The hair industry is standing at a turning point where craftsmanship meets technology, and minimalism meets personality-driven detail. Across salons, social platforms, and global creative hubs, the next wave of trends leans into fluidity, healthy shine, structural softness, and intentional design. To decode this shift, PBHJ spoke with five top experts who are actively shaping tomorrow’s hair narratives. This is not just a forecast it is a roadmap. A deep dive into the craft, the discipline, and the creative mindset that will define the next wave of Indian hair artistry.

THE HAIRCUT TREND LEADING 2026

Chudassama sees a rise in effortless precision cuts that hold shape but move softly. His Hush Cut, Shag, K-Bob and Wolf Cut reflect a new design philosophy: light, airy silhouettes with fluid textures that enhance personal identity rather than force a style onto someone.

THE COLOUR DIRECTION

2026 embraces dimensional naturality tone-on-tone glossing, buttery blondes, reflective brunettes and barcode highlights that add depth without drama.

MINIMAL OR STATEMENT?

He calls it intentional minimalism: clean lines elevated with refined personal touches like a soft fringe or whisper-light highlight.

TECH SHAPING THE CRAFT

Smart dryers, moisture-responsive stylers, and bond builders have opened creative possibilities without compromising fibre strength.

“Precision is no longer rigid; it’s fluid, expressive,z and deeply personal”

VIPUL CHUDASSAMA

NON-NEGOTIABLES FOR HAIRDRESSERS

Hair health must lead every service from pH balance to pre-bonding.

GOLDEN RULE FOR CLIENTS

Invest in a home-care ritual, not just products.

CHUDASSAMA’S YEAR IN HAIRSTYLING

Individuality is the new luxury. His the celebrated MEO-RI Collection, rooted in Korean aesthetics, introducing shapes that look effortless but are engineered with razor-led detailing and advanced texturising.

HAIRCUTS DOMINATING 2026

Butterfly cuts, mixies, and sculpted bobs—all designed to bring out natural texture while offering face-customised contouring.

COLOURS MAKING A COMEBACK

Dimensional glossing is the star: butter-beige blondes, cinnamon brunettes, and expensive glow that pairs minimal upkeep with maximum sophistication.

EVOLVING STYLE CHOICES

Clients want quiet luxury: polished hair with clean shine and controlled movement. Gen Z, however, is adding micro-bangs, colour streaks, and soft rebellion.

TOOL TRANSFORMATIONS

Infrared and ultrasonic tools deliver heatless penetration and moisture retention. Paired with bond builders, stylists can now safely push boundaries.

“Quiet luxury hair isn’t simple it’s intentional, refined and deeply customised.”

UNNATI SINGH

STYLIST ESSENTIALS

Singh insists on scalp preparation before any service.

CLIENT RECOMMENDATIONS

Salon-grade home care and regular trims are the two pillars of lasting hair health.

SINGH’S TAKE

Singh observes a shift toward structured naturalism, a style of movement where shape meets softness. It’s no longer about highly constructed looks but about enhancing the wearer’s natural movement.

LEADING HAIRCUT TREND FOR 2026

Effortless structure, softly sculpted layers, and undone bobs and lobs that balance precision with airy movement.

COLOUR REVIVAL

Dimensional brunettes, soft blondes, caramel-infused glosses, and root-blended balayage—delicate, seamless, and expensive-looking.

MINIMAL OR STATEMENT?

The new year will celebrate adaptive elegance: looks that shift easily from formal to casual, with small tweaks.

“Refined individuality is the new definition of beautiful hair.”

SILVIYA LIU

TOOL INNOVATION

Intelligent stylers with heat-control sensors, bond-repair lines like Metal Detox and Première, and smart finishing products are redefining what’s possible with compromised hair.

HAIRDRESSER’S COMMANDMENT

Respect the hair fabric. Analyse before you design.

CLIENT’S GOLDEN RULE

Your stylist’s recommended routine becomes your hair’s long-term insurance.

SILVIYA’S TAKE

She believes the future lies in understated sophistication: hair that carries subtle nuance, dimension, and movement without shouting for attention.

HAIRCUT TREND OF THE YEAR

Soft, weightless layers that encourage movement and airiness.

COLOUR PALETTE RETURN

Warm natural blends. Think caramel, soft chestnut, and glossy brown melting.

MINIMAL OR STATEMENT?

Clients want practical beauty with one defining twist: a face-frame, a tone shift, or textured ends.

“Clients want ease but never at the cost of individuality.”

ALEXZANDER

INNOVATION CHANGING THE CRAFT

Infrared dryers and intelligent straighteners that deliver speed and protection.

HAIRDRESSER’S ESSENTIALS

Protect the scalp and hair from heat. Always.

CLIENT WISDOM

Weekly deep care paired with gentle cleansing makes colour and cut last longer.

ALEXZANDER’S TAKE

He champions natural movement and simplifies styling, predicting a shift toward “effortless realism” or hair that feels lived-in but polished.

CUT TRENDS LEADING THE SEASON

Soft shags, contemporary bobs, and layered mid-lengths all emphasising the undone movement.

COLOUR DIRECTION

Lived-in blondes, dimensional brunettes, warm coppers, and natural sun-kissed transitions through root smudging and balayage blending.

EVOLVING STYLE PREFERENCES

Minimalism dominates, but younger clients continue exploring curated boldness through micro-fringes and tonal accents.

“A healthy scalp is the beginning of every beautiful hair story.”

ELIZABETH CHANG LAKHER

GAME-CHANGING TOOLS

Osis+ Texture, Velvet, and temperature-controlled heat that safely enables high-impact looks.

HAIRDRESSER’S MUST-FOLLOW

Prioritise scalp rituals with pre-care and post-colour workflow.

CLIENT TIPS

Hydration masks, care boost complex shampoos, and consistent heat protection.

ELIZABETH’S TAKE

Her approach to 2026 blends texture, freedom, and refined colour: hair that feels expressive, but never overdone.

As 2026 approaches, all five experts agree on one unified vision: hairdressing is shifting toward intelligent artistry. Precision is becoming fluid; colour is becoming more dimensional than dramatic: tools are becoming smarter than ever. And scalp health has officially entered the spotlight as the foundation of every great service.

As PBHJ enters its seventh year, it stands committed to being the industry’s compass, navigating these shifts, nurturing talent, and amplifying the artistry that defines Indian hair culture. The future is intentional, expressive, technologically enriched, and deeply personalised, and this anniversary edition marks the beginning of a transformative phase for hair professionals across the country.