When it comes to versatile styling, natural hair is unmatched. It can be twisted, braided, stretched and straightened into a vast assortment of looks. Or you can let the curls flow freely to embrace your unique texture. There\u2019s no shortage of inspiration to choose from. However, certain styles tend to emerge as front-runners for the year. Just two months in, the 2026 natural hair trends are already delivering lots of exciting looks. From cropped cuts to modern takes on classic styles, there\u2019s something for everyone to love. Below, we spoke with two natural hairstylists to find the top hairstyles for 2026.<\/p>\n
Featured Experts<\/h2>\n\n- Suzette Boozer is a celebrity hairstylist and Dippity-Do curly hair expert<\/li>\n
- Naomi Dove is a hairstylist and the Aveda North America artistic director, texture<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
What\u2019s Driving Natural Hair Trends<\/h2>\n
Bigger, bolder and overall more-is-more attitude has driven the beauty trends thus far. But the natural hairstyles of 2026 are taking a different approach. \u201cThis year, natural hair is in its soft era,\u201d says hairstylist and Aveda North America artistic director of texture, Naomi Dove. Instead of choppy layers and over-the-top styling, the vibe is much more demure. Classic styles, like the pixie cut, have returned and already been spotted on celebrities like Keke Palmer and Teyana Taylor. Mid-length cuts are also a top trend to watch. According to celebrity hairstylist and Dippity-Do curly hair expert Suzette Boozer, they\u2019re versatile enough to work for any curl pattern, whether you have loose waves or tight coils.<\/p>\n
Natural Hairstyles to Try<\/h2>\n\n\n 1<\/span> \/ 8<\/span> <\/p>\n\n\n\n\u201990s Pixie<\/h2>\n
Shortcuts, more specifically the pixie, have made a major comeback this year. \u201cShort hair offers ease and versatility for natural hair,\u201d says Boozer. While there are a few pixie styles to consider, the \u201990s style is one of the most alluring.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n
![\"Quinta](\"https:\/\/cdn-cjhgk.nitrocdn.com\/CXxGixRVyChwAxySbAyltuCiQXRKaWDN\/assets\/images\/optimized\/rev-9dad235\/www.newbeauty.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/572792593_18540755185055616_4385365503216507639_n-e1770836023279-375x375.jpg\")
IG: @hair_sulon <\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n 2<\/span> \/ 8<\/span> <\/p>\n\n\n\nBeachy Curls<\/h2>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re seeing textures of all types take charge in 2026, thanks to an expansion in product choices,\u201d says Boozer. To recreate this soft look, she recommends starting with a detangling spray, then using nourishing curl cream, like Dippity-Do De-Frizz Leave-In, to enhance the curls.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n
![\"Natural](\"https:\/\/cdn-cjhgk.nitrocdn.com\/CXxGixRVyChwAxySbAyltuCiQXRKaWDN\/assets\/images\/optimized\/rev-9dad235\/www.newbeauty.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Screenshot-2026-02-11-at-2.00.42%E2%80%AFPM-375x375.png\")
IG: @hair_sulon <\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n 3<\/span> \/ 8<\/span> <\/p>\n\n\n\nDefined Curls<\/h2>\n
When it comes to natural curls, definition is everything. It\u2019s all about embracing your texture and making it the focal point of your look. \u201cThink precisely defined styles with a salon-finish,\u201d says Dove.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n
![\"defined](\"https:\/\/cdn-cjhgk.nitrocdn.com\/CXxGixRVyChwAxySbAyltuCiQXRKaWDN\/assets\/images\/optimized\/rev-9dad235\/www.newbeauty.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Screenshot-2026-02-11-at-2.03.18%E2%80%AFPM-375x375.png\")
IG: @aveda <\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n 4<\/span> \/ 8<\/span> <\/p>\n\n\n\nMullet<\/h2>\n
The return of the mullet has been brewing for a while now, but 2026 is poised to be the year it makes its mark. For natural hair, the cut merges two trends, short cuts and shags, to create a unique style.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n
![\"mullet](\"https:\/\/cdn-cjhgk.nitrocdn.com\/CXxGixRVyChwAxySbAyltuCiQXRKaWDN\/assets\/images\/optimized\/rev-9dad235\/www.newbeauty.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/536161093_18518560840027457_1950798363934159258_n-e1770839912101-375x375.jpg\")
IG: @avedaitgirl <\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n 5<\/span> \/ 8<\/span> <\/p>\n\n\n\nArtsy Cornrows<\/h2>\n
A braided hairstyle can be a fun way to change up your look. This cornrow style features tiny braids that cover the crown and lead to a fluffy afro. It\u2019s not just a celebration of texture, but also \u201cdelivers a quiet luxury aesthetic with minimal day-to-day effort,\u201d says Dove.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n
