From NYC to Paris: Top Stylists Weigh in on the 13 Hair Trends Poised to Dominate 2026
Jamie Schneider, WhoWhatWear.com
From NYC to Paris: Top Stylists Weigh in on the 13 Hair Trends Poised to Dominate 2026
Jamie Schneider, WhoWhatWear.com
New year, new 'do—it's a thing! I know I'm not the only one itching to make a 2026 hair transformation, and right now is the perfect time to commit to an updated color or cut. For those craving some sort of change but not totally sure which route to take in the mane department, lean in: I consulted top stylists and colorists from across the globe—Chris McMillan in L.A., Marc Mena and Rita Hazan in NYC, Brian O'Connor in Nashville, and David Mallett in Paris—for ultimate hair trend inspiration. The year may have barely begun, but these pros have already seen some patterns start to (literally) take shape.
Overall, 2026 is not the year to be wishy-washy. You're either all in on choppy, piece-y layers or a softly blended perimeter; a glossy, midnight-black hue or a brilliant, shimmering blonde; a big, sexy blowout or lived-in texture. The spectrum is extreme, but, of course, there's plenty of room to play, so scroll through the 13 trends below and commit to whichever speaks most to your personal style. Dare to dive in?