The 2026 Hair Trend Predictions: Trending colours, techniques, and insights

You asked, we listened. That’s right, we have even more hair trend predictions for 2026. With a buzz for hair stylists to know what’s coming next, what trends are worth investing in, as well as what should be left in the past, we went back to our experts, who gave us more insights into what to expect in 2026.

This time, we sat down with Quif Educators, Georgia Mountain, Brent Barlow, Alan Howard, Educator Sara Simpson, and our Education Manager, John Anthoney, to uncover even more predictions set to shape salon life in 2026. From colour trends to revamping techniques, here’s what they had to say…

“I think we’ll see more lived-in, blended colour. Dimensional and glossy finishes that give an expensive feel, but with low-maintenance upkeep.”

“Natural-looking colour will dominate. Soft neutrals, glossy finishes, and dimensional brunettes, coppers, and blondes that feel expensive but low-maintenance.”

“2026 is all about embracing natural texture. We’re going to see more people choosing styles that work with their hair rather than against it. The dramatic bob will continue to be a major trend, now paired with effortless layers and soft, wispy bangs for that lived-in movement. In terms of colour, blondes are shifting to a more natural, low-maintenance look, so less reaching for the lightener and more enhancing what you’ve already got. Colour melting will be huge, creating soft dimension by using tones from the same family at different levels.”

“I predict a shift towards soft colour that aligns with the Pantone Colour of the Year, Cloud Dancer. Colour that feels effortless yet elevated. Think airy, milky blondes, creamy neutrals, and pearlescent hues that reflect light beautifully without harsh brightness. For brunettes, I see mochas becoming increasingly popular. I can see us reaching for rich red and violet tones supported by soft gold for depth and multi-tonal dimension at every level.”

“Seamless blends, dimensional colour, face-framing, and gloss finishes that enhance shine and elevate the overall look.”

“More face-framing contouring, micro-foiling, and seamless blending, paired with glossy toners that enhance shine without overprocessing.”

“I’d love to see more cool and warm together, a cool neutral root tap with a warm creamy mid to end that creates seamless, low-maintenance brightness. Techniques that prioritise hair health, like gloss services that leave a soft tone that adds high condition and shine. I would like to see more muted pastels, they are soft, low maintenance, but really pretty on the hair.”

“ Definitely beige and warm blondes, chocolate browns, and peach and rose gold tones.”

“Cool beige blondes, rich chocolate browns, and modern, refined takes on 90s colour blocking.”

“2026 is set for a metallic revival. I think we’ll see cool metallic silvers and muted chrome tones.”

“I would like to see more multi-dimensional colour in 2026, combine cool and warmth with subtle money pieces, soft face-framing highlights complemented by soft undertones that play with depth and light, cool and warmth. Not flat, ashy cool, more milky, pearly hues in cool hair. Also, brunettes, playing with warmer and cooler mochas, enhancing the violet to create more of a mushroom vibe.”

“Ashy blondes on compromised hair and chunky highlights or lowlights.”

“Chunky streaks with no blend, over-ashy toners, and over-bleached platinum that sacrifices condition.”

“Over-processed white hair. Go shorter, keep it healthy, and choose softer, brighter blondes instead.”

“Block flat colouring, I am heading towards more multi-dimensional, soft luminous tones that enhance and work beautifully with texture in hair. I would like to see less ultra-ashy, overly matte tones that can make hair look lifeless. Instead, add a small amount of soft gold or copper to give more reflection and create a more elevated, expensive result. More luminous, soft, wearable colour that enhances natural tones that looks luxurious!”

So, in a nutshell, what are we going to see in our salons in 2026?

We’re going to see milky blondes, creamy neutrals, pearlescent hues and dimensional mochas.

We want to see effortless grow-out, tonal top-ups and colour that looks expensive without the upkeep.

Whether it’s both cool and warm working together, we want to see depth, reflection and movement.

Gloss services are going to be essential when keeping hair healthy throughout 2026.

Overprocessing, flat ashy tones, and harsh blonding is a no from our educators, and are firmly staying in the past.

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Don’t forget to look out for our Alan Howard Education courses with our education team for all things colour techniques, hair trends, and more!