If it feels like hair trends are moving quicker than your FYP refreshes, you’re not imagining it. Beauty is officially in its rapid-fire era, where runway looks go viral in minutes, celebrity hair moments spark instant salon requests, and TikTok trends rewrite the rulebook overnight. What used to take seasons now happens in seconds, and 2026 is shaping up to be the year where hair finally catches up with that pace.
This shift isn’t just about aesthetics either. Sustainability is pushing low-maintenance colour and cuts that grow out well, while the rise of quiet luxury has hair teetering between subtle and deliberate. At the same time, individuality is louder than ever, creating a divide between low-effort looks and hair that’s daring and directional. There’s very little middle ground, and that’s exactly what makes hair trends 2026 so exciting.
Expect statement fringes to reclaim their spotlight, short hair to feel sharper, and colour trends that swing between rich, moody brunettes and soft, barely-there balayage. Whether you’re in your minimalist era or ready for a Pinterest main moment, 2026 has already picked sides.
Side Fringes
@natahliedahn
Side fringes and disconnected fringes are poised for a major resurgence in 2026. Far from a mere curtain, this trend is all about movement – hair slightly sweeping across the brow to create a look that feels lifted and expressive without demanding a full fringe commitment. Stylists are embracing these types of fringes on everything from long lengths to medium cuts, and it’s been cited as one of the first must-try hair trends of the year.
Graduated Bob
@kbhairextensions
Forget soft French bobs, the graduated bob is the next evolution of short hair. This cut is subtly shorter at the back and heavier at the front, lending angles and attitude to an otherwise understated style. The result sits anywhere from jawline to shoulder with broken edges that are precise rather than soft. Whether you wear it straight or styled with depth, this cut projects confidence in a way classic bobs don’t. Need more volume? Clip in hair extensions can give your bob a fuller look and feel in a matter of seconds!
The New French Twist
@laurenbuzzing_hmua
Chignons are getting a rejig for 2026 with twists and updos that are fresh faced at the front and mysterious from the back. Unlike overly teased vintage styles, this new twist plays up natural texture and shape. Whether worn low at the nape or with sculptural volume, this update positions updos as an everyday staple rather than just being reserved for fancier evenings.
Beatnik Revival
@thekikipain
Expect to see a resurgence of Beatnik-inspired hair – grown-out pixies and short bobs that welcome natural curl and movement. This trend takes cues from ’60s counterculture icons and champions texture, encouraging air or diffuser-dried shapes that bounce freely around the face. It’s one of the most effortless yet distinctive hairstyle trends 2026 is bringing back and can be paired beautifully with curly clip-in hair extensions.
Sharp, Slicked & Sculpted
@kasia_fortuna
Slicked-back looks aren’t disappearing; they’re becoming more angular and structured. Sculpted braids, sleek ponytails, intricate buns and architectural contouring around the hairline are gaining traction, with high-shine gel and fine-tuned finishing products pushing hair towards a slightly liquid effect that catches light with every movement.
The Midi Blowout
@ruthyoungx
The blowout is back, but recalibrated. The midi blowout offers volume at the root and a sleek, plump finish without dramatic bounce or curl. It’s a more nuanced take on glossy blowouts of the ’90s, perfect for anyone drawn to texture that reads intentional without scream-styled energy. Add a clip in top up piece or ultra volume Remy hair extensions to add a bit more zhush.
Predicted Hair Colour Trends 2026
Inky Black
@loladelucaa
Dark hair isn’t going anywhere – in fact, Jet Black is predicted to make a major comeback. So dark that it’s practically blue, this rich, deep pigment with a glossy finish reads hard-to-ignore on camera and in real life. It avoids bleaching, is less damaging and easier to keep looking healthy. If you’ve ever considered going darker for the drama, 2026 is your year.
Soft Golden Blonde
@millie.brownn
For blondes who want a barely-there balayage, the 2026 hair colour playbook favours soft-gold blonde tones over stark platinum or warm brassy highlights. Stylists achieve this with baby-fine micro weaves and delicate lightening near the parting and hairline, creating a sun-touched glow that avoids visible lines or harsh contrast. This soft blonde vibe is quietly luxurious and highly wearable, with a pinch of gold that suits many different skin tones.
Movie Star Brunette
@lydiakarax
In colour, deep brunette tones are taking over moodboards for the new year. We’re so over the basic brown – instead, lavish espressos, dark chocolates and other rich brunette shades are trending because they lend natural yet striking dimension. Stylists have been weaving subtle caramel highlights through dark brown hair bases with human hair extensions to add movement and shine, making this the go-to hair colour trend 2026 for anyone craving depth without loud contrast.
What’s Influencing 2026 Hair Trends?
@ayeletgarson_hairandmakeup
Hair in 2026 is all about doing what feels right without overdoing it. Sustainability and low-maintenance beauty are playing a big role, with more people choosing styles and colours that grow out nicely and fit into real life, not just salon selfies.
What makes this year exciting is how split the trends feel. On one side, there’s hair that’s daring, directional and clearly styled on purpose. On the other, there’s ultra-minimal, low-effort hair that lets natural texture do its thing. There’s not much in between, and that’s the fun part.
Celebrity hair moments such as Charli XCX’s liquid waves, Olivia Dean’s cloud curls, Jennifer Lawrence’s goldilocks shade, Odessa Zion’s unruly mane and Mia Goth’s high fashion fringe, combined with viral Fashion Week moments and TikTok trends pushing new ideas into the hair-o-sphere – this is all living proof that inspiration is everywhere and changing fast – so fast that you might just miss it!
How Will the Trends Affect the Hair Extension Market in 2026?
@nicole.ob
As haircuts get shorter and more shape-focused, clip in and permanent hair extensions are stepping into a new role. Instead of chasing length, people are looking for ways to add fullness and movement to bobs and mid-length cuts, making shorter, lightweight extensions more popular than ever. Styles like our 12-inch classic clip in extensions are perfect for adding volume while keeping hair looking natural and effortless.
Colour trends are shaping things too. With softer tones and subtle balayage everywhere, shoppers are gravitating toward clip in hair extensions and permanent extensions that offer dimension rather than flat colour.
@hollyjai
Shades like our Soft Bronze and Espresso Melt Balayage fit right in, blending seamlessly while adding depth and interest. In 2026, extensions are all about enhancing what you already have.
Conclusion:
What does this mean for your next hair appointment? As 2026 unfolds, hair trends are leaning toward shape, colour richness and intentional styling. Whether you gravitate toward a side fringe, a brunette base tone, a sculptural updo or defined curls, there’s a direction for every aesthetic.
