The holiday madness is over, and New Year’s resolutions are officially in motion. The question is: what’s your hair doing in 2026?
From rich brunettes to side parts, this year’s looks are all about hair that feels put-together without feeling overworked. And whatever you’re working toward, Colorproof is here to help you get there with formulas that protect your color and keep your hair looking vibrant between appointments.
Here are the top trends we’re excited to see in 2026, plus easy ways to keep your look feeling fresh and dialed-in all season long.
2026 Hair Trends and How to Nail Them With Colorproof
Rich Brunette Revival
Deep brunette is having a major moment in 2026. Think low-maintenance color with high impact. The vibe is glossy, even, and healthy-looking, like your hair just lives in perfect lighting. It reads “expensive” because it looks nourished and polished, not overly styled or overprocessed.
To keep that rich tone from going flat, focus on softness and shine. Pair Smooth Shampoo and Smooth Conditioner together to keep hair sleek and weightless, then finish with Smooth Drops for glossy control that doesn’t weigh you down. A few drops on mid-lengths and ends smooth flyaways, boost luster, and help your color look fresh even when you’re due for a touch-up.
Messy Locks
2026 is all about “I didn’t style it,” even though it absolutely took some strategy. We’re seeing fewer sharp, heavy bobs and more movement, softness, and fringe. Hair looks touchable and lived-in, not stiff or overly perfected. Volume matters, but it’s never the kind that looks sprayed into place. Think second-day curls, brushed-out waves, and a texture that feels effortless rather than engineered.
To get the look, start with your choice of embracing your natural waves, overnight heatless curls, or a volumizing heat brush. Then build in texture and body without losing the soft feel. Lift It® Mousse, gives airy volume without crunch, and Texture Charge® Defining Finishing Spray helps hair hold shape and separation while still looking natural. Finish with a tiny bit of Smooth Drops if you want that “healthy reflection” effect on the ends.
Mid-Length Cuts
Mid-length cuts are having their moment, and rightfully so. It’s the sweet spot between “not so short that you’re locked into constant styling” and “not so long that it starts feeling heavy or time-consuming.” It’s the easiest length for that “messy but intentional” finish. Layers can move, waves can fall where they want, and your natural texture has room to show up.
If you’re looking to lean into air-drying, keep things simple by scrunching in Tru Curl Enhancing Crème for soft definition and frizz control.
Shine and Reflection
If there’s one universal trend this year, it’s shine. Not greasy shine or glass hair that looks like it took three hours, but a softer kind of reflection. We’re seeing more custom glosses in the salon that enhance the tone you already have, so your color grows out beautifully and you’re not constantly chasing maintenance.
At home, shine comes down to hydration and a smooth cuticle so light can actually reflect. This is where the Cuticle Closer steps in: a rinse-out smoothing treatment designed to seal and resurface hair for a sleeker finish. It also helps extend the life of your blowout and heat styling, so your hair stays polished for longer.
The Side-Part Come Back
Side parts are back, and this time, they’re not precious about it. Sometimes it’s a slightly messy part with root lift and volume. Other times, we’re seeing a sleek side part into a bun or ponytail. Either way, it’s one of the quickest ways to shift your whole vibe without committing to a cut.
A side part adds instant lift at the root, draws focus to your eyes and cheekbones, and makes even a basic style feel more elevated. For a soft, lifted side part, start with Super Plump® Whipped Mousse for all-over volume (plus heat and color protection) without the stiffness. For a sleek bun or ponytail, smooth flyaways, and added polish, use the Plush Locks Leave-In Smooth®. Then, if you want a glossier, cleaner finish, use Smooth Drops.
These looks are low-effort, high-reward, making day-two hair look intentional in under 30 seconds.
Scalp Care at the Center
Scalp health became a major focus in 2025, and it’s only getting bigger in 2026. More and more people are booking scalp spas and finally connecting the dots between scalp buildup and hair that feels flat, heavy, or harder to style. The truth is, when your scalp is overwhelmed, your entire routine has to work harder.
You don’t need a full reset every week, but you do want a clean foundation. Paying attention to buildup, especially if you use dry shampoo, texture sprays, or heavy stylers. When your roots start feeling weighed down, or your hair stops responding the way it usually does, it’s a sign to clarify.
The Clear It Up® Shampoo helps remove buildup while staying gentle and non-stripping (which is key, because a too-harsh clarifier can backfire fast). A clean scalp plus the right conditioning step is what makes volume and shine trends actually doable long-term.
For a little extra scalp support, pair the Exfoliating Scalp Brush with the Biorepair® Thicken Scalp Serum. The brush helps lift away dead skin and buildup, while the serum absorbs easily into the scalp and is gentle enough for daily use.
What hair trends are you looking to try this year? Let us know how Colorproof is helping your 2026 hair goals by tagging us on Instagram and TikTok (@colorproohair) using the hashtag #ColorproofHair.
See you there!
Xx,
Colorproof
