Embracing Hair Texture in 2026: Why This Salon Service Is What Your Clients Need

If you’ve been in the professional hair industry for a while now, you’ll know that hair trends have changed dramatically over the years. Back in the late 90’s, clients wanted one thing, and one thing only… hair that was as straight as possible. Fast forward to 2026, and the conversation is pretty different. Instead of fighting against natural texture, clients are actually looking for ways to enhance it. Clients, whether they have curly, wavy or straight hair, are searching for a controlled way to make their natural texture easier to manage, and that’s exactly why services like QiQi Hair Controller have become so popular in salons. Let’s rewind and take a look at how we, as an industry, got to this point

The 90s: The straighter, the better

The late 90s were all about sleek, poker-straight hair. The Japanese thermal reconditioning technique, also known as the Yuko system, became one of the most sought-after hair services for clients wanting permanently straight hair. While the results were undeniably sleek, the process was rather harsh on the client's hair, leaving it dry, flat and lacking movement. This was the prime time when clients were willing to sacrifice volume and texture, and even their hair’s health, just to achieve ultra-straight hair. Thankfully, we’ve moved on from this era…

The 2000s & 2010s: Smoothening VS Straightening Services

Trends started to evolve, and clients wanted something softer. Enter the Brazilian Revolution, a system intending to achieve hair that prioritised smoothing over straightening. Brazilian blow-dries and keratin treatments gained popularity, offering smoother and shinier hair without having to remove every bit of texture. Clients weren’t necessarily asking for straight hair anymore; they just wanted something more manageable. Hair that felt healthy, less time-consuming and frizzy were all priorities for clients, but salons were still stuck with services that only offered a one-size-fits-all approach that alienated many hair types, such as our thin and fine-haired clients.

The 2020’s: Texture has stolen the spotlight

Fast forward to today, and we’re seeing a huge shift towards embracing natural texture. Clients with curls want them more defined, clients with waves want them softer, and some clients still want straighter hair, but without it looking so flat and lifeless. Basically, the modern client wants options! And luckily, we know a salon service that gives your clients exactly that: QiQi Hair Control.

What makes QiQi different from services from 20 years ago?

Unlike traditional smoothing services, QiQi isn’t just about straightening hair. QiQi actually gives clients control over their hair texture, whether they want to enhance their curls, reduce frizz or achieve a straighter finish. QiQi allows the client to completely customise the result to suit their hair goals, and that’s what sets it apart from any other smoothing service.

For clients who love their curls

Not every curly-haired client wants to have to straighten their hair to improve its manageability. Many simply want their curls to feel more hydrated and just less frizzy. With the QiQi Curl Control service, this can enhance the curl’s natural pattern while reducing frizz and increasing shine and hydration. Your clients will leave the salon with the curls they love, just better.

For clients who want less frizz

We all have those clients: their hair isn’t necessarily curly, but it constantly feels fluffy, dry or difficult to style. QiQi’s Minimal Control works with the client's natural textures, helping to smooth the hair, reduce frizz and improve its manageability without removing movement.

For clients who want softer waves & curls

For clients with thicker, coarser and curlier hair textures, QiQi’s Moderate Control offers the perfect middle ground to achieving a softer look. This service will help loosen the curl pattern, reduce ‘bulk’ and cut down styling time, while still maintaining texture and movement throughout the hair. The result is smoother and softer rather than being completely straight.

For clients who want maximum smoothness

Of course, there are clients who still love a sleek finish. For healthy hair types, QiQi Maximum Control creates a naturally straight result, which maintains softness, shine and movement throughout the hair. Say goodbye to flat, rigid hair and welcome smooth and glossy strands.

Considering QiQi?

Alongside the incredible results QiQi brings, it also offers something that your salon will definitely benefit from… profitability. QiQi is a win-win for both you and your client!

Smoothing services are often considered one of the most profitable services a salon can offer, as with QiQi, you're not just offering one service from one system. You’re able to cater to a much wider range of clients who have different hair types and goals. QiQi services not only command a premium price point but also attract loyal clients to return regularly to maintain their results, increasing your salon's profitability over time.

So, what will the hair trend look like in another 10 years? While we can’t predict the future, at least for now, one thing is clear. 2026 isn’t about your clients having to choose between straight or curly hair, but about celebrating individuality and creating hair that feels personal. And with QiQi Hair Controller, you’re delivering clients exactly that. It gives you the tools to create healthy, manageable and completely customised results, and that’s why it’s becoming one of the most exciting salon services around.

Interested in QiQi? Discover our QiQi education courses to learn precise, step-by-step application methods and understand how to select the appropriate QiQi Hair Controller formula for each client and desired outcome.