Winter’s 11 Biggest Hairstyle Trends Say That Effortless Isn’t Accidental Anymore
This season, hair is designed to move.
Fall hair was defined by air-dried textures and low-maintenance cuts, but as winter 2026 settles in, the conversation has shifted—hair still looks effortless, but it's more considered. "In 2026, hair isn't about perfection—it's about intention," says celebrity hairstylist Rogério Cavalcante. Winter's best hairstyle trends are "effortless, but never accidental."
Over the past few fashion cycles, runways have quietly signaled this evolution. Sleeker silhouettes, sharper edges, and reworked classics—like elevated ponytails finished with statement accessories—have replaced anything overly stuffy. The takeaway isn't a return to a fully polished aesthetic, but a more nuanced refinement: hair that looks hydrated, healthy, and quietly expensive, while embracing its natural texture.
That same ethos has carried into celebrity hair. The ongoing "bob-assaince" continues to evolve in 2026, favoring slightly angular shapes and soft layering that feels modern rather than severe, while natural parts and curls are styled to enhance—not mask—their inherent shape. Small adjustments make the difference: a texture product that boosts the natural spring of curls, an accessory, or a touch of volume can instantly elevate an otherwise relaxed look.
Texture remains central, but it's evolving. "Winter hair is keeping its richness and texture, but the shift is toward lighter movement and flexibility," Cavalcante explains. Heavy, overly structured styles are giving way to touchable, natural-yet-elevated hair that prioritizes health—styles designed to move, not hold.
Cavalcante, along with celebrity hairstylists Lacy Redway and Mia Santiago, weigh in on what’s defining the moment—and what’s around the corner for the hottest hairstyle trends for winter 2026.
Enhanced Texture
Odessa A'zion attends A24's "Marty Supreme" New York Premiere on December 16, 2025 in New York City.
It may have taken Odessa A'zion over five hours to get her hair to its glorious, texturized, blessed-by-an-angel self, but if the online discourse surrounding it is any indication, enhanced texture will reign supreme in 2026. "Leave-in treatments are king, styling while hydrating at the same time," says Cavalcante.
Side Parts
Kaia Gerber attends the 2nd Annual Academy Museum Gala at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.
While middle parts have dominated the past decade, the runways and red carpets tell a different story: there’s an undeniable shift of the part—and it’s to the side. Spotted atop smooth, polished hair at Tory Burch and Fendi, the part’s versatility is undeniable. Santiago loves pairing a side part with a slicked-back style, noting it’s an effortless way to elevate everyday hair.
Styled Bobs
Street style look outside of Paris Fashion Week, Spring Summer '25 features a glossy bob.
Surprise: the bob remains a standout trend, solidifying its place as one of 2026’s biggest hairstyles yet again. “I’m seeing bobs everywhere!” says Redway. As this timeless cut evolves, both bobs and lobs are taking on fresh shapes this winter. Redway highlights short haircuts and bouncy, voluminous iterations as the season’s top contenders. "The Nexxus Slick Stick is great for an evening version of your bob that is super sleek with all the hair off your face and pushed back,” Redway says.
Another winter hairstyle option? Braided bobs, a style that offers a smart way to blend a protective style with this year's hottest trend. They're especially practical during winter when cold, dry air can wreak havoc on natural hair, as protective styles can create a barrier against moisture loss and damage.
Bouncy Blowouts
Sabrina Carpenter attends the Pre-GRAMMY Gala at The Beverly Hilton in February.
“I’m seeing more luxury blowouts,” says Santiago, which could very well be a result of the massive discourse surrounding Sabrina Carpenter’s hair on TikTok, in the media, and among Gen Z. Her signature glam look stands in stark contrast to the laid-back styles of fall and natural textures, but a good blowout is always here to stay. To achieve this style, Santiago recommends using a mousse for volume, velcro heatless rollers to set the style, and a texture spray to finish.
Low-Dos
Lgn Louis Gabriel Nouchi SS '25 Menswear model.
Slicked hair ponytails and buns remain a fan-favorite, says Cavalcante; however, these styles are sitting lower on the neck this time around. If you have braids, simply tie them off at the nape of your neck, or, if you're looking to achieve a snatched, polished finish, Cavalcante recommends using mousse for hold and a boar-bristle brush.
