4 Hair Trends You Won't Be Able To Avoid In 2026

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A new year brings typically new styles, but when it comes to 2026, it seems the theme is making the old feel new. While some hair trends will be carried over from 2025 (soft curtain bangs, we're looking at you), the Year of The Fire Horse is looking back even further; drawing upon from vintage vibes — see the '80s looks on "Stranger Things" and '70s trends like curtain bangs thanks to pop stars like Sabrina Carpenter — to ensure your mane makes the ultimate statement. 

Women.com asked experts Joseph Maine, celebrity hair stylist and co-founder of Trademark Beauty, and Stephanie Angelone, master celebrity stylist at RPZL Hair Extension and Blowout Bar in New York City, to dissect the aesthetics you need to know. And let's just say we have great news if you appreciate big blowouts and quirky accessories.

Hailey Bieber put headscarves back on our radar in summer 2024, as did her bestie, Kendall Jenner. But as Stephanie Angelone tells us, there's a modern way to rock the retro garment as it returns in 2026. "Headscarves like RPZL Crochet Head Piece are replacing the typical headband," Angelone shares, hinting 2023's crochet trend will be rearing its head again. "They were spotted at Copenhagen Fashion Week this past fall and we will continue to see them on runaways and IRL," she adds of the throwback accessory that was huge in the 1930s.

The Dreshow Floral Crochet Hair Bandana or ZLYC Women Cotton Crochet Slouchy Beanie Hat will give a similar modern vibe and can be worn with any almost outfit for an outside the box upgrade. "I love that they're versatile and can be worn in many styles to frame the face," Angelone tells us. "They're a fun way to accessorize with a statement." 

Bouncy blowouts are a previously outdated beauty trend that came back with a vengeance in 2025. And according to experts, that's not changing in 2026. "It's voluminous, flirty, and polished, giving total supermodel, Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader energy," Joseph Maine exclusively tells us of the XXL hair look, describing big, bombshell 'dos that suit almost all face shapes as "timeless."

It's important to remember though that blowouts can take time to perfect (especially if you're doing it yourself), so could need some trial and error. But once you learn the best technique for your hair texture and density, a bouncy blowout will bring a heavy dose of glam to any look. "The key is for it to be smooth with lots of volume," Maine shares. "Trademark Beauty Hot Rod makes it easy to DIY, simultaneously smoothing, adding volume and creating long-lasting bend for the bounce in the hair thanks to its ion generator and curved design," he tells us. The Dyson Airwrap or Shark FlexStyle, which we compared, can also be great tools for getting a quick and easy blowout. "For extra hold, prep with a volumizing mousse, add Trademark Beauty Velcro Rollers and finish with a hairspray like Andalou Sunflower and Citrus Hair Spray," Maine says.

We already know bangs are one of the hottest 2025/2026 winter beauty trends, but soft curtain bangs in particular will be popular throughout the entire year. This graduated style is created by cutting small sections of either side of the face a few inches shorter than the rest of the hair for a flattering, face framing effect. "The curtain bang can be cut in a way that grows out really nicely and can be created with a very small section in the hairline giving the haircut some added style," Joseph Maine (who created a gorgeous curtain bang look for Chloe Fineman) tells us exclusively, noting that this subtle, long fringe style is flattering on a range of face shapes.

Curtain bangs are also surprisingly easy to maintain, making them a great low-maintenance cut for even the busiest women. "The two best ways to style curtain bangs are to blow dry using a round brush or infrared brush like Trademark Beauty Hot Rod," Maine tells us. "Rolling the hair up onto a Velcro Roller and pinning into place while it cools can be helpful. Then, pull the roller towards the back of the head as you unroll and find the middle, fan each side towards the corner of your eyes and clip with creaseless clips to set into place before giving a little spritz of hair spray," he adds. If you prefer to style your locks from dry, Maine recommends using a curling iron to curl the front sections away from the face (the longer your hair, the bigger barrel you'll need). Just don't forget to properly apply your heat protectant, such as ghd Bodyguard or CHI 44 Iron Guard.

In addition to headscarves, Stephanie Angelone says 2026 will be a big year for bold hair accessories, including statement claw clips. "The classic claw clip is leveling off," she exclusively tells Women.com. "For 2026 we're going to be seeing sleek, different shapes and metallic, jeweled, or patterned designs," she adds. Try the LILIE&WHITE Acrylic Hair Clips Claws in HC21221A or the Lawie 4 Pack of Crystal Gem Claw Clips for a modern, eye-catching aesthetic. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to wear a claw clip that will put a twist on the classic up-do, too.

2026 won't exclusively be about claw clips though. Angelone shares that headbands will be making a comeback as well, along with bows, barrettes, and hair jewelry. "Everything will be embellished giving vintage, feminine vibes," she says. Think the Jeweled Knotted Headband from Gmmidea Store or DIYstore Store's 6 Pack of Bow Rhinestone Crystal Hair Clips.