Hair legend Sam McKnight MBE breaks down the hair trends we'll see in 2026, from hyper-healthy hair to sculpted silhouettes, and the tools and tricks to help you achieve them.
The Cool Girl Gleam
“This season’s hair story is all about elevated minimalism: beautifully groomed, effortlessly luxe lengths with barely-there movement that gleams. Hyper-healthy hair from root to tip, natural texture refined rather than restrained. The overall finish? Polished to perfection—modern, understated, and undeniably cool.”
Try: Sam’s iconic Dressed to Kill and Happy Endings for instant defrizzing and defluffing.
Sharp, Sleek & Oh So Chic
“From wet looks to sleek, glossy smooth styles, the Spring/Summer runway is all about sculpted, architectural silhouettes that feel modern and polished. Strands that catch the light, reflecting, almost liquid-like. Controlled, and unapologetically bold—a perfect harmony of shine and structure. Minimal flyaways, maximum impact.”
Try: Save the Do for heat and humidity protection while blow-drying, leaving hair smooth, boosting shine and taming flyaways; Modern Hairspray to protect from heat while locking in style; Self Control to sculpt and deliver high gloss; Love Me Do for that red carpet photo flash shine.
Retro Revival
“Big, bold, and unapologetically playful—this season is all about exaggerating and embracing voluminous, anti-gravity silhouettes. Think 90s spice bombs with a modern twist: hair that’s larger than life, full of attitude, and effortlessly textured.”
Try: Cool Girl for instant, buildable texture; Easy Up Do for cosmic volume, and Modern Hairspray to protect from heat while locking in style.
The Modern Muse
“An ode to glamour and elegance. Modern couture is unapologetically high glossed: sculpted into considered silhouettes. A twist or knotted chignon, with effortless decadent volume. Powerfully polished and unmistakably runway-worthy.”
Try: Superlift, blow dried in the roots for lift and volume; Easy Up Do to give hair texture for easy twists and of course Modern Hairspray to hold it all in place.
Get The Look
Photography by Catwalkpix.
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