The Hair Colour Trends of 2026: What Our Quif Educators Predict For The Year Ahead
Published date 11 December 2025
As we move into 2026, professional hairstylists are already searching for the ideas, techniques and trends that are going to shape the creative space within the new year. To get ahead of what’s to come in the professional world of hairdressing, we’ve sat down with our Quif Education Team - Jennie & Aish - hair experts with a depth of knowledge and passion for colour. Together, they have shared their predictions on what 2026 has to offer, and we can’t wait to see it unfold into the new year…
What are your biggest hair colour trend predictions for 2026?
Jennie:
“I predict that rich, dimensional tones will dominate 2026. I think espresso brunettes and honey blondes with just a soft 2-3 levels of lift through the ends. Clients want colour that feels effortless and lived-in, with a natural grow out that keeps maintenance low but impact high.”
Aish:
“I’m predicting a huge rise in luxury low-maintenance colour. Soft dimensional blending, seamless brondes, and ultra-glossy finishes will be everywhere! Clients want expensive looking hair without the constant upkeep.”
What colour & techniques would you like to see more of in 2026?
Jennie:
“Airtouch…always! It’s time to say goodbye to backcombing and harsh brush-outs. Airtouch gives such a smooth, seamless blend and avoids the need for heavy root melts later. I’d also love to see more colourists reaching for high-lifts and tints, not just lighteners. There’s so much untapped potential in those alternatives.”
Aish:
“I want to see colourists leaning further into shine and dimension. Hair that looks glossy, healthy and expensive. It elevates every single colour service!”
What colour trends would you like to see make a comeback?
Jennie:
“I’d genuinely love to see people lifting with tint or high-lift again. It’s such an underrated method for achieving beautiful blondes without over-processing.”
Aish:
“Cherry Cola and deep reds! Those juice, early 2000s cherry hues started creeping back at the end of 2025 and I’m here for it. They’re rich, moody, glossy, and insanely beautiful when done right!”
And what don’t you want to see return?
Jennie:
“Silver-ash blondes… especially when they require lifting the hair way too light. It leads to unnecessary damage and can leave the colour looking flat.”
Aish:
“Over-bleached , forced-bright blondes and flat one-tone looks with no shine or movement. 2026 should be the year of intentional colour, not aggressive processing.”
Let’s recap what’s coming to salons in 2026…
We’re obsessed with these trend predictions, and we can’t wait to see which ones take over salon life in 2026. Let’s recap on what what our educators think will define 2026:
- Rich, dimensional colour
We’re wanting espresso tones, or honey, and soft brondes with that touch of lived-in luxury.
- The return of Cherry Cola & moody reds
Glossy, juicy, early 2000’s reds are going to make a stylish comeback.
- Technique evolutions
Airtouches, colour melts and even a revival of high-lift techniques!
- A firm no to overprocessing
Harsh blonding, flat toners, and damaging habits are being left in 2025.
For 2026, we’re manifesting healthy hair, dimensional colour, premium shine, and low maintenance luxury. With trends leaning towards natural beauty and effortless refinement, it’s set to be one of the most exciting years yet for professional hair colour.
Don’t forget to look out for our Alan Howard Education courses with both Aish and Jennie for all things colour techniques, hair trends, and more!
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