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There\u2019s no doubt that the beauty industry is running at breakneck speed, constantly evolving to keep up with consumer demand, TikTok beauty trends and new innovation in the space. With all this growth, how do you decide what\u2019s going to stick and what will pass? What\u2019s worth paying attention to and what\u2019s a flash in the pan? To help break it all down, beauty and wellness platform Fresha has shared the top 10 beauty topics Google users are searching right now\u2014because after all, whatever customers search tends to drive demand for the next up-and-coming trend.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese trends highlight that beauty in 2026 will be defined by a balance of innovation, informed choices and individuality,\u201d says Fresha beauty expert Annabelle Taurua. \u201cOverall, 2026 is going to be less about following one-size fits all beauty, and more about personalized routines and multi-functional products and treatments.\u201d From popular skin care ingredients like PDRN to K-Beauty moments like Korean lash lifts, and lots of manicure moments, here\u2019s every beauty trend you can expect to see more of in 2026.<\/p>\n
At the top of the list, the top-searched term is the Korean lash lift, which Fresha reports has seen an \u201cexplosive\u201d 3,695 percent year-over-year increase in U.S. searches, with 5,400 searches per month.<\/p>\n
\u201cConsumers are now increasingly drawn to treatments that enhance natural features rather than masking them, which is why we\u2019re seeing such rapid growth in subtle but high-impact services such as Korean lash lifts,\u201d says Taurua. \u201cAs awareness grows through social media and K-beauty influence, Korean lash lifts are well-positioned to move from a niche treatment into a mainstream salon offering.\u201d<\/p>\n
But before running to get that Korean lash lift, remember to get a professional consultation beforehand, as not everyone may be a perfect candidate. \u201cLash health, eye shape and previous treatments should always be considered,\u201d says Taurua. \u201cOverprocessing can weaken lashes if the technique isn\u2019t tailored correctly.\u201d<\/p>\n
Coming in at number two is the pixie cut. With bobs, pixies and other shorter haircuts reigning supreme in 2025, it\u2019s no surprise that this fiery, low-maintenance cut is going to remain popular for 2026. According to Fresha\u2019s analysis, pixie cuts receive more than 301,000 average monthly searches and have seen a 22 percent year-over-year increase.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe pixie cut\u2019s popularity in 2026 will come down to personalization,\u201d says Taurua. \u201cA good consultation allows stylists to adapt the cut to suit different face shapes, hair textures and lifestyles, which is why it continues to appeal to so many people. It\u2019s a style we saw increase in popularity in 2025, and one we\u2019ll continue to see increasingly styled in 2026.\u201d<\/p>\n
The bold and modern cut has fans like Teyana Taylor and Gracie Abrams.<\/p>\n
Rounding out the top three biggest predicted trends is azelaic acid. The anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and antioxidant skin care ingredient is commonly used to treat acne, redness and rosacea. Per Fresha, it\u2019s seen a 49 percent increase in demand over the last year, and with more than 165,000 searches per month, it\u2019s continuing to grow in appeal. It\u2019s often found in serums and leave-on treatments either mixed with other ingredients or on its own, like Paula\u2019s Choice 20% Azelaic Acid Booster ($39).<\/p>\n
\u201cThe surge in demand for azelaic acid reflects a broader shift towards dermatologist-approved multi-functional ingredients that can deliver results without irritating the skin,\u201d says Taurua. \u201cAzelaic acid in particular is known for its suitability for sensitive and acne-prone skin, making it especially appealing to consumers.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cateye nails are the cool girl manicure trend right now, and the numbers prove it. The magnetic, light-reflecting finish (which looks similar to a cat eye, hence the name), shows that people are looking for a subtle yet eye-catching nail art moment. Fresha reports that they\u2019ve seen a 50% YoY increase in demand. Known for their magnetic, light-reflective finish, the trend reflects a growing appetite for statement nail designs that elevate classic manicures with a subtle but eye-catching twist.<\/p>\n
Butter yellow was unofficially the most popular color in fashion and home of 2025, and that\u2019s trickling down to beauty as well. The soft, creamy pastel is even being considered a neutral by some, and Kendall Jenner even got in on the trend with butter yellow nails last summer, wearing a manicure featuring OPI Nail Lacquer in Blinded by the Ring Light ($12). According to Fresha, butter yellow nails have seen a 1043 percent increase in search demand since last year, with nearly 10,000 average monthly searches on Google.<\/p>\n
Hypochlorous acid sprays have risen to popularity thanks to skin care fanatics spritzing their face or body with it post-workout to help reduce redness and acne-causing bacteria. But it\u2019s also helpful for settling any kind of acne breakout, sunburn, eczema or other inflammatory skin concern too. Acne-focused skin care brands like Lili Reinhart\u2019s Personal Day have gotten in on the trend already, with her company selling its Trust Me On This Hypochlorous Acid Spray ($27). With more than 90,000 average monthly searches and a 50 percent YoY change based on Fresha\u2019s report, hypochlorous acid is only continuing to grow this year.<\/p>\n
\u201cLooking at skincare, rising interest in ingredients such as azelaic acid, mineral sunscreen and hypochlorous acid reflects a more educated consumer,\u201d says Taurua.<\/p>\n
Patterns and personality are at the forefront of nail art trends for 2026, and polka dots are an embodiment of that.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re seeing a clear move towards confidence-led self-expression, as people tap into bold haircuts such as the pixie cut, to playful nail trends such as cat eye nails, to use colour and texture to make a statement,\u201d says Taurua, and this applies to polka dot nails as well.<\/p>\n
Based on Fresha\u2019s data, there\u2019s been more than an 830 percent increase YoY in search for the cute manicure look, so expect to keep seeing polka dots this year. Or get in on two trends for the price of one with butter yellow polka dots.<\/p>\n
By now, any beauty fanatic knows that any everyday skin care routine always includes sunscreen. Interestingly, mineral sunscreens, which are formulas made with ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide rather than with chemicals such as oxybenzone, are gaining traction this year with a 124 percent YoY change per Fresha. Perhaps there will be a big spike around spring break and summertime. There are tons of mineral sunscreen formulas out there, but if you\u2019re shopping for one right now, consider Colorescience Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50 ($58).<\/p>\n
Salmon sperm facials have taken off all over social media. Though that\u2019s how they\u2019re known colloquially, salmon sperm facials are conducted using polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN), which is found in salmon DNA. People are a fan of the anti-aging treatment for boosting skin\u2019s elasticity, hydration and overall glow. With a 513 percent YoY change per Fresha, the cutting-edge facial will likely see even more tremendous growth this year as PDRN gets bottled into K-Beauty creams and serums, such as Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum ($21).<\/p>\n
Though there has been more talk of elaborate makeup, especially around bringing back 2016 makeup trends, the data proves that no-makeup makeup is here to stay as well. The trend is even driving younger generations to the plastic surgeon for upper blepharoplasties in an effort to look more refreshed even without makeup on. With an impressive 311 percent YoY change according to Fresha, people are leaning into the quicker, more minimal-style makeup moments.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n