2026 is already shaping up to be a big year when it comes to beauty and hair trends. From new focuses in skin, makeup and hair – technology and consumer priorities are shifting the game.
BD spoke exclusively with winners from the Australian Hair Industry Awards, Australian Beauty Industry Awards and Modern Barber Awards to get the lowdown on what we can expect to see over the coming months.
All winners are available for expert comment. For more information, reach out to Kristy Limbrick via kristy@lilyblue.com.au.
SKIN
Christie Cameron from SSKIN – ABIA Beauty Therapist of the Year 2025
Image: Christie Cameron
Mitochondrial skin health
In 2026, we’ll see a clear shift toward treating skin at a cellular and mitochondrial level, rather than focusing solely on surface concerns like pigment, texture, or fine lines. Healthy mitochondria are essential for collagen synthesis, barrier repair, and overall skin resilience particularly in stressed, urban skin.
This has driven growing interest in antioxidants, peptides, photobiomodulation (LED), non-ablative laser like laser Genesis and oxygen/ microcirculation treatments and formulations that protect cellular energy while reducing oxidative stress.
Touch led therapies
Biohacking in skin health is no longer limited to devices and actives. In 2026, the focus is expanding into something more foundational nervous system regulation. Chronic stress and sympathetic nervous system dominance are now recognised as major contributors to impaired barrier function, inflammation, pigmentation issues, and accelerated skin ageing.
Touch led therapies are emerging as a powerful form of skin biohacking because they work upstream influencing the body’s internal environment before any corrective treatment is applied. Techniques such as buccal facial sculpting, lymphatic drainage, and slow, intentional facial massage stimulate the vagus nerve, encourage parasympathetic activation, and improve circulation and oxygen delivery to the skin.
When the nervous system is regulated, the skin becomes more receptive to treatment, heals more efficiently, and maintains results for longer.
Bio mimetic peels
In 2026, we’re moving away from over exfoliated, sensitised skin and toward bio mimetic treatments that work with the skin rather than against it. Clients are becoming more educated and are prioritising skin integrity, barrier health, and long term function over short term intensity.
This has driven demand for intelligent exfoliation formulations that mimic natural skin processes, respect recovery time, and support sustainable results. This includes carefully selected bio mimetic peels, barrier supportive actives, and treatment protocols that prioritise recovery and skin resilience.
When combined with LED photobiomodulation and calming, touch led techniques, these treatments deliver measurable improvements without compromising the skin barrier.
MAKEUP
Shiree Collier – ABIA Editorial Makeup Artist of the Year 2025
Image: Shiree Collier
Soft blur
Makeup in 2026 is backing away from everything too sharp and structured. The goal is not perfection – it’s softness and movement. Lips will be more diffused rather than defined. Blush will melt into skin instead of sitting on top. And skin will look like skin, breathable and softly perfected.
Modern metallic touches
In 2026 metallics are strategically used, with slight hits of chrome in a corner or on lids, a reflective liner that catches the light, holographic touches that add dimension. Think small accents rather than full drama, with colours that speak without shouting.
Colour
Eyes are back to the focal point this year, with colour doing the talking. Think soft washes of jewel toned shades, subtle neon touches or vibrant eyeliners. Letting people express their mood and personality.
HAIR COLOUR
Kristie Kesic from Cobelle Creative – AHIA Master Colourist of the Year 2025
Image: Kristie Kesic
Hair health
For colour trends for 2026, healthy hair is here to stay and rich luminous colour is making a comeback. Even though the Pantone Colour of the Year for 2026 is white, the over bleach white blonde look is taking a back seat to healthier, glossier warmer tones. These are incredibly flattering and multi-dimensional.
For those embracing your greys however, you are going to want to lean into that cloud dancer inspiration with bright and vibrant tones.
For blondes, think soft lived in colour with less root contrast and more shine. This means a more golden hue to give shine and light reflection, rather than a bleached out platinum white look.
For brunettes, think all over rich glossy brunettes that shimmer and scream luxury for shorter more lived in bobs, think Hailey Bieber, and for longer lengths subtle dimensions to play with the hairs movement.
Emma Stone at the Golden Globes will see more people wanting to embrace a subtle nudge to the copper side. But this will be a natural golden copper rather than anything vibrant looking, making it ultra-wearable and versatile for those a little nervous to embrace red shades.
All colours though are about complimenting the movement in hair, whether that be short less structured bobs or the loose texture of long hair and all about looking healthy with softer grow outs.
HAIR STYLE
Scott Sloan from SLOANS – AHIA Australian Salon of the Year 2025
Image: Scott Sloan
Long hair at any age
One of the key trends is a well overdue celebration of age-defying long hair and I am all about it! Women have so much access to knowledge to understand what suits their face shape and skin tone, so they can confidently choose long hair styles that make them feel incredible at any age.
I like to look at adding strategic highlights to brighten and blend grey regrowth, along with specialised cutting techniques and regular trims that add lift and visual fullness.
We work with professional treatments from L'Oréal Professionnel and Kérastase that really help us to strengthen and protect hair, which makes maintaining beautiful long hair possible at any stage of life.
Lived-in and effortless
We're also seeing a beautiful shift towards more lived-in looks, and softer texture is key. The era of overly structured, high-maintenance styles is behind us. Today's clients want hair that looks naturally beautiful and moves with ease.
For longer looks, try feathery layers with a flattering 'butterfly cut' to give an effortless bed-head feel that's both romantic and undone. For those who want to go shorter, the 'bixie', the perfect hybrid between a bob and a pixie, is still having a very big moment for those wanting something a bit more playful and modern, without going super short.
Make sure you book in with a hairdresser that specialises in cutting and be sure to book regular trims to keep both these styles looking fresh.
Sara Allsop from dharma Salon – AHIA NZ Hairdresser of the Year 2026
Image: Sara Allsop
Modern and relaxed
Hair in 2026 leans toward simplicity with intention. The midi blowout is emerging alongside the return of ’90s styles, but with a softer approach. It’s about smooth, plump texture without curl or heavy bounce – an airy, subtle finish that feels modern and relaxed. The reference point is Sharon Tate in the ’70s: natural volume, understated and effortless.
Birkin bangs
Fringes remain key, with Birkin bangs offering light movement and texture across all hair lengths. They’re soft, flexible, and easy to wear rather than overly styled.
The cowgirl bob with a Birkin bang continues this theme with messy, soft texture with hair that still looks healthy. Inspired by Debbie Harry, it feels casual and modern, balancing ease with edge.
MEN'S HAIR
Matthew Clarke from Esquire Male Grooming – AMBA Australian Modern Barber of the Year 2025
Image: Matthew Clarke
Soft mini mullet
The soft mini mullet continues into 2026 with a cleaner, more wearable shape – textured through the sides with subtle length and movement at the back. Led by Hollywood it-men like Jacob Elordi and Austin Butler, it’s less rockstar rebellion and more effortless cool.
Grown-out buzz cut
The grown-out buzz cut is all about patience and texture, sitting perfectly between raw and refined. Championed by Timothée Chalamet, it embraces natural growth, soft edges, and a relaxed, fashion-forward feel.
The Italian beard
For facial hair, the TikTok-famous Italian beard remains a must-have in 2026. Think masculine, sculpted, and intentionally groomed. It’s confident and polished, balancing old-world charm with modern style.
Header image credit: Getty Images
