Spring Hair Trends 2026: Expert Predictions from the Josh Wood Atelier Team

Spring 2026 marks a noticeable shift in hair trends, one that embraces movement, warmth, and effortless individuality. We have asked our experts at Josh Wood Atelier to weigh in, and this season is all about softer shapes, natural dimensions, and styles that feel freeing rather than forced. From transformative cuts to sun-kissed colour palettes, here’s what the team predicts will define hair this spring.

Shorter, Fuller, Freer

Noemie Renvoize – Master Stylist

“Everything is going to go shorter.”

According to Noemie, spring signals a move towards volume, movement, and unapologetic shape. Long, sleek, ultra-polished styles that have dominated recent seasons begin to fall away, making room for texture, fullness, and hair that feels alive.

Lengths are lifting across the board: waist-length hair moves up to the chest, collarbone cuts rise to the shoulder, and the classic bob evolves into the Bixie. This modern hybrid of a bob and a pixie is set to be the ultimate cool-girl cut, short, voluminous, and effortlessly undone. It’s a confident expression of individuality and modern femininity.

The Return of the Fringe: Birkin Bangs

Mike Mahoney – Principal Stylist

Mike sees fringes firmly back in focus this spring, with the three-stage fringe, better known as Birkin bangs, leading the way. Inspired by Jane Birkin, this style continues to gain momentum thanks to its ease, softness, and universal appeal.

Typically worn with a gentle, off-centre part, the fringe falls in graduated stages: skimming the eye, cheek, and finishing at the jaw. This creates a fluid blend into longer layers, adding movement and relaxed bohemian charm. For Mike, it’s the perfect fringe for spring, light, freeing, and effortlessly flattering as the seasons shift.

Warm, Dimensional Blondes

James Gould – Creative Master Colourist

James predicts that Spring 2026 will be defined by blondes that feel rich, dimensional, and beautifully natural. Cooler, icy tones take a step back, making way for warmer shades such as teddy bear, vanilla, and honey.

This softer blonde approach isn’t just aesthetically pleasing; it’s considered and practical. By embracing warmth and natural depth, regrowth feels easier and more seamless as spring turns into summer, with sunlight enhancing brightness over time. The result is blonde hair that feels healthy, radiant, and perfectly in sync with the season.

We recommend maintaining this shade with our Champagne Blonde Gloss to preserve warmth, enhance natural dimension, and keep blondes soft, glossy, and light-reflective throughout the season.

2026: The Year of Warmth

Leanne Fitch – Creative Master Colourist

For Leanne, warmth is the defining theme of 2026. High-contrast colour and harsh regrowth lines are left behind, replaced by softer blends and seamless transitions.

This spring, colour becomes more fluid and understated, with gentle ombré effects, subtle framing, and less contrast overall. Blondes move towards glowing Champagne Blonde hues, while brunettes transition from winter depth into maple, amber, and Chestnut Brunette tones. These shades feel lighter, softer, and more natural, capturing the ease and optimism of spring across every hair colour.