These Spring Hair Trends Were All the Rage in 2025, Yet They Already Seem "Outdated"—Here Are 11 Alternatives to Expect in 2026.

      With snow outside my window and cold temperatures for the next several months, I can only long for the sun on my skin and the scent of grass touched by morning dew. While I continue to wear hats over my 4c curls and stick to simple protective styles until the warmth returns, I've already started saving spring styles I want to try this year on Pinterest and Instagram for inspiration. Naturally, I've been reflecting on the hair trends and styles from spring 2025 that captivated us and comparing them to what I anticipate seeing on red carpets this season. To pinpoint the biggest trends we’ll be leaving behind as a new season approaches, I consulted three hair experts for insights. Read on for their major predictions and tips on how to achieve them, as well as some products to grab before heading to the salon.

      How will styles differ from spring 2025?

      Where the most popular styles of spring 2025 featured crisp, meticulously styled bobs, layers, and voluminous looks, Ouidad stylist Mirsad Lajqi notes that this year will focus on healthy, glossy hair with low-maintenance colors (soft grow-outs, natural roots, and tonal blends), moving away from styles that need constant upkeep. "Stylists are leaning towards refined silhouettes like lived-in layers, bobs with soft textures, and classic blowouts, rather than overly styled or rigid appearances that can feel outdated," he explains. Lajqi also points out that extreme novelty cuts and cooler tones will replace the overly polished styles of spring 2025—think timeless styles with a twist that revive '90s and 2000s trends. Paulina Raciborski, a stylist at NYC The Team, agrees and emphasizes a shift towards enhancing natural textures this year along with useful products to ease the styling process. "Products that enhance natural texture are essential right now. Lightweight styling creams, air-dry products, and flexible hold sprays keep the hair looking polished without stiffness," she states. Raciborski adds that when working with clients, she naturally prefers solutions that add subtle root volume without heaviness, "as this allows cuts to move as intended." The aim with spring styles is to achieve hair that appears styled (but not overly so). As for finishing touches, she foresees bangs becoming trendy, offering more customization— a blend of the bold statement styles we saw last year. "The focus is on hair that complements your natural texture, rather than fighting against it," Raciborski elaborates.

      Which hair colors will be less common in 2025?

      As for the hair colors that will dominate this spring, we can expect a shift to warmer tones to mirror the sunny days we have ahead. "I believe cooler platinum and icy silver blondes are unlikely to make a comeback this year," says Priscilla Choi, a colorist at NYC The Team. "In 2026, warmer shades like butter cream (or buttery blonde) will rise to prominence, indicating a clear trend towards natural, low-maintenance colors over stark silver blends." This shade provides brightness without the harshness of cooler tones and frames the face beautifully. Previous trend cycles embraced vibrant pinks, striking reds, and deep greys, but Choi anticipates a mainstream color palette shift towards more wearable, natural hues that enhance features rather than creating stark contrasts. "There's a growing inclination towards healthy-looking hair that can grow out seamlessly, appearing more polished and intentionally understated," she explains.

      Continue scrolling to discover the 11 iconic hair moments expected this spring, and beyond (plus the best products to maintain them).

      Then: Viral Cuts | Now: Personalized Looks

      Spring 2026 is shaping up to be about comfort and style, a stark contrast to the high-maintenance looks of 2025. "The major change is that trends are becoming more personalized. Instead of everybody requesting the same viral cut, people are looking for styles suited to their face shapes, lifestyles, and styling habits," says Raciborski. This year, she suggests, hair is less about making bold statements and more focused on enhancing what you already possess. "It's quieter, more effortless, and feels timeless rather than trend-based."

      Shop the Look:

      JVN Hair

      Complete Air Dry Cream

      Then: Sleek Strands | Now: High Definition

      Spring 2026 will showcase movement, softness, and romanticism rather than overly polished hairstyles that require more effort to create than they last. In addition to sleek, flat-ironed styles, Lajqi shares that "strict center parts and rigid shapes are now seen as aging and outdated compared to styles that highlight movement, softness, and texture." This means it's time to retire your flat iron.

      Shop the Look:

      Ouidad

      VitalCurl Define Shine Styling Gel Cream

      Shu Uemura Moya

      Hold Finishing Hair Spray

      Then: Stiff Looks | Now: Refined Silhouettes

      In terms of hairstyle trends, the keyword for 2026 (including