Bye bye maximalism—we've been paring back our skincare regimes for a while now, and it seems that the minimal movement is translating to our hair. Forget lengthy styling sessions and over complicated colour, now's the time to think simple and easy—your social life will thank you for it.

Anna Cofone, Global Creative Advocate for Authentic Beauty Concept, notes that luxury minimalism is what's defining hair in 2026. "It’s minimal in the effort it appears to take, much like the “no-make-up make-up” look that, in reality, requires meticulous layering and precision. Long waves, polished buns and sleek finishes may look effortless, but they rely on deeply hydrated, healthy-looking hair that moves naturally rather than appearing lacquered, with preparation and product choice doing much of the invisible work."

Reflecting on recent red-carpet moments, Anna referenced her looks for Cher at the Grammys and Lana Del Rey's hair look for Clive Davis’ Pre-Grammy Party, emphasising that healthy hair preparation is becoming a trend. Styling and care trends are no longer separate; care is now embedded in styling.

Like the sound of no-maintenance hair to match your pared back skin? We asked a leading stylist and hair colour educator for their take on the trend.

Cutting and styling

“The ‘less is more’ approach is all about working with the hair rather than against it. Instead of forcing it into a shape it does not naturally want to hold, we focus on enhancing the client’s natural texture, movement and colour. That might mean softer, feathered shapes, or refining what is already there to create something that feels effortless but still polished.
 
"This approach completely changes how I cut and style. It becomes much more personalised. I am looking at face shape, hair type, natural growth patterns and also how the client styles their hair day to day. The goal is to create something that not only looks great in the salon, but is easy to maintain at home.

"A more natural look is often the most flattering because it works in harmony with the individual. By enhancing natural tones and textures, you get hair that looks healthier, shinier and more authentic. It is also much easier for clients to manage themselves, which builds confidence. For older clients especially, this softer, less structured approach can feel more modern and effortless, creating a more youthful overall look without appearing overdone.”
Charlie Illi, Top Stylist and Advanced Technician, Brooks & Brooks

Colour

"Previously, hair trends have seen a lot of 90s bold colours and techniques, even strong stripes of colour. These can be high maintenance services, requiring regular treatments to maintain both the colour and hair's condition.
 
"In 2026 we have seen clients moving towards a more lived in colour technique, which is a grown-in look rather than a fresh, bold colour. This promotes natural and healthy hair, which is deliberately coloured by enhancing and mimicking the hair’s natural tones, which boosts shine and gloss.

"Using your own natural tones and working with your skin tone and depth, this technique is a more organic approach to colour and creates a more flattering and youthful result. Hair can still be lightened, but soft freehand and balayage techniques are used to blend, rather than contrast.

"Another approach to this trend is that it is perfect for ageing hair. Natural grey hair can be wiry and feel dry—natural blending can add shine and definition and be used as a camouflage for those first greys. A 'less is more' anti-ageing trend can also be achieved by applying shine lights around the face and hairline. These are tiny baby highlights that lift the skin tone and brighten the natural hair colour, creating a youthful appearance while growing out softly.
Carolyn Chapman, International Educator, Colour Expert & Colour Business Consultant