Will we be out of our hair rut by the year 2026? Assuming that you had ever looked in the mirror and said, something should change, this is one that belongs to you. You are in a hurry to the door, or entertaining a spring brunch, the appropriate hair style can make or break your whole mood – my lineup will work wonders on you. The carefree hairstyles that will bring us to 2026 with the same level of confidence (and style) are a range of soft waves tied in braids and red carpet worthy ponies that require less effort that you may expect.
Which styles are we getting in this year? Which of them really work in real life, not only Pinterest boards? and what will not be tried when you are fainting that fresh-look, non-dramatically chop? I think I will take you through the appearance of my pinned, saved, and obsessed looks… one by one.
Boho Crown Braid with Lived-In Waves
This hair style is the 2026 response to good-looking, without trying to be too sexy. The boho crown braid is flawlessly inset into loosely curled, honey-colored waves which emit ultra-feminine, earth goddess who insists on her iced oat milk lattes energy. The braid is not pulled tight, it is a bit textured and too large so it can add dimension without dominating your face. Combined with a glowing skin and neutral cosmetics, it is the ideal combination of romantic and casual – as though you have just been on a spring picnic in Tuscany.
In order to sustain this appearance I always say: the trick is the texture. I have been meaning Ouai Wave Spray to my slightly damp hair in order to create natural bends, and then proceed with a large-barrel curling wand on some front strands. On the braid, a light application of the Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray provides that grip that is easy and not stiff.
Frankly speaking, I believed that crown braids were a festival delicacy, but this low-key type of braids completely turned my mind around. It puts the face in a great perspective and suits weekend shopping outings as much as a casual dinner date outing. There was a time when a celebrity stylist and Sally Beauty expert by the name of Greg Patterson talked about this, and all that he said is that braids are not going away, but today they are being layered into soft designs. And this is exactly that.
It is also good day-to-day, sunny morning coffee runs in the morning and rooftop evenings in the evening. And since the braid is built in (not an add-on), you also feel like you are put together even when you forgot the blowout.
Elegant Tucked Chignon with Silvery Blonde Tones
Something so luxe about this style is so quiet. It is a low, sculptural chignon with specific twists which provide structure and yet feel soft. The silvery-blonde color adds to this still further, it is not the cold platinum, but a warmer, more glowing shade which reflects the light in all the desirable directions. It is giving her day off, CEO-wise, elegant, dignified, and completely contemporary. The loosely connected face-framing strands allow it not to seem too polished or severe which is essential in the manner of the approach of 2026 toward formal hairstyles: polished and wearable.
Silver blondes are a commitment, it is a fact that to keep the tone one should do it regularly. The Redken Color Extend Blondage Purple Shampoo has been very fortunate to me when used the once a week to prevent the brassiness. And as far as the chignon itself is concerned, a flexible hold hairspray such as L’Oreal Elnett Satin will allow flyaways to be in check but allow the chignon to move softly.
It reminds me of wedding, gallery opening, and spring soiree but, as well, there is a coolness that makes it appropriate to a luxe brunch or a power meeting. It is easy to replicate using several pins undercover and a light twisting method.
It is the sort of style that does not shout or preach, but speaks in a low tone and everybody hears. The polished chignon has the power to move mountains.
Romantic Ponytail with Voluminous Waves
The ponytail is twisted in the gentleness. It is collected at the middle of the back, held smoothed at the top and falls to those brushed-out bombshell waves we are seeing everywhere in 2026. It is not crunchy volume but not crunchy; it is soft, touchable and elegant. That ribbon detail? Just chef’s kiss. It brings the entire thing together without any cutesiness. You can even put it on during a wedding or, frankly speaking, during the day when it is a Tuesday and you are in a mood to be great.
Here everything is the waves. I prim it using Living Proof Full Thickening Mousse, dry it with a round brush and curl in every direction with an alternate turn to maintain the motion. A bow or ribbon in the most feminine ivory or blush helps put that feminine touch on it–or you can leave it off and still have the elegance.
