2026 2ND QUARTER TREND REPORT

Hello!

We’re in a new quarter, which means it’s time for some fresh hair inspiration. This season is all about freshness. The first quarter of 2026 has been… well, it’s been something. So as we move into spring, here are a few of my recommendations for hairstyles and colors this season.
These suggestions are based purely on what I’m personally excited to see and create on my clients. This isn’t bible —you're always free to wear your hair however you like.

Short Styles

I’ll be honest—I’m a little over the two-block style for short hair. If you’re just discovering it, I’m sorry to say it’s actually been around for a long time. Longer hair on top just isn’t feeling as fresh right now.
Shorter styles are really having a moment. If you search Chinese men’s short hairstyles (below right), you’ll see a lot of beautiful cropped styles that feel modern and clean.

And honestly, if Tan France can switch up his look after 10 years and go for a short cropped style, I think you can too.

Short and Mid-Length Styles

Mid-length hair—somewhere between the collarbone and upper chest—is still very popular, and I’m happy to keep that going through spring and summer.

But here’s a challenge for those of you with longer hair: try blow-drying your hair more often. I’ll write more about this soon, but for now my mid-length clients can keep enjoying this easy, flattering length.

Long Styles

If you have long hair, my main encouragement is simple: come in for at least one haircut before summer.
Long layered styles are always on trend, but I know some of my long-haired clients haven’t visited in a while 😉

Color Trends

For men:
Let’s talk about eyebrows. Coloring your brows can add definition to your face without fully committing to coloring your hair. Shaping and slightly shading the brows can be a real game changer.

For longer styles:
Cool, ashy tones are officially out for now—let’s let them rest. With the current late ‘90s and early 2000s inspiration happening in fashion and beauty, warmer tones are coming back.
Think soft caramel brunettes and warm blondes that enhance your natural features.

Ashy tones had their moment around 2016. Maybe we’ll revisit them again in another 10 years.

My 5-Year Hair Loss and Hair Gain Journey (and What I’d Tell Anyone Going Through It)

Quick Disclaimer: I’m not a medical professional. This is my personal experience. Please see a dermatologist for personalized advice—most insurance plans will cover hair loss visits.

How It Started

In 2020, I noticed my hair shedding like crazy—maybe from the stress of that year, maybe from body changes I didn’t understand.
I booked a dermatologist appointment. Blood work, a scalp sample, and a prescription later, I had my diagnosis: female pattern baldness. My follicles were weak, so while I could grow hair, it just wouldn’t stay put.

The $3,000 Mistake

In 2021, I tried laser treatments. They worked a little, but you need 12+ sessions to see great results. I paid $3,000 for only 4 sessions—hard pass. Then in 2022, COVID knocked out any progress I’d made.

Back to the Basics

I went back to my oral Minoxidil and Spironolactone. I was exercising 5x a week, eating well, and feeling good. Then fall 2022 happened—stress came back, hair fell again. I stayed on my meds, moved my body when I could, and kept going.

The Bob Era

Fall 2023: I chopped my hair into a bob to focus on quality over length.
Spring 2024: Took a haircutting class with one of my favorite influencer stylists. The brand Milbon introduced me to their scalp care line—didn’t make my hair grow faster, but my scalp felt amazing and allowed my hair to grow stronger because I was nourishing the hairs from when it exits my scalp.

Where I’m At in 2025

My hair is long, healthy, and growing. The difference? I finally put in the consistent work. Emphasizing on consistent. With my medications and scalp care routine.

My Top Hair Growth Tips

  1. Hair loss is normal. Especially in men—don’t panic.

  2. Check your water. Some cities heavily depend on chlorine to clean the water enough to be safe for usage. With that some water can be really tough on hair. If you have well water the minerals that you deposit into your hair with every shampoo can be harmful.

  3. Start early. Oral Minoxidil or topical Rogaine can make a difference if you don’t wait out of embarrassment.

  4. Your follicles might just be sleeping. Meds can wake them, but dead follicles won’t grow hair.

  5. One step at a time. Start with meds, then add exercise/diet changes. Don’t overwhelm yourself.

  6. Be patient. I’ve been working on this for 5 years.

  7. Manage stress. Your hair feels it, too.

  8. Consider a hair transplant. On my bucket list before 40.

Scalp Care

Healthy hair starts with a clean scalp.
Especially for my Asian and/or dark-haired friends: wash your hair more often. The “no wash for a week” myth? Gross. If you need to wash daily, do it.

My go-tos:
Milbon Gold Enhancing Vivacity Effervescence
Milbon Enhancing Vivacity Essence
I’m going to add that i use a Jolie shower head filter for my shower so i can make sure that the water cleaning my hair is the most top tier for my hair journey.
These + my meds have finally gotten me compliments on my hair (first time in my life!).

Medications I’ve Used

Talk to your doctor before starting anything.

  • Minoxidil – Active ingredient in Rogaine; oral or topical.

  • Finasteride – Haven’t tried yet, but plan to ask about it.

  • Spironolactone – Heart med that helps regulate stress hormones; reduces shedding. Not pregnancy-safe.

  • Vitamin D – Common deficiency in Minnesota; helps with hair health.

Lifestyle Matters

  • Sleep – Crucial for recovery and growth.

  • Diet – Too much caffeine and sugar will hurt your progress.

  • Exercise – Great, but prioritize rest first.

Hair growth isn’t quick—it’s a slow, steady investment. Start with one change, stick with it, and build from there.
If you do nothing else? Care for your scalp, manage your stress, and don’t wait to start.


left image is May 2022 after covid i lost my hair again. image on the right 08/15/2025 the most recent look at my hair growth.