow-dry it with tension for a smooth, glossy base. For extra sleekness, run a flat iron like the Trademark Beauty Cosmic Iron through the mid-lengths and ends. To avoid looking too pin-straight, he suggests slightly bending the iron as you move through the hair so some pieces turn in and others turn out. “It should almost look like the hair naturally fell that way,” he says.
Modern Crimp
Dia Dipasupil
“It’s a softer, more effortless take on traditional crimping,” says Cesar Ramirez, celebrity hairstylist and L’Oréal Professionnel global creative contributor. “Instead of creating very defined small waves, the goal is a more lived-in texture with bigger waves and movement.”
To get that crimped look, he suggests working with damp hair and creating multiple braids. Then let hair dry naturally or use a diffuser to speed things up. Once the braids are completely dry, take them out and separate with your fingers for a softer, more modern crimped effect. Finish with something like L’Oréal Professionnel Absolute Repair Molecular Oil for added shine and smoothness.
Side Fringes
“Side fringes will be a thing,” says celebrity hairstylist Luke Hersheson, pointing to Amber Valletta’s softly sweeping fringe—one that “almost covered her eye” at Gucci’s autumn/winter 1995 show—as the perfect reference. Ideal for those hesitant to commit to shorter bangs, or anyone who values versatility and ease, sometimes all it takes to achieve this look is flipping your parting.
Jean Shrimpton in 1967.
Dove/Getty Images
“You can either create it with a gentle tuck behind the ear, or sweep your bangs to the side and use a light-hold cream to mold the hair into shape,” says hairstylist Frankie Inverarity. “I always look to Jean Shrimpton and Françoise Hardy in the ’60s for inspiration. Any texture or length can wear this look.”
The Graduated Bob
Anja Rubik
Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images
Ernesto Ruscio/Getty Images
All good things must come to an end—even the classic French bob we’ve loved for years. Enter its tougher, cooler successor: the graduated bob. “People are now drawn to sharper cuts that are very subtly graduated towards the front—maintaining length and weight around the face while lifting the hair at the back for a slightly grungier feel,” says Inverarity. “It might sound like a ‘Karen’ cut, but this version is gritty, raw, and blunt, with deliberately broken-up edges.”
Nastassja Kinski in a scene from the film Paris, Texas, 1984.
20th Century Fox/Getty Images
Sitting anywhere between the jawline and just above the shoulder, the cut is choppy and undeniably cool. A razor is used to deconstruct the ends and remove weight at the nape, giving the shape movement and attitude, but without sacrificing polish.
Hair Jewelry
Courtesy of Charlotte Mensah
Courtesy of Charlotte Mensah
According to hairstylist Charlotte Mensah, hair accessories are officially back—and they’re here to stay. “Think hair jewelry,” she says, “from bows and barrettes to chunky gold shells, oversized claw clips, and bold silver or diamond-inspired pieces. Anything that makes a statement.”
Lavish Brunette
Rich, lustrous brunette tones are at the top of beauty mood boards for 2026—And it’s not just for winter. “Think coffee mocha and rich espresso shades,” says colorist John Clark. “They sit perfectly in the middle—neither warm nor icy in tone.”
Mia Goth
Dia Dipasupil
For those who want extra shine and depth, check out Ariana Grande’s recent brunette makeover by colorist Francesco di Chiari. He wove subtle ribbons of lighter caramel and brunette tones through her hair, then added Redken’s Shades EQ gloss in a natural chocolate palette for maximum depth, contrast, and impact.
Disconnected Bangs
“We’ve been cutting fringes to blend smoothly into the rest of the hair for a while, but now clients want a stronger, simpler shape,” explains Inverarity. So she’s started keeping the fringe fully separate from the rest of the cut, creating wispier, shorter bangs with separated corners. This lets you pull the hair back while the fringe sits neatly forward.
Ayo Edebiri.
Gilbert Flores/Getty Images
“It creates a softer, more feline look—sometimes you can still see the brows through the fringe, which instantly opens up the face,” she adds. She prefers keeping the fringe just above the brow; it might feel short, but it keeps the hair light, soft, and effortless.
The New French Twist
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The chignon has had a fussy reputation, but now it’s getting a fresh image. “We’ll be playing more with updos again,” confirms Hersheson. “But in a way that feels natural from the front—clean and freshly washed, not teased or backcombed. Hailey Bieber did a great version recently.”
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They don’t have to be minimalist. Just look at Sam McKnight’s styling at Richard Quinn’s spring/summer 2026 show, where twists and knotted chignons were worn with deliberately “decadent” volume. “It’s unapologetically high-gloss, with hair sculpted into thoughtful shapes,” he explains. “Pull the hair into a low ponytail at the nape, twist into a French pleat, then pin to secure.”
Beatnik Revival
Mica Arganaraz at Sacai’s SS26 show.
Victor VIRGILE/Getty Images
Everyone knows the French have a talent for great hair, so what are they doing for 2026? According to hairstylist David Mallett, it’s all about grown-out pixies and bobs. “The look has a very ’60s Beatnik feel, with a slightly masculine edge—think Mick Jagger or Jim Morrison,” he says. “It’s air- and finger-dried, tousled, and we’re using plenty of diffusers in the salon to encourage natural curl and movement around the face.”