Personally, I love this style since it reminds me of the grown-up version of the ponytails that I used to wear in college, only 10 times fancier. Much has been said about the use of ponytails by a celebrity stylist, Justine Marjan who has mentioned that ponytails are currently in their moment, particularly with texture and shine. This one nails both.
It is feminine, warm, and fashionable without being too serious. And that, to me, is the dynamism we must all have going into 2026.
High-Gloss Pony with Mega Volume
This one is on the drama girls. The high pony is smooth at the top of the head, but pulled tight over the cheekbones, and then goes couture, bouncy curls that are full of energy. The ultra-shiny finish, the one that make us feel healthy hair rather than a heavy make-up, is what makes it feel fresh in 2026. It is smooth and entertaining, stylish yet modern. This may be worn out at night or when you simply need to feel like a supermodel at the grocery store.
To be shiny, it is all about preparation. Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray is something I spray on my hair before blow drying – it literally makes your hair waterproof and it gives your hair a mirror finish. Finally, a small portion of IGK Mistress Hydrating Balm on the ends will ensure that they appear smooth, not frizzy.
My favorite thing about it is the confidence that this hairstyle gives you. It picks up your whole profile both literally and figuratively. And because it is drawn in, it means that it works perfectly well with statement earrings or dramatic makeup.
Not that big a deal, just a tight pony and the volume in the back is probably the glow-up that we were not aware of.
Soft Side Pony with Loose Front Curls
This is an appearance of lazy attractiveness. It is a low, sweeping side ponytail with cascading curls and pieces of soft tendrils floating down across the face – it sounds like a spring romance novel. The amount of unbuttoned texture makes it contemporary and it has an eternal softness that flatter all face shapes. It is a style that goes wherever you go, drifts wherever the wind takes you, and can be put on any time of the day, at brunch or baby showers, or on a walk along the beach. And how simple to reproduce it – this is the loveliness of it.
It is one of those appearances, in which your curling wand and a small portion of Kristin Ess Soft Shine Beach Wave Spray are your closest companions. I also like a little spritz of dry shampoo at the top to make the hair soft but raised – I especially do it when it is second day hair.
I have worn this to informal weddings, brunches, and even on vacation just in a white sundress and sandals. It is romantic without being romantic. Once hairstylist Chris Appleton told us the secret of sexy hair is to be soft and move around – and I could not disagree more.
The virtue that renders this style singable is its accessibility. It is not flawless, and that is the reason why it is flawless.
Classic High Ponytail with Satin Bow
This is a very high ponytail that cannot be talked to without making a statement. It is flattened to a fault, and so many of the long, shiny waves speak volumes, pulling your whole head up, with the flattening. The real scene-stealer? That loose satin bow in its light champagne color– it makes a classic style an entire atmosphere. The carvings are rounded yet hard and the waves happen to flow with an appropriate bouncing that draws attention but does not scream of it. It is the type of low effort hairstyle that makes it appear like you put in so much effort, and spent less time than your morning coffee.
To make it stick all day (night), I am obsessed with TIGI Bed Head Wax Stick on those flyaways and Moroccanoil Glimmer Shine Spray to fix that shiny look. And yes the ponytail is curled just once and you achieve the bouncy wave with all the root mussing.
I have always been obsessed with a good high pony, and that this particular pony is providing me with a vibe of grown-up glam mixed with ballet-core – I am there. You do not even require a party or red carpet. Wear this with a blazer and jeans and you will get a great deal of compliments.
The whole thing about spring is about adding softness even to our more refined appearance. The bow simply provides that essence of romanticism to it – as though you are closing the week (and your hair) with a kiss.
Soft Twist Half-Up with Vanilla Swirl Highlights
It can be my favorite romantic style of the year. It is a half up knot that is loosely tied behind the head, with those creamy vanilla-blonde strands in a loose, breezy style. The highlights are not excessive and are put in strategic positions, neither too thick nor too thin and they give depth and brightness to the whole silhouette. The rest of the hair falls in great, ribbon-like strands, which impart the kind of lightness within that we all desire to have in the spring.
In order to maintain those blonde hues, I would suggest to use DpHue Gloss+ in Light Blonde to refresh those colors at home. To style, Bumble and Bumble Brilliantine provides a lot of grip, and a quick twist after which you can have a soft knot that holds.
