Bad news for those of us who have only just mastered the (supposedly) effortless beachy texture that has defined the past few years. The hair trends for 2026 are shifting in the direction of a different mood: polished with a genteel twist. “Hair that is sleeker, healthy-looking and glossy will be big next year,” says celebrity hairstylist George Northwood. “Not hair that’s overly done or stiff, but styles that feel put together with a natural, fluid feel.”
Think early Noughties and ’90s elegance: chignons, bouncy blow-dries and rich brunette shades. These are looks that demand healthy hair and a more intentional approach to styling. While there are no hard rules when it comes to cut, colour or finish, the overarching mood marks a clear departure from recent years, which is precisely what makes it feel so fresh.
Below, Vogue speaks to the experts about the key hair trends for 2026.
Side fringes
“Side fringes will be a thing,” says celebrity hairstylist Luke Hersheson, pointing to Amber Valletta’s softly sweeping fringe that “almost covered her eye” at Gucci’s autumn/winter 1995 show as the perfect reference. Ideal for those reluctant to commit to a shorter fringe or anyone who values versatility and ease, sometimes all it takes to achieve this look is flipping your parting.
“You can either create it with a gentle tuck behind the ear or sweep your bangs to the side and use a light-hold cream to mould the hair into shape,” says hairstylist Frankie Inverarity. “I always look to Jean Shrimpton and Françoise Hardy in the ’60s for inspiration. Any texture or length can wear this look.”
The graduated bob
All good things must come to an end, even the classic French bob we’ve loved for years now. Enter its tougher, cooler successor: the graduated bob. “People are now drawn to sharper cuts that are very subtly graduated towards the front, maintaining length and weight around the face while lifting the hair at the back for a slightly grungier feel,” says Inverarity. “It might sound like a ‘Karen’ cut, but this version is gritty, raw and blunt with deliberately broken-up edges.”
Sitting anywhere between the jawline and just above the shoulder, the cut is choppy and undeniably cool. A razor is used to deconstruct the ends and remove weight at the nape, giving the shape movement and attitude, but without sacrificing polish.
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Hair jewellery
According to hairstylist Charlotte Mensah, hair accessories are officially back and they’re here to stay. “Think hair jewellery,” she says, “from bows and barrettes to chunky gold shells, oversized claw clips and bold silver or diamond-inspired pieces. Anything that makes a statement.”
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Lavish brunette
Rich, lustrous brunette tones are at the top of beauty moodboards for 2026 and not just for the winter months. “Look to coffee mocha and rich espresso shades,” says colourist John Clark. “They sit perfectly in the middle, neither warm nor icy in tone.”
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The disconnected fringe
“We’ve been cutting fringes to blend seamlessly into the rest of the hair for some time, but now clients are asking for a stronger, more minimal shape,” explains Inverarity. As a result, she’s begun keeping the fringe fully disconnected from the rest of the cut, creating wispier, shorter bangs with separated corners. The effect allows the hair to be pulled back while the fringe sits cleanly forward.
“It creates a gentler, more feline look sometimes you can still see the brows through the fringe, which instantly opens up the face,” she adds. She prefers keeping the fringe just above the brow; while it may feel short, it ensures the hair feels light, soft and effortless.
The new French twist
The chignon has been saddled with a mumsy reputation, but now it’s getting a rebrand. “We’ll be playing more with updos again,” confirms Hersheson. “But in a way that feels natural from the front, clean and freshly washed, rather than teased or backcombed.”
They don’t have to be minimalist. Just look to Sam McKnight’s styling at Richard Quinn’s spring/summer 2026 show, where twists and knotted chignons were worn with deliberately “decadent” volume. “It’s unapologetically high-gloss with hair sculpted into considered silhouettes,” he explains. “Pull the hair into a low ponytail at the nape, twist into a French pleat, then pin to secure.”
Beatnik revival
Everyone knows the French have a knack for great hair, so what are they doing for 2026? According to hairstylist David Mallett, it’s all about grown-out pixies and bobs. “The look has a very ’60s Beatnik feel, with a slightly masculine overtone: think Mick Jagger or Jim Morrison,” he says. “It’s air and finger-dried, tousled and we’re using plenty of diffusers in the salon to encourage natural curl and movement around the face.”
Sharp, slick and architectural
Slicked-back hair is set to become even more popular next year but with a sharper, more architectural edge, say both McKnight and Mensah. “Sculpted updos and sleek, braided strands feel both elegant and edgy,” explains Mensah. “Whether paired with full glam or a bare face, the effect instantly elevates even the simplest ponytail.”
The key lies in achieving a high-shine finish. “The hair should catch the light and be so reflective it almost looks liquid,” says McKnight. Opt for a high-gloss gel to smooth and define, finished with a shine-enhancing hairspray for photo-flash reflection.
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Wheaty, soft-gold blonde
If you’re not quite ready to go brunette, consider a pared-back blonde instead: natural, softly sun-kissed and the opposite of high impact. It’s about wheaty, soft golden tones, says Inverarity, who creates the look freehand with a scattering of babylights and micro-lights.
Tom Smith, co-founder of Aevum Salon, agrees that 2026 is all about an organic blonde with no obvious highlights or balayage lines. “It’s a finely woven, delicate blend of tones that replicates real blonde hair in the most elevated way,” he says. “Ask your colourist for baby-fine micro-weaves around the hairline and parting, keeping warmth muted rather than golden and well away from copper for the most natural result.”
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The midi blowout
Hairstylist Halley Brisker notes that the midi blowout is having a moment. “I’m really drawn to luxe textures with a muted, understated spin and this look taps into that,” he tells Vogue. “There’s volume at the root and a smooth, plump finish, but without curl or bounce, it’s a quieter result, suited to a more discerning taste.” Hairstylist Syd Hayes agrees, adding that volume should feel soft and airy rather than stiff or over-styled.
Brisker’s top tip for achieving the look is to use a large, natural round bristle brush with a wooden base, which avoids over-polishing the hair. “Many modern brushes have ceramic bases that flatten the hair and add too much shine,” he explains. (For inspiration, he points to Sharon Tate.)
Blowouts more broadly are firmly back on the agenda. “There’s definitely a move away from beachy, air-dried textures,” says Hersheson. “It’s all about high-shine glossiness and movement that feels groomed and intentional.” Hairdryers at the ready.
Sculptural curls
“A fluffier, airier curl pattern has dominated over the past couple of years, but now we’re seeing a return to more defined curls,” says Smith. “Thanks to improved curl-defining tools and new product innovations, the look is far more achievable than it once was.”
The key is a cut that enhances your natural curl pattern while framing the face: one that’s “cleverly shaped to encourage curl and bounce” paired with the right products. Look for formulas that hydrate, add gloss and define each curl for a more structured finish. Smith recommends gel-serum textures to create hold without sacrificing softness or movement.
This article first appeared on Vogue.co.uk
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