5 Spring 2026 Hair Trends You're About to See Everywhere

Ahead, the chicest new way to style your bob.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Ahead, the biggest spring hair trends spotted backstage at New York Fashion Week, plus exactly how to get the look yourself. From soft braids and embellished updos to deep side parts, these styles are DIY-friendly and just as wearable with your breezy layers and open-toe shoes.

Why it matters

As a beauty editor, Beth Gillette gets an exclusive first look at the hair trends before they hit the runway and connects the dots to figure out which looks will actually define the upcoming season. These spring 2026 hair trends offer fresh inspiration for updating your look, even if the fashion is shown months in advance.

The details

Backstage at Bronx and Banco, wispy, undone waves ruled, giving hair a tousled, bedhead look. Halo braids, a statement yet effortless style, are expected to dominate the upcoming festival season. The side part is making a comeback, adding a modern touch to romantic updos. Soft, textured braids loaded with adornments like pearls and gems create a protective style. And a flippier version of the '90s blowout is taking hold, with varying levels of curl depending on hair length.

  • The hair trends were spotted backstage at New York Fashion Week in February 2026.

The players

Beth Gillette

The beauty editor at Cosmopolitan with more than seven years of experience researching, writing, and editing hair stories.

Evanie Frausto

The hairstylist who created the halo braid look for the Cult Gaia show.

Garren

The hairstylist who created the romantic updo with a side-parted bang for the Anna Sui show.

Lacy Redway

The hairstylist who created the soft, textured braid loaded with adornments for the Alice + Olivia show.

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What they’re saying

“We wanted to achieve a powerful and confident hair look that also felt effortless.”

— Evanie Frausto, Hairstylist (Cosmopolitan)

“The inspiration was from the '20s, but also punk and romanticism.”

— Garren, Hairstylist (Cosmopolitan)

“This look is very romantic and Victorian—ornate-looking, even.”

— Lacy Redway, Hairstylist (Cosmopolitan)

The takeaway

These spring 2026 hair trends offer a fresh and diverse array of styles, from tousled waves to embellished braids, that are both runway-ready and easily adaptable for everyday wear. Backstage insights from top hairstylists provide valuable tips and inspiration for incorporating these looks into your own beauty routine.