Hair Trends To Look Out For In 2026

The new year is nearly here, and 2026 is already promising some seriously dreamy hair trends. We’re seeing the return of soft, nostalgic shapes, the continual rise of big, bouncy volume, and colour trends that are richer and more dimensional than ever. 

From TikTok favourite cuts and celebrity-trending styles, to salon-polished colour melts, next year’s looks are all about effortless glamour with a nostalgic yet trendy twist. Whether you’re planning a full transformation or just craving a subtle refresh, here are 10 styles and shades set to define 2026.

Short French Bangs

The French-girl fringe is set to be one of 2026’s biggest haircut trends, with soft, wispy bangs inspired by icons like Jane Birkin taking over mood boards. With a 125% rise in Google searches for ‘French bangs’ over the last 3 months between August and October 2025 (the most recent data available), and a 260% rise over the past year, it’s clear just how in-demand this look has become. Searches for ‘Birkin bangs’ also saw a surge of 310% over the past year! 

Searches on Pinterest also climbed throughout autumn/winter, showing its growing popularity across social inspiration platforms. The effortless, face-softening fringe suits a wide range of cuts and is perfect for anyone wanting a subtle but high-impact refresh.

The haircut takes inspiration from the effortlessly chic French aesthetic, with softly feathered, eye-grazing bangs that add instant texture and an undone finish. It looks great with long layers, mid-length cuts, and even bobs, making it one of the most versatile fringe trends for 2026. Its appeal lies in how easily it elevates a simple hairstyle, adding movement and that cool, low-effort edge that’s set to be very on brand for the year ahead.

Copper Tones

Rich, warm jewel tones, especially amber and golden copper, are set to be some of 2026’s most in-trend shades. According to trend predictions, these glowing, gemstone-inspired tones tap perfectly into the move towards richer, more dimensional colour.

Google searches for ‘copper toned hair’ have risen by 91% in the past three months, and average a huge 14,800 monthly searches. Pinterest and TikTok have also seen growing interest in copper shades, showing just how widely this trend is spreading across social platforms. Seen on actress Leighton Meester recently, this fiery copper tone flatters a wide range of complexions and brings instant warmth and depth to the hair.

Whether you’re opting for a soft light copper or a deep, gemstone amber, expect to see these shades dominate in 2026.

Deep Side Partings

After a few years of centre part influence, the deep side part is making a full comeback. With 5,400 average monthly Google searches and a noticeable rise in Pinterest interest, this shift will feel very nostalgic for many who rocked the side parting in the 2000s.

A deep part instantly adds volume at the roots and frames the face in a way that flatters almost every hair length, from short bobs to long, layered cuts. It’s an easy update that can change your whole vibe without needing a dramatic cut, making it one of the most wearable styling trends for 2026.

Recently seen on the likes of pop stars like Olivia Ro drigo, and even styled on supermodels strutting down the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show runway this year, the side part is certainly making a glamorous comeback, and we predict this will only increase over the next year!

Espresso Brown

Espresso brown is emerging as THE brunette shade for 2026, a deep, glossy, and ultra-refined hair tone. It’s a colour that offers richness without harshness, giving that high-end, polished finish that’s been influencing celebrity and runway looks already this year.

Rich browns were a big trend for autumn/winter 2025 and aren’t going anywhere! Google searches for ‘espresso brown hair’ have climbed by 81% over the past year, while Pinterest has seen a huge rise in interest since October, signalling that this shade is quickly becoming a social-media favourite.

Think Hailey Bieber’s recent rich brunette shade, which is simple and effortlessly cool while still feeling luxe, modern, and easy to create. It suits almost every skin tone and works beautifully with trending layered cuts or slick minimalist styles. Expect espresso brown to be one of the most requested brunette shades throughout 2026.

Bouncy Layered Bob

The bouncy layered bob is a modern, more volumised take on the classic bob, and it’s quickly becoming one of 2026’s most in-demand haircuts. Google searches for ‘layered bob haircut’ have jumped by 24% in the last three months and 50% over the past year, while ‘bouncy bob’ searches have risen 23%, signifying more people want a bit of shape, lift, and salon-fresh bounce.

Seen all over TikTok hair inspo pages the past few months, this bob combines lightweight layers with a curved, voluminous silhouette, giving the hair a fuller, more dynamic appearance without requiring heavy styling. The result is a cut that feels polished yet playful, with that swishy, healthy bounce that everyone loves. 

