The 18 best winter 2026 hair trends for a refresh

If changing your hair colour when summer ends is too much of a commitment, then we’ve got some good news for you. The winter 2026 hair trends call for the classic cuts and styles that we’ve already come to know and love. So, think of this transitional period to the new season as a gentle refresh—easy. Bob haircuts, whether you like them short or are looking for the happy medium with a lob, will remain the go-to for all face shapes and hair textures. We’re also leaning into retro looks, like ’70s boho texture and a modern twist on the beehive updo. There’s something for everyone.

So if you’re thinking of getting a new ’do for the new season, you’ve come to the right place. Below are the 18 fall 2026 hair trends that experts say will be huge in the coming months. Bookmark this for later.

The graduated bob

A shocker to no one, the beloved bob will continue to be everywhere this fall. “We’ve been seeing people rock so many different versions of the bob, and I don’t think it’s going anywhere anytime soon,” says celebrity hairstylist David von Cannon. “There’s so much versatility to it.”

We especially love the graduated bob, which is slightly graduated toward the front with raw and blunter edges. It’s basically like a more modern French bob. He recommends using something like Chris McMillan’s Glassy Smooth Blow Dry Spray to get a more polished finish.

1970s boho

Celebrity and editorial hairstylist Dindi Hojah says ultralong hair is having a major moment and for winter, we’re going to lean into a ’70s boho vibe with more natural, effortless styling. “Think very long, healthy hair with texture,” says Hojah.

Effortless texture

Speaking of long hair, von Cannon predicts lived-in, undone texture is the way to go. “There’s something really beautiful about having length, especially when the hair has its natural movement rather than being extremely styled,” he says.

He recommends using a texturising spray or product to bring out your natural texture and give you that effortless finish.

Modern beehive

We love a retro look and Hojah says that another great decade to pull inspo from is the ’60s. But this time, look to the classic beehive updo with a twist. “The beehive now gets a more sculptural, conelike shape,” he says. He recommends teasing hair to create height and using hair spray to lock everything in place.

Face-framing fringe

If you’ve been wanting to try bangs for a while, this winter is the perfect time to do so. Celebrity hairstylist Jenny Cho says to go all in with face-framing fringe. Fringe can be worn in many ways, from short blunt sides to wispy layers. Cho is a fan of pairing it with loose waves.

Swinging bob

Bobs transcend any season thanks to their versatility and will continue to be huge once the weather cools. “It’s a great opportunity to cut off summer dead ends and have a fresh style for scarf-and-turtleneck weather,” says Mara Roszak, celebrity hairstylist and founder of Rōz. “Bobs are versatile and there is truly a style for all hair textures.”

Roszak says to opt for a bob with lots of swinging movement. To get that cool-girl vibe, she emphasises a good haircare regimen to make sure hair is strong and healthy. You can also add a sideswept deep side part to give your short hair some body.

Boho braids

For low-maintenance protective styles, celebrity hairstylist Lacy Redway says goddess braids, AKA boho braids, will continue to trend into the winter. You can even sweep your braids into a high pony, as seen here on Tyla, for a chic going-out look.

Shaggy layers

Going with long layers is an easy way to elevate any look at every length. As far as haircut trends go, Cho likes a shag cut and recommends using a body-building spray to give your hair some added volume and bounce.

Sleek and short

Roszak says fall is all about sleek blowouts with a super-smooth feel. Redway agrees and says to take it a step further with the slicked-back short look, using a wax stick for control that won’t weigh hair down.

1960s retro

Whether you’re feeling a sleek high pony or an elevated beehive updo, Redway says that ’60s hairstyles will be our main source of inspiration this winter. Here, she styled Jessie Murph’s long hair into a sleek Priscilla Presley–esque bouffant with added volume at the ends for a really pretty look.

Polished updos

A perfect go-to for when you have somewhere fabulous to be (or when you want to look put together and cute on an apple-picking trip), a polished updo is Cho’s choice for the best hairstyle this fall.

Rocker edge

Cho also says to channel your inner rock star and go for messy waves and texture. Something like Miley Cyrus’s two-toned waves is just so effortlessly cool.

Bows on bows

Blair Waldorf–inspired headbands. Coquette bows. The Lelet pony cuff. Both Cho and Redway agree that hair accessories will be a heavy focus for everyone this fall. “I feel like we are not done seeing thick headbands and exaggerated bows,” Redway says. “A hair accessory is always a great way to express your style and change up your hairstyle.”

Au naturel hair

Redway says she’s had more clients celebrating their curly hair and natural textures and she predicts that we’ll continue seeing many people let their curls out. Simone Ashley’s voluminous curls, for example, are parted to the side for a glossy, healthy looking finish.

Blonde ambition

Hot off the heels of a CBK-inspired summer, experts are calling it: blonde will be the hottest hair colour trend this fall. Redway says to opt for a warmer tone and consult with your colourist to find the right shade that will complement your skin tone.

The glossy blowout

One can never go wrong with this classic style. Von Cannon says a glossy blowout is the way to go. “I would not be surprised if we see a return to that big and beautiful finish for the fall,” Von Cannon says.

To style, he recommends a volume spray to add body and structure, and to lock it in with a flexible hairspray like L’Oréal Elnett Extra Strong Hairspray. “It’s soft, it holds, and it brushes out easily,” he says.

Lived-in shag

Shags in general will be trending well into the winter season, but Von Cannon says you’ll definitely see more casual, lived-in textures. He recommends using a texturising foam to give hair support without making it feel too stiff.

1990s layers

Von Cannon says that we’ll be seeing layered cuts, inspired by the iconic Friends character Rachel, everywhere, just with more volume and fullness. “Not the overly ironed version, but a big, glossy, bouncy finish that feels a little more luxurious,” he says.