The Beauty Trends Experts Are Predicting For 2026

Side Fringes

“Side fringes will be huge in 2026. Think Amber Valetta for Gucci circa 1995 – fringes that almost cover the eye. Modern references include Bella Hadid’s side fringe; it’s an easy way to update your look just by switching up your parting.” – Luke Hersheson, celebrity hair stylist & CEO of Hershesons

A Polished Finish

“The mood for 2026 is shifting towards more polished hair, by which I mean hair that’s healthy and glossy. I don't mean hair that’s 'done' or too stiff. There's a natural, fluid feel to it but it's more put together. Picture Dakota Johnson's hair – it's not poker straight but neither is it bouncy at the ends… it's just quite polished, healthy looking and natural. To recreate this look, it’s crucial to keep your hair in good condition. Consider using a hair mask once a week, like Redken’s Extreme Mask, and make sure your hair is regularly trimmed at the ends. I would also use a round brush when drying hair. Comb it through and then curl it up the end to obtain a little soft round edge – like a curve – but not too pronounced. You can also tong it slightly on the mid-lengths so that it looks fluid.” – George Northwood, celebrity hair stylist & salon owner

Elevated Minimalism

“This season’s hair is all about elevated minimalism: beautifully groomed and effortlessly luxe lengths with barely-there movement that gleams. The key is to refine any natural texture rather than restrain it. The overall finish? Polished to perfection –modern, understated and undeniably cool.” – Sam McKnight MBE, celebrity hair stylist & founder of Hair By Sam McKnight

French Twists

“With power dressing back, we’ve seen more up-dos, albeit in a way that looks natural, not overly teased or combed. Hailey Bieber created this look recently; it’s meant to feel as though you just effortlessly twisted your hair up but it still looks very ornate and chic. It’s very minimalist and still nods to the 90s.” – Luke 

Bold Eyes, Statement Lashes

“After many seasons of ‘clean beauty’ minimalism, eyes are becoming the focal point again. Expect to seem more intense smokey eyes, graphic or elongated liner, watercolour washes and doll-like clustered lashes. It’s expressive and playful. The overall feel is confident and creative – such an easy trend to try.” – Jamie Genevieve, make-up artist & founder of Vieve

Lightweight Layers

"2026 is about radiant, healthy-looking skin. A glowy complexion created using lightweight products, nothing heavy or cosmetic feeling. Think juicy lips and a hint of skin-kissed ‘bonne mine’." – Gucci Westman, make-up artist & founder of Westman Atelier

Sensory Experience

“We're seeing our community respond to how products feel and fit into their routine, not just what they do. There's an appetite for formulas that feel luxurious and sensorial but still deliver what we call effortless efficacy. It makes the whole process more enjoyable, so it feels more like a ritual.” – Marianna Hewitt, co-founder of Summer Fridays

Barrier & Microbiome Care

“2026 will see a continued focus on the skin barrier. We’ll see wider usage of postbiotic and microbiome-derived ingredients, like fermented mosses, bacterial lysates and sugar prebiotics, that strengthen the barrier while teaching skin to self-regulate. CeraVe has always been a brand I recommend to patients with a compromised or sensitised skin barrier. The range is enriched with ceramides and niacinamide, both of which help to optimise skin barrier function.” – Dr Alexis Granite, dermatologist

Cellular Health

“Women are more informed than ever about their skin and wellbeing. There’s been a clear shift from a reactive to a proactive mindset – one that prioritises cellular health, longevity and prevention over quick fixes. The question has become: what can I do today to support my skin’s health over the next five, ten, even 20 years?” – Anna Lahey, founder of Vida Glow

Longevity

“In 2026 and beyond, there will be even further convergence of beauty and wellness, with more people tapping into their overall health and wellbeing with skin-health longevity at the core. Alongside this, expect to see the continued growth of more functional elements including supplementation, fragrance and skincare, with a focus on the microbiome, sleep, barrier support and longevity.” – Sarah Chapman, facialist & skincare brand founder

Lip Care

“Lip care has become its own category and we don't see that slowing down. People want products that perform but also feel indulgent and fun. It's about treating your lips properly but also enjoying a little treat with flavours and shades that you want to collect and use at different times of the year.” – Lauren Ireland, co-founder of Summer Fridays

Regenerative Treatments

“There’s a growing appetite for treatments that work with the skin’s biology rather than masking various concerns. The future of aesthetics is smarter, subtler and more regenerative. Treatments such as polynucleotides and exosomes act more like a biological software update than a cosmetic cover-up. They communicate directly with skin cells, helping to repair DNA, reduce inflammation and regenerate tissue from within. It’s about improving skin function generally, not just its appearance.” – Dr Anjali Mahto, consultant dermatologist & founder of Self London

“Cloud Dancer, Pantone’s Colour of the Year 2026, really stands out, especially because we already saw this milky white direction emerging last year. Pantone shades don’t just create a seasonal buzz, they truly drive long-lasting trends. Secondly, brown tones are here to stay. From mocha to deep chocolate shades, these velvety neutrals bring warmth and sophistication to manicures and pedicures, offering a chic alternative to classic nudes. You’ll find something for every taste and skin undertone, from warmer to cooler browns. Personally, I’m loving Manicurist’s ‘Mocha’ at the moment, and ‘Chestnut’ when spring arrives. Another standout trend for 2026 will be striped nails, in all colour combinations.” – Gaëlle Lebrat-Personnaz, CEO & founder of Manucurist