We’re feeling the romance majorly this spring—call it a post-Wuthering Heights haze or a natural evolution after our obsession with Marie Antoinette-style blush. This year’s biggest hair trends are all about being playful and bold—all the while embracing your hair’s natural texture.
Experts agree, calling out all sorts of curls, whimsical pixies, and fun updos as some of the most romantic, exciting styles to try now. We’ll even see wigs evolve with better technology and become a bigger part of people’s hair routines, giving us more options to experiment with colors and different textures.
And while we can’t all wear Wuthering Heights-level hair daily, there are some ways to up the romance ante. Below are 10 ways to give it a try.
Bouncy Curls
Instagram content
It’s all about volume when it comes to curls. Celebrity hairstylist and Dove partner Lacy Redway says to go bouncy with your curls for 2026. “It’s this big voluminous style that is playful and chic,” Redway says. “The style looks great both short or long cuts and works well with a side part, flipping your hair to one side, or hair parted down the middle.”
Architectural Updo
Updos will be bold and imaginative for 2026 (look to the FW26 Diotima show, which featured double French twists). Celebrity hairstylist Kellon Deryck says to think geometric shapes, sculpted loops, and origami-inspired structure when it comes to architectural updos. The more structure and shape, the better.
Ghost Waves
Instagram content
Think of ghost waves as the more relaxed little sister of beach waves, says celebrity hairstylist and co-founder of ROZ Mara Roszak. It’s super loose and gives real effortless vibes. “Noting is ‘contrived.,” Roszak says. “[It’s] very soft.”
Sleek Shine
Sleek finishes are typically synonymous with pin-straight hairstyles, but Redway says sleek hair will apply to anything and everything in 2026. “[It] can mean hair off the face, pulled back, sleek curly styles, braids, and varying in lengths both short and long.”
Wet Satin
Instagram content
After years of wet hair looks dominating red carpet looks and our social feeds, Deryck says a happy medium is going to take its place: wet satin. Think of it as a “wet-silk shine” that’s more wearable. “Wet-silk shine evolves into a sleek, touchable ‘wet satin’ finish that is polished without looking drenched,” he says. To get this look, he recommends a lightweight serum.
Slicked-Back Buns
Redway says pulled-back buns aren’t going anywhere. But because the repeated tension can cause hair and scalp damage, she does predict that everyone will focus on healthier versions. “You don’t need to eliminate a style you love, you just need to learn how to care for it,” she says. “Minimizing some tension and having the right products and tools is helpful.” She recommends using something like the Dove Intensive Repair 10-in-1 Serum Mask to treat damage and help strengthen strands.
Whimsy Pixie
Short hair is continuing its reign as the top cut for celebs and “It” girls everywhere in 2026. But experts say we’re about to get more playful with short hair, especially the pixie. Say hello to the whimsy pixie. “It’s confident and has that beautifully effortless quality I’m always drawn to,” says Roszak. “The slightly grown-out shape with gentle texture feels fresh and versatile, and it works on so many face shapes. To style a pixie, she recommends her RŌZ Evergreen Style Cream; it will help define shape and help control any flyaways, while keeping hair soft.
Another pro-tip: embrace the in-between phases. “As a pixie grows out, lean into the softer, slightly longer pieces around the face,” she says. “It gives a subtle ‘90s feel that’s incredibly flattering.”
Renaissance Curls
In theme with 2026’s vibe of starting fresh and experiencing a rebirth (according to numerology, we are all getting a much needed re-set), Deryck says that next year’s curls are going to be all about the Renaissance curls. With volume at the roots and long tendrils, curls are about to get a more classical feel. “[It] will feel painterly and romantic,” he says.
Long Layers
Celebrity stylist Marc Ballance says clean and classic looks like layered hair will be huge next year. For 2026, Ballance says to think of long layers to frame the face.
Wig Evolution
Instagram content
Deryck also says that wigs are coming back better than ever for 2026. He predicts that you’ll find hairlines will better mimic natural density and growth direction. You’ll see ultra-thin lace and new bonding innovations that will help the hairline blend seamlessly for a more realistic feel and last longer. Textured and coily lace wigs will also better reflect your natural curl pattern (“Especially tight curls and coils,” he says). There will also be more customization through color. In 2026, the options will be limitless. “Wigs are no longer just a protective option,” he says. “In 2026, they will be a fashion asset that allows for personal expression.”
He recommends something like the GHOSTBOND classic to give you and your wig the best hold (and to keep an eye out for something he has in the works next year).
Have a beauty or wellness trend you’re curious about? We want to know! Send Vogue’s senior beauty and wellness editor an email at beauty@vogue.com.
