BTC HAIR TREND REPORT
Hair Industry Ins and Outs For 2026, According to BTC Editors
BTC Editors’ Ins & Outs List for 2026: The Hair, Content & Salon Strategy Shifts Moving the Industry Forward
As 2025 comes to a close, BTC Editors are taking stock of what we want to see more of in 2026...and what we’re ready to leave behind. Yes, our lists include hair trends, habits and products (it is our job, after all), but they also touch on the personal, social media and lifestyle shifts that'll make our jobs (and lives) a little easier and spark even more joy.
Keep scrolling for our no-filter take on the trends we hope gain momentum...and ones we hope finally get laid to rest in the new year.
Steph Bong (@yourgirlsteph), Editorial Director
[caption id="attachment_826629" align="aligncenter" width="540"] Steph Bong, Editorial Director[/caption]
Ins
Analog storytelling, aka curating instead of collecting
Favoriting the best clips in your camera roll right away
Getting a blowout in every city you travel to
Making mood boards simply because they’re cool!
Swapping your doom scroll for a good book before bed
Allowing yourself to be messy, a little weird and fully in the moment
Knowing when it’s time to turn off your phone and… Touch! Some! Grass!
Outs
Getting carsick from “just one more edit” in the Uber
Virality mistaken for credibility
Video edits that give you whiplash
Forgetting there’s a human on the other side of posts </3
Thinking compliments and not saying them out loud
People calling out your Spotify playlist names (let me be cringe in peace, pls)
Saying no to good opportunities because you’re nervous (that’s where the magic happens)
Kelsi Zimmerman (@kekeandthecity), Senior Editor, Trends & Features
[caption id="attachment_826630" align="aligncenter" width="425"] Kelsi Zimmerman, Senior Editor, Trends & Features[/caption]
Ins
Creating your own opportunities
Monthly manifestation lists
Moving to a new city because your birth chart indicates it'll be a good idea
Paying creatives/small businesses over using AI
Brand shoots for professional headshots
Leaning into your magic
Wearing impractical shoes if they elevate an outfit
Beauty professionals as the new beauty influencers
Layering fragrances
Redken Acidic Color Gloss everything
Being an organized, authentic mess
Outs
Asking ChatGPT things you can just Google (Preserve energy, people)
Paying checked bag fees
Seeking validation
Influencer culture as we know it
Doomscrolling
Ragebait content (My Pisces ascendant can't take it!)
Listening to internet strangers who have no credibility in said field
Lauren Freas (@laurenfreas), Senior Editor, Digital Storytelling
[caption id="attachment_826627" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Lauren Freas, Senior Editor, Digital Storytelling[/caption]
Ins
Ceramic roller sets (for the BEST blowouts)
Satin bonnet for sleeping
Two selfie lights at all times
Pinging your phone from your Apple Watch (I lose it on the daily)
4K and 120 FPS camera settings
Accessory maximalism
Brown lip liner and clear gloss
Outs
Getting logged out of Instagram and losing all your drafts
Waiting for the right time
Perfect Instagram carousels (we’re in our diary era)
Parallel parking
Filming in HDR for socials
Using AI over small business
Rachael Gonzalez (@___rachaelgonzalez), Copywriter
[caption id="attachment_826633" align="aligncenter" width="450"] Rachael Gonzalez, Editor[/caption]
Ins
Bright blonde no matter the season (Hello, Cloud Dancer)
Debunking random/made up trends
"Faux Natural" hair looks (Looks that are styled to look unstyled)
10-foot charging cord
De-influencing overhyped products
“No.” being a full sentence
Raw lift blondes
Liking, saving, sharing your stylists work to boost visibility
Outs
AI hair inspo
Using the front camera to film yourself
Skipping washes to “train” your hair
Overdone blush
Unrealistic expectations
Powerpoint presentations (Canva over everything)
"Perfect” social media posts
Uncomfortable shoes
Conversations while blowdrying
Mckayla Bollinger (@mckaylabollinger), Social Media Coordinator
[caption id="attachment_826628" align="aligncenter" width="480"] Mckayla Bollinger, Social Media Coordinator[/caption]
Ins
Wired headphones
Roller set blowouts
Reflecting on growth
Air tagging your luggage (!!!)
Octobuddy phone stickers
Rest without guilt
Intentionality
Outs
Having to pay for extra photo storage every month
Living for the next thing
Canva making you download mixed media separately
Hashtags... RIP
Hotel blowdryers
Fear of failure
Here's what else hairstylists are reading...
13 Biggest Hair Trends of 2025 According to TikTok
10 Game-Changing Hair Products and Tools That Launched in 2025
10 Celebrity Hair Moments That Defined 2025