These Spring Hair Trends Were the Highlight of 2025, Yet They Already Seem "Outdated"—Here Are 11 Replacements You’ll Notice in 2026.

      With snow falling outside my window and cold temperatures set to persist until April, I can only envision the warmth of the sun on my skin and the aroma of grass touched by dew. While I continue to wear hats over my 4c curls and stick to uncomplicated protective styles until the warmer weather arrives, I’ve already started saving springtime hairstyles that I wish to try this year on Pinterest and Instagram for a little inspiration. Naturally, I’ve been reflecting on the hair trends and styles of 2025 that marked spring, often amazed at how long they captured our attention when compared to the spring hair trends I expect to see on red carpets. To uncover the most significant styles we’ll be leaving behind as a new season approaches, I consulted three hair experts for insights. Continue reading for their key predictions and tips on how to achieve these looks, along with some products to grab before heading to the salon.

      How will styles change from spring 2025? While the most popular styles of spring 2025, characterized by sleek and well-styled bobs, layered cuts, and impressive volume, were all about detail, Ouidad stylist Mirsad Lajqi indicates this year will focus on healthy, glossy hair and low-maintenance colors (think soft regrowth, natural roots, and tonal blends) instead of styles needing frequent upkeep. "Stylists are leaning towards refined silhouettes such as lived-in layers, soft-textured bobs, and classic blowouts rather than overly styled or rigid appearances that can seem outdated," he explains.

      Lajqi further notes that extreme novelty cuts and cooler tones will replace the overly polished looks of spring 2025—picture timeless styles infused with a twist that revive ‘90s and 2000s trends. Paulina Raciborski, a stylist at NYC The Team, founded by Michelle Hong, concurs and emphasizes a shift towards embracing natural textures this year, along with helpful products for easier styling. "Products that highlight natural texture are essential right now. Lightweight styling creams, air-dry products, and flexible hold sprays help hair appear polished without the stiffness or over-styling," she notes.

      Raciborski describes how, in styling her clients, she tends to choose anything that adds subtle volume at the roots without adding weight, "as this allows the cuts to flow as intended." The aim when creating these spring styles is to have hair that seems styled (without being overly styled). When it comes to finishing touches, she expects bangs will be trending, but they will be more customizable, blending the bold statement styles we saw last year. "The focus is on hair that complements your natural texture rather than conflicts with it," Raciborski adds.

      Which 2025 hair colors will be less prevalent? As for hair colors that will dominate this spring, we’ll witness a shift in color temperature to reflect the sunny days ahead. "I believe cooler platinum and icy silver blondes are unlikely to come back this year," explains Priscilla Choi, colorist at NYC The Team. "In 2026, warmer blondes like butter cream will take over with a noticeable shift towards natural, low-maintenance shades rather than cool, stark silver blends." This shade not only brings brightness without the harshness of cool tones but also frames the face naturally.

      While past trend cycles have favored bright pinks, vivid reds, silvers, and greys, as well as other fashion-inspired hues from social media and runway shows, Choi forecasts a trend toward more wearable, natural tones that enhance natural features rather than drastically altering them. "There's a growing desire for healthy-looking hair that grows out effortlessly, appearing more polished, refined, and intentionally understated," Choi elaborates.

      Feel free to scroll down to explore the 11 iconic hair moments expected in spring 2026 and beyond, along with the best products to maintain them.

      Then: Viral Cuts | Now: Personalized Looks

      Spring 2026 is quickly becoming the season of comfort and style, contrasting sharply with the high-maintenance looks that defined 2025. "The major change is that trends are becoming more individualized. Rather than everyone requesting the same viral cut, people are looking for styles tailored to their face shapes, lifestyles, and styling preferences," explains Raciborski. This year, she notes, hair is less about making a bold statement and more about enhancing existing features. "It's subtler, more effortless, and feels timeless rather than trend-dependent."

      Then: Sleek Strands | Now: High Definition

      Spring 2026 will focus on movement, body and romanticism, straying from overly polished hairstyles that require more effort to create than they last. In addition to heavily flat-ironed, straight styles, Lajqi points out, "strict center parts and rigid shapes are now seen as aging and outdated compared to styles that highlight movement, softness, and texture." It’s officially time to say goodbye to the hair straight