2026 is all about being bolder than ever before, and there are already a slew of exciting hair trends set to dominate the new year. We couldn’t help but notice a few cuts, colors, and accessories that stood out among the social media styles and A-list looks we’d seen so far. Fortunately, we’ve kept close tabs on our favorite hairstyles, ranging from bold and innovative to nostalgic and timeless. Think natural tendrils and throwback hairstyles, as well as edgy styles that pack a punch and more.
Read more about the 15 hair trends that are expected to take off in 2026. We also asked eight hair experts from around the world to weigh in, providing examples and products to help you achieve them with ease. Now all you have to do is scroll ahead and then go to the salon.
If you want to make a significant change but don’t want to commit to going super short, consider trading in your long hair for something in between a bob and a pixie: a bixie. The cropped cut exudes effortless elegance with a slightly softer edge, leaving plenty of room for custom styling, such as tousled texture or slicked-back layers. In other words, consider it a grown-out pixie cut or a shaggier bob. “Thoughtfully messy and bold, this look is perfect for those wanting to enhance their bone structure while leaving a bit of length to work with,” says celebrity hairstylist and colorist Dimitris Giannetos.
Similar to a pixie cut, you’ll want to tailor the cut to your face shape and add volume throughout, depending on your features. This short hairstyle is relatively simple to maintain, but depending on how your hair grows, it may require trims every four to six weeks to keep the shape intact.
This year, we’re sticking with jellyfish haircuts and step mullets. The choppy layered look is getting a subtle makeover; this time, we’re doing it in threes—and stars like Billie Eilish and Tyla have played around with the experimental look.
“Three-tiered layers are perfect for creating volume and movement in the hair, making them ideal for achieving that bouncy, salon-fresh look every day,” says Dee Michelle, Linked Hair Salon’s founder and luxury hair extensions specialist. Michelle says that with its purposefully uniformed layers, this cut is best suited for those with “thicker hair who want structure, lightness, and a touch of effortless glamour.”
