Hair Trend Predictions 2026

2026 hair is all about playing the long game. The focus has officially shifted from styling fixes to roots-to-ends care, where performance matters just as much as finish. The biggest hair trends 2026 are led by scalp skinification, bond building hair formulas and molecular hair repair designed to improve health over time, not just mask it. Think: calmer scalps, stronger lengths and a glossy finish that looks polished without feeling over-styled.

And yes, your feed is already setting the agenda. #hairtrends is sitting at 304.3 thousand posts on TikTok, #hairrepair has reached 118.4 thousand posts and #glossyhair is now at 52.9 thousand posts, with creators sharing scalp routines, repair resets and shine-first results on repeat.

The mood for 2026 is head strong. Scalp serums, gentle exfoliants and targeted treatments to strengthen damaged hair are becoming everyday essentials, while high-performance haircare brings in salon-level results with less effort and less clutter. Smart formulas, visible change and low-drama routines? We’re very into it… and so is our hair.

Our top hair trends for 2026 - at a glance:

Scalp is skincare: Kérastase Symbiose Intensive Anti-dandruff Cellular Night Serum, £52

Repair and bond building: K18 Leave-in Molecular Repair Hair Mask, from £30

Elevated product performance - outcome-driven formulas: Gisou Honey Infused Hair Oil, from £22

By Sephora UK Haircare Editorial Team

Writers and experts

Updated: 6 February 2026

Shop all Haircare at SEPHORA UK. 

Scalp Is Skincare

We’re officially treating our scalp like our skin in 2026. Instead of scrubbing harder or washing more, the focus is on gentle exfoliation, consistent hydration and protecting the scalp barrier, using the same logic we already trust in our skincare routines. It’s a softer, smarter way to care for the roots that support every style.

This is why scalp-specific serums and mild acids are moving into everyday routines, not just weekly resets. When the scalp is balanced, hair looks glossier, feels stronger and styles hold better, which is exactly what the new wave of hair trends is chasing.

Building a scalp-care routine doesn’t need to be hard work though. Kick things off with a gentle detox or acidic scrub to lift build-up, follow with a lightweight scalp serum for hydration, then keep things consistent with leave-ins that are kind to your scalp’s microbiome.

And yes, scalp serums and scalp oils do different things. Serums are water-light, fast-absorbing and perfect for oily or flaky scalps that need active ingredients. Oils are richer and more nourishing, making them better for dry scalps that crave a little extra comfort.

Bond Repair, Rewritten

2026 is less about emergency fixes and more about future-proofing your hair. Bond building hair and molecular hair repair take the lead, focusing on strengthening the hair’s internal structure first, then layering in protection and shine for that polished, high-gloss finish everyone’s chasing.

What’s changed is how we approach repair. Instead of heavy, one-off treatments, routines now go big on regular bond support paired with lighter, smarter formulas that keep hair looking healthy without weighing it down. Pros are calling out healthy-looking hair as the new goal, and strong bonds make that happen in real life.

It also helps to know what you’re actually using. Bond builders work inside the hair to reconnect and reinforce broken bonds, making them a must if you colour, heat-style, or straighten often. Protein masks work more on the surface, helping reinforce the cuticle, but using them too much can leave strands stiff not silky.

Our best advice is to think in layers. Start with a gentle or slightly acidic shampoo to avoid stressing the cuticle. Next up, go in with a bond-building treatment on towel-dried hair and let it work its magic for a few minutes. To round it all off, use a heat protectant and some kind of shine booster to seal smoothness and keep that glossy finish intact.

Results, Not Hype

The latest flex isn't about how many products you own, it’s about radiant results. We’re buying hair products for one reason only… because they actually do something. Outcome-driven, problem-solving formulas are very much leading the way when it comes to high-performance haircare. Designed to deliver visible shine, longer-lasting smoothness and real humidity defence, we want less steps that do MORE.

This is haircare that behaves like a pro kit. Your at-home products now work like backstage tools, with smart finishers, heat-aware formulas and humidity-defence tech doing the heavy lifting. Performance comes first, whether that’s mirror-like gloss, better control throughout the day, or hair that keeps its shape without feeling coated.

The big difference? You don’t need more products, you need smarter ones. Look for heat-responsive finishes, lightweight gloss boosters and styling formulas that solve specific problems. The vibe is fewer products but better results… What's not to love?

Q: What is the biggest hair trend of 2026?

A: The biggest hair trend of 2026 is hair that looks healthy, glossy and intentionally styled. The focus has moved to scalp-first routines, targeted repair and smarter finishing products that upgrade the final look. It’s less about messy texture and more about hair that looks polished but still feels effortless. Think: shine, movement and strong, well-cared-for lengths.

Q: Why is scalp care trending now?

A: Because great hair really does start at the roots. Scalp serums and gentle exfoliants are fast becoming everyday staples, helping keep the scalp balanced and comfortable. When your scalp is in a good place, hair feels lighter, styles behave better and everything looks fresher for longer. It’s a simple switch that makes a pretty noticeable difference. Once you start paying attention to your scalp, your hair will seriously thank you for it.

Q: What’s the difference between bond building and protein repair?

A: Bond building is all about reinforcing the inside of the hair, especially if you heat style or colour regularly. Protein repair focuses on the outer layer, helping hair feel smoother and more resilient on the surface. Both deserve a spot in your routine, they just solve different problems. The real win is knowing when to reach for each. Think: inner strength versus outer polish.

Q: Which products give the fastest visible shine?

A: Gloss sprays and lightweight shine drops are your quickest glow-up. They’re designed to smooth the surface of the hair and boost light reflection instantly. Pair them with controlled heat styling and the shine shows up straight away. It’s one of the easiest ways to make hair look more finished and they’re perfect for when you want results now, not tomorrow. That’s all of us, right?

Q: Are glossy finishes replacing textured looks?

A: Gloss is having its moment, but it’s not cancelling texture… it’s upgrading it. Natural movement is still very much in, it just looks cleaner, shinier and far more intentional now. We love lived-in hair, but with a polished finish that actually shows off your cut and holds its shape for longer.

Q: How can I achieve these trends with a simple, everyday routine?

A: Keep it low effort and high impact. A regular scalp refresh, a leave-in repair treatment and one good smoothing product can go a long way. You don’t need a full shelf to keep up with the trends. Just a few smart swaps in the right places. Your routine should feel doable, not dramatic.