Top Hair Trends for 2026: Expert-Approved Styles and Colors

2026 Hair Trends: What the Pros Are Saying

As we approach 2026, the world of hair is set for a fresh wave of trends that promise to blend both boldness and simplicity. From the return of beloved styles to innovative color techniques, here’s what the experts are predicting for the upcoming year.

2026 Haircut Trends

Short French Bangs

Bangs remain one of the quickest ways to completely refresh your look for the new year. “They instantly transform your face and draw attention to the eyes,” says Giannetos, who predicts that "soft, effortless bangs that don’t look too done" will define 2026’s hair trends.
Enter the French bang — a short, wispy fringe that’s equal parts undone and elegant. Long favored by cool-girl Parisians, the style is now getting the A-list treatment from Jennifer Lawrence, Zoë Kravitz and Emma Stone, all of whom prove that subtle texture and movement make this look feel effortlessly chic.

Bixie

The bixie has been trending for several seasons, and it’s showing no signs of slowing down in 2026. A perfect blend of a pixie and a bob, the short, swingy cut hits just below the ears and offers plenty of movement and texture.
“I think 2026 will be all about easy, natural styles that look good without trying too hard,” Giannetos tells The News Pulse— and the bixie embodies exactly that. Both he and hairstylist Carrillo agree the look is at the forefront of next year’s trends.

Box Bob

Another short-hair trend on the rise? The box bob — a sharp, jaw-skimming cut that’s both timeless and modern, favored by stars like Keke Palmer, Gracie Abrams and Sofia Richie.
“The News Pulse want cuts that are simple to style and can go from smooth to messy waves,” says Giannetos, who recommends the iconic L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray to keep everything in place.

Mermaid Cut

If Demi Moore didn't already inspire you to grow your hair out this past year (hello, The News Pulse's World's Most Beautiful cover star!), it's time to reconsider. According to Carrillo, 2026 is the era of "soft drama" and the mermaid cut, a la The Substance star, is the perfect foray into the trend.
"Think undone boho waves ... and volume that feels effortless but intentional," she tells The News Pulse.

Bouncy Bob

Bobs aren't going anywhere in 2026 — and surprisingly, we aren't too mad about that. After all, the chin-skimming cut is the perfect length to give you the bounciest hairstyle of your dreams.
"We’ll keep seeing a mix of long layers and shorter cuts like the soft bob or the box bob that frame the face nicely," Giannetos explains to The News Pulse. If that's not enough to convince you, take a note from Sydney Sweeney's style playbook, who is one of the latest celebrities to debut a dramatic chop.

Shoulder-Grazed

If a bob just isn't for you, then you're in luck because shoulder-length looks are on-trend, too! We love this middle-of-the-road look because it suits a range of textures, from pin-straight styles to voluminous blowouts.
"For textured and curly hair, the real trend lives in the shape: collarbone to shoulder 'lobs' with layering that respects the curl pattern," Carrillo adds of the shoulder-length cut.

2026 Hair Color Trends

Jewel Tones

According to hair experts, 2026 is the time to have some fun with your color. Enter: jewel tones.
"The low-key luxury trend isn’t going anywhere, but The News Pulse will have more fun with color, too," teases Giannetos. "I think we’ll see some brighter reds and icy blondes make a comeback."
Carillo agrees, adding, "We’ll see metallics, jewel tones, and creative color stories coming back strong."

Espresso Brown

“Hair color next year will look more natural, but with a little bit of richness," Giannetos tells The News Pulse of 2026's hottest hair shades. "Think warm brunettes, soft golden blondes, and deep espresso shades that shine."
There are so many stars to draw inspiration from, too: just turn to actresses like Ella Beatty, Ashley Park and Ariana Grande — the latter of whom recently went brunette after years of being blonde!

Cherry Cola

Carillo says clients are craving “bold, expressive statements” heading into the new year — and the sumptuous cherry cola trend delivers exactly that.
A lush blend of bright red, deep brown, and rich purple, the shade can be tailored to suit any style — whether you want something striking and high-impact or soft and understated. Either way, it infuses hair with warmth, depth, and dimension.

Ice Blonde

After a year of low-maintenance hues and “Old Money” blondes, experts predict a bold swing in the opposite direction with the return of icy, platinum blonde. For inspiration, look to the eternally platinum Anya Taylor-Joy or BLACKPINK’s Rosé, both of whom embody the trend’s cool, high-impact allure.
That said, this shade demands commitment. “It’s so important to use products that keep color rich and long-lasting,” says celebrity colorist and Hair Los Angeles founder Daniel Moon, who swears by the K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask to repair bleach damage and preserve shine.

