As always, the new year brings a whole heap of trend forecasting and preparation, giving stylists a chance to catch their breath and reset after the busy festive season. From changes to how natural hair is viewed and celebrated, to a shift towards personalisation and the importance of a strong digital presence, the industry is setting a new standard for modern styling. Keep reading to get ahead of the nine hairdressing trends and techniques worth mastering for 2026, as shared by expert stylist Mark McKenzie.
1. Embracing natural texture
In 2026, textured styling is only set to rise in momentum, with clients are increasingly looking for cuts that enhance, rather than tame, their hair’s natural movement and shape. From lived-in, subtle waves to defined, diffused curls, you might see higher demand for shape-enhancing techniques like diffusing, curl-friendly layering, and product routines that define and accentuate.
Embracing natural texture starts with the temperature you style at. Use the Temperature Calculator to discover your ideal heat setting and get comfortable with the tool before applying it with your clients during their next styling session.
2. Mastering colour melting
Natural texture isn’t the only trend gaining momentum – natural colour melting is now the must-try technique for hair stylists in 2026.
Moving away from the high-contrast highlights and traditional balayage that have long been loved by clients, smoother tone-into-tone gradients promise to be in high demand for the foreseeable. The new year is the perfect time to reset and refresh your knowledge on new colour techniques, experimenting with both natural, seamless colouring and vibrant shades.
Check out our blog on the 10 winter hair colour trends to be aware of going into the new year.
3. Styling with an edge
Shorter, alternative cuts are making a big comeback in 2026. Bobs and bixies are becoming increasingly popular, with stylists focusing on sleek, polished finishes, soft curved ends, and minimalist, structural shapes. Combining sophistication with versatility and an effortless edge, these looks offer clients styles that feel fresh and wearable while precise and characterful.
Better yet, sharp bobs and bixies offer a gorgeous new look for those with thinner, shorter hair. If you master these cuts, you’ll be ahead of the curve in delivering editorial-inspired results that impress far beyond the salon walls.
4. Perfecting the undone look
Lived-in, low-maintenance hairstyles are set to define the list of 2026 hair trends, marking a gentle shift away from the slicked-back, ultra-polished looks that have dominated salons and runways over the past year.
To get ahead of the curve, focus on practicing undone up-dos that balance volume, texture, and movement to different face shapes and features. Whether it’s a messy bun or a tousled wave, the key is mastering controlled imperfection, shape, and texture.
Check out our guide to mastering updos by face shape.
5. Cutting and shaping for movement
As more clients embrace their hair’s natural look and feel, mastering movement and enhancing texture has now become a necessity within the industry. By practicing well-crafted cuts that follow the hair’s natural direction, you’ll reduce styling time and help clients feel renewed confidence in their natural hair type.
“Rather than layering purely for volume, understand how to shape hair so it falls naturally, plays with the client’s texture, and works with minimal styling effort. Think hair contouring through hair cutting”, says Mark.
6. Stocking a diverse range of tools and products
As self-expression continues to move into the mainstream in the new year, making sure you’re ready to cater for a diverse range of hair types is essential.
With up to 50% on temperature-controlled straighteners and the award-winning Airshot hair dryer through our Professional Community, you can style your clients with their ideal heat, for less. For hair prep, the Cloud Nine Magical Quick Dry Potion is a fantastic all-rounder for protecting and conditioning, with the lightweight Magical Remedy formula repairing broken strands and delivering shine on all hair types – a perfect duo to stock if one of your New Year’s resolutions is to deliver healthier consultations.
7. Educating your clients on what works best for them
Helping clients understand what styles best suit their face shape, hair type, and lifestyle is set to become more central to consultations than ever before as trends shift towards celebrating individual style and self-expression.
Having a good understanding of colour theory and the trends that align with your clients’ diverse aesthetics and fashion senses will set you up for success and leave them feeling not only confident but understood.
Read our winter colour forecast to get inspiration for your new year consultations.
8. Working with hair health as a foundation
“As styles shift towards more natural, realistic textures, the underlying condition of hair becomes more visible. Investing in corrective care and home-maintenance plans for clients will become essential as we head into 2026,” Mark says.
Taking the Temperature Calculator with your clients will offer an additional layer of personalisation to your consultations, while giving them long-lasting knowledge of the benefits lower heat can have on their own hair health.
9. Refreshing your portfolio
We all know that our digital footprint says a lot about us, but there’s no better time to refresh your portfolio and social media accounts than the new year. Whether it’s on your website, Instagram, or TikTok profile, keeping your online portfolio of work up to date offers the opportunity to inject your character into your craft, showcase your specialisms, and grow your community of clients and fellow stylists. Above all, it puts your services on the map, helping prospective clients find you and putting more opportunities in front of you.
Another way to boost your digital presence in the industry is by joining the Cloud Nine Professional Community. By signing up, you’ll unlock exclusive discounts on professional hairstyling tools, and gain unlimited access to educational resources and opportunities to connect with other pros.
