The hair trends set to be everywhere in 2026, according to stylists

Every new year brings a fresh wave of hair inspiration—yet the trends that truly stick are usually the ones clients are already asking for in the chair. In a recent round-up, stylists shared the looks they expect to dominate 2026: hair that feels touchable rather than “done”, shapes that flatter collarbones and cheekbones, and colours that read expensive without looking overly perfected.

What’s notable is how practical these predictions are for real life. Rather than extreme transformations, 2026 is shaping up to be about small, clever changes—strategic layering, flexible fringes, soft texture and shine—that make hair look healthy, modern and wearable. If you’ve been stuck in a style rut, this is your sign to take a reference photo to your next appointment and ask your stylist what version works for your face shape, density and lifestyle.

1) The return of flattering, collarbone-grazing cuts

Collarbone-length hair continues to hit the sweet spot between short and long—long enough for updos and waves, short enough to look intentional with minimal effort. Stylists often describe this length as “elevated easy”: it frames the face, gives movement through the ends, and can be tailored to suit fine hair (with subtle, internal layers) or thicker hair (with weight removed in the right places).

In UK salons, this length is especially popular because it’s commuter-friendly and weather-proof: it copes better with humidity, rain and scarf season than very long hair, while still feeling feminine and versatile.

• What to ask for: a collarbone-length cut with soft, blended layers; keep the perimeter slightly weighty for a modern finish.
• If your hair is fine: request minimal layering and a blunt-ish edge to hold fullness through the ends.
• If your hair is thick or wavy: ask for invisible layers and internal debulking (not choppy steps) to avoid a triangular shape.

Real-world next step: book a trim and take two photos: one of your hair air-dried, one styled. It helps your stylist cut for both realities—weekday hair and going-out hair.

2) Undone waves and air-dried texture (but polished)

The “undone” wave isn’t new, but 2026’s take is more refined. Think lived-in bends and natural movement rather than uniform curls. Many stylists are steering clients away from heavy, crispy finishes and towards hair that moves when you turn your head—soft hold, flexible texture, and shine that reads healthy.

This trend also reflects a broader shift in appointments: more clients want cuts that work with their natural pattern, and routines that don’t rely on daily heat. That doesn’t mean never styling—just styling smarter.

• Try the 80/20 approach: air-dry to 80% then quickly refine the front sections with a dryer or tool.
• Choose the right wave technique: for looser bends, wrap hair around a wand leaving the ends out; for beachy movement, twist sections and clamp lightly with straighteners.
• Finish matters: a lightweight serum or oil on mid-lengths and ends can make “undone” look intentional rather than messy.

If you’re heat-styling regularly, most professionals recommend keeping the temperature as low as your hair will tolerate and using a heat protectant consistently. It’s one of the simplest habits that can improve the look of your hair over time.

3) Softer fringes and face-framing that grows out well

Fringes remain a client favourite because they change your whole look without setting you back months of growth. The 2026 direction is towards softer, more flexible shapes: curtain fringes you can sweep away, longer “bottleneck” variations that taper into face-framing layers, and subtle, cheekbone-skimming pieces that make a ponytail look styled.

The key—especially in a damp UK winter—is making sure your fringe is cut to behave when it’s not perfectly blow-dried. A good stylist will cut with your natural fall, consider your cowlicks and parting, and show you a two-minute styling routine you can actually repeat at home.

• For low maintenance: opt for a longer curtain fringe that blends into layers and can be tucked behind the ears.
• For more impact: choose a fuller fringe but keep it soft at the edges to avoid harsh lines.
• For curly hair: ask for a curl-by-curl approach and a dry cut or curl-aware cutting method, so the fringe sits correctly.

Real-world next step: ask your stylist to teach you a “fringe reset” trick—usually a quick blast with a dryer in the opposite direction, then back into place—to fix bends after hats, hoods and the Tube.

4) Expensive-looking colour: natural dimension, high shine

While dramatic colour moments will always have their fans, the dominant direction for 2026 looks to be “natural dimension”: tones that mimic how hair lightens in real life, with brighter pieces placed around the face and softer depth through the lengths. Glossing and toning services—popular across UK salons—are also set to remain central because they deliver that reflective, healthy finish clients want.

Many colourists recommend bringing photos taken in natural daylight (not filtered selfies) so your stylist can match the tone accurately. It also helps to be honest about your maintenance appetite: some looks need more frequent toning or root work than others, and the best colour is the one you can realistically keep looking fresh.

• Low-commitment: a gloss/toner refresh and a few fine face-framing highlights.
• More noticeable: dimensional balayage with carefully placed brightness around the hairline.
• Best care habit: use a colour-protecting routine and keep heat styling controlled to preserve shine.

Key Takeaways

• 2026 hair trends lean into wearable, touchable hair—texture and movement over overly structured styling.
• Collarbone-grazing cuts are a strong choice for versatility, flattering shape and easier day-to-day upkeep.
• Undone waves look best when paired with healthy shine and flexible hold, not heavy product build-up.
• Soft, grow-out-friendly fringes offer impact with less maintenance—especially when cut to your natural fall.
• Natural dimension and gloss-level shine are set to stay popular; bring daylight references and be clear about maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these 2026 trends suitable for all hair types?
Most are adaptable. A good stylist will adjust layering, fringe density and finishing techniques based on your hair’s thickness, natural pattern and porosity, so the look suits your reality—not just the photo.

How do I ask for “undone waves” without my hair looking messy?
Ask for soft, irregular bends with a polished finish. In practical terms that means leaving the ends slightly straighter, using moderate heat, then finishing with a small amount of smoothing serum for shine and separation.

What’s the most low-maintenance way to try a new trend?
A collarbone-length trim with subtle face-framing and a gloss/toner refresh is typically the easiest update. It changes the overall look while keeping styling and regrowth manageable.

Will a fringe work if I don’t like styling my hair daily?
Choose a longer curtain fringe or soft face-framing pieces that can be tucked away. Ask your stylist for a quick, two-minute fringe routine that works with your hair’s natural direction.

How can I make my hair look shinier without changing colour?
Many stylists suggest a salon gloss or toner for instant shine, plus at-home habits like gentle cleansing, controlled heat styling and finishing with a lightweight oil on the ends.

How often should I refresh a collarbone cut to keep it looking modern?
Many people find 8–12 weeks works well, depending on how quickly your hair grows and whether you’re maintaining a fringe or precise shape.