Forget about last year’s “quiet luxury” obsession. There is a new hair fashion trend in town, and it’s all about emphasizing your “main character energy:” we’re talking a combo of big, bouncy, a bit retro, and a lot of incredible texture. If you haven’t been obsessively stalking what’s in vogue on TikTok and the runway recently, here’s your ultimate compilation of recent hairstyle trends in 2026.
1. Ultra-Short Bob
Last year’s scary razor-sharp edges are officially out, replaced by the luxe bob’s sleek, shiny finish. You’ve probably already seen it: a mid-length cut that has subtle layers that softly graze the chin, giving that satisfying shimmy every time you swoosh your hair.
Ultra-short bob works well for oval, square, and heart-shaped features; if you have a rounder face, though, definitely nudge it half an inch longer, or you’ll give some unfortunately hilarious Lord Farquaad vibes. As for hair type, straight or slightly wavy hair looks absolutely glorious (especially when layered!); finer-hair gals should arm themselves with pro hair stylers (AENO HS1 has multiple nozzles and intelligent thermo-control sensors for maximum results), and textured sprays to add the needed volume.
2. ’90s Supermodel Blowout
The bombshell flipped-out blowout is all about volume and movement — think swishing your hair back and forth like you’re in a shampoo commercial. This cut requires longer hair and bold, voluminous layers to create that distinctive silhouette. Long and oval faces work best here, but if you have a rounder face, ask for sleeker sides and more volume on top — this will help elongate your face. Supermodel blowout looks great on wavy or straight hair. Use root clips and volumizing mousse for finer hair. Styling is also simple: purchase good-quality Velcro rollers and volumizing mousse.
3. Textured Bixie
Neither pixie nor bob, a bixie is a stylish hybrid of both. Textured, choppy layers help add volume and character, while its low maintenance makes bixie a popular choice for a busy lifestyle. A diamond or heart-shaped face is a staple here, but bixies look good on rounder faces, too. As for hair type, this one is for finer or thinner hair (it will suit thick hair only when layered properly). You’ll have to invest in some lightweight styling creams to enhance structure without weighing hair down.
4. Modern Shag
Choppy layers, curtain bangs, and a trademark tousled look — another blast from the past comes in the form of the ’70s shag. Styling this is a gift to low-maintenance enthusiasts: just use lightweight mousse or sea salt spray for defined texture. Diffuser works for wavy or curly locks. For instance, AENO HD5 AI models have pro ionic technology that reduces frizz and enhances shine. And air-drying gives hair a carefree, undone look.
5. Effortless Updo
Excellent choices for colder seasons and higher necklines, updos are remnants of the “clean girl” era that’s here to stay. In 2026, this hairstyle is relaxed and romantic: we’re talking loose buns, low chignons, and braided crowns. Loose waves and tousled buns give a minimum-effort yet polished look. Popular accessories like claw clips continue their resurgence, making a perfect fit for stylish updos.
6. Liquid Hair
Flat-ironed hair that looks like liquid glass effortlessly combines work-appropriate and high-fashion vibes. Think centered parts, longer length, and sleek surface — severe but beautiful. Long and oval face shapes are best here, while everyone else should add some soft face-framing layers. If you have naturally straight hair, a liquid cut is a good cut choice. Everybody else? Use a straightener and heat protectant.
7. Bangs
Bangs are also making quite a comeback, becoming one of the major trends in hair in 2026. We’re talking curtain-style bangs softly framing the face and bottleneck fringe that adds more edge. If you were wondering, micro bangs are still here, although these can look brutal on rounder or squarer faces. Curtain bangs work best with round and oval faces, micro can suit a longer face, while bottleneck fringe is a good choice for a squarer face. As for hair type, it’s great for straight or slightly wavy hair.
8. Boho Layers with Curtain Bangs
Aiming for an effortless, just-rolled-out-of-bed look? This cut should do it. It features wispy curtain bangs and shoulder-skimming layers, creating a beach-like vibe. Basically, this cut would suit any face, but it shines most on oval and round faces. It also removes bulk if you have very thick hair and adds more dimension. Styling-wise, use a tad of volumizing mousse at the roots, and air-dry or blow-dry with a diffuser. AENO DynamicHeat technology (available in HD3 and HD4 models) regulates temperature every 3 seconds to keep your hair hydrated and style smooth.
9. Long Bob
Also known as a lob, a long bob is never out of style. It’s a bouncy, collarbone-skimming, gently layered classic that makes you look polished with little to no maintenance. For thin hair, ask your stylist for a more rounded bottom to add some volume. If you don’t want to bother with over-complex styling, just use a big round-brush blow-dry, a tad of hairspray, and one pump of oil on the ends.
10. Butterfly Layers
Another great low-maintenance look on this list, butterfly layers are a great choice if you have long hair. It features shorter face-framing layers mixed with longer layers — maximum volume, zero length lost. As for styling, blow-dry it upside down while using a round brush on short layers.
Hair Colors and Trends in 2026
This year, you’ll see a lot of warm, rich, and fashionable hair colors. One of the biggest trends is color melting, achieved by melting multiple highlights with your base color. There are no harsh lines in sight; just a natural-looking transition from root to tip. Get a gorgeous palette of warm colors like creamy gold, rich coppers, and chestnut browns.
When looking at which hairstyles trend in 2026, one thing is obvious: it’s less about rigid, confining styles and more about finding the cut that gives you main character energy. Whether you’re gravitating toward the feathery-looking shag cut, serving the bixie’s chic elegance, or embracing the bouncy ’90s supermodel blowout, this year is all about owning your vibe.
Tatyana Ryzhova
