Haircare trends see a return of crown braids and rise of reverse washing

Recent hair and beauty trends highlight a shift toward natural textures and specialized washing techniques. The crown braid, a popular style from 2015, is seeing a resurgence in 2026. Unlike the highly structured and polished versions seen a decade ago, current iterations favor a more relaxed, effortless look. Experts note that modern crown braids incorporate more volume, looser sections, and natural flyaways to create a less rigid appearance.

In hair maintenance, the “reverse washing” technique is gaining traction among stylists. This method involves applying conditioner or a hair mask before shampooing. Proponents, including hair specialists Viktoria Petrova and Oriol Barberà, suggest that the conditioner acts as a protective barrier for the hair fiber. This approach aims to prevent dryness, particularly in the ends, while allowing the shampoo to later rinse away excess product, potentially resulting in softer hair and increased volume.