In the past several years, hairstyling has been surprisingly steady. Classic cuts like the bob have held their place at the top, evolving just enough to stay current but never really stepping aside. Still, hair trends are never constant. Even the looks that feel timeless shift as tastes, fashion, and cultural mood change. And as we head closer to 2026, some familiar styles are finally beginning to fall in popularity.
Not every popular look will fall completely out of favor, but some will fade as fresh silhouettes and updated shapes take their place. If you’re thinking about switching things up, it can be helpful to know which styles are moving on. Here are the haircuts experts predict will start to lose popularity in the coming year.
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1. Overly layered hair
Haircuts with excessive layers are losing momentum because they can be high maintenance and challenging to style day-to-day. When there are too many layers, the hair can start to look choppy or thin rather than soft and dimensional, especially on fine or thinning hair. It also requires frequent trims to keep the shape looking good rather than uneven. Seamless, blended layering that creates movement without sacrificing density has taken over as a more popular choice.
2. Long and straight
Super-straight, waist-length hair has a sleek appeal, but it can also draw attention to dryness, thinning, or lack of volume. When hair falls straight down with no shape, it tends to emphasize length rather than overall balance, and this doesn’t flatter every face shape. Many people are leaning toward cuts with softer bends, texture, or loose layers because they can add movement and a sense of vitality.
3. Bangs cut straight across
Blunt, straight-across bangs deliver drama, but they require precision and daily styling commitment. They don’t adapt easily to humidity, growth, or texture changes, which means they can quickly become uneven, heavy, or overwhelming on the face. Because they create a strong horizontal line, they also don’t flatter every forehead or face shape—sometimes they shorten the face or harden features unintentionally. Softer, wispier, or curtain-style bangs are rising because they allow movement and are more forgiving as they grow out.
4. A-line bob
The A-line bob (which is shorter in back and longer in front) rose to popularity because it felt sharp and modern, but its geometric structure doesn’t suit everyone. The strong angle can appear severe or draw attention to the jawline in ways not everyone wants. It also has a distinct shape that requires regular salon maintenance to keep it crisp—without upkeep, it can quickly lose its clean lines and fall flat. Softer bobs with a tousled texture, or less dramatic graduation are replacing it because they offer movement, adaptability, and a polished look that feels more effortless.
