Business

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