Few things are as transformative as a new hairstyle – just ask anyone who has cut a bob shortly after a break-up. And anyone looking to embrace the “new year, new you” mentality is in for a treat, as there is a plethora of chic new styles set to dominate the next 12 months in hair.
From the return of flat-ironed, super-straight hair to chic, tucked-in bobs, it’s all about hair that looks fresh and clean. Of course, it goes without saying that before you take the leap – whether that’s for a chop or a new colour – you should consult your hairstylist first, who will be able to recommend honestly what will and won’t work for you. Sometimes it’s the subtle changes that can be the most flattering – not the drastic ones that you regret almost as soon as you leave the salon.
Sharp bobs
Perhaps no hairstyle has dominated more in recent years than the bob. If you’re looking to cut one for 2026, look to Cate Blanchett for inspiration; she recently wore a sharp graduated bob to the British Fashion Awards. “Bobs are still very much around, and our take on this is the ‘Perriand’, which is a simple, chic bob that is quite classic and which I’ve done for Olympia of Greece,” says hairstylist George Northwood. “I’d say sharp and one length, with no shape at the front. It needs to be quite blunt and clean, almost architectural. This style suits someone with good bone structure. If you have a rounder face, then perhaps consider something a little more textured. To achieve this, grab a pair of tongs and tong a few random sections, leaving the root and the ends out, and use a texturiser or a bit of dry shampoo.”
The return of super-straight
All things Y2K (Year 2000) have been slowly but surely creeping back into fashion, with flat-ironed hair the latest trend to make a comeback. “I don’t think 2026 will belong to one specific cut – it’s more of a shift in attitude,” says hairstylist Larry King. “Hair is moving toward a sleeker, more refined finish. For longer lengths especially, we’re stepping away from those big, bouncy blowouts that have had their moment. Instead, I’m seeing a rise in super-straight, ultra-glossy, almost liquid-looking hair. It feels expensive, intentional and incredibly modern – that’s the energy of 2026.”
Fuller fringes
The curtain fringe has come to be seen as a relatively easy way to switch up your look, with the likes of Sabrina Carpenter and Daisy Edgar-Jones popularising the 1970s-coded style. Yet with all things bouncy and wavy feeling a little passé, 2026 will see the return of a shaggier, more substantial fringe – think Alexa Chung circa 2004. “With indie sleaze creeping back into fashion, I can definitely see fuller, more textured fringes making a return,” says King. “Not the soft, airy curtains we’ve been cutting non-stop – these have more substance and character. They’re still lived-in and effortless, but with a weight that frames the face in a stronger way.”
The ‘bixie’
If you’re looking to make a serious cut but don’t want to go for a full-on pixie, then consider the “bixie”, a hybrid of the bob and pixie. “Short, rebellious and effortlessly cool, it’s that perfect in-between shape that gives freedom to move while keeping softness around the face,” says hairstylist Syd Hayes. “Think of it as the love child of a cropped Nineties supermodel cut and a modern French chop. For styling, I reach for the BaByliss Air Wand to create texture through the crown, finishing with a touch of dry wax for a lived-in, slightly mussed-up finish. It’s the kind of haircut that says ‘I woke up like this’, but in the best possible way.”
The air-dried curly bob
Those blessed with curly hair should consider a bob cut and, crucially, embrace air-drying techniques for maximum impact. “Summer 2026 is all about the air-dried curly bob – that beautifully defined, naturally textured shape that feels effortless but looks incredibly polished,” says Hayes. As for how to achieve it yourself, Hayes recommends starting with Hershesons Almost Everything Cream on damp curls to give slip, hydration and control before anything else. “The real magic is in the twizzle – curl by curl, guiding the pattern so it forms perfectly as it dries,” he says. “Then I go in with the brand-new BaBylissPRO Drying Wand and its re-engineered diffuser with those longer teeth that get right into the curls, smoothing, defining and reducing frizz without disturbing the shape.”
Natural colour
Hair colour is having a more natural moment, with an emphasis on understated, no-colour colour techniques. “Baby lights, micro-lights and soft face-framing highlights are leading the way, creating dimension without overpowering the overall look,” says colourist Josh Wood. As for the shades he sees becoming popular, he is focusing on what he calls “tonal harmony”. “Think suede, winter white and periwinkle shades – muted, soft colours. The weight and placement of colour are crucial: ends are often two to three levels lighter than roots, creating sun-kissed, effortless gradients. Reverse balayage, melted tones and soft dip-dye effects continue to dominate, delivering hair that feels alive but not overloaded.”