Softer shapes, natural movement and ‘controlled imperfection’.
Published:As clients look to refresh their hair for the new season, A/W26 is set to move away from overly polished finishes and rigid shapes. According to Ross Charles, stylist and owner of Ross Charles Hairdressing, the coming months will see a stronger focus on individuality, softer silhouettes and natural-looking movement.
Charles predicts a shift towards strong, dynamic shapes with softer edges, alongside sleek yet relaxed finishes. Texture and movement will play an increasingly important role, with clients looking for styles that allow them to express their personality rather than simply following a uniform trend.
Bobs are expected to remain a key look for A/W26, but Charles predicts a more relaxed interpretation of the classic cut. Rather than rigid, bulky shapes, bobs will feature longer lengths and subtle internal layering to introduce movement and create a more lived-in finish. The result is a softer take on the staple style, avoiding the heavily structured shapes seen in previous seasons.
Shorter cuts are also set to gain momentum, with pixies and crops becoming softer and more textured. Instead of relying on precision shaping, Charles expects stylists to retain more length and weight, giving shorter styles a less severe finish.
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Longer hair will continue to draw inspiration from the 1990s, with bouncy movement and volume remaining influential. However, A/W26 will bring additional shaping around the face and throughout the interior of the hair, helping to differentiate the look from previous interpretations of the 90s trend.
Fringes are expected to make a strong impact this season, offering clients another way to personalise their look. For more fashion-forward clients, Charles predicts growing interest in micro fringes, while longer, softer and more broken-down fringe shapes will continue to appeal to those looking for a more subtle change.
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For clients who don’t want to commit to either a short or long look, the collarbone length is predicted to be one of A/W26’s key shapes.
Charles describes the length as particularly versatile, with more shaping through the front of the hair. Soft face-framing pieces and relaxed movement will help to create an adaptable style that can be worn in a variety of ways.
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Colour will also take a luxurious turn for autumn/winter, with rich and dimensional shades expected to complement the season’s softer cuts and movement.
Rather than colour dominating the overall look, Charles predicts shades that work alongside the haircut, adding depth and richness without becoming overpowering.
Perhaps the defining styling trend for A/W26 is what Charles calls ‘controlled imperfection’.
The approach embraces natural movement and texture, with styling techniques designed to enhance rather than disguise the hair’s characteristics. This represents a move away from the overly polished finishes of previous trends, with a greater emphasis on creating texture while maintaining healthy-looking hair.
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Overall, A/W26 looks set to be a season of individuality and wearable movement. From softer bobs and textured crops to collarbone cuts, 90s-inspired volume and statement fringes, the emphasis is on giving clients personalised styles that feel less rigid and more natural.
For more information on Ross Charles, visit Hairdressers in York.
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