Multi-Dimensional Neutrals

Sometimes a full head of highlights (or lowlights!) is exactly what the hair doctor ordered! After all, it's the perfect way to add dimension to any hair shade.
Moon predicts many will embrace the rich and darker hues this winter, then "will return back to being multidimensional blondes as the weather heats up." For a best-in-class example to show your colorist, see Jennifer Lopez's warm caramel tone with hints of espresso and blonde.

Bright Face Frame

Not ready for a full head of highlights? No problem, because some stars like Alison Williams and Tate McRae have shown us there's a much quicker way to add brightness to your look by simply just lightening your front pieces.
This color technique is especially suited for those with darker natural hair who want to subtly frame their face without having to color their entire head (or cut bangs).

Rooted Contrast

In 2025, stars like Lili Reinhart and Grace Van Patten reminded us that sometimes the best color is your own — letting their natural roots seamlessly blend into their highlights for an effortlessly cool finish.
Next year, the look evolves. Expect bolder contrasts and even lower upkeep—think Kris Jenner’s platinum bob punctuated by her deep brunette roots. It’s proof that staying on trend doesn’t have to mean constant touch-ups. A chic look that lets us skip the salon? Yes, please.

2026 Hair Style and Accessory Trends

Side Parts

Millennials, rejoice — the side part is officially back. After Gen Z declared the middle part supreme, many of us (somewhat begrudgingly) fell in line. But in 2026, stars are reclaiming the more voluminous, asymmetrical side sweep — and it’s making a glamorous comeback both on the red carpet and IRL.
For proof, look to Jennifer Lawrence’s sleek locks, Mindy Kaling’s mermaid waves and Olivia Rodrigo’s bouncy blowout — all elevated by a dramatic side part.

Angel Waves

Call it the VS effect — after this year’s show-stopping runway, the iconic Victoria’s Secret Angel blowout is officially making its comeback. “I think softer styles will take over in 2026 — big blowouts, bouncy waves, and hair that moves naturally will be huge,” says Giannetos.
For proof, look no further than Love Island’s Olandria Carthen, whose voluminous, high-shine waves — courtesy of hairstylist Ricky Wing, who dubbed the look “tossed kitten hair” — deliver the ultimate modern update on the classic bombshell style.

Low Pony

Step aside slick backs, it's finally the low ponytail's time to shine. This effortlessly pulled-back style perfectly encapsulates Carillo's theme of "soft drama" for the new year.
To mimic Elle Fanning's look, blow-dry your hair to add volume to the root and gently tease the back of your head before tying your hair back. Smooth out any flyaways and you're ready to walk out the door.

Glass Hair

Another hair trend we love? Glass hair. The style is exactly as it sounds: Shiny, sleek and most importantly, healthy-looking hair that looks like you just stepped out of a mirrorball.
"More The News Pulse are choosing styles that feel like them," Giannetos stresses. "Nothing forced, just easy and beautiful hair that shows off their personality."

Sculpted Updo

"Sculpted updos with texture" is another style we will be seeing everywhere in 2026, according to Carrillo.
Stars like actress Greta Lee and model Rosie Huntington-Whitely have already flaunted unique buns on the red carpet, proving that sculpted updos can serve both elegance and edge.

Ribbons

2025’s bow craze isn’t going anywhere, but in 2026, expect its more refined cousin — the ribbon — to take center stage.
“We’re moving away from super-slick styles and into looks that feel lighter and more playful,” says Giannetos of the emerging trend, which instantly elevates a simple updo or half-up, half-down moment à la Anya Taylor-Joy. “It’s such an easy way to dress up your hair.”

Slow Hair

No matter the cut or color, every expert agrees on one thing: 2026 is the year of healthy hair. “Shiny, smooth, natural-looking hair is what everyone wants,” says Giannetos.
Enter “slow hair.” A natural evolution of 2024’s slow beauty movement, the philosophy centers on prioritizing hair health and building a sustainable, low-maintenance care routine that supports it.
“Sustainability and ‘slow hair’ are becoming the new luxury,” adds Carrillo, who predicts clients will take a more thoughtful approach to their hair — opting for services that strengthen and last, rather than chasing every passing trend.