The trend can also take on a more effortless vibe. Case in point: Chanel's Haute Couture models wore low ponytails adorned with bows, styled with a relaxed, slightly undone finish.
Expensive Glam
Zendaya attends the 96th Annual Academy Awards in Hollywood, California.
Some of this winter’s hairstyles are leaning luxe, marked by glossy, polished finishes that look filthy rich. Not sure how to emulate the "rich" aesthetic? Santiago says, "Think expensive!" This look is all about being effortlessly refined without going overboard. From voluminous, brushed-out blowouts (often paired with a bob), to chic low-dos, these looks are all about creating hair that's healthy, shiny, and put-together—never overly elaborate.
Decorated Hair
A street style photo taken outside of New York fashion shows.
One of the simplest yet most impactful ways to level up your look this season is by embracing the art of accessorizing. Winter’s all about “decorated hair,” a trend that makes your hair feel just as styled as the rest of your outfit. Add chic details like gold and silver hair cuffs, bejeweled barrettes, oversized scrunchies, and giant bows. The beauty of it? These accents work on any hair type and with virtually any style.
Slicked-Back or Slicked-Down
A model on the Lacoste RTW SS '25 runway.
Both Cavalcante and Santiago agree: the slicked-back hair trend is still going strong. Whether styled into a sleek ponytail, braid, or bun (à la Hailey Bieber) or paired with a runway-inspired side part, this look has proved it has staying power—especially because it’s so easy to do when it’s been a few days since you last washed your hair.
Cavalcante points to the high-fashion slicked-back styles that kept the hair loose and down at Lacoste’s spring show for inspiration. Just know that the slick-back requires commitment. Once your style is set, it's best to keep your hands off your head. Start with clean hair, apply mousse, smooth it back with a gel-pomade mix, dry gently, and finish with hairspray for a long-lasting finish.
Headscarves and Berets
Paris street style at the SS '25 shows.
A step up from the decorated hair trend, headscarves, balaclavas, berets, and hats have been in no short supply—debuting on fall runways and swiftly becoming a staple of Paris street style. “Hair has become an essential part of the outfit itself,” says Cavalcante, noting that accessories like berets and scarves not only elevate any look but also add a practical touch of warmth in colder weather.
Glossy and Sleek
Lily Collins attends the "Emily In Paris" fourth season red carpet at Space Cinema Moderno, Roma.
Take the “wet trend” of years past and tone it down a notch. Winter is all about the glossy hair trend—sleeker, more wearable, and focused on healthy, high-shine finishes. Santiago notes that this look is everywhere right now; “glass hair” remains a TikTok favorite, racking up over 12,000 posts. “I sent models down the runway in sleek jobs for the Christian Cowan shows,” says Redway, crediting hair wax for eliminating flyaways and achieving high-shine finishes.
Voluminous Waves
Street style during the New York fashion shows.
Fall introduced us to low-maintenance waves, and as the season transitioned to winter, these waves took on a bolder life in street style, with added volume becoming the focus. Unlike the polished, bouncy blowout trend, this look leans into an effortless-but-intentional vibe—waves are brushed out for a relaxed finish, aiming for maximum volume.
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Meet the Experts
Lacy Redway is a New York-based celebrity hairstylist. Throughout her career, she has worked with an esteemed roster of clients including Anne Hathaway, Simone Biles, Alicia Keys, Tracee Ellis Ross, and many others. Her work has appeared in Marie Claire, Allure, Elle, and Vogue among others.
Mia Santiago is a celebrity hairstylist and master hair cutter. She honed her talent of cutting and styling at the iconic Sharon Dorram at Sally Hershberger salon in New York, NY where she started her career. Mia spent 15 years in New York City focusing on building her salon and celebrity clientele, creating advertising, editorial, and red carpet looks, and has worked with celebrities including Mariska Hargitay, Hugh Jackman, Martha Stewart, Dr. Oz, Dove Cameron and Grammy Award winners such as Ed Sheeran, John Legend and Twenty One Pilots.
Rogério Cavalcante is a seasoned hairstylist with over 20 years of experience and the owner of The Second Floor Salon in New York, NY. He regularly travels between New York, London, and Paris, collaborating with industry professionals and staying on top of global hair trends. For the last three years, Cavalcante has been dedicated to developing his own clean haircare line.
