These Spring Hair Trends Dominated 2025, But They Already Feel "Dated"—11 Swaps You'll See in 2026

With snow outside my window and cold temperatures every day from now until April, I can only dream of the feeling of the sun on my skin and the smell of grass kissed by dew drops. While I may still be pulling on hats over my 4c curls and sticking with simple protective styles until warm weather comes my way, you can bet I've already begun to save every springtime style I want to try this year on Pinterest and Instagram for a hint of inspiration. Naturally, I've been looking back at the 2025 styles that defined spring (mostly in awe of how long they kept our attention) in comparison to the ones I'm expecting to see popping up on red carpets.

To identify the biggest trends we'll be saying goodbye to as a new season arrives, I reached out to three hair experts for intel. Read ahead for their biggest predictions and recommendations on how to achieve them, plus some products to snag before you head to the salon.

How will styles differ from spring 2025?

Where spring 2025's most popular styles felt crisp and perfectly styled in clean bobs, lots of layers, and impressive volume with attention to detail, Ouidad stylist Mirsad Lajqi reveals this year will emphasize healthy, glossy hair and low-maintenance colors (soft grows, natural roots, and tonal blends), instead of styles that require frequent touch-ups. "Stylists are favoring refined silhouettes [like] lived-in layers, bobs with soft texture, [and] classic blow-outs, rather than overly styled or rigid looks that can feel dated," he explains.

Lajqi also shares that extreme novelty cuts and coolers will also be replacing the overly polished styles of spring 2025—think timeless styles with a twist that modernize '90s and 2000's trends. Paulina Raciborski, stylist at NYC The Team, founded by Michelle Hong, agrees and highlights a movement towards enhancing natural textures for this year, as well as the helpful products to make the styling process easier. "Products that enhance natural texture are key right now. Lightweight styling creams, air-dry products, and flexible hold sprays help hair look polished without feeling stiff or overstyled," she says.

Raciborski explains that while styling her clients, she naturally gravitates towards anything that adds subtle volume at the root without adding heaviness, "as this allows cuts to move the way they're meant to." When creating these springtime styles, the goal is to create hair that looks styled (but not styled). When it comes to adding finishing touches, she predicts bangs will be on trend, they'll be more customizable, a blended version of the bold, statement styles we saw last year. "The focus is on hair that works with your natural texture, not against it," Racibroski adds.

Which 2025 hair colors will be less common?

When it comes to the hair colors that will be everywhere this spring, we'll see a shift in hair color temperature to echo the sunlit days we can look forward to. "I think cooler platinum and icy silver blondes are unlikely to return this year," says Priscilla Choi, colorist at NYC The Team. "In 2026, warmer blondes such as butter cream (or buttery blonde) are taking the lead with a clear shift towards natural, low-maintenance shades rather than cool, high-contrast silver blends." This shade not only offers brightness without the harshness of cool tones, but it also creates a natural frame for the face.

While previous trend cycles have embraced vibrant pinks, vivid reds, silvers, and grays, as well as other fashion-y hues inspired by social media trends and runway looks, Choi predicts a shift for the mainstream color palette towards more wearable, natural tones that help enhance natural features instead of dramatically transforming them. "There's a growing preference for healthy-looking hair that grows out effortlessly, more polished, refined, and intentionally understated," explains Choi.

Keep scrolling to discover the 11 iconic hair moments that you can expect to spot in spring 2026, and beyond (plus the best products to maintain them).

Then: Viral Cuts | Now: Personalized Looks

Spring 2026 is already shaping up to be the season of comfort and style, which is a huge difference from the high-effort looks that defined 2025. "The biggest shift is that trends are becoming more personalized. Instead of everyone asking for the same viral cut, people want styles tailored to their face shape, lifestyle, and styling habits," says Raciborski. This year, she says hair is less about making a statement and more about enhancing what you already have. "It's quieter, more effortless, and feels timeless rather than trend-driven."

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Then: Sleek Strands | Now: High Definition

Spring 2026 will be a masterclass in movement, body, and romanticism instead of overly polished hairstyles that take more effort to create than they last. In addition to heavily flat-ironed, straight looks, Lajqi tells us, "strict center parts, and rigid shapes are considered aging and outdated compared to styles that emphasize movement, softness, and texture." That's right—it's officially time to retire your flat iron.

