6 hair trends set to define 2026, from colour melting to the bixie cut
These styles and shades will be everywhere next year.
Looking back on 2025, there were two extremes in terms of hair trends.
“In some ways, it was the year of wavy long hair,” says Paul Edmonds, but on the other hand, the bob was one of the defining cuts of the year. “That was one of the strongest looks on short hair, the blunt bob. Towards the end of 2025, hair became a little bit more structured overall.”
Softness was also a big buzzword when it comes to colour, says artistic director Joe Savine. “Colour was generally very natural, with lots of golden and yellow blondes. Even ashy tones became softer and more pearlescent. Everything had a lived-in vibe.”
What do hair experts predict will be trending in 2026? “It's evolution rather than revolution,” says Paul. “There's going to be an evolution of what's been happening this year, like the bob, that will still be popular next year – texturised bobs in particular.”
Our stylists and colourists are always in the know about current and upcoming trends, but as our ethos is all about customisation, you can be sure of a bespoke look every time. “That’s the reason clients keep coming back to Paul Edmonds London,” Joe says. “Even when we’re inspired by a trend, we always personalise it to each person.”
Here, Paul and Joe reveal the six key cut and colour trends to know about in 2026, and the products they recommend to protect and style each look…
1. COLOUR MELTING
The lived-in aesthetic will continue to be a big colour trend in 2026, with the ‘colour melting’ technique used to create seamless multi-tonal looks.
“It's diffused colour,” says Paul. “You've got the colours melting into each other, so it's not stripey, and it's not as obvious as a normal balayage either.”
Colour melting can be used for all different shades, from light to dark, he explains. “People might still want to have the bright pop of colour or different areas they want to emphasise, depending on the shape and dimension of their cut.”
It can also be used for grey blending, Joe says. “Depending on the product we work with, we can blend white hair up to 30%. It’s great because you're getting a camouflage service but also bringing the whole colour look together.”
He adds, “I always recommend the Oribe Hair Alchemy range for coloured hair. It's a fortifying range that strengthens the hair – strength and moisture mean lasting colour.”
2. HAIR WELLNESS
Biohacking, fitness watches and probiotic supplements have become daily essentials for millions of people, and now healthy hair has become a status symbol on a par with a designer handbag.
“It's about projecting wellness,” Paul says. “People want vitality and youth, and healthy hair is an affordable way to do that. They may not have a Birkin bag, but they can have glossy hair!” To that end, shiny locks will be the must-have hair trend of 2026, whether your hair is coloured or not. “All the hair brands are pushing gloss-giving products as their biggest launches for the next year.”
Colour glosses will be a big salon trend, but shiny hair doesn’t have to be poker-straight, Paul continues. “People are embracing their own curls, so it's about learning ways of making their hair glossy when it’s worn curly.”
Joe recommends the Oribe Supershine Mirror Rinse Glass Treatment for creating unbeatable shine. “It gives a high-gloss finish. If you use it on top of conditioner, it makes hair very shiny.”
3. ICED ESPRESSO BRUNETTE
Coffee colours never go out of style when it comes to hair trends, and the hottest hue for 2026 will be iced espresso brunette.
“With iced espresso brunette, you've got your rich espresso tone underneath with a frosted overtone giving it a cooler finish,” Paul explains.
Usually created with balayage or foilayage, this shade is ideal for enhancing naturally brown hair, Joe says. “When you're working on a darker base, an iced espresso or latte tone works really well because they get the feeling of brightness without veering too far from the natural tone.”
To keep coffee colours looking rich and vibrant, his top recommendation is the Oribe Beautiful Colour range.
4. FACE SHAPE FOCUS
Looking at men’s hair trends for 2026, the Paul Edmonds London team have noticed that men are becoming increasingly savvy about how their hair can enhance their looks.
“We’ve had loads of men coming in and saying, ‘I've been going to a barber and asking for a number two or number three, but now I want something that's going to suit my face shape and make me look the best I can be,’” Paul says.
He believes this is a consequence of longer hair becoming more fashionable for men. “Just ask Alfie. He’s inundated by men wanting sweeping tops. Plus, people are much more aware of what face shape they are now because of social media. They come in and say, ‘I think I’m this face shape,’ and normally they're right.”
Our stylists are experts at recommending the best haircut and colour to flatter your face shape, hair type and skin tone, while making sure it’s easy to style at home.
5. SMOKY GOLD BLONDES
Warm blonde tones were a big celebrity and catwalk trend this year, but for 2026, we’ll be seeing a touch of coolness come back with the arrival of smoky gold blonde.
“Smoky gold blondes are really nice because they have an ashy or beige tone over the base blonde,” Joe says. “It's a mix between your cool and warm tones, which is why it works for all skin types.”
As always, our colourists will customise the colour according to a client’s skin tone. “Some people may have 75% cool tones with a touch of warmth, whereas someone on the opposite side might have more warmth and less of a pearlescent overtone,” Joe explains.
For keeping smoky gold blonde looking fresh, he says, “I always go back to the Alchemic range from Davines because they have golden, silver and coral pigments to suit different blonde shades.”
6. THE BIXIE CUT
Made famous by Nicole Kidman at the 2025 Met Gala, the bixie cut is a cross between a bob and a pixie cut, and it’s ideal for anyone who’s ready for a major hair change in the new year.
“What's happening is a lot more people are bored with having long hair,” Paul says. “They want a bit more shape to it, but not a blunt look.”
That’s why a hybrid bixie, which can only be done with precision cutting by a very skilled hairdresser, is so appealing, he explains. “People want a blended-in look, but something a bit special, which comes down to the stylist sculpting the hair and cutting through the ends to give a softer blend.”
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As we head into the New Year, now’s the perfect time to think about revamping your style with a fresh haircut or colour – or both.
Take your cues from our expert trend guide and chat with your stylist about how to embrace a chic new look for 2026.
Inspired to try a new hue or style? Book your next appointment at Paul Edmonds London.
