Hair Trends

Tutorials & Tips

written by: caitlin dennehy January 14, 2026

What Are the Biggest Hair Trends for 2026? 10 Colour & Style Predictions You Need to Know

The future of hair is refined and relaxed - blending natural textures with editorial finishes. Whether you’re seeking hair colour inspiration or exploring a new cut, these are the 2026 hair trends that you need to know.

Featuring everything from blunt bobs to low-maintenance colour options that support hair growth goals, this is your guide to the most in-demand shades and shapes for the year ahead.

Hair Colour Trends 2026

Cloud Dancer: The Blonde of 2026

Pantone’s Colour of the Year, Cloud Dancer, is a crisp, bright white - and in hair, it’s translating into a fresh evolution of icy blonde. This ultra-reflective, hue-free tone feels cleaner, brighter, and more luminous than its predecessors.

It’s a natural progression from Scandi blonde, offering the same cool minimalism but with an even softer, high-shine finish.

This tone is perfect for anyone after a high-impact blonde or looking to lighten up their hair without warmth. Hair extensions offer a great way to achieve a lighter look without the need for bleach, helping to minimise damage and maintain the health of your natural hair.

Embrace the look with Beauty Works’ Icy Shades, including:

As seen on Molly-Mae

Rich Brunettes: From Espresso to Inky Black

In 2026, brunettes are leaning into dark, decadent tones - rich chocolate, coffee-inspired hues and jet-black finishes. These brunette shades offer not just intensity but also healthier-looking hair, thanks to the reduced need for bleach and lighteners.

Aside from being lower-maintenance and gentler on strands, deeper tones are also more reflective, giving hair a high-shine finish that looks effortlessly expensive.

People are increasingly prioritising hair health and growth and deep brunettes allow for longer breaks between salon visits.

Channel the trend with Beauty Works shades like:

As seen on Charli XCX

Editorial Copper

Copper hair is still trending but for 2026 it’s all about soft depth and subtle warmth. The new wave of reds includes burnt auburns and amber shades that are soft, dimensional and wearable.

This shift toward editorial coppers makes the colour more wearable across all skin tones. Its the ideal choice for clients who want to embrace red without going too bright.

Tap into the trend with Beauty Works favourites like:

As seen on Sadie Sink

Rooted & Melted Colour

In line with the shift towards low-maintenance hair, people are leaning into colours that grow out subtly and require less upkeep. Lived-in blondes, soft balayage, root stretches, and glosses that enhance natural colour are top of the list.

These finishes support longer appointment gaps, protect hair health, and align with the growing demand for natural, flattering tones that don’t require constant upkeep.

Explore Beauty Works’ melted and rooted shades, including:

As seen on Sydney Sweeney

2026 Hair Styling Trends

Liquid Lengths

Long hair is in - but in 2026, its’ all about movement. We’re seeing a shift away from overly styled looks toward flowing, sculpted layers that feel soft and fluid. Subtle tapers, hidden lift and face-framing layers add shape and dimension without weighing hair down.

Think hair that moves with you - styled with intention but never stiff. These cuts give a sense of lightness, even on thick hair, and let your natural texture shine through.

If you love this look, ask your hairdresser for the butterfly cut - a layered shape designed to create volume, flow, and softness at every length.

To enhance the movement, we recommend styling with the XXL Volume Hot Brush for soft body through the lengths, or use the Aeris Multi-Styler® to add subtle curls that follow the natural flow of your layers.

As seen on Sophia Tuxford

Slicked & Sculpted Styles

Classic slicked-back styles are making a refined return. Whether it’s a high pony or a sleek bun, these looks offer a clean, elegant, and minimal finish that never goes out of style.

It’s all about shine and polish - and if you want to hydrate while you style, we recommend slicking your hair back with the Beauty Works Pearl Nourishing Mask to deeply condition as you go. Then, use a Soft Bristle Brush to smooth hair into place without pulling or creating frizz.

Lock in your look with Super Hold Hairspray for long-lasting control, and finish with a mist of Mirror Shine Spray to give your style a glossy, light-catching finish.

As seen on Kylie Jenner

The Blunt Bob

Short hair is having a moment in 2026, and taking the lead is the Blunt Bob. Whether cut to the chin, cheekbone or should, this style is all about clean lines and simplicity.

The blunt bob feels polished and modern. Molly-Mae swapped her signature long waves for a blunt bob at the end of 2025, setting the tone for the year ahead. From jaw-grazing bobs to those shoulder-length versions edging into lob territory, this shape is proving its versatility across red carpets, street style, and everything in between.

Tip: Extensions aren't just for length and are a great way to add volume to any look. When paired with short styles, extensions help create that fuller, sharper silhouette that makes the blunt cut feel so polished.

As seen on Selena Gomez

Soft Bangs

Curtain bangs are evoking for 2026, taking more of a face-framing shape to enhance cheekbones and blend seamlessly into soft layers. Light, flattering and versatile, they elevate almost any hair style.

If you’d like to try the look without committing to the chop, Beauty Works offers two clip-in fringes to choose from. Go for the Beauty Works Custom Clip-In Fringe Topper, designed to be cut and styled by your hairdresser to suit your face shape. Or opt for the Beauty Works x Huda Barely There Bangs Clip-In Mini Fringe - a wispy, pre-cut option with a subtle, see-through finish that requires no customisation.

As seen on Uma Jammeh

Ultra-Glossy Finishes

Whether your hair is long, short, straight or wavy, the ultra-glossy is dominating the style scene. This trend is all about glass-like shine, precision cuts, and healthy-looking lengths.

This look thrives on clean silhouettes and reflective colour. The goal is to let the cut and colour do the talking - creating a finish that feels both editorial and timeless.

To make the most of the trend, use the Beauty Works Mirror Shine Spray for maximum light reflection.

As seen on Jennifer Lopez

Side Parts are Back

Side parts are officially back for 2026, bringing a dose of drama to this year’s styling trends. Paired with a voluminous blowout, they create a polished, high-impact finish.

This simple shift helps frame the face and adds movement through the lengths, making it perfect for layered cuts or sleek finishes. For that full-bodied salon look at home, style with the Beauty Works x Molly-Mae XXL Volume Hot Brush - ideal for creating lift at the roots and a smooth, bouncy finish.

As seen on Matilda Djerf

2026 Hair Trends Are All About Effortless Impact

2026 hair trends strike the perfect balance between polish and ease. Whether you’re embracing a bold new cut or opting for low-maintenance colour to support hair health and growth, this year is all about enhancing your natural texture, elevating shine and styling with intention. Small changes - a side part, a soft fringe, a touch of copper - can deliver maximum impact. Whatever your hair goals for the year ahead, Beauty Works has the tools, haircare and shades to help you get the look.