7 Hair, Beauty & Nail Trends Professionals Need to Know for 2026

2026 promises to be another year of innovation and artistry across the hair, beauty and nail industries. From biotech repair systems and scalp-focused treatments to bold colour expression and avant-garde embellishment, it’s forecast to be the meeting point of science and self-expression.

At Capital Hair & Beauty, we’ve looked ahead to the trends shaping professional services, retail habits and creative direction for the year to come. Here’s what we think is set to define the industry in 2026, and how you can stay one step ahead!

1. The Future Is Hair Repair

For professionals, hair repair has become the foundation of every great colour or styling service, and 2026 will be no different. We’ve seen huge demand in this category at Capital, and it’s showing no signs of slowing.

As clients experiment with more frequent lightening, colour correction and heat styling, plus ever-increasing damage from pollution, the call for effective repair has never been higher. Healthy, resilient hair will continue to dominate the professional and personal haircare landscape, but this year’s repair trend is powered by next-generation science.

Bond-building technology paved the way, but 2026 will be the year for a new class of biotech and peptide-based repair systems.

Capital Hair & Beauty Recommends

• Wella Ultimate Repair Miracle Hair Rescue
• Wella Ultimate Repair Hair Mask

2. Hair Slugging Is Here to Stay

The viral hair slugging trend isn’t going anywhere in 2026. Inspired by the K-beauty skincare ritual of “skin slugging”, and with roots in traditional Ayurvedic rituals, hair slugging involves using oils, serums or mask treatments to lock in moisture, leaving the product in for a few hours, or even overnight. The sealed-in moisture helps prevent damage and breakage from dryness or heat exposure.

Motivated by hair slugging and hair repair trends, bond-building and leave-in hair mask sales have grown by 46% at Capital Hair & Beauty from November 2024 to October 2025. As a hair professional, take advantage of seasonal spikes in February and March, targeting post-winter dryness, in May as summer prep begins, and in September and October when clients are seeking post-holiday repair.

Hair oil sales are mirroring hair mask growth, as customers increasingly pair the two for deeper repair and hydration. Repair is no longer a single step: it’s a ritual, with mask and oil combos becoming a fast-growing service add-on for clients investing in their long-term hair health.

Capital Hair & Beauty Recommends

• Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Leave-In Treatment
  
• L'Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Absolut Repair Molecular Bi-Phase Oil
• Cantu Rosemary & Mint Scalp & Hair Oil

3. Scalp Health: The New Skincare

If healthy hair is the goal in 2026, a well-cared-for scalp is the foundation. According to research data, 1 in 3 consumers globally now treats their scalp as part of their overall wellness routine. Plus, hair and scalp care is predicted to see a CAGR of 6.5% in the UK from 2025 to 2030.

This year at Capital Hair & Beauty, the scalp health category has similarly exploded, seeing a 42% increase in sales compared to last year, led by products like L'Oréal Professionnel Scalp Advanced Anti-Oiliness Dermo Purifier Shampoo.

In 2026, clients will continue to become more educated about the connection between scalp, skin and hair; barrier support, microbiome balance and gentle exfoliation are replacing one-size-fits-all routines. Serums with niacinamide, peptides, caffeine and hyaluronic acid will become a focus for brands and consumers alike.

For professionals, this opens the door to diagnostic-style consultations and targeted services that address dryness, itch, flaking, oil imbalance and sensitivity. Take advantage of this growing trend by upselling scalp facials, exfoliation and LED-based scalp therapy alongside your client’s usual cut or colour.

Capital Hair & Beauty Recommends

• Bonacure Scalp Soothing Shampoo, Scalp Soothing Serum, Scalp and Hair Mist
• Redken Amino Mint Scalp Shampoo
  

4. Bold Hair Colours Take Centre Stage

2026 belongs to hair colour that makes a statement. Across salons, there’s a shift towards intentional vivid colouring, and we’re seeing this reflected in some of our top-selling colours at Capital: innovative colour brands Crazy Colorare leading the charge with shades like Pinkissimo, Hot Purple and Fire Red.

WGSN and Coloro’s Colour of the Year for 2026 – Transformative Teal – captures this mood perfectly: bold, confident and expressive. It sits at the intersection of blue and green, symbolising a time of change and redirection, as well as freshness, calm and restoration. Bring this bold colour into your salon with our recommended products below.

Capital Hair & Beauty Recommends

• Super Petrol by Wella
• Peacock Blue by Crazy Color

5. Embellished, 3D Nail Art

In 2026, nails will take centre stage and be bigger and bolder. Texture and embellishment will define the aesthetic, from gem-encrusted statements to chrome and glitter finishes that catch the eye. On the runway at SS26 London Fashion Week, nails were no longer an afterthought: they became part of the main attraction.

The shift toward 3D, embellished nail designs is rooted in self-expression. Clients want their nails to feel personal and one-of-a-kind, whether that’s through sculptural accents or luxe metallic layering. Staying on top of the latest design trends and maintaining a well-stocked kit of flexible bases, strong gels and decorative accessories ensures you’re ready for any brief, from editorial sets to everyday glamour.

Capital Hair & Beauty Recommends

• Capital Art Nail Diamond Gems
• Glitterbels Glitter Pots and Nail Art Tools

6. The Face as a Canvas

Another trend embraced at SS26 London Fashion Week was 2026 as the year of makeup without limits. The “face as canvas” movement, born from editorial and festival trends, invites makeup artists to experiment with shapes, textures and embellishments in entirely new ways.

Expect to see sculptural elements, rhinestones and even natural elements like sand or flowers incorporated into high-fashion looks. For professionals, it offers a chance to push creative boundaries and attract clients seeking something extraordinary for events, shoots or performances.

Precision tools make all the difference when executing detailed looks, so investing in quality brushes and accessories helps translate bold ideas into flawless results this coming year.

Capital Hair & Beauty Recommends

• Capital Make-up Palette

7. Next-Level Lashes

Lash artistry will move into its most creative era yet. Gone are the days of uniform extensions; in 2026, individuality reigns supreme. Artists are experimenting with colour, texture and handcrafted lash designs to create next-level, bespoke lash maps.

Interpretations seen on the SS26 Fashion Week runways include spiked lashes, gold-dipped lashes and feathery or doll-like lashes that demand attention. These design-led lashes are in almost direct contrast with the “clean girl”, minimalist aesthetic which has been dominating on socials in recent years.

For professionals, the opportunity lies in personalisation. Offering style consultations and unique design options reinforces your lash services as high-quality, expert-led and tapped into trends.

Get Ahead for 2026 with Capital Hair & Beauty

The industry’s direction for 2026 is clear: science-led care, bold artistry and personalised expression are driving hair, beauty and nails. Clients are seeking expertise they can trust, and professionals who lead, create and educate.

Capital Hair & Beauty remains your partner in staying ahead as we enter the new year. From sourcing the latest brands and products to trend-led training courses to keep your skills fresh, we’re passionate about supporting your success in 2026.

Stay ahead with the latest in professional hair, beauty and nail trends, must-have products, and exclusive discounts for 2026 by signing up for our email newsletters. You can also visit us in-store for personalised advice and top tips from our experts.