Annual trend forecasts continue to be my quiet indulgence in between extravagant New Year’s resolutions and extremely detailed “in and out” lists. Even though it’s important to recognise how ephemeral microtrends affect the environment and individual style, trends nevertheless provide an insightful glimpse into the direction of culture.
This Year’s Expected Haircut Trends
I recently looked into how Pinterest’s prediction of “poetcore” reflects a growing desire to put down screens and re-establish a connection with the real world. In a different article, senior editor Lara Daly of FJ looked at fragrance trends, connecting scent to the Lunar New Year and pointing out a move away from vanilla toward richer, more expressive notes.
What Will Hair Look Like in 2026?
There are differing views on hair. Will the popularity of the bob haircut last? Has the blowout of Sabrina Carpenter reached its peak? The best haircut is always the one you love, so trend forecasts aren’t hard and fast rules. Nevertheless, I spoke with four hairdressers to find out the haircut trends that are anticipated to influence 2026 for those who are interested in what lies ahead.
An Examination of the Fringe
The founder of the Melbourne salon Mitch Studio, Tara-Lee Mitchell, thinks 2026 will be on the periphery. She says, “We’ve seen variations recently, but the modern fringe is set to be shorter, bolder, and more adventurous.” “Consider gorgeous, Gucci-inspired hair.”
Tara cites Odessa A’zion for those with curly or wavy textures and Dakota Johnson in Materialists for a long, blunt fringe. According to her, “a fringe instantly refreshes your look.” “If your stylist works with your natural texture, it’s also ideal for adding shape while growing your hair.”
The Grown-In Side Fringe’s Ascent
Cutting instructor Remi Jeffers of Edwards and Co. believes the grown-in side fringe will make a comeback. Long, delicately blended side fringe that fall between the cheekbone and jaw provide shape without requiring long-term commitment.
Remi suggests requesting “long side fringe that flow seamlessly into face-framing layers.” “It’s flattering, low-maintenance, and ideal for the carefree beauty mindset of 2026.”
Why Scandi Bangs Will Never Go Away
Edwards and co-founder Jaye Edwards believe that Scandi fringe will continue to be popular because they support both Tara and Remi. According to him, “they’re the simplest way to update your look with minimal commitment.” “Soft, wispy, and feather-light, they’re a little shorter in the middle to draw attention to the cheekbones and eyes.”
Long, Feminine Hair’s Comeback
According to Becc Snow, a hairstylist and the creator of the Melbourne salon Alchemy, 2026 will see a departure from strict gender standards of beauty. “To regain control over how they’re perceived, many women and femme-presenting individuals adopted more masculine styles in recent years,” Becc says.
Pixie, Bixie, or Somewhere in Between
On the other hand, Becc anticipates an increase in shorter cuts. She states, “I believe this will be the year of the femme pixie crop—opening up the face and not hiding behind hair.”
The bixie bob, which combines a bob and a pixie, will become popular, Remi continues. It blends structure and light texture through the ends, falling between the jaw and collarbone. It offers movement, shape, and edge without being harsh; it’s softer than a pixie but shorter and more directed than a traditional bob.
Remi advises requesting a precise bob length with soft internal layering and a subtle pixie-inspired texture around the perimeter in order to achieve this look. “I adore how effortlessly cool it feels.”