The cut’s popularity is due to its flattering aesthetic, low-maintenance styling, and versatility. A bouncy layered bob is great for fine or thick hair, as well as being adaptable, whether you wear it sleek, tousled, or with a soft blowout.

Warm Blonde

Warm blonde tones like honey and toffee, with soft golden highlights, are set to take over in 2026. After seasons dominated by cooler tones, we’re seeing a clear shift towards blondes that feel sunnier, softer, and more natural-looking.

Google searches for ‘warm blonde’ were up 53% in the past three months, while Pinterest searches for both ‘warm blonde hair’ and ‘honey blonde’ have seen consistent growth over the past two months. Celebrities such as Addison Rae have been sporting warmer tones this year, proving you don’t always need purple shampoo to cancel them out!

Warm blonde works beautifully with the hyper-blended, low-maintenance colours trending for 2026, adding brightness without the harsh contrast a light blonde would give. It’s flattering, wearable, and perfect for anyone wanting a blonde that feels fresh yet timeless.

Retro Big Curly Hair

Big, voluminous curls inspired by ’70s disco and ‘90s glamour are set to be huge in 2026. Think Sabrina Carpenter channelling Sex and the City’s Carrie Bradshaw for SNL, or a softer, more waved blowout like Kylie Jenner’s recent trending hairstyle that blew up on TikTok.

Pinterest searches for ‘voluminous blowout’ have also been climbing, signalling the return of exaggerated shape, fluffy texture, and hair that truly makes an entrance. This trend is all about embracing your natural curl pattern or enhancing waves with layers that boost lift and fullness. Think soft halo curls, glamorous rounded silhouettes, or a tighter natural curl to give high-impact without huge effort.

Whether you have natural curls or use layers and styling to enhance them, it’s all about hair with presence, movement, and personality. Big curls make a statement without feeling overly structured, giving that perfect blend of retro energy and modern softness. The reason it’s trending? People are leaning into styles that feel expressive, joyful, and confident, which is the kind of energy we will be taking into 2026!

Low Ponytails

The low ponytail is set to be the minimalist staple of 2026. Pinterest searches for ‘low ponytail hairstyles’ have seen a clear rise, and Google searches for ‘low ponytail’ are up 22% over the past three months. Whether sleek and smooth or softly undone, this style offers a polished finish with minimal effort. It pairs perfectly with chunky accessories, ribbons, or a simple hair wrap, and works just as well for everyday wear as it does for evening glam.

Seen this year on the likes of Kendall Jenner and Victoria Beckham, this trend can be sleek and sophisticated, softly romantic, or slightly undone for an effortless feel, making it one of the most adaptable looks of the year.

Colour Melting

One of the most exciting colouring techniques set to define 2026 is colour melting, which is a hyper-blended method that creates a seamless gradient of tones with no harsh lines. Unlike balayage or traditional highlights, colour melting blends shades together to create a soft, fluid dimension that looks incredibly natural and modern.

Fashion editors at Vogue and Who What Wear have spotlighted the trend, calling it one of the next major evolutions in hair colour. Google searches reflect this increasing rise too, with ‘colour melting hair’ up 21% over the past three months.

Because it’s such a new trend, interest is growing fast, and it’s expected to become one of the most requested colour services at salons in 2026. The result is ultra-smooth and multi-tonal colour that enhances natural movement and works with every base shade, from brunette melts to seamless blonde shades.

Shoulder-Grazed Hair

Shoulder-length cuts are becoming one of 2026’s most-wanted styles, thanks to their versatility and ease. The hairstyle has been quietly gaining momentum, with a 22% rise in Google searches over the past three months and an average of 27,100 monthly searches throughout the past year. 

This length hits the perfect sweet spot: long enough to style, short enough to feel fresh. It suits every hair type and works seamlessly with trending details like soft layers, curtain bangs, and flipped-out ends. Expect this easy, wearable cut to become one of the most-requested lengths.

From nostalgic shapes to hyper-blended colours, these trends prove that 2026 is all about hair that feels modern, wearable and unique to your personal style! Whether you’re ready for a full cut transformation or simply want to refresh your shade, next year’s looks offer something for every style and mood.