The 8 Coolest Hair Trends You'll See in 2026
- - The 8 Coolest Hair Trends You'll See in 2026
Lindy SegalJanuary 1, 2026 at 6:00 AM
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The 8 Biggest Hair Trends You'll See in 2026 Collage by Sarah Olivieri
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Ready to make a big hair change in the new year? Or maybe you just want to do something subtle, but current? Either way, the biggest 2026 hair trends are here to guide you. We tapped top hairstylists and colorists to share their predictions for what will be most in-demand, from the haircuts celebs like Sabrina Carpenter and Tyla are already wearing to the sure-to-go-viral hair colors. Find your next big look ahead.
Architectural Layer Cut
Gilbert Flores - Getty Images
Celebrity hairstylist Rodrigo Padilla says "a clean silhouette with internal lightness and sculpted movement," like the look above on Suki Waterhouse, will be big this year, adding that "the outline stays polished while the internal layers create subtle air and softness."
Liquid Contour Bob
Dia Dipasupil - Getty Images
The latest take on the perennially popular bob is a "one-length or micro-graduated bob finished with a liquid reflective surface that contours the jawline and elevates facial structure," says Padilla. "It reads modern and powerful without noise." Tyla was in on the trend early, as seen in the photo above.
Deep Brunette Color
Gilbert Flores - Getty Images
Padilla refers to these as "museum tones," which are "rich tonal brunettes like espresso, cacao, and inky black with soft diffused light." (See: Dakota Johnson's deep hue.) Celebrity hairstylist Stephanie Angelone agrees that darker hues are having a moment, "specifically the rich chocolate browns." Part of the reason, she suggests, is hair health. "Highlights and bleach can be damaging over time, going brunette is giving women a break from the harsh chemicals and leaving their hair rich and shiny. It’s also less maintenance for those who aren’t a natural blond."
Glaze SuperGloss Color Conditioning Hair Gloss - Brunette Sleek Espresso Brown - 6.4 fl oz
$17.99 at target.com
Cool Brunette Shampoo
$28.00 at ulta.com
Color Fanatic Top Coat + Tone Hair Gloss
$36.00 at sephora.com
Sculpted Ponytail
JC Olivera - Getty Images
The classic high pony, like Kerry Washington's here, is seeing a resurgence. "A sleek, lifted ponytail with a perfectly secured base and a single intentional detail, such as a ribbon fold or a minimalist cuff, is refined, intentional, and incredibly photogenic," says Padilla.
Teasing Brush
$50.00 at nordstrom.com
Marble Dome Pony Cuff
$88.00 at leletny.com
A-List Collection Instant Fix Styling Stick
$12.99 at target.com
Headscarves
"Headscarves are replacing the typical headband," says Angelone. "I love that they’re versatile and can be worn in many styles to frame the face." She notes that the accessories were spotted all over Copenhagen Fashion Week this past fall, so we'll likely see them continue to pop up on runways and beyond.
Printed Twill Scarf
$320.00 at miumiu.com
Medium Silk Bandana
$59.50 at madewell.com
Crochet Head Piece
$24.00 at rpzl.com
Butterfly Cut
Taylor Hill - Getty Images
Sabrina Carpenter's signature haircut is requested "more and more," according to Angelone. And she's A-OK with the trend continuing on for another year: "I love this cut, as adding layers and curtain bangs escalates any hairstyle, length, or texture."
Curtain Bangs
While blunt bangs can be hit or miss, curtain bangs like Chloe Fineman's are more forgiving, says Joseph Maine, celebrity stylist and founder of Trademark Beauty. "The curtain bang can be cut in a way that grows out really nicely and can be created with a very small section in the hairline, giving the haircut some added style," he says. "Most face shapes can handle curtain bangs as they are a soft style."
Hot Rod Styling Brush
$49.00 at shoptrademarkbeauty.com
Creaseless Hair Clips
$10.00 at ulta.com
Self-Holding Rollers
$8.79 at target.com
Color-Melting
Single-process, whomst? Multidimensional color allows hues "to evolve without being one exact shade," says celebrity colorist Rita Hazan. "Jessica Simpson is a perfect example, as I just recently made her hot chocolate brunette—deepening her traditional blonde and adding in darker hues," she says.
Meet the Experts:
Rita Hazan is a celebrity colorist and founder of Rita Hazan in New York City.Rodrigo Padilla is a senior stylist at Jenna Perry Hair Studio in New York City.Joseph Maine is a celebrity hair stylist and co-founder of Trademark Beauty.Stephanie Angelone is a celebrity stylist at RPZL Hair Extension & Blowout Bar in New York City.
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