![\"Cornrow](\"https:\/\/cdn-cjhgk.nitrocdn.com\/CXxGixRVyChwAxySbAyltuCiQXRKaWDN\/assets\/images\/optimized\/rev-9dad235\/www.newbeauty.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/489452433_18503214568012760_7837767830942661405_n-e1770838436432-375x375.jpg\")
IG: @aveda <\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n 6<\/span> \/ 8<\/span> <\/p>\n\n\n\nBouncy Blowouts<\/h2>\n
As silk press season turns into spring, you can bet the volume will be amplified. \u201cBlowouts are a top trend for natural hair this year\u2014they have a luxurious look with a sleek and polished finish that feels timeless,\u201d says Dove. She recommends using a handful of lightweight products, such as Aveda\u2019s Miraculous Oil to maintain shine and a weightless look.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n
![\"Farah](\"https:\/\/cdn-cjhgk.nitrocdn.com\/CXxGixRVyChwAxySbAyltuCiQXRKaWDN\/assets\/images\/optimized\/rev-9dad235\/www.newbeauty.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/farrah-fawcet-layers-justin.jpg\")
IG: @ahappyjustin<\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n 7<\/span> \/ 8<\/span> <\/p>\n\n\n\nFaux Hawk<\/h2>\n
While some styles feel edgy or soft, this faux hawk embraces both. According to Boozer, it\u2019s one of the shorter styles we\u2019ll be seeing more of this year due to its versatility.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n
![\"Curly](\"https:\/\/cdn-cjhgk.nitrocdn.com\/CXxGixRVyChwAxySbAyltuCiQXRKaWDN\/assets\/images\/optimized\/rev-9dad235\/www.newbeauty.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/484943063_18499378411012760_2366504926742260629_n-e1770838925395-375x375.jpg\")
IG: @aveda <\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n 8<\/span> \/ 8<\/span> <\/p>\n\n\n\nSoft Pixie<\/h2>\n
This pixie screams Hollywood glamour and old money. It\u2019s no wonder celebrities and A-listers are sporting it on many red carpets. But the style works just as well for everyday wear. With the right products, Boozer says, you can easily create a custom soft style that fits your lifestyle and looks effortless.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n
![\"Teyana](\"https:\/\/cdn-cjhgk.nitrocdn.com\/CXxGixRVyChwAxySbAyltuCiQXRKaWDN\/assets\/images\/optimized\/rev-9dad235\/www.newbeauty.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Screenshot-2026-02-11-at-2.56.15%E2%80%AFPM-375x375.png\")
IG: @hair_sulon <\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n
What\u2019s Driving Natural Hair Trends<\/h2>\n
Bigger, bolder and overall more-is-more attitude has driven the beauty trends thus far. But the natural hairstyles of 2026 are taking a different approach. \u201cThis year, natural hair is in its soft era,\u201d says hairstylist and Aveda North America artistic director of texture, Naomi Dove. Instead of choppy layers and over-the-top styling, the vibe is much more demure. Classic styles, like the pixie cut, have returned and already been spotted on celebrities like Keke Palmer and Teyana Taylor. Mid-length cuts are also a top trend to watch. According to celebrity hairstylist and Dippity-Do curly hair expert Suzette Boozer, they\u2019re versatile enough to work for any curl pattern, whether you have loose waves or tight coils.<\/p>\n
Natural Hairstyles to Try<\/h2>\n\n\n 1<\/span> \/ 8<\/span> <\/p>\n\n\n\n\u201990s Pixie<\/h2>\n
Shortcuts, more specifically the pixie, have made a major comeback this year. \u201cShort hair offers ease and versatility for natural hair,\u201d says Boozer. While there are a few pixie styles to consider, the \u201990s style is one of the most alluring.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n
IG: @hair_sulon <\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n 2<\/span> \/ 8<\/span> <\/p>\n\n\n\nBeachy Curls<\/h2>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re seeing textures of all types take charge in 2026, thanks to an expansion in product choices,\u201d says Boozer. To recreate this soft look, she recommends starting with a detangling spray, then using nourishing curl cream, like Dippity-Do De-Frizz Leave-In, to enhance the curls.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n
IG: @hair_sulon <\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n 3<\/span> \/ 8<\/span> <\/p>\n\n\n\nDefined Curls<\/h2>\n
When it comes to natural curls, definition is everything. It\u2019s all about embracing your texture and making it the focal point of your look. \u201cThink precisely defined styles with a salon-finish,\u201d says Dove.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n
IG: @aveda <\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n 4<\/span> \/ 8<\/span> <\/p>\n\n\n\nMullet<\/h2>\n
The return of the mullet has been brewing for a while now, but 2026 is poised to be the year it makes its mark. For natural hair, the cut merges two trends, short cuts and shags, to create a unique style.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n
