Hair trends for 2026 emphasize volume and textured braids

New hair trends for 2026 are emphasizing volume, texture, and ancient-inspired styles. A major shift is occurring away from sleek, polished looks toward more natural and voluminous aesthetics.

One prominent trend is the return of voluminous, textured hair, popularized by appearances from Zendaya. This movement encourages embracing natural textures and curls, with professional collections from stylists like Geoffrey Tentillier, Pierre Ginsburg, and Hélène Clément exploring romantic and sculptural volumes. Popular cuts include the Allie Cut, a variation of the wolf cut, and the shag style, alongside dry cutting techniques designed to respect natural hair structure.

Additionally, the crown braid is resurfacing in a more rugged, textured version known as the ‘Valkyrie braid’. Moving away from the bohemian, flower-adorned styles of previous years, this trend focuses on a more ‘warrior-like’ and imperfect aesthetic. The trend has gained momentum through celebrity influence, notably from Zendaya during her promotion of ‘The Odyssey’ and Olivia Rodrigo at Lollapalooza.