15 Short Hair Trends That We'll See Everywhere In 2026
Choose your fighter.
Flaunting long hair can definitely be a flex, but I'm of the belief that short hair is infinitely more fun. The popular hair styles of 2025 proved just that with celebrities everywhere getting scissor happy from Kris Jenner and Tyla to Emma Stone and Gracie Abrams.
The bob in all of it's glorious forms reigned supreme but pixies and their slightly longer cousin the "bixie" had some standout moments, along with a few iterations of the shag. But just because a new year is on the horizon doesn't mean the short hair party has to end. In fact, according to the hair experts, it's just getting started. 2026 is primed to be a big year for flirty, sophisticated and effortless short hair styles.
"Short hair is having a major moment again," says celebrity hairstylists Marcos Diaz. "As a hairstylist who works across red carpets, editorial shoots, and fashion weeks in New York, Los Angeles, and Europe, I’m seeing a noticeable shift toward effortless structure, movement, and confidence-driven cuts."
Thinking about finally joining the cult of the cunty little bob, or maybe a cute pixie is in your future? Before committing to a big chop, take a look at these 15 trending short hair styles that the experts say will be everywhere in 2026.
Super Textured French Bob
According to celebrity hair stylist, Tommy Buckett this is the short cut of 2026. A very textured French bob is a style that endures for many reasons, namely because it's inherently cool. "The slightly messy vibe never goes out of style, and it works perfect with natural wave and movement," says Buckett. This style of bob falls right on the chin or jawline is cut with "maximum softness and texture." "It looks effortless, like you woke up with it," he explains. "The volume is natural and the shape is rounded, not blunt."
'70s Micro-Shag with Blunt Fringe
"We’re taking the layered, effortless look of the shag and merging it with the bold, heavy fringe visible," says Buckett. "The hair is short—around the ear or cheekbone—with lots of face-framing texture, but the bangs are dense and straight across, creating a playful contrast."
This look doesn't lack anything in the way of drama which is one reason why it's a popular short style. "It’s an updated take on vintage cool," he says.
Wet-Look Sculpted Crop
For Buckett this cut is "pure editorial" and can work with a variety of cuts to create a transformative look. He explains, "any very short cut is slicked back and molded to the head using high-gloss product. It's all about sculpture and a dramatic, high-fashion finish. The look is entirely controlled and wet-looking."
What makes it popular for 2026? "It's dramatic and instantly transforms a casual short cut into a red-carpet moment," he says. "It’s minimalist but fierce."
Curly Voluminous Top
This cut speaks to those who have natural curls or coils. "The sides are kept short and tight, creating contrast with the maximized volume on top," says Buckett. "The goal is a perfect, rounded shape that celebrates the natural spring of the curl."
In 2026 the celebration around natural texture will be big. "This cut is empowering, requires less heat styling, and gives incredible shape and height," he says.
Soft Pixie
This look is the love child of a classic pixie and a bob. "What makes it special is the face-framing shape that feels both modern and feminine," says Diaz. What makes this a short style people with flock to in 2026? "Clients want freedom without sacrificing styling versatility, and the soft pixie delivers that balance beautifully," he explains. "It works on most textures and gives an instant 'undone but polished' vibe."
Sleek Structured Bob
Minimalism shines with this haircut. It screams structure and control and it's taking over. "It’s cut blunt, hits precisely at the shoulders, and must be styled straight and completely flat," says Buckett. "It's a statement of minimalist structure." Buckett notes that what makes this cut popular is that it is a return to both luxury and precision.
Piecey Bob
Maintaining a short haircut doesn't have to be difficult. What Diaz likes most about this style is that the piecy bob is all about ease. This style sits right at or slightly below the chin and is "organic and free." He explains, "there’s always a place for simplicity in beauty, and this cut photographs incredibly well. With a seamless shape, even the smallest styling effort looks intentional."
French Bob
This iteration of the bob is marked by intentional bangs and an effortless finish. "It’s chic without trying too hard," says Diaz. I doubt we'll be seeing the last of this cut after 2026, but what makes it a popular cut going into the new year is its timelessness. "Fashion is leaning into quiet luxury, and this haircut embodies that energy, timeless and full of ease," he says. "It’s a look with an identity."
Curly Sculpted Pixie
Curls will definitely have their moment when it comes to short hair styles in 2026 as more people celebrate their natural texture and embrace cuts that celebrate it. "Short hair is no longer synonymous with straight or sleek," says Diaz. "A sculpted curly pixie embraces natural texture and enhances the curl pattern with softness at the temples and crown It’s bold, expressive, and extremely low maintenance."
