Trends in Haircuts for 2026
Even though they often have crazy New Year’s resolutions and very specific “in and out” lists, I still like reading annual trend forecasts. Micro-trends come and go quickly, but they still have an impact on both personal style and the environment. Trends, on the other hand, give us a good idea of where culture is going.
I just read about Pinterest’s poetcore prediction that suggests more people want to step away from screens & reconnect with the real world. FJ senior editor Lara Daly wrote a separate article about fragrance trends tied to the Lunar New Year. She noted that people are shifting away from vanilla toward richer and more expressive scent notes.
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What Will Happen to Hair in 2026?
People think different things about hair. Will the bob haircut still be in style? Is the Sabrina Carpenter drama over? It’s not always true that the best haircut is the one that’s in style. But for those who want to know what will happen next, I talked to four hairdressers to find out what haircuts will be in style in 2026.
Predicted Haircuts and Styles for 2026
Tara-Lee Mitchell owns Mitch Studio in Melbourne and believes the fringe will be popular in 2026. She has noticed some changes recently and expects the modern fringe to become shorter & bolder with more daring styles. She describes the look as sexy hair with a Gucci style influence.
For a long, straight fringe, Tara suggests Dakota Johnson in Materialists. For people with curly or wavy hair, she suggests Odessa A’zion. She says, “A fringe makes your look fresh right away.” “It’s also great for giving your hair some shape while it grows.” Just make sure that your stylist knows how to work with your hair’s natural texture.
The Grown-In Side Fringe Returns
Remi Jeffers teaches cutting at Edwards and Co. and believes the grown-in side fringe will make a comeback. This style features long side bangs that blend softly into the rest of the hair. The bangs fall somewhere between the jaw and cheekbone. They add shape to your face without requiring a major commitment.
Ask your stylist for long side bangs that blend into the layers around your face according to Remi. This style looks good on most people and requires minimal upkeep. It also matches the natural & effortless beauty trend that is popular in 2026.
Why Scandi Bangs Will Always Be in Style
Jaye Edwards, who co-founded Edwards and Co., backs both Tara and Remi and thinks that Scandi bangs will stay popular. “They’re the easiest way to change how you look without doing much,” he says. “They’re soft, airy, and light as a feather.” To draw attention to the eyes and cheekbones, they are a little shorter in the middle.
Jaye recommends requesting light bangs that frame your face & blend naturally with your hair rather than choosing thick heavy bangs. These versatile bangs work well with different styles. You can style them neatly for a clean Scandinavian appearance or wear them in a relaxed tousled way for a casual French-inspired look.
Long, Feminine Hair Is Back in Style
Becc Snow, a hairstylist and the owner of Alchemy, a salon in Melbourne, believes that beauty standards will be less strict about gender in 2026. Becc says, “A lot of women and femme-presenting people have started to wear more masculine styles in the last few years to take back control of how people see them.”
She now observes women returning to more feminine looks that feature longer & playful hairstyles with bangs. She thinks hair extensions will become very popular again.
Becc believes that shorter haircuts will gain popularity but with a fresh approach. She predicts that this will be the year of the feminine pixie crop. This style will not conceal the face behind hair but will instead frame and reveal facial features.
The Rise of the Bixie Bob
Remi predicts that the bixie bob will gain more popularity in the coming months. This hybrid style combines elements of both a bob and a pixie cut. The length typically falls somewhere between the jawline & the collarbone. The cut features a structured shape with lighter textured ends that create movement. The bixie bob sits in the middle ground between two classic styles. It offers more length & softness than a traditional pixie cut while maintaining a shorter and more angular silhouette than a standard bob. The result is a hairstyle that provides dimension and a modern edge without appearing too severe or harsh. This versatile cut works well for people who want a fresh look that feels contemporary but not extreme. The textured ends add visual interest and make styling easier. The structured foundation gives the hair shape & definition throughout the day.
Remi suggests requesting a bob cut at the proper length. The style should include gentle internal layers and textured edges that resemble a pixie cut. She explains that the best part is how simple it is to achieve a stylish appearance.
