KEY TAKEAWAYS: Wondering if perms are coming back? Absolutely — but they’re part of a bigger hair-trend story heading into 2026. From bold bobs and pixies to blazing blowouts and side parts, here’s what clients will be asking for — and how your salon can deliver.
Alright beauty pros, buckle up – 2025 into 2026 is shaping up to be one wild ride in the hair world.
If you’ve been looking around at the world of beauty and lowkey asking yourself, “Wait…are perms coming back?” The short answer: Um, absolutely. Yes.
The plot twist: It's not exactly in the same way you remember. And that’s just one of the major trends making major waves (obviously, pun intended).
Whether you’re a stylist, a salon owner, or a booth-renter looking to stay ahead of what clients will be asking for, this is your go-to cheat sheet. We’re talking perms (yes!), bangs, bobs, pixies, side parts, and the blowout revival. Let’s dive in.
Why The Next Year Is All About the Remix of the Classics
As it does, the modern hair trend cycle is looping back. And this time, it’s a little less about copying the 80s or 90s wholesale and more about re-interpreting them, if you will – but with polish, texture, and context for what's hot today.
If you ask the ones writing styling coverage in sources like Vogue, we’re seeing things like ultra-short bobs, side parts, and soft ’90s vibes coming through clearly.
So, yeah, perms, side parts, big blowouts: they’re all coming back in ways that feel modern, wearable, and profitable for salons. Let’s break down the major trends.
Trend #1: Perms (& the Return of Texture)
Are perms and texture-forward styles really back? Yes! But they’re not the same permanent waves of the past. (This is where the plot twist comes in.)
Here's a little insight into why perms are resurfacing in the modern age.
The call for texture and fullness is loud – like megaphone loud – especially as more clients have finer hair or have been over-processing. That's the thing, too – digital perm technology (especially from Asia) is evolving: less frizz, more natural waves.
Stylists are positioning perms as a tool rather than a long-term commitment: used to enhance texture, underpin other trends (like bobs or curtain bangs), and create beautiful shapes that clients can easily maintain.
How to Talk About Perms With Your Clients
If a client sidles up to you and wants the dish on if perms are coming back into style, you can confidently say yes. You can also tell them that it could be a fit for them if they're down for more texture and movement and they're on board with a little more maintenance.
Make it clear to them, too: the new perm isn’t necessarily the super tight spiral of past decades. It might be loose, face-framing, blended with modern cut lines – it's like a perm of the past, but with a modern twist.
Permed texture pairs really well with bobs, pixies, bangs, and side parts (all are currently trending again and will continue to be popular hairstyles in 2026, we think). Clients with fine hair often appreciate the lift and volume, and those with natural wave may love the definition a perm can give them.
Of course, you've got to be honest with them about the possible downsides of a perm, too. Hair health could be affected, and maintenance is a must. Clients have to handle upkeep at home and likely need to come in regularly to make sure their perm is properly taken care of.
Perm Salon Strategy: How to Use Perms to Boost Salon Profit
- Train your stylists or booth renters on modern perm techniques : Digital/soft perms, partial perms (only bangs or crown), and how to integrate texture into trending cuts.
- Upsell your perms as a package! This is a business opportunity – think packages like “Modern Texture Refresh” or “Perm + Cut + Blowout”.
- Don't skip out on retail. Post-perm care products = more revenue. Think bond-builders, curl enhancers, humidity blockers, and heat protectants.
Trend #2: Bangs – Fringe Gets a Facelift
Bangs aren’t new, of course, but they’re definitely elevated now (and are going to continue to be into 2026 and beyond). Think curtain bangs to full fringes, but all with modern movement.
Remember, for curtain and face-framing bangs, most of your clients will want something soft and wearable that doesn’t require daily trimming. It's important to find a nice balance between fine-tuned bangs and options they can grow into.
When you picture fringe, the modern take is not a heavy, helmet-bang look of the past. Now it's layered, textured, soft, and modern.
Both of these options can look fabulous paired with a long bob or a pixie cut for a high-impact, put-together but effortlessly cool style.
How to Talk About Bangs With Your Clients
It's OK to encourage clients to opt for bangs – but don't mislead them on the details of upkeep. Make sure you ask them things like, “How much styling do you want daily?" or "How much upkeep are you OK with?”
Based on these answers, you can help them pick a fringe style that fits their lifestyle. As a bonus, this style can be used as a gateway into trending cuts (bob/pixie) or perms for texture."Perms, side parts, big blowouts – they’re all coming back in ways that feel modern, wearable, and profitable for salons. Let’s break down the major trends."
Trend #3: Bobs – Still Trending, Just More Dynamic
Short hair continues to rule – and we're predicting that trend to carry on into 2026. From the precise bob-cut to lob to bixie.
There are plenty of bob variations you can try out with your clients who are seeking to enter the world of bobs. Here are just a few to think about:
- Classic bob: Jaw-length, sharp lines, bold.
- Chin-grazing / ultra short bob: Edgy, high style.
- Long bob (the lob): More length, still clean.
- Bixie (bob + pixie hybrid): New variation of classic styles currently gaining traction.
Bob Salon Strategy: How to Use Bobs to Boost Salon Profit
Thinking bobs might be the next big thing in your salon? Here are a few great ways to market your new and improved bob services in the salon to best serve your client (and boost your profit).
- Position bobs as “refresh” services. Great for clients wanting change without going crazy short.
- Pair with side parts (psst, see the next trend for more details) for an instant hair update.
- Emphasize maintenance. Regular trims with texture product that you always have in stock.