Short Shag
"With choppy layers, lived-in movement, and a fringe that can be shaped to suit every face, the short shag brings personality and edge," explains Diaz. He pins its popularity on the fact that a short shag gives immediate style and attitude with minimal effort. "Clients love having a haircut that naturally falls into place and looks editorial even on air-dried hair," he says.
Curly Baby Bob
This cut sports clean lines, a strong silhouette, and is ideal for people wanting a "short but still soft" curly look. Sitting right at the jawline and with minimal layering, the curly baby bob gives curls a dense, bouncy shape without losing volume. "It works because it frames the face beautifully and air-dries well, making it a low-maintenance but high-impact look for 2026," says Rogerio Cavalcante, master stylist at The Second Floor Salon and founder of Brazil Edition
Mini Shag
This style works on straight, wavy, or curly hair. "The short length plus strategic layers gives instant movement and volume at the crown," explains Cavalcante. "People want short hair with personality—something easy but full of texture."
Short Wolf Cut
"A short, modern take on the Internet-famous wolf cut—still edgy, but cleaner, with controlled layers that add lift without overwhelming the face," says Cavalcante. It's trending right now and will be into the upcoming year as people want something fashion-forward but wearable, and the short version softens the look while keeping it cool, he notes.
Micro French Bob
When it comes to the bob, Paris is always going to be a source of inspo. "A micro-bob inspired by Parisian cuts: straight across, lightly undercut, and worn with natural bends or soft waves is ultra-chic and extremely wearable," says Cavalcante. He explains its popularity stems from the fact that this cut photographs beautifully and pairs well with the “quiet luxury” aesthetic dominating fashion right now.
Soft Textured Pixie
A refined pixie with airy edges and subtle movement instead of harsh lines will be all over heads in 2026. "It’s short, but not severe—perfect for clients who want something bold while still easy to style in minutes," says Cavalcante. "Beauty is leaning toward a softer, lived-in texture that feels effortless rather than sculpted."
The Best Products to Style Short Hair
A volumizing mousse like this one from Garnier Fructis helps to create that perfectly undone, piecey finish on shorter styles.
A lightweight gel or cream-gel helps keep the shape of a style like the short wolf cut intentional without weighing the top down.
When it comes to cuts like the short shag, a curl-friendly mousse helps to define layers without the stiffness.
A mini thermal brush can help add volume and a smooth bouncy finish to shorter hair styles more easily than their larger counterparts.
For a French bob, using a dry shampoo foam adds light texture and volume at the roots for that undone Parisian lift.
A hydrating, lightweight daily hair serum like this one from Deborah Pagani adds hydration without weighting the hair down. This is ideal for short, curly styles hair textures that need a little extra hydration but still want to achieve volume.
Leave-in conditioners are a necessary step for any hair style, but something lightweight like this product from Dae gives slip and softness without weighing short strands down.
Add a finishing oil to a style like a structured bob ensures a glass-like, polished surface for that enviable sleek finish.
A curly sculpted pixie needs a curl cream that defines without crunch to keep the style touchable and dimensional.
A light styling balm is a must for a short cut to help easily maintain the style's shape for a fresh-from-the-salon finish even a few weeks post-cut.
A smaller flat iron can help more easily maintain short cuts that require a smooth, sleek finish.
When styling a short shag, a texture spray enhances separation and gives the hair that cool, gritty finish.
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Meet the Experts
For the past four years, Rogerio has been the creative force behind The Second Floor Salon in Nolita, turning it into one of NYC’s most sought-after beauty destinations. Known for his mastery of dry cutting and color, he’s the stylist editors, influencers, and tastemakers trust to deliver effortlessly modern hair. Drawing on his Brazilian roots, Rogerio is launching Brazil Edition, a haircare line developed with Brazilian scientists and inspired by Brazil’s rich natural ingredients. Designed for all hair types, the line reflects the same authenticity, expertise, and innovation that clients, and the industry, have come to love about him.
Tommy, is one of the industry’s most sought-after stylists. Known for creating chic and versatile looks with an effortless flair, he has perfected the Art of modern Hair. Buckett’s work has been highlighted in top national publications as Allure, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, Glamour, Teen Vogue, Vogue, New York Magazine, The NY Times Style Magazine, The Hollywood Reporter, Violet Grey, and Seventeen. Tommy regularly works with celebrity clients Felicity Jones, Eliabeth Moss, Eliza Coupe and Michelle Monaghan.
Marcos Diaz is a New York based celebrity hairstylist. His clients include Hailey Bieber, Sienna Miller, Katy Perry, and Brooks Nader, along with a global roster of artists, industry leaders, and women who appreciate elevated, polished style.