Sharp, Slick, and Architectural
Courtesy of Charlotte Mensah
Slicked-back hair is set to become even more popular next year—but with a sharper, more architectural edge, say both McKnight and Mensah. “Sculpted updos and sleek, braided strands feel both elegant and edgy,” explains Mensah. “Whether paired with full glam or a bare face, the effect instantly elevates even the simplest ponytail.”
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The key is achieving a high-shine finish. “The hair should catch the light and be so reflective it almost looks liquid,” says McKnight. Opt for a high-gloss gel to smooth and define, finished with a shine-enhancing hairspray for photo-flash reflection.
Wheat-y, Soft-Gold Blonde
If you’re not quite ready to go brunette, consider a pared-back blonde instead—natural, softly sun-kissed, and the opposite of high impact. It’s about wheat-ish, soft golden tones, says Inverarity, who creates the look freehand with a scattering of baby lights and micro-lights.
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Tom Smith, cofounder of Aevum Salon, agrees that 2026 is all about an organic blonde, with no obvious highlights or balayage lines. “It’s a finely woven, delicate blend of tones that replicates real blonde hair in the most elevated way,” he says. “Ask your colorist for baby-fine micro-weaves around the hairline an…parting, keeping warmth muted rather than golden—and staying away from copper—for the most natural result.”
The Midi Blowout
Alongside the Supers-inspired ’90s blowouts, hairstylist Halley Brisker notes that the midi blowout is having a moment. “I’m really drawn to luxe textures with a muted, understated spin, and this look taps into that,” he tells Vogue. “There’s volume at the root and a smooth, plump finish, but without curl or bounce—it’s a quieter result, suited to a more discerning taste.” Hairstylist Syd Hayes agrees, adding that volume should feel soft and airy rather than stiff or over-styled.
Sophie Turner
Marc Piasecki
Brisker’s top tip for achieving the look is to use a large, natural-bristle round brush with a wooden base, which avoids over-polishing the hair. “Many modern brushes have ceramic bases that flatten the hair and add too much shine,” he explains. (For inspiration, he points to Sharon Tate.) If you find heated tools easier, then Hayes recommends using the volumizing attachment on the BaByliss Air Wand to add easy oomph.
Sharon Tate, 1967.
Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Blowouts more broadly are firmly back on the agenda. “There’s definitely a move away from beachy, air-dried textures,” says Hersheson. “It’s all about high-shine glossiness and movement that feels groomed and intentional.” Hairdryers at the ready.
Sculptural Curls
“A fluffier, airier curl pattern has dominated over the past couple of years, but now we’re seeing a return to more defined curls,” says Smith. “Thanks to improved curl-defining tools and new product innovations, the look is far more achievable than it once was.”
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The key is a cut that enhances your natural curl pattern while framing the face—one that’s “cleverly shaped to encourage curl and bounce”—paired with the right products. Look for formulas that hydrate, add gloss, and define each curl for a more structured finish. Smith recommends gel-serum textures to create hold without sacrificing softness or movement.
Meet the Experts
George Northwood, celebrity hairstylist
Irinel De León, celebrity hairstylist and Dyson Beauty global ambassador
Cesar Ramirez, celebrity hairstylist and L’Oréal Professionnel global creative contributor
Joseph Maine, celebrity hairstylist
Luke Hersheson, celebrity hairstylist
Frankie Inverarity, hairstylist
Charlotte Mensah, hairstylist
John Clark, colorist
Francesco di Chiari, colorist
Sam McKnight, celebrity hairstylist
David Mallett, celebrity hairstylist
Tom Smith, cofounder of Aevum Salon
Halley Brisker, hairstylist
Syd Hayes, hairstylist
Have a beauty or wellness trend you’re curious about? We want to know! Send Vogue’s senior beauty & wellness editor an email at beauty@vogue.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs about the 16 hair trends predicted for 2026 written in a natural helpful tone
General Questions
1 What is the biggest overall theme for hair trends in 2026
The biggest theme is effortless health Its less about one specific cut or color and more about hair that looks naturally shiny bouncy and wellnourished Think rich girl energy but more relaxed and livedin rather than stiff and overstyled
2 Are these trends for all hair lengths
Absolutely While some trends like the micro bob are specific to short hair most trendslike glass hair faceframing ribbons and livedin colorare adaptable Even the curtain bang trend has a longer version that works beautifully on waistlength hair
3 I have very curly or coily hair Will any of these trends work for me
Yes and actually 2026 is a great year for natural texture Trends like the Wet Look Money Piece highlights and The 90s Blowout all translate beautifully to curly and coily textures The key is to focus on the shape and finish rather than the exact straighthair styling
4 Do I need to go to an expensive salon to get these looks
Not necessarily While a great cut helps many of these trends are about styling and product You can achieve the Sleek Low Bun or Textured Lob at home with the right tools For color trends like LivedIn Brunette or Cowboy Copper 20 a professional colorist is recommended to avoid damage but you can maintain the look at home with colordepositing conditioners
Questions About Specific Trends
5 What exactly is a Micro Bob and who does it suit
A micro bob is a supershort cut that typically ends between the chin and the earsometimes even shorter at the nape of the neck Its a bold chic look It suits people with strong facial features and a defined jawline Its lower maintenance than longer hair but requires more frequent trims to keep the