Trend #4: Pixie Cuts — Bold, Short, and Loved
Pixies are back – almost like they never left. Pixie cuts have started to make a strong comeback in 2025 and it's anticipated they're going to take over the lookbooks for 2026, too.
Clients are going to be interested in your pixie cuts once you add them to your service menu. Why? Because they're a statement – chic, feminine, and stylish. Some clients are going to flock to pixie cuts to highlight their facial features. But they're also going to think that pixie cuts are a must because they give the impression of being low maintenance.
The good news? They can be low maintenance, but it's important to talk to clients about proper upkeep to ensure that pixie always looks outstanding and never out of sorts.
Pixie Cut Salon Strategy: How to Use Pixie Cuts to Boost Salon Profit
Want to lean hard into the pixie cut movement in your salon? Here are a few ideas to use pixies to boost your profit and best serve your clients.
- Create “Pixie Power” packages: Cut + color + texture styling for a discounted rate.
- Offer styling tutorials or product bundles: Give your client confidence leaving the chair.
- Upsell blowouts or texture services (for slightly longer top layers).
Trend #5: Side-Parts — The Subtle Side Sweep is Back
As a stylist, you know that sometimes the difference between a “meh” and a “wow” hairstyle all lies in the part. And though it feels like only a few years ago we banned the side part to the past (and all opted for a down-the-middle look), the reality is that side parts are back and better than ever.
That's right, it's officially cool to start side parting again. Did you know this day would come?
A side part can make a dramatic difference for a face-framing change with only minimal chopping, something your clients are sure to love. (Who doesn't live for an epic transformation that doesn't cost an arm and a leg?)
Side parts are great because they work across textures, lengths, and styles – they can add a little flair to any look, from bobs to blowouts.
And, of course, a side part is a fab addition to a look with big volume or a smooth finish – it adds a touch of modern impact to more classic styles.
How to Talk About Side Parts With Your Clients
If you've got a client on the fence about their part, ask them questions like, “When you look in the mirror tomorrow morning, what kind of vibe do you want?”
If they say “something fresh” but not drastic…that's the perfect recipe for a side part change-up. It could be the little glint of a refresh they need without a wild change.
With services like perms or dramatic chops, it’s important your salon is covered – remind clients so they know you're covered.
Trend #6: Blowouts are Back – Big Hair Energy Returns
The blowout is back with a vengeance. And personally? We think a blowout should always be in style. Big, bouncy, voluminous, show-stopping blowouts have trended for ’25 and we've got no doubts they'll keep on the upswing in 2026, too.
Modern clients are chasing that supermodel vibe: root volume, soft waves, smooth shine. And the good news is, blowouts are an easy way to upsell and add a touch of glam to your client's service.
Blowouts as service addons or part of a “special occasion” package can help boost profit and make sure your clients feel their best leaving the salon. Further, you can use blowout packages to upsell styling products like volumizing sprays, round brushes, and heat protectants.
Blowout Salon Strategy: How to Use Blowouts to Boost Salon Profit
The beautiful thing about blowouts? They never go out of style. They're a fab service to always have on your menu arsenal, but if you're trying to capitalize on the current resurgence in the trend, here are a few quick ideas:
- Promote “Signature Blowout” services – perfect for prepping for events or weekends.
- Package Blowout + Haircut + Color for quick seasonal refresh.
- Create upsell opportunities with different blowout variations, including pricing tiers and unique selling points.
Why Stylists & Salon Owners Should Care About These Return Hair Trends
You know that the hair trends swing and forth – so why should you care about what's hot in 2026? Aside from just "profit," we've got a few reasons you might want to consider...
- Revenue opportunities: Obviously, revenue matters. New cuts, perm-add-ons, blowout upgrades can easily equate to higher ticket services.
- Marketing “new”: Use trend language (“perm revival”, “side-part refresh”, “pixie power”) in social media to attract clients who feel ready for change.
- Retail tie-ins: Each trend links to products (bond-builders for perms, volumizers for blowouts, smoothing agents for bobs).
- Education differentiator: When you and your stylists know the why behind the trends, they build trust and upsell with authenticity. You're not just throwing a trend at your clients; you understand why it could be a great fit for them.
Stay Ahead, Stay Creative, & Stay Covered
So the longer answer is finally here — perms are coming back (in a modernized form). But the bigger truth?
As we leave 2025 and move into 2026, it's about taking classic cuts and textures – bobs, pixies, blowouts, bangs, side parts, oh my! – and giving them a fresh spin. It’s about texture, versatility, movement, and offering clients something that feels new but still wearable.
If you’re a salon owner or booth-rental studio operator, lean into these trends. Use them to plan your service menu, retail strategy, and social content. Help your stylists become the go-to experts for the “what’s next” that clients are already searching for.
Because when you stay ahead of the trend curve — and inform your clientele about it — you’re not just styling hair. You’re leading it.
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Meet Hanna Marcus, the Founder and Head Copy Gal behind Boundless Copy, a one-of-a-kind copywriting agency that specializes in big, bold brand voice and industry-disrupting copy that’s all about resonating with the right audience.
Hanna has proudly teamed up with Elite Beauty Society for several years as their go-to copywriter on all things beauty, small biz marketing, and brand voice development. She’s big on feeling-first writing–her personal soapbox is that the best copy starts with telling a story.
When she’s not writing cheeky, converting copy for clients, she’s mentoring other aspiring copywriters and creating digital copywriting resources designed for service pros and focused on taking the stress out of DIY copywriting.
