AHC Hair Trend Predictions for 2026

What we are LOVING for the year ahead

In 2026 we are seeing two big directions for hair trends:

“Quiet luxury” with healthy, natural looking hair and
BOLD, expressive color that really makes a statement.

The common theme is personalization. Cuts and colors are designed to work with your natural texture, your lifestyle, and your personal style. Trends are only beautiful when they feel like you, so our job is to help you find the version that fits your hair and your day to day life. Your hair is your crown so we have to be sure it shines from the moment you leave the salon until your return. Here is a deeper dive into what we are predicting for 2026.

Color Trends: Richness and Radiance

Color this year is either soft and believable or high drama. Not much in between, which we secretly love!!

Luxurious Brunettes

Expect deep, rich shades like chocolate espresso and mocha to dominate, offering a glossy, expensive finish that looks incredibly healthy. “Color drenching” is considered a single, saturated shade from root to tip and they’re saying it will replace subtle highlights for a bold, uniform look.. we aren’t so sure.. we do love our subtle dimension for brunettes but it will be interesting to see how that turns out throughout the year to come.

Buttery Blondes

Icy platinum is taking a backseat to warmer, creamier hues. THANK GOD! Buttery, sun-kissed, and cashmere blondes that offer natural warmth and dimension will be highly requested for their soft, lived-in appeal and lower maintenance. We are SO ready for the icy tones to take a break for a minute.. no shade.. we love them.. but it’s time to switch it up. One celebrity example that we keep seeing as the perfect example for this buttery blonde trend has been Sabrina Carpenter and we will for sure continue to see more in 2026.

Dimensional Reds

Coppers, cinnamon, and burnt sienna tones are making a strong comeback, providing warmth and a fiery statement that is both elegant and eye catching. We would really like to see this continue and evolve from the “cowboy copper” trend we saw over the last couple years being on the more solid side and not seeing much movement so this will be so great to see this change in the new year.

Bold Statements

For clients wanting drama, deep jewel tones (such as ruby or amethyst) are emerging as high-fashion choices, offering a futuristic, high-impact aesthetic. We are here for this as well! We love the deep jewel tones as it brings such an element of surprise when it hits different lighting.

Cut & Style Trends: Movement and Precision

The biggest haircut trend for 2026 isn't one specific shape, but rather a focus on cuts that provide natural flow, movement, and are easy to style.

The Chic Bob

The bob remains a staple but is evolving into specific styles. The blunt bob, a sharp, precise, jaw-skimming cut, offers a polished and modern edge. The longer lob (long bob) is popular for its versatility and low-maintenance appeal, falling and brushing just at the shoulders or as long as below the collarbone. We always like to advise that when we talk about lengths of bobs that we take into consideration our guest’s hair texture, face shape, and body posture.. example being how wide their shoulders are.. to be sure the shape will be right for them.

Soft, Layered Cuts

We may see a shift away from crisp lines to soft, feathered layers that support natural texture. We are definitely going to continue to see the modern shag and butterfly cuts, with their customized, air dry friendly layering and face framing pieces. So perfect for achieving an undone yet elegant look.

Statement Bangs

Bangs are a major trend and come in various styles: soft, wispy Birkin bangs, eye-skimming lengths, and even a micro-fringe, all adding personality and a fresh feel to any cut. Bangs can be such a great way to switch and almost accessorize a look without having to make drastic changes like an overall length change which may or may not be regrettable.

Sleek and Glossy Finishes

Alongside natural texture, ultra glossy, liquid looking straight hair is making a strong comeback. The focus here is on hair health and shine, with treatments and glosses being essential to achieve this expensive, polished finish. We have been seeing this a lot with a couple of the Real Housewives (if you’re a fan) and it can be a really great way to showcase straight hair being sure it is super shiny to add extra interest. One of our FAVORITE products to achieve this super glossy look is the L'Oreal Professionnel Vitamino Color Spectrum Glass Shine Serum.

Purchase here

LONG LONG LONG!!

If you’re thinking long is the way to go this year, then the longer the better!! No time to wait for your hair to grow? Consult with us about Hairdreams Extensions

The Ultimate Luxury: Healthy, Personalized Hair

Underneath all of these trends is one constant. Healthy hair that feels tailored to you.

We expect to see more guests investing in:

Bond building and shine treatments
Scalp care and regular trims
Home care that supports color and cut between visits

The ultimate luxury service in 2026 is a thorough consultation where we look at your natural hair, your routine and your inspiration photos, then design a plan that feels wearable for you.

Will THIS be the year you try a new color or perhaps a shorter length? What about BANGS? We are here to talk it all through with you and create a look that feels current, flattering and uniquely yours.

Ready to start the conversation about your 2026 hair goals?

You can text 603.479.7040 or reserve your appointment online here or right through our website.