Between bold New Year’s resolutions and ever-changing “in and out” lists, annual trend forecasts remain a personal indulgence. While it’s important to recognize how short-lived micro-trends affect both individual style and the environment, trends still provide a valuable snapshot of where culture is moving.
Haircut Trends Set to Shape the Year Ahead
I recently explored how Pinterest’s “poetcore” forecast signals a growing desire to step away from screens and reconnect with the physical world. In another feature, FJ senior editor Lara Daly examined emerging fragrance trends, linking scent preferences to the Lunar New Year and highlighting a shift from vanilla toward deeper, more expressive notes.
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What’s Ahead for Hair in 2026?
When it comes to hair, opinions are mixed. Will the bob haircut continue to dominate? Has the Sabrina Carpenter blowout reached its peak? Trend forecasts aren’t rules—the best haircut will always be the one you love. Still, for those curious about what’s next, I spoke with four hairdressers to uncover the haircut trends expected to define 2026.
The Fringe Takes Center Stage
Tara-Lee Mitchell, founder of Melbourne salon Mitch Studio, believes 2026 will be the year of the fringe. “We’ve seen different versions already, but the modern fringe is becoming shorter, bolder, and more adventurous,” she says. “Think sexy, Gucci-inspired hair.”
For inspiration, Tara points to Dakota Johnson in Materialists for a long, blunt fringe, and Odessa A’zion for curly or wavy textures. “A fringe instantly refreshes your look,” she explains. “It’s also ideal for adding shape while growing your hair—just ensure your stylist works with your natural texture.”
The Comeback of the Grown-In Side Fringe
Remi Jeffers, cutting educator at Edwards and Co, predicts a return of the grown-in side fringe. This style features long, softly blended side bangs that sit between the cheekbone and jaw, offering subtle shape without a long-term commitment.
“Ask for long side bangs that flow naturally into face-framing layers,” Remi advises. “It’s flattering, low-maintenance, and perfectly aligned with 2026’s relaxed beauty approach.”
Why Scandi Bangs Are Here to Stay
Echoing both Tara and Remi, Edwards and Co founder Jaye Edwards believes Scandi bangs will continue their popularity. “They’re the simplest way to refresh your look with minimal commitment,” he says. “Soft, wispy, and feather-light, they’re slightly shorter in the center to draw attention to the eyes and cheekbones.”
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Jaye recommends requesting airy, face-framing bangs that blend seamlessly into the haircut rather than anything heavy. “They’re incredibly versatile—wear them softly parted for a clean Scandinavian feel or tousled for a more undone, French-girl vibe.”
The Return of Long, Feminine Lengths
Becc Snow, hairstylist and founder of Melbourne salon Alchemy, sees 2026 marking a shift away from rigid gender norms in beauty. “In recent years, many women and femme-presenting people adopted more masculine styles to reclaim control over how they’re perceived,” Becc explains.
“Now, I see a move back toward embracing femininity, with longer, whimsical hairstyles paired with bangs.” She also predicts a strong resurgence of hair extensions.
Pixie, Bixie, or the Space Between
On the opposite end of the spectrum, Becc also anticipates a rise in shorter cuts. “I think this will be the year of the femme pixie crop—opening up the face and no longer hiding behind hair,” she says.
Remi adds that the bixie bob, a hybrid of a bob and a pixie, is set to gain momentum. “Sitting between the jaw and collarbone, it blends structure with light texture through the ends. It’s shorter and more directional than a classic bob, yet softer than a pixie, offering movement, shape, and edge without harshness.”
To achieve this look, Remi suggests requesting a precise bob length with soft internal layering and subtle pixie-inspired texture around the perimeter. “What I love most is how effortlessly cool it feels.”