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Then: Stiff Looks | Now: Refined Silhouettes

When it comes to hairstyle trends, the keyword for 2026 (including this spring) is "effortless." If your tresses look slightly undone, windswept, and relaxed, Lajqi says you're on the right path. "Instead of stiff styling and flat-ironed hair, what is fresh for 2026 is soft layers, natural texture, side parts, and blowout with volume," says Lajqi. Margot Robbie posed for cameras at a Wuthering Heights photocall wearing an effortless, upswept bun that got picked up by the wind.

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Then: Viral Cuts | Now: Lifestyle-Led

Last spring marked the return of "very done" hairstyles, which Raciborski says include heavy layers, dramatic wolf cuts, ultra-shaggy shapes, and overly blown-out looks that required constant styling. "While they photographed beautifully, they weren't always realistic for everyday life," says Raciborski. This season will be all about embracing natural textures, movement, and styles that can reflect your everyday routines. More compliments, fewer touch-ups!

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Then: Minimalist | Now: Romantic

The recent release of Wuthering Heights inspired romantic Edwardian- and Victorian-esque hairstyles, exploring everything from ribbon-lace corset braids and windswept bangs to delicate hair jewelry and other accessories worn in unexpected ways. While we can't all be Kathy Earnshaw wandering the moors, this spring offers the perfect chance to tap into the trend that's anything but minimalistic.

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Then: Polished Cuts | Now: Lived-In Bobs

Raciborski predicts polished cuts will be replaced by softer, more refined shapes that have movements and still feel intentional. "Think modern one-length cuts with subtle internal layering, lived-in bobs that can be worn sleek, air-dried, and longer styles that frame the face without overpowering it," she explains. Bangs will still be around, but they'll be more customizable, blended interpretations. In other words, the focus this year will be on hair that works with your natural texture, not against it.

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Then: Slicked-Back Buns | Now: Classic Buns

Clean and effortless slicked-back buns are perfect for year-round wear, but in spring 2026, we're noticing an uptick in the number of red-carpet looks that revolve around elevated bun styles with striking details. This elegant updo Lori Harvey wore to the 83rd Annual Golden Globes has lived rent-free in our minds thanks to its chunky, braided feature and timeless warm brown color.

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Then: Icy Blonde | Now: Butter Cream

Say goodbye to trendy, frosty tones of spring 2025—this season will be all about leaning into cozy tones that give complexions a natural, sun-kissed glow. "Highly bleached, icy platinum hues dominated 2025, but stylists are steering toward warmer, more natural-looking blondes in 2026," says Lajqi. "Warmer and buttery, or lived-in blondes with soft dimension feel healthier and are easier to maintain long-term."

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Then: Cinnamon | Now: Caramel Brown

Everyone from Winter Olympian Eileen Gu to Sofia Richie-Grainge has convinced us that the blonde-speckled blonde hair we saw last spring 2026 is being traded out for luxe, caramel brown tresses. "The reason behind this change is simple. Hair trends are moving away from ultra-cool, high-maintenance tones toward warmer, more natural, and face-flattering hues that require fewer salon visits and grow out effortlessly," says Choi.

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Then: Cropped Lengths | Now: Long Tresses

In 2025, we witnessed the rise of the Italian bobs and modernized French bobs just in time for spring, but this year will be dedicated to long lengths and high-volume body, all while achieving endless shine without looking overly polished. Actress and model Laura Harrier opted for these soft and effortless waves while attending the Charles Finch and Chanel 2026 pre-BAFTA Party.

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Then: Retro Chignon | Now: Smooth Bun

With the number of Old Hollywood–inspired chignons popping up on the most stylish celebrities while being photographed at red carpet events, it's no secret that there was endless inspiration for the throwback look. This spring, however, you can expect to see a much more scaled-back version of it in the form of a clean, slightly textured bun. Jennie made an appearance at Paris Fashion Week for fall 2026, wearing the style with chic, face-framing strands.

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