Between over-the-top New Year’s resolutions and hyper-specific “in and out” lists, annual trend forecasts remain my quiet indulgence. While it’s essential to acknowledge the impact of fleeting micro-trends on both personal style and the environment, trends still offer a revealing snapshot of where culture is heading.
I recently explored how Pinterest’s “poetcore” prediction reflects a growing desire to disconnect from screens and reconnect with the physical world. In another piece, FJ senior editor Lara Daly examined fragrance trends, drawing a link between scent and the Lunar New Year, noting a shift away from vanilla toward richer, more expressive notes.
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What’s Next for Hair in 2026?
When it comes to hair, opinions are divided. Will the bob haircut continue its reign? Has the Sabrina Carpenter blowout peaked? Trend forecasts aren’t strict rules—the best haircut is always the one you love. Still, for those curious about what’s ahead, I spoke with four hairdressers to uncover the haircut trends expected to shape 2026.
A Spotlight on the Fringe
Tara-Lee Mitchell, founder of Melbourne salon Mitch Studio, believes 2026 will belong to the fringe. “We’ve seen variations recently, but the modern fringe is set to be shorter, bolder, and more adventurous,” she explains. “Think sexy, Gucci-inspired hair.”
For reference, Tara points to Dakota Johnson in Materialists for a long, blunt fringe, and Odessa A’zion for those with curly or wavy textures. “A fringe instantly refreshes your look,” she says. “It’s also perfect for adding shape while growing your hair—just make sure your stylist works with your natural texture.”
The Rise of the Grown-In Side Fringe
Remi Jeffers, cutting educator at Edwards and Co, predicts a comeback for the grown-in side fringe. This look features long, softly blended side bangs that fall between the cheekbone and jaw, offering shape without long-term commitment.
“Ask for long side bangs that flow seamlessly into face-framing layers,” Remi advises. “It’s flattering, low-maintenance, and perfectly suited to 2026’s relaxed beauty mindset.”
Why Scandi Bangs Aren’t Going Anywhere
Supporting both Tara and Remi, Edwards and Co founder Jaye Edwards sees Scandi bangs maintaining their popularity. “They’re the easiest way to refresh your look with minimal commitment,” he says. “Soft, wispy, and feather-light, they’re slightly shorter in the centre to highlight the eyes and cheekbones.”
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Jaye recommends requesting airy, face-framing bangs that blend naturally into the haircut rather than anything heavy. “They’re incredibly versatile—wear them softly parted for a clean Scandi feel or tousled for a more undone, French-girl aesthetic.”
The Return of Long, Feminine Hair
Becc Snow, hairstylist and founder of Melbourne salon Alchemy, views 2026 as a shift away from rigid gender norms in beauty. “In recent years, many women and femme-presenting people embraced 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 comeback for hair extensions.
Pixie, Bixie, or Somewhere in Between
At the opposite end of the spectrum, Becc also expects a surge in shorter cuts. “I think this will be the year of the femme pixie crop—opening up the face and not hiding behind hair,” she says.
Remi adds that the bixie bob—a blend of a bob and a pixie—will gain traction. “Falling between the jaw and collarbone, it combines structure with light texture through the ends. It’s shorter and more directional than a classic bob but softer than a pixie, delivering movement, shape, and edge without severity.”
To achieve this look, Remi suggests asking for a precise bob length with soft internal layering and a subtle pixie-inspired texture around the perimeter. “What I love most is how effortlessly cool it feels.”