IG: @avedaitgirl <\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n 5<\/span> \/ 8<\/span> <\/p>\n\n\n\nArtsy Cornrows<\/h2>\n
A braided hairstyle can be a fun way to change up your look. This cornrow style features tiny braids that cover the crown and lead to a fluffy afro. It\u2019s not just a celebration of texture, but also \u201cdelivers a quiet luxury aesthetic with minimal day-to-day effort,\u201d says Dove.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n
IG: @aveda <\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n 6<\/span> \/ 8<\/span> <\/p>\n\n\n\nBouncy Blowouts<\/h2>\n
As silk press season turns into spring, you can bet the volume will be amplified. \u201cBlowouts are a top trend for natural hair this year\u2014they have a luxurious look with a sleek and polished finish that feels timeless,\u201d says Dove. She recommends using a handful of lightweight products, such as Aveda\u2019s Miraculous Oil to maintain shine and a weightless look.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n
IG: @ahappyjustin<\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n 7<\/span> \/ 8<\/span> <\/p>\n\n\n\nFaux Hawk<\/h2>\n
While some styles feel edgy or soft, this faux hawk embraces both. According to Boozer, it\u2019s one of the shorter styles we\u2019ll be seeing more of this year due to its versatility.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n
IG: @aveda <\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n 8<\/span> \/ 8<\/span> <\/p>\n\n\n\nSoft Pixie<\/h2>\n
This pixie screams Hollywood glamour and old money. It\u2019s no wonder celebrities and A-listers are sporting it on many red carpets. But the style works just as well for everyday wear. With the right products, Boozer says, you can easily create a custom soft style that fits your lifestyle and looks effortless.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n
IG: @hair_sulon <\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n
1<\/span> \/ 8<\/span> <\/p>\n Shortcuts, more specifically the pixie, have made a major comeback this year. \u201cShort hair offers ease and versatility for natural hair,\u201d says Boozer. While there are a few pixie styles to consider, the \u201990s style is one of the most alluring.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n 2<\/span> \/ 8<\/span> <\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re seeing textures of all types take charge in 2026, thanks to an expansion in product choices,\u201d says Boozer. To recreate this soft look, she recommends starting with a detangling spray, then using nourishing curl cream, like Dippity-Do De-Frizz Leave-In, to enhance the curls.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n 3<\/span> \/ 8<\/span> <\/p>\n When it comes to natural curls, definition is everything. It\u2019s all about embracing your texture and making it the focal point of your look. \u201cThink precisely defined styles with a salon-finish,\u201d says Dove.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n 4<\/span> \/ 8<\/span> <\/p>\n The return of the mullet has been brewing for a while now, but 2026 is poised to be the year it makes its mark. For natural hair, the cut merges two trends, short cuts and shags, to create a unique style.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n 5<\/span> \/ 8<\/span> <\/p>\n A braided hairstyle can be a fun way to change up your look. This cornrow style features tiny braids that cover the crown and lead to a fluffy afro. It\u2019s not just a celebration of texture, but also \u201cdelivers a quiet luxury aesthetic with minimal day-to-day effort,\u201d says Dove.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n 6<\/span> \/ 8<\/span> <\/p>\n As silk press season turns into spring, you can bet the volume will be amplified. \u201cBlowouts are a top trend for natural hair this year\u2014they have a luxurious look with a sleek and polished finish that feels timeless,\u201d says Dove. She recommends using a handful of lightweight products, such as Aveda\u2019s Miraculous Oil to maintain shine and a weightless look.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n 7<\/span> \/ 8<\/span> <\/p>\n While some styles feel edgy or soft, this faux hawk embraces both. According to Boozer, it\u2019s one of the shorter styles we\u2019ll be seeing more of this year due to its versatility.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n 8<\/span> \/ 8<\/span> <\/p>\n This pixie screams Hollywood glamour and old money. It\u2019s no wonder celebrities and A-listers are sporting it on many red carpets. But the style works just as well for everyday wear. With the right products, Boozer says, you can easily create a custom soft style that fits your lifestyle and looks effortless.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\u201990s Pixie<\/h2>\n
Beachy Curls<\/h2>\n
Defined Curls<\/h2>\n
Mullet<\/h2>\n
Artsy Cornrows<\/h2>\n
Bouncy Blowouts<\/h2>\n
Faux Hawk<\/h2>\n
Soft Pixie<\/h2>\n