The year 2025 has just wrapped up, and with it we leave behind trends that no longer fit the energy we want to be bringing into the new year. With that said, what exactly are the rising trends we need to look out for in 2026?
Look no further, because we here at Power Your Curls have your back. Join us as we predict the rising hair trends for 2026.
Global Statistics
The global statistics focused on topics about hair health give us a glimpse into the changes in the hair care industry, people’s behaviour, and innovations that are happening in real time. All this and more aims to give us insights into what hair trends may become popular in the coming year.
Hair Care Market Projected Worth
Fortune Business Insights, a website that specializes in market studies, anticipates that by the year 2032 the hair care market’s worth could grow to be worth $213.47 billion (in USD). This projection nearly doubled its number from $106.91 billion (in USD) just two years ago in 2024.
Market Revenue of the Hair and Scalp Industry (in USD)
- A market research company based in the United States released an updated statistical projection in August 2025. According to this information, the US hair and scalp market industry generated a revenue of $18,206.0 million in 2024 in the US alone.
- Currently, analysts project the US market for this industry to grow at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 5.8% from 2025 to 2030. This means that by 2030 the expected generated market revenue would approximately be around $25,597.4 million.
The Global Market
The global market valued the hair and scalp care industry at $103.94 billion in 2024. Experts estimate this statistic will have a CAGR of about 6.4% between 2025 and 2030. This means experts estimate the hair and scalp care industry will be worth $151.07 billion by 2030.
Why Do These Statistics Matter?
Looking at these numbers, they may not mean much to the regular consumer. But if we look at the big picture, these statistics are integral to the direction that the hair care industry and, by extension, hair trends, are moving towards. Analysis of this data can give us insight into the ever-changing needs of the consumers, the influences that affect those needs (such as social media), and even the impact those needs may have that will affect the industry.
The Consumer Market’s Top Concerns
- The company Attest conducted research in May 2025 that sought to find the concerns of consumers in the US and the UK that influenced how they purchased hair care products. Through their research, they discovered that both research populations were mostly concerned with preventing hair loss and thinning, scalp health, and repairing damage or breakage.
- The global management consulting company McKinsey & Company published an article in June 2025 that talks about the state of the beauty industry.
- In this article, the authors highlighted that the current consumer market is moving away from the “scarcity mindset” and shifting the focus more towards the value and quality of the products they purchase. The article also talks about how the consumer market is moving towards prioritizing needs over wants, and embracing individuality.
The Trends
Now that we’ve talked about the statistics of the hair care market and why they’re important, it’s time to talk about the trends we believe will make the rounds in 2026.
Upgraded Bob Cuts
This timeless haircut has been around for centuries, and for good reason too! Although the origins of this iconic haircut are unclear, it became popular in the 20th century. Viewed as an act of female rebellion because women at the time seldom, if ever, cut their hair short. People often saw doing so as going against traditional gender roles.
This timeless favorite has changed over the centuries to adapt to trends and times. The year 2026 is no different, but what sets the upgraded bob apart is the focus on sleeker, shinier, natural, healthy- looking hair that feels effortless but professional.
A few examples of the upgraded bob cut are already being rocked by some A-list Hollywood celebrities:
- Selena Gomez (Old-Hollywood Inspired Bob)
The titular star of the hit show Only Murders In The Building tied the knot last year with her partner Benny Blanco. She shared photos of herself getting ready for her wedding while rocking a bob cut that was both simple and elegant.
- Lily Collins (Victoria Beckham-Inspired Micro Bob)
The Emily In Paris star debuted her new bob during her appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. In the interview, she cites former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham as her inspiration for her new hairstyle.
Collins’ micro bob evokes a natural, sleek, modern-looking twist on the classic bob.
Hair Accessories
With the hair care market slowly moving towards more natural looks, that gives way to healthier, fuller hair. It’s no surprise that the consumer market is experimenting with newer and more creative ways to express individuality through their hair. Enter hair accessories, bold statement pieces that scream, “I am me” without having to sacrifice hair health.
Claw Clips
This simple hair accessory has come back into style in the past few years but will boom in 2026. Claw clips are versatile, easy to use, and gentler on the hair as compared to hair ties. Companies such as Kitsch offer a wide variety of claw clips to fit any style and hair type, so you can find one that’s perfect for you.
Hair Bows
The classic hair bow has been around for thousands of years, used by ancient civilizations not only to accessorize but also as status symbols and even in rituals.
Today, the hair bow is making a comeback as a functional but fashionable piece. Coming in a wide range of patterns and styles, such as those sold by Oliver Bonas, you can find a bow that’s perfect for any occasion.
Brunettes/ Darker Shades of Hair
The consumer market is favoring more natural looks. This means less bleaching and harsh treatments for hair that doesn’t only look healthier, but feels healthier too.
Natural brunettes will embrace their beautiful dark locs, while those with lighter shades may opt to layer darker hues in their hair to add more dimension to their looks.
Some celebrities leading this healthier hair trend include:
- Lisa
The actress and K-pop star has rocked a number of different hair colors over the years. From blonde to two-tone to bright pink, there’s no doubt that this member of Blackpink is a trailblazer in hair trends.
Nothing supports this statement more than her most recent look at the 2026 Golden Globes, where she rocked her signature bangs in a darker shade.
- Ariana Grande
It may come as a surprise to some, but the talented Wicked star is not naturally blonde! The Glinda actress is actually a natural brunette, though that’s easy to forget as the actress has been dyeing her hair for years.
Yet she returned to her brunette roots as of October 2025, and has kept her darker hair, as seen when she stepped on the red carpet at the 2026 Golden Globes.
Wrap Up
In 2026, hair trends are likely to shift towards individuality and natural beauty in hair care. Upgraded bob cuts, which highlight sleek and healthy-looking hair, are one of the major trends. Hair accessories that allow for personal expression without sacrificing hair health, including bows and claw clips, are likewise becoming more and more fashionable. Furthermore, the consumer industry is shifting away from bleaching and toward darker hair tones. Fortune Business Insights predicts the hair care market will reach $213.47 billion by 2032, showing a shift in customer preferences toward high-quality and health-conscious hair products.
