Hair is more than a finishing touch — it’s the energy. After a decade styling and editing looks, I’ve learnt that trends are just data; style is the edit. And according to one of the most influential hairstylists in the world, 2026 is about to be hair’s biggest year yet.
At the Fashion Awards, speaking to us on the red carpet, celebrity stylist Chris Appleton — the man behind the iconic looks of Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez, Dua Lipa, Katy Perry and more — told VOIR that “2026 is going to be a big year for hair — big, sexy hair, main character energy.” And honestly? He’s right. The mood is rich, confident, and rooted in personal identity. This is your VOIR-coded guide — screenshot, save, and bring to your next appointment.
- THE LUXE BOB 2.0
The bob isn’t leaving — she’s evolving.
Jaw to collarbone length, soft internal layers, glossy as glass. Less “cute bob” and more “I sign the contracts.” Movement is key; no helmet hair.
How to Ask For It: A bob with internal shaping for movement + a high-gloss finish.
Wear It With: A clean middle part, sculptural clips, quiet-luxury accessories.
- RICH GIRL BLOWOUT ENERGY
Not pageant hair — premium hair.
Volume at the crown, softness at the ends, bounce that feels expensive (even if it didn’t cost it).
Salon Notes: Volume support at the root only; soft ends, no crunch.
Vibe: Sunglasses, lip gloss, and a “sorry, running late” text.
- LIQUID BRUNETTE (THE RETURN OF EXPENSIVE BROWN)
Brunette is having a couture moment.
Deep espresso, mocha, and chocolate with tonal ribbons of light — not streaks. Reflective, dimensional, quietly powerful.
Ask For: Multi-tonal brunette with gloss, not flat colour.
Style: Poker straight, S-waves, or a slick bun to show the shine.
- COPPER, BUT CURATED
Copper stays, but she grew up.
From neon to nuanced: burnt caramel, cinnamon spice, russet auburn. It’s editorial — not cartoon.
Ask For: A copper aligned to your undertone (golden / rose / auburn).
Tip: Softer root shadow for “I woke up like this” energy.
- POWER PONYTAILS & RIBBON MOMENTS
The ponytail is officially a Look.
From razor-sharp and glassy to high and swishy, paired with velvet bows, leather ties, or black ribbon. The quickest route to main-character energy.
Do It: Wrap a piece of hair around the band.
When: On day-three hair when you refuse to wash.
- SCULPTED BRAIDS & PROTECTIVE GLAM
Protective styles aren’t an afterthought — they’re headline energy.
Knotless braids, braided bobs, sleek braided ponies, and sculpted edges. Elevated with minimal metal, beads, or cuffs.
Think: A look that feels front row, airport, and red carpet ready.
- THE UNDONE “IT GIRL” FRINGE
Soft, piecey, grown-out.
Like curtain bangs got invited to Paris and never came back.
Ask For: A fringe that blends into face layers, never blunt.
Style: Round brush, tong, finger rake. Imperfection = intentional.
- MAXIMALIST HAIR ACCESSORIES
Even on quiet luxury days, accessories go maximalist.
Pearls, bows, architectural clips, sculptural combs — hair jewellery is the new personal branding.
Rule: If it could live in a jewellery box, it works.
- HEALTH FIRST, TREND SECOND
The richest trend? Healthy hair.
Glossy, hydrated, thick. Treatments, trims, and heat protection are the new non-negotiables.
Do: Swap one heat day a week for a heat-free style + a weekly mask.
Remember: Dead ends don’t photograph well — cut them.
“2026 is going to be a big year for hair — big, sexy hair, main character energy.”
— Chris Appleton, to VOIR on the Fashion Awards red carpet
