Hair colour and styling trends by Rainbow Room International.
Published:Rainbow Room International has shared its predictions for the hair colour and styling trends set to dominate the 2026 festival season, with bold colour placement, textured styling and statement accessories leading the way.
According to Artistic Director Suzie McGill, creative colour placement is expected to be a popular choice for clients wanting to make an impact without committing to an all-over transformation.
“Colour panelling is a fantastic option for clients looking for a bold, expressive look.”
This year we’re expecting to see lots of neon shades, including vibrant yellows and greens, placed through selected sections of the hair to create a striking peek-a-boo effect.
Suzie recommends pairing the look with styles that showcase movement, such as S-shaped waves or bubble braids, allowing the contrasting colours to stand out. Colourful hair accessories can also be used to enhance the finished look.
For clients wanting a lower-maintenance colour update, Suzie suggests adding colour through the fringe.
“A pop of colour around the fringe instantly refreshes a look while drawing attention to the eyes and framing the face.
“For a more lived-in, festival-inspired finish, hand-painting and softly feathering the colour into the roots creates a seamless blend. Bold shades work particularly well on shorter hairstyles, giving them extra edge”.
Another festival-ready option is adding colour to the roots or incorporating vibrant highlights throughout the hair.
For blondes, contrasting darker tones can create definition, while pastel or vivid shades offer a more playful finish. Semi-permanent colours and temporary root products also allow clients to experiment with bold looks without a long-term commitment.
Salon Director Diana Carson from Rainbow Room International Uddingston says effortless texture and volume continue to define festival styling for 2026.
She recommends preparing the hair with products that add grip before creating loose waves with a styling iron, alternating the direction of each section for a more natural finish. Brushing through the curls with fingers or a wide-tooth comb creates soft movement, while micro braids around the front of the face offer an on-trend finishing touch.
“Textured waves remain a festival favourite because they’re relaxed, wearable and long-lasting.”
Volume also remains firmly on the festival agenda, from oversized messy buns and bouncy blow-dries to mermaid-inspired waves.
“A deep side parting is one of the quickest ways to create instant lift at the roots,” – Carson.
Using volumising styling products before finishing with textured ends helps the style hold throughout the day.
These continue to play a key role in completing the look, with cowboy hats and bandanas expected to be among this year’s most popular choices. Alongside adding personality to a style, they’re also a practical solution for disguising second-day hair during multi-day events.
See how these trends compare with the festival season 2025 trend predictions.
View this post on Instagram