I had people approaching me to ask about something when I was wearing something similar to a birthday brunch. It’s the ultimate “Oh this? I threw it up totally unplanned” energy– though you completely thought out the night before.
It is the best one to start with when you want to enter the styling with cold feet, no complex braid, no damage with heat, and all you have to do is twist, pin and that is all. And yet? It appears that spring was ending in waves.
Beachy Braid with Natural Ombre Flow
Something about this kind of style is akin to vacation. It begins with smooth, mixed waves before it is folded into a loose three-strand braid at the very center. You have still the movement of the hair that is around it–which falls very well–but the braid gives form. The natural ombre is the magic in it: deep chocolate roots dying out into buttery and beachy light ends. It is easy to cool and painfully flattering on so many hair textures.
It is an easy braid and a wave combo to achieve such a look. Apply Use Not Your Mother Beach Babe Texturizing Spray and pass a curling wand lightly to create some loose texture. There is no necessity to be accurate, on the contrary, the sloppier the better.
I spent a whole one week in the beach with this on, and it withstood the salty waters, wind and a lifetime of coconut sunscreen. That combination of liberty and refinement makes it suitable in all occasions such as spring holidays to the festival season.
Also, it is important to mention that ombre color is a low-maintenance nightmare. You have that radiance about the face and extremities, without the investment of the regular touch-ups of the roots. Freedom, but make it glam.
Double Braid Tuck-In with Deep Warm Brunette
This is where texture and technique are combined. This is a braid that is pulled in, begins with a couple of thick inverted inverted braids on both sides that meet at a low pony. What is interesting is that it has a sculptural nature to the braids: thick, defined and purposeful. The deep, chocolate brown with rather warm undertones provide the depth and shine and make the overall style expensive. It is sophisticated, but not pretentious, which is actually the mood of everything in 2026.
Such braids require hydration in order to appear their best. My favorite styling gel is Ouidad Curl Quencher Moisturizing Styling Gel to make sure that the strands are smooth but not hard and Kerastase Elixir Ultime Oil to make them look as shiny as in the runways.
This is surprisingly easy to manage, being a person who does not always find time to play with braids. It is perfect when you want to appear like you tried (without trying that much). It also lasts well throughout the day.
Just ideal to be among on a wedding day, spring-time park days, or taking your ponytail to the next level. It is providing form and plushness simultaneously, and I am much into it.
Waterfall Crown Braid with Loose Curls
Finally and surely not the least – the braid of waterfall is back but make it so new. This style is a crown-like wraparound the head, and the curls are left to dangle onto the shoulders in cascades. The undress finish is the modern touch to the light blonde shade, which gives it a touch of fairy-tale. It is romantic, but at the same time, casual enough to go on coffee dates or a walk in the city in the spring. Consider it your I wanted to feel pretty today honeycut.
This would take some preparation. I would suggest Amika The Shield Anti-Humidity Sprays before you do your waves on your hair and R+Co Outer Space Flexible Hairsprays to set the braid without it looking crunchy.
Personally, this reminds me of the spring weddings and the garden parties but with an easy-going feel to it. It is smooth, though not costly. Quite fanciful, quite fashionable. And completely wearable.
There are occasions when you need a hairdo that you can say is a hug, and this braid, in my case, fits the description exactly.
Double Side Braids into Soft Pony
The next twist on the braid, which is not exactly screams back to school, but is still upscale and simple to do. In this style, two loose French braids are brought to the side of the head, and are brought to meet in the middle of the head forming a ponytail; the ponytail is brought to a soft curly end and bounced. The only difference is that it feels very clean and dimensional at the same time, the braids are used to frame the crown and the ponytail is added to introduce the movement. And that chestnut brown tone of that, the light is shining on each part beautifully.
I tend to spray the areas of the braid with the Aussie Instant Freeze Sculpting Gel Spray to keep the braid, then brush out the pony with a boar bristle brush to add the additional softness. All the shine can be achieved by a couple of drops of Biosilk Silk Therapy on the ends.
