Hair Trends That Are Woefully Outdated In 2026

A new year brings numerous changes, and in the world of beauty, it often introduces new trends. In 2025, hair trends were bold, short, and sleek, but 2026 has some changes in store. Exclusively for Glam, celebrity hairstylist Cody Renegar shares his predictions on what we can expect to see less of this year. Additionally, he tells us what's going to be trending in 2026, as this year is all about embracing yourself.

"The majority of the trends we see people leaving behind in 2025 are over-the-top, highly processed, and high-maintenance looks," Renegar notes. "People are shifting towards more natural, healthy styles that require minimal upkeep as they embrace hair health." So, regardless of what hairstyle and color you rock, 2026 should really be the year you focus on the health of your hair, whether that be by switching to fermented haircare or paying closer attention to the ingredients you should avoid in your hair products. 2025 was all about turning a new page in your hair journey, but 2026 is all about finding yourself again, hair included.

Sleek and straight hairstyles have been popular for years now, and while they are great for achieving a clean and sharp aesthetic, overdoing them can cause your hair harm. Of course, there are ways to get sleek, straight looks without the heat damage, but the truth is that this year, volume and bounciness are at the forefront of trends.

"We're replacing sleek, flat styles that require chemical processing or heat to maintain with big bouncy 'I woke up like this' blowouts," Cody Renegar shares exclusively with Glam. Now, while this trend can also come with heat damage, it doesn't have to. In fact, social media has been swarming with tutorials on how to get the look at the drop of a hat. TikTok's overnight styling trick promises your bounciest blowout yet, but even without it, using volumizing products and a classic blow-dry brush with a blow-drier on low heat can do wonders.

When it comes to hair color trends for 2026, Cody Renegar suggests that it's all about maintenance. While bold and bright colors look cool and fun, keeping them pristine is a constant job. Instead, shades that look great when they wash out are going to be popular this year. "Bright neon colors are being replaced with pastels, and icy platinums are being replaced with more neutral and natural shades, for a softer, healthier look," he tells Glam exclusively.

While this doesn't mean dyeing your hair is out, a shift towards embracing your natural hair color has been noticeable in recent years. In fact, some have even decided to welcome the grays, as they signify the privilege of aging. In 2023, a hairstylist explained to us why women are increasingly identifying with herringbone highlights, and this trend has only grown since. Of course, if dyeing your hair is non-negotiable, consider going only a couple of shades lighter or darker than your natural locks to make upkeep as low-maintenance as possible.

In recent years, micro bangs have been taking over the spotlight, as the trend has been explored by celebrities like Florence Pugh and Miley Cyrus. However, the ultra-short take on a classic fringe isn't going to be as popular this year, according to our expert.

"Micro bangs are a big trend we've seen in recent years, but they're disappearing in 2026 due to the maintenance they require, and the harshness of the look," Cody Renegar tells us exclusively. "Bangs are now evolving into more natural, wispy looks, like curtain and Birkin bangs." Of course, those who keep up with hair trends know that curtain and Birkin bangs have also been popular in the 2020s so far, so we can only expect to see more of them in 2026. Apart from the fact that they are much lower maintenance than baby bangs, they're actually not that difficult to cut. In fact, we've already made a guide on how to cut and style your curtain bangs at home, in case you're ready for a new change as spring approaches.

Celebrity hairstylist Priscilla Valles explained to Cosmopolitan in 2025 that 2026 will be "all about a slightly longer, more versatile bob." Of course, as short bobs were a huge trend in 2025 — this is the hair transformation that made Kris Jenner look so much younger — it's only natural that now, a slightly longer bob is trending.

"Longer bobs will be everywhere," Valles added. Of course, all the trendy girlies who rocked a short bob last year have it slightly grown now, and that is precisely the trendy look for this year. Apart from the fact that a longer bob achieves a similar, edgy, and chic aesthetic to a short one, it also allows for more length to play with. Now, half updos don't look ridiculous anymore, and if you want your hair out of your face, chances are you can create a mini ponytail or bun!

While a variety of hair trends are popular each year, finding one that suits your hair texture, face shape, and color is crucial. And as 2026 is all about embracing yourself, its hair trends reflect that. "In general, we're moving into a period where hair health and embracing natural beauty are being prioritized over the overly dramatic looks that have been popular in recent years but require too much time and upkeep," Cody Renegar shares exclusively with Glam.

So what does this mean for you? Perhaps, giving the hair dyeing a break and seeing what you look like with your natural hair again — or for the first time, if you've experienced graying while on your coloring journey. Perhaps it means finally testing out that curly hair method and finding out once and for all whether you have curly or wavy hair. Or maybe 2026 is all about figuring out what hair products and routines make your hair look the healthiest it ever did. Whatever it may be, embracing your hair is one of the biggest trends for 2026 — and we are so here for it!