2026 Hair Trends: The Year Hair Gets Personal (and a Little Iconic)

Hair trends for 2026 aren’t just trending because they look good — they’re hot because they match how people want to live right now. Across every age group, we’re seeing a shift toward styles that feel intentional but not exhausting, elevated but still real-life wearable. After years of high-maintenance everything, clients want hair that moves with them, grows out beautifully, photographs well, and still feels like them — not a copy-paste from Instagram.

Search data and trend forecasting point to three big drivers behind 2026 hair:

self-expression without overcommitment, confidence through customization, and healthy hair as the ultimate luxury. People are done chasing trends that don’t fit their lifestyle. Instead, they’re choosing cuts and colors that adapt — soft layers that flatter at every age, modern shapes that flex between polished and undone, and color techniques that enhance natural tones instead of fighting them.

At Forbici Salon and Spa, these trends matter because they’re not one-size-fits-all. Women 40+ are leaning into refined, glow-up energy that celebrates experience and elegance. Gen Z women are embracing playful, expressive hair that evolves with their mood. Men are prioritizing clean, confident styles that feel current without trying too hard. Different generations, same goal: hair that feels effortless, modern, and undeniably personal.

For the Fabulous Women 40+ — Ageless, Not Timeless

Let’s be real — age is just the number of times you’ve smashed beauty norms. This year’s hair trends are playing right into that energy.

Low-Maintenance, High-Impact Styles

• Shoulder-Length with Subtle Layers — perfectly wearable, easy to style, and never boring, this cut enhances natural movement without high upkeep. SheFinds

• Long Butterfly Cut with Bangs — think soft volume and face-framing layers that feel youthful and sophisticated. Glamour

• “Greige Lights” & Natural Blends — rock your silver or gray with chic beige-blonde highlights that celebrate your natural tones (subtle yet luxe). Woman & Home

Shine Is the New Flex

Healthy, glossy hair isn’t just a look — it’s a lifestyle. Expect services that enhance natural shine and movement with minimal fuss. Cabello

Pro Tip: Pair cuts with customized glossing and bond-strengthening treatments for that runway vibe. Check out more low maintenance looks in our blog.

Forbici Salon Treatments

• Goldwell Intensive Serums are lightweight, leave-in treatments that target specific hair needs, improving shine, manageability, and overall hair health without weighing hair down. They add gloss with to the hair and the benefits last up to 22 washes.
  

• Oribe Mirror Rinse Glass Hair Treatment (often called Oribe Mirror Gloss) is a weightless hair treatment that boosts shine and smoothness, giving hair an ultra-glossy, mirror-like finish. It smooths the hair’s surface, helps condition and soften strands, and enhances manageability without weighing hair down.
  

• To purchase in salon- Goldwell StyleSign Weightless Shine-Oil is a lightweight hair oil that adds high shine and smoothness to hair while helping control frizz and humidity for up to about 72 hours. It leaves hair soft, glossy, and more manageable without weighing it down — great as a finishing touch on dry or damp hair for a polished look.
  

• Oribe Hair Alchemy Fortifying Treatment Serum is a strengthening treatment serum that reinforces fragile hair, boosts resilience and softness, and helps prevent breakage without weighing hair down.

For Gen Z Women — Bold, Boundless & Barely Predictable

Gen Z isn’t here to fit into hair trends — trends are here to fit into you.

Shape That’s Playful & Expressive

• The “Noncommittal Bob” — aka the better bob: collarbone-length vibes that can flip from sleek to curated chaos in one swoosh. Allure

• Pixie 2.0 & Bixie Hybrids — pixie cuts with soft edges or playful bob-fusion shapes that say I woke up like this (but better). The Bixie combines elements of two distinctly recognizable hairstyles—bob and the pixie—and creates a new style with dimension and texture.

• Birkin & Baby Bangs — those chic face-framing moments that actually elevate the whole vibe. 

Color That Pops or Slays Subtle

• Molten Brunette, Copper Redux & Soft Blondes — warm, dimensional hues that flex on every filter without needing daily touchups. 

• Teal, Chrome & Fantasy Colors (if you’re feeling fearless) — for the Gen Z who lives for creative expression, these are vivid statements that still feel wearable. 

Gen Z Gloss Hack:  Ask for air-touch balayage for dreamy blends that require less maintenance and give major editorial feels.

2026 Hair Trends For Men — Sharp, Stylish & Subtle (No Dad Hair Allowed)

The new era of men’s hair is all about tailored movement and character — whether you’re boardroom or bar ready.

Cuts With Personality

• Modern Mod & Textured Classics — nods to Brit pop era shapes but updated with softer edges and natural movement. By definition, “a mod cut is a stylish men’s haircut that features medium-length hair, textured layers, and a clear fringe that falls forward or slightly to the side.” Forte 

  
  

  It started in 1960s Britain and became popular through music and fashion culture. Today, the mod cut mixes retro style with a modern finish, making it easy to wear for both casual and smart looks. The haircut adds natural volume, movement, and flow, which suits straight, wavy, or slightly curly hair. Modern versions include styles like textured mods, shaggy mods and mod mullets, keeping the look fresh and versatile in 2026.

  
  

• Burst Fades, Mullets & Curtain Styles — because contrast is cool when it’s intentional (and actually looks good). 

• Low Taper Fades That Don’t Try Too Hard — clean, effortless, and flattering whether you’re rocking business or casual fit. 

Texture Meets Precision

Blended fades, textured tops, and undercuts with character continue to rise — it’s symmetry without rigidity. Some guys want sleek. Some want tousled. 2026 is saying: both are valid.

Tip for the gents: Pair your haircut with a styling routine that enhances natural movement (think matte clay or light pomade, not helmet hair).

• Goldwell Dualsenses Men Texture Cream Paste is a medium-hold styling paste from Goldwell’s Men line that helps you create naturally structured, textured hairstyles with a matte finish. 
  

• Oribe Fiber Groom Elastic Texture Paste – A flexible texturizing paste with elastic hold and separation for defined, touchable styles.
  

• Moroccanoil Texture Clay – A moldable clay for creating defined, roughed-up texture with a matte finish and controllable hold, perfect for piecey, structured looks.

  Ready for Your 2026 Hair Leap?

  Book your Forbici Salon and Spa appointment today and let’s remix your look for a new era of confidence.
  

  Because in 2026, it’s not just “on trend” — it’s on you.