After a year full of bold looks and statement-making styles, 2025 has certainly given us plenty of hair inspiration. From high-contrast color moments and ultra-sleek finishes to perfectly polished blowouts and sharply defined haircuts, it’s been a fun time to experiment and play with our look. But as much as we loved these trends, many of them came with a major commitment, whether that meant frequent salon visits, intensive styling routines, or constant touch-ups to keep everything looking just right.
As we head into 2026, the mood around hair is starting to shift toward something a little more relaxed and a lot more wearable. Low-maintenance cuts, softer shapes, and colors that grow out beautifully are taking center stage, making it easier than ever to look polished without the extra effort. It’s all about embracing styles that fit into real life while still feeling fresh and modern. We spoke with Gregory Patterson, New York City–based celebrity hairstylist and official Styling Expert for Sally Beauty, who shared nine hair trends that were everywhere in 2025 but are officially on their way out in 2026.
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1. Overly Long, Flat, Center-Parted Lengths
Super-long, pin-straight hair with little shaping became a social-media staple in 2025, but it’s starting to feel one-note and heavy, Patterson says. “Length without intention no longer excites — it’s chic yes and always has a place… but mix it up already,” he says.
What’s replacing it: Mid-length cuts, collarbone lobs, and long hair with purposeful layers that add lift, movement, and personality.
2. High-Contrast, Stripey Balayage
Bold balayage with dramatic light-to-dark contrast is starting to feel dated and overly trend-driven, Patterson says. “Clients are craving color that feels timeless, blended, and expensive rather than obviously ‘done,’” he adds. “The grow-out factor now matters more than ever — because money honey — and clients want color that literally ‘grows’ with them instead of demanding constant maintenance.”
What’s replacing it: Seamless blends, soft ribbons of dimension, and tonal color stories that melt together effortlessly.
3. Icy, Over-Toned Platinum Blonde
The super-cool, icy blonde that dominated much of 2025 is fading fast as clients seek more warmth and softness, according to Patterson. “These shades can feel harsh, require heavy toning, and don’t always flatter natural skin tones,” he says.
What’s replacing it: Buttery blondes, soft champagne tones, and warmer neutrals that feel luminous, healthy, and wearable.
4. Micro-Bangs and Extreme Fringe
Tiny bangs and ultra-short fringe had their fashion-forward moment — and as Patterson admits, they “always will let’s be honest” — but many clients found them impractical and difficult to grow out. “These styles often feel more editorial than functional, and as hair becomes more personalized, extremes are losing appeal,” he says.
What’s replacing it: Soft curtain bangs, longer fringe, and face-framing that enhances rather than dominates the haircut. Shorter bob haircuts paired with these more severe bangs now feel more modern and wearable.
5. Razor-Sharp, One-Length Bobs
“Precision bobs had a major moment, but the ultra-blunt, rigid versions are beginning to feel severe and unforgiving — and yes, a bit outdated,” Patterson says. “Many people discovered they were less versatile than expected.” Patterson points out that today’s bob should move with you, not fight your styling habits.
What’s replacing it: Soft bobs with internal movement, subtle layering, and flexible shapes. Take note from the French and Italian bob ladies, who have mastered effortless polish.
6. Overly Long, Flat, Center-Parted Lengths
Super-long, pin-straight hair with little shaping became a social-media staple in 2025, but it’s starting to feel one-note and heavy, Patterson says. “Length without intention no longer excites — it’s chic yes and always has a place… but mix it up already,” he says.
What’s replacing it: Mid-length cuts, collarbone lobs, and long hair with purposeful layers that add lift, movement, and personality.
7. Flat, “Glass Hair” Styling
“Hair that’s perfectly smooth, reflective, and motionless is starting to feel overly styled and dated,” Patterson says. “While shine will always be desirable, hair without movement feels stiff and unrealistic for everyday wear.”
What’s replacing it: Healthy shine paired with movement — hair that reflects light because it’s well cared for, not because it’s over-ironed.
8. Over-Dimensional Color With Too Many Tones
“Highly complex color formulas with too many contrasting shades can read busy and trend-chasing — less is more!” Patterson says. “Use your base color as you deepest dimensional tone. Clients are becoming more color-savvy and are asking for refinement instead of excess.”
What’s replacing it: Intentional dimension — fewer tones, better placement, and color that enhances the haircut rather than competes with it. We used to team up with our colorists in the salon during the consult to create a color play that played with the haircut - not this one size fits all technique. Get a custom created color that is placed intentionally to work and enhance your haircut - not just one you’ve seen on the ‘gram!
9. Over-Styled, “Done” Hair Looks
Perfectly set waves, overly sculpted curls, and styles that look frozen in time are starting to feel dated, Patterson notes. He says consumers want hair that moves, evolves, and adapts throughout the day.
What’s replacing it: Lived-in hair styling, touchable texture, and shapes that feel effortless but elevated. Hair is supposed to move and flow.
