The Mood This Season
Hair at New York Fashion Week SS26 embraced a push-and-pull between polish and ease. Glossy blowouts shared the spotlight with undone waves. Sharp bobs walked alongside cloud-like curls. It was less about a single “look” and more about contrasts — structure meeting spontaneity, accessories turning hair into art, and retro references colliding with futuristic details.
Runway Highlights
Backstage at Sandy Liang, stylists crafted glossy chin-length bobs finished with rhinestone clips. Nearby, models wore 1950s-inspired doll curls in icy pink, bouncing under oversized bows. The message: hair as both playful and polished.
At Ralph Lauren, strands gleamed with mirror shine. Every model looked freshly blown-out, yet the finish leaned loose and touchable — glamorous but not rigid.
Volume also had a moment. Altuzarra sent models down the runway with dramatic side parts and swept-over crowns, nodding to ’80s power hair. And Christian Cowan showcased asymmetrical geometric bobs — cuts that felt sharp, architectural, and unapologetically fashion.
Accessories as Statements
If SS26 proved anything, it’s that accessories are back in full force. Scarves were everywhere — minimal silk ties at Calvin Klein, oversized lace headwraps at Sandy Liang, and knotted bandanas at House of Aama.
Collina Strada stole attention with hand-crocheted hair hats made entirely from extensions, blurring the line between hairstyle and headwear. At Area, chunky mirror headbands caught the light, while Tanner Fletcher slipped jeweled tiaras into soft waves.
On a smaller scale, barrettes and pins staged a revival. Think pearl clips scattered through braids or rhinestone barrettes anchoring sleek side parts. Even the humble ponytail wasn’t left behind — Michael Kors swapped elastic bands for leather-capped pins, turning a basic style into a statement.
Cuts, Bangs & Textures
Bobs dominated. From neat chin-length chops at Sandy Liang to pageboy cuts at Prabal Gurung, shorter lengths felt modern and wearable. Mid-length layers also carried weight, giving longer hair more shape and edge.
Fringe made its return in a big way. Coach favored wispy curtain bangs, while Tory Burch showcased a thick “perilla fringe” — a K-inspired style sweeping dramatically across the forehead. Expect to see requests for bangs surge in salons this season.
Texture ranged wide. Ralph Lauren leaned sleek and smooth, while street-style waves and rumpled curls kept things effortless. Sandy Liang’s frosted ringlets brought retro glamour, contrasting sharply with Off-White’s sculptural slick-backs. The throughline? Versatility. Hair was meant to look lived-in but intentional, polished yet playful.
Breakout Moments
SS26 wasn’t without its surprises. Collina Strada’s hair hats drew headlines, pushing the concept of hair as wearable sculpture. The scarf-as-hair-tie “tuck” — spotted at Calvin Klein and Brandon Maxwell — emerged as a clever new styling trick. And the rise of the perilla fringe gave a fresh, directional take on bangs.
What felt most exciting was the maximalism of it all. After seasons of underdone hair, designers leaned into bold accessories, sculptural shapes, and high-shine textures. Even the smallest details — like a single pearl clip or a scarf looped at the nape — carried outsized impact.
Looking Ahead: From SS26 to FW26
Many of these ideas will evolve into fall and winter. Scarves and bows may shift from silk to velvet or wool, layered under coats and berets. Crochet hair hats could reemerge as knitted versions for colder months.
Bangs aren’t going anywhere — curtain and perilla fringes will be adapted into heavier, face-framing styles that peek out beneath seasonal headwear. Expect salons to see more blunt chops and asymmetrical cuts inspired by the bobs of Christian Cowan and Sandy Liang.
Textures will also transition. Summer’s tousled waves will give way to glossy blowouts and pin-straight finishes with retro ends. Party season will embrace accessories in full force: jeweled barrettes, stacked pins, and headbands will reappear in editorial shoots and holiday looks.
In short, SS26 marked a return to hair as a canvas for creativity. Expect FW26 to keep that spirit alive — polished, playful, and unapologetically expressive.
