When it comes to hair trends, it's no secret that bobs and short haircuts are popular right now, but it has to be acknowledged that, as far as styling options go, the longer your hair, the more options you have. Whether you opt for a high ponytail or a low bun, curl your lengths, or get creative with a half-up-half-down style, having long hair gives you the versatility to experiment with styles in a way that short hair simply doesn't. In fact, it's virtually impossible to run out of ideas.
If your hair is newly grown long (perhaps you're styling a grown-out bob), or you're simply looking for some inspiration to mix things up from your usual go-to hairstyles, you've come to the right place. As someone who has worn their hair long since their teens, I'm well-versed in the benefits of a long hairstyle, but every so often I find myself in a bit of a rut, throwing my long hair up into a messy bun rather than actually utilising (and enjoying!) the length.
"I do think that long hair gives you more options," explains hair stylist Philipp Haug, founder of Haug London Haus. "You can put it up and, if you have shorter layers around the front, you can leave a few pieces out to frame your face while pinning the rest up. That can look really lovely. So while long hair can take longer to style, having those shorter, face-framing layers gives you plenty of versatility."
What Long Hairstyles Are Trending in 2026?
If the recent run of red carpet looks is anything to go by, then long hair is about to have a huge moment in 2026. From Daisy Edgar-Jones's feathered lengths to Joey King's copper layers, there is so much inspiration if you're considering growing your hair out right now.
"Layers are definitely the big trend for longer hair at the moment. We're seeing lots—particularly around the face," says Haug. "One look we call the iconic curtain is really popular. It's softly curved towards the front, almost like a reintroduction of '90s-inspired layers around the face that's all about adding softness and movement."
Plus, this year's take on long hair is all about having options. "You can wear hair blow-dried, styled, and down, or if you have shorter layers around the front, you can leave a few pieces out to frame the face while pinning the rest up," explains Haug.
At times like these, I turn to Instagram, where I've been bookmarking hairstyle inspiration from the long-haired celebs and fashion girls I follow. Ahead, keep scrolling for 28 of the best long hairstyles I'm loving right now.
28 of the Best Long Hairstyles to Try Now
1. Soft Waves
Mia Goth's soft, tumbling waves and centre-parted bangs make for a classic red-carpet look.
2. Shattered Fringe
Emerging as a hair trend to watch right at the end of the year, Zoë Kravitz's shattered side fringe looks so cool with her long, tousled waves.
3. Mermaid Waves
Beachy waves aren't just for summer—Charlie XCX's grungy mermaid tousles are perfect for party season too.
4. Off-Duty
Long hairstyles don't have to be high-maintenance, as Amaka proves by topping her long waves and micro braids with a cool cap for off-duty model vibes.
5. '90s Layers
This long layered haircut was a '90s classic, so we're so excited that Rosie Huntington-Whiteley is bringing it back for 2026.
6. Half-Up, Half-Down
If your hair is naturally straight like Anna's, then not only does a half-up, half-down style keep hair out of your face, but it adds volume to your crown too.
7. Flipped Ponytail
The flipped ponytail is one of the coolest looks on Instagram right now, and it's even more impressive with Jourdan Dunn's hip-length strands.
8. French Ponytail
Pretty and practical, Zara's single plait is a great way to keep hair out of your face, while looking chic and stylish.
9. Bouncy Blowdry
A bouncy blow-dry on long hair always looks good, and Sabrina Carpenter is the queen of that retro volumised style.
10. Bubble Braids
I love how cool Gigi Hadid's skinny bubble braids look on her long hair.
11. Side Sweep
Gen Z might say that side partings are out, but I think Jasmine Tookes's look is so chic paired with voluminous waves.
12. Air-Dried Lengths
I'm somewhat obsessed with Monikh Dale's long hair's beautiful natural texture, which always looks so thick and shiny.
13. Mocha Bronde
One of the most popular hair colours of the year, mocha bronde looks great on all hair lengths, but Lily-Rose Depp's long hair shows it off perfectly.
14. Va-Va Volume
Laura Harrier's bouncy, glamorous blowout proves that sometimes length really is best.
15. Mid Pony
A slicked-back, mid-height ponytail is always a good idea, and Ashley Graham's one really has the swish factor.
16. Ultra Sleek
Greta Lee's ultra-long, ultra-sleek, centre-parted style lets her long hair take centre stage.
17. Low Bun
Long hair definitely means you have more to play with, and Nnenna Echem's chic low bun still manages to make a statement.
18. Laced Ponytail
Alicia Keys oozes cool with this super-long, side-swept ponytail adorned with white lace.
19. Beach Lengths
Eiza Gonzalez's beachy tousled texture is so stunning.
20. Feathered Layers
Kylie Jenner's layers go from short face-framing feathers to long curled-under lengths to add so much movement to her long style.
21. Micro Plaits
How cute does Elif's micro plait look, adorned with teeny-tiny pearls?
22. Boho Braids
The combination of micro braids and soft curls lends Tessa Thompson's long style a beautifully ethereal feel.
23. High Shine
Maya Jama never misses when it comes to achieving a glassy, mirror-like shine on her long hair.
24. Ghost Waves
The most effortless take on wavy hair that we've seen, ghost waves were the cool girl style of choice this summer, and Sophie Turner proves they work just as well for winter, too.
25. Pulled Back
I love how dramatic FKA Twigs's half-up, half-down style looks with her longer-length braids.
26. Copper Ends
Aysha Sow's narrow braids and copper-tinged curls look amazing this long.
27. Full Fringe
I love the contrast between Megan Adelaide Vega's long hairstyle and her shorter, feathered fringe.
28. Balayage Shine
Brown hair with blonde highlights is totally timeless, as Lily Aldridge proves with this gorgeous balayage style.
The Best Styling Products for Long Hairstyles
The ultimate hair multi-styler for adding volume and bounce to long styles.
Not only does this leave hair smelling absolutely incredible, but it softens and adds shine too.
A cult classic for a reason, spray this onto damp hair before styling to lock in a mirror-like shine and protect long styles from humidity.
These pure silk scrunchies are the perfect way to accessorise long hairstyles—and they do so without causing damage via friction.
Embrace your waves and curls with Ouai's defining cream.
Prevent dry ends, repair damage and keep hair soft and healthy in between trims with this strengthening hair oil.
Achieve a silky, shiny blow-dry with this nourishing styling cream with heat protection.
Haug rates this mousse as one of the best styling products for long hair. "It gives the hair really nice hold while keeping it movable, and helps to build texture before you start styling," he explains.
If you prefer a curling wand over a brush blow-dry or a styling brush, then Haug recommends opting for one with a large barrel. "The idea is to create a gentle bend in the hair rather than a tight curl or a defined wave. It's about adding a little movement while keeping the overall look soft and natural," he explains.