They've Called It! These are the Top Hair Trends of 2026

March 27 | 4 minute read

Words by Izzy Wight

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of a hair transformation. And while the classics will always remain – a blunt bob, beachy highlights, a breakup-induced fringe – each year brings with it a selection of new hair trends to choose from in moments of creative inspiration (or crisis).

According to the experts, 2026 is no exception. From peptides to movement and pumped-up volume, this year’s trends are all about embracing natural texture while protecting the health of your hair.

Below, MECCA speaks to four hair founders about the trends set to define the year ahead.

Better-For-You Styling

“I predict 2026 will be the year of treating haircare as skincare... [really] getting to the root of common hair concerns like damage and frizz, rather than trying to cover it up with daily heat styling,” says Babba Rivera, founder of Ceremonia. “I also think the heatless or better-for-your-hair styling is going to dominate. For example, rocking a slick back bun using a nourishing hair gel... Pequi Gel is my daily go-to and it reminds me a lot of the skincare-infused makeup approach we’re seeing in beauty.”

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Fringe Benefits

Here to help rewrite our past hair traumas (blunt kitchen scissors in the bathroom mirror, anyone?), bangs are back in a big way. A hairstyle that traverses all ages and aesthetics, there are no rules when it comes to a fringe – which is exactly what makes it so appealing in 2026. Yes, there’s some initial commitment involved (though significantly less risk when done by a professional) but after that, the world is your oyster. Wear them short and spiky like the models in David Mallett’s Paris salon or sweep them off to the side for a soft, romantic, Sabrina Carpenter-esque look.

More Movement

“The hair trend that I'm seeing the most for 2026 is the return to movement and curl. It's about texture, it's about body, it's about layering and about soft definition,” says David Mallett, Australian-born, Paris-based hairdresser and founder of his eponymous haircare brand. As for haircuts? “In Europe, we’re layering more now. We're doing longer, more layered, more active surfaces and more movement. It's all about curl, movement, softness and shagginess.”

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Plumping Peptides

For Jennifer Aniston, founder of LolaVie and catalyst for the most iconic haircut of the ’90s, The Rachel, this year’s biggest hair trend is peptides: “Peptides have been such a breakthrough in skincare because they help support strength and structure, and we wanted to bring that same thinking to hair. In our Peptide Plumping Volume Shampoo and Conditioner, we use amaranth peptides, which are amazing for helping create lift from the root up. They work by supporting the hair fibre, so it feels thicker, more resilient and fuller,” she explains.

Natural Texture, Amped-Up Volume

“We’re moving away from over-styled perfection,” says Adam Reed, UK hairstylist and founder of ARKIVE. “2026 is about enhancing what’s already there – better cuts, smarter layering and products that support movement, rather than mask it.” Reed also points out the continued rise in ‘headcare’, or scalp-first styling – think serums, scrubs and co-cleansing formulas. “People are understanding that shine, volume and longevity all start at the scalp,” he adds.