Hair Trends for 2026

2026 Hair Trends at William Guy
Hair Salons in Ringwood, Romsey and Westbourne

Quick Takeaways

• 2026 hair trends are defined by softness, versatility and effortless confidence.
• Short hair evolves into refined, wearable shapes, with the soft power pixie leading the way.
• Mid-length styles favour relaxed layers, including the modern shaggy bob for movement and adaptability.
• Hair colour becomes more considered, with subtle contouring techniques enhancing the complexion.
• Warm, natural tones dominate, from biscuit blonde to rich cherry cola and inky blacks.
• A personalised consultation at William Guy Hair Salons ensures trends are tailored to suit you perfectly.

The Soft Power Pixie Cut

Short hair for 2026 is confident without being severe. The soft power pixie is a modern evolution of the classic pixie cut, designed with slightly longer lengths and gentle movement.

This style is swept back or softly shaped around the ears, enhancing cheekbones while keeping the hairline and nape relaxed. The result is a sculpted yet approachable short haircut that offers flexibility in styling. Ideal for clients seeking a bold change without harsh lines, the soft power pixie can be tailored to suit face shape, hair texture and personal style.

A consultation with one of our expert stylists will ensure your pixie cut feels contemporary, flattering and easy to wear.

The Shaggy Modern Bob

Mid-length hair remains popular in 2026, with the shaggy modern bob emerging as a standout style. This cut combines soft layering with relaxed structure, creating natural movement and texture.  It's inspired in part by Pamela Anderson's latest, relaxed look, sometimes called the Pammy.

Face-framing layers add interest and versatility, making it an ideal option if you are considering going shorter but want something adaptable. The shaggy bob works beautifully worn smooth, loosely waved or styled with an undone finish for effortless elegance.

Our teams in Ringwood, Romsey and Westbourne can personalise this cut to complement your hair type and lifestyle.

Hair Colour Contouring

One of the most requested colour techniques for 2026 is expected to be hair colour contouring. Rather than full-head colour changes, this approach focuses on placing lighter tones around the face to reflect light and subtly enhance the complexion.  This is sometimes known as the Moneypiece.

This low-maintenance technique creates a natural, fresh appearance and works especially well on layered or softly waved styles, where the colour placement can be seen at its best. Hair contouring is ideal for clients looking to refresh their look without committing to a dramatic colour change.

Book a colour consultation at William Guy Hair Salons to explore how colour contouring can enhance your hair.

Inky Black Hair with High-Gloss Shine

For 2026, hair colour trends are moving away from excessive lightening and towards healthy, light-reflective finishes. Less bleaching is key, with a renewed focus on glossing treatments that enhance the hair’s natural depth and condition.

One standout look is inky black hair which is rich, refined and exceptionally glossy. This shade is designed to look flawless both in real life and on camera, delivering a mirror-like shine that signals hair health first and foremost.  This look is achieved with deep, nourishing Davines colour and glossing treatments.  Inky black feels modern, confident and timeless, making it an increasingly popular choice.

Biscuit Blondes

Warm blondes continue to lead the way, with biscuit blonde emerging as a key shade for 2026. Sitting between blonde and light caramel, this tone offers warmth, softness and natural depth.

Biscuit blonde flatters a wide range of skin tones and provides more graceful regrowth, making it a popular choice for clients seeking a polished yet low-maintenance blonde. It works beautifully across both sleek styles and textured, layered cuts.

Our colour specialists will help you achieve the perfect balance of warmth and brightness.

Cherry Cola Reds

Red tones take on a more refined edge in 2026 with Cherry Cola shades. This look blends deep red or copper hues with a darker brunette base, creating richness without appearing overly vibrant.  It's sometimes known as Cherry Mocha.

The warmth is layered subtly through the hair, resulting in a polished, sultry finish that catches the light beautifully. Cherry Cola is ideal for clients wanting to explore red tones in a sophisticated, wearable way.

Book Your 2026 Hair Consultation at William Guy Hair Salons

For tailored advice on 2026 hair trends, book a consultation at William Guy Hair Salons in Ringwood, Romsey or Westbourne. Our experienced stylists will help you choose a cut and colour that complements your features, lifestyle and personal style.

Discover your perfect 2026 look — book your appointment today online or by contacting your nearest William Guy salon using the numbers at the bottom of the page.