The hairstyle is like a style that I would put on during a creative working day or a brunch date with my friends. It is structured, and yet it does not appear contrived, but rather, you know what you are doing, and you are not trying to be more than meets the eye.
Moreover, when your roots begin to show, but you are not ready to touch them, the braid covers everything up. A little detail, big payoff.
Regal Milkmaid Braid with Glossy Finish
Had I to make any one of the pretties of spring soirees queen, this would be it. The milkmaid braid is worn about the head in form of a halo, and pulled in at the back with just the necessary amount of curve being left in it to frame the face. The deep copper-red colouring provides it with the vintage feel and velvety feel makes it ultra-modern. It is romantic, it is dreamy, it is sort of making Bridgerton but in 2026.
I use Kerastase Mousse Bouffante to pre-prep the hair to ensure the crown braid lays flat and I use Innersense I Create Finish hairspray to hold the hair. Take bobby pins which are of the same colour as your hair and bury them deep into the braid, it is worth the clean ends.
I had a similar appearance to a spring wedding last year and was appalled at the stability with which it remained. It was as though it were a style that provided me with posture, in that I wanted to keep myself tall, smile more, and take my time when drinking my prosecco.
The type of braid that could go on and make a difference in the manner in which you walk into a room is this one, not to be dramatic.
Half-Up Bun with Soft Curtain Layers
Discuss the issue of casualness and chic. I love this half-up bun that looks like this off-duty model even more so when it is combined with the sweeping curtain bangs and the unruly waves that touch the collarbone. The light scattered in through the soft highlights give it a bright touch and the bun structure draws everything upwards giving the slightest facelift effect. It is glamour in its low maintenance mode.
This type suits the hair that has an element of lived-in quality. My favorite is Amika Un.Done Volume and Matte Texture Spray and before twisting to a bun I usually finger-comb the hair on the top of the head. Do not use brush–the better it is messy.
Something about this one is confident. You can not be hiding behind something, it frames the face, displays the neck line and somehow always looks nonchalant. And when the sun comes in the season of spring? You’ll feel unstoppable.
Bonus: it is an excellent option when you are in-between washing. Sprayed dry shampoo on the top, shine oil at the ends and you are golden.
Top Knot with Printed Silk Scarf
The resurgence of the high bun in 2026 will not be complete without this detail, a patterned silk scarf, casually knotted at the bottom. The bun is not very stiff and is plainly clean, yet it is high enough to give the cheekbones a raise, and the scarf gives the personal touch and the playfulness. Coupled with a pair of sun glasses and sun-burnt skin, it is the pure vacation mood even when you are sitting in your local cafe.
I prefer to apply donut bun shape and Garnier Fructis Sleek and Shine Anti-Humidity Hairspray to frizz to achieve this appearance. The scarf is two times work: it covers any flaws and immediately makes a person look less disheveled.
It is actually my favorite transitional spring-summer item. Same thing with hair down the back of the neck, and face-framing tendrils are optional, and you are out of the door. There are always scarfs in my bag in case of an emergency.
Besides, when it’s day 3 hair and there is a touch of salty air, all the better – this bun will appreciate a dose of grit.
Side Accent Braid with Loose Chocolate Waves
There is no case when you do not need a complete braid scenario, just a side accent braid, intertwined into voluminous waves, to feel like you have undergone a complete change. This style continues the flow of the hair but with a sufficient amount of edge being added by a small braid that starts near the temple. The cocoa brown hues are unbelievably glossy and natural and this makes the style one of the most versatile hairstyles of the year that are easy to wear.
My technique is to spray in IGK Beach Club Texture Spray and to do the braid very loosely and just tie it round at the back of the ear. This leaves the face open and, at the same time, it provides a touch of storytelling to the look.
This is the truth, it is that signature look energy. You are not trying to look trendy, like you have good hair, always. It can be used on every celebration and it seems some inside secret in your hairstyle.
And little work and maximum brightness? It is one that is remaining on repeat throughout spring.
Sleek High Pony with Parallel Braid Detail
Speaking of mise-en-scene and sophistication combined. This is an ultra sleek high ponytail which is raised with a sharply defined side braid that does not wrap around or cover the pony, but rather glorifies it. The symmetry, the gloss, the juxtaposition of tight control and free flow… it is crass in the best sense. It is providing main character power on a weekday, and I am obsessed.
To achieve this type of shine and grip I grab Color Wow Extra Shine Spray and end with Got2B Glued Blasting Freeze Spray at the end of the braid so all the pieces stay in line. A fine-tooth comb will help to smooth out those glasses well before you lay the pony high and tight.
The fact that I find this style modern is of great interest to me. It is a combination of sporty and editorial. It can be worn with activewear or a crop top and heels it works. And yes, it turns heads.
When you have been longing to have a ponytail that is not dull and weak, you are in luck.
Voluminous Dutch Braid with Textured Pull-Through Finish
This is the one to use when you are lazy in the spring and wish to be as goddess-like in the sun without hours in the makeup mirror. In this case the Dutch braid is taken with force at the top of the head and continues to flow to a large, pulled down conclusion that contributes to big volume. It has texture, depth and dimension, – and it is the sort of appearance that is better when not quite perfect.
I apply Kristin Ess Working Texture Spray prior to going on the braid, and then I pancake my braid with my fingertips to achieve that innovative fullness of pillow and air. And really, it doesn’t matter whether you are a braid pro or not, but this one is also very generous in terms of forgiveness, untidy bits do not hurt the appeal.
I have put it on a farmers market last Sunday in a denim set and without makeup at all… and received compliments. And that is the magic of this style, it is light, grounded and completely in keeping with the carefree spirit of spring.
Suited to thick hair, and it shocks easily off with extensions as well should you want the drama.
Side-Fall Braid into Low Pony with Soft Volume
This braid flows like poetry. It begins very wide at the top of the head and runs diagonally across the head to a short ponytail which is curled softly to provide shape and movement. It is an ideal warm caramel toffee mix of colors- not heavy. And the best part? It can retain the entire day without a thousand pins.
In order to reproduce this, I will suggest using Bumble and Bumble Thickening Spray to get the ponytail in place and secure and use Shu Uemura Essence Absolue Nourishing Oil to get sleek, frizz-free waves.
I have attended baby showers and garden parties in it and it fits to any occasion. It is fancy enough to wear at an occasion, but casual enough to wear during the day. And it photographs, well, you know it photographs.
It is the hairstyle, which speaks of grace. Both non-conspicuous, yet memorable.
Sculptural Low Bun with Classic Elegance
Had I had the grace to distort it into a hairstyle and could fit it into a bottle, this is what it would be. This chignon is also low, but it is twisted into a perfect rosette at the nape with an impeccable finish that cannot be considered anything but vintage and modern at the same time. It is perfect in the formalities, in a fancy evening, or just when you want to shine in confidence without uttering even a single word.
I use Moroccanoil Molding Cream to give it a structure then use Oribe Superfine Strong Hair Spray to finish and make it sleek. Some face-framing strands turned around in slightly curling softens the appearance.
It provides opera night, black-tie wedding or the that-needs-to-get-togethersize hair. Even if you don’t. (I’ve been there.)
Trendy is not always about luxury, at times it is a question of everlastingness. And this appearance does just so.
Soft Hollywood Waves with Root Volume
Finally, but not the least, these are the Hollywood-style waves which are the epitome of glam that is not over-the-top. Deep-set waves begin with a large, blowout of volume at the top, and are thinned out into a thin ribbon-like curl falling down the shoulders. It is a creamy beige blonde with slight shadow rooting, which gives the entire look the effect of light, inside.
To realize the appearance, I promise by Drybar Southern Belle Volume-Boosting Mousse before I blow-dry and T3 BodyWaver to create those loose and manipulated curls. Complete with Kenra Shine Spray to cap off that red carpet shine.
It is the hairstyle that got me falling in love with big and bouncy hair once again. It is playful, vintage and can be worn to any occasion like a dinner date and even when you are feeling yourself on a Sunday afternoon.
And it does feel even better when you put your fingers in it. Let the waves do the talking.
