As we step into 2026...
Following on from our first haircare insight of 2026, The Future of Scented Haircare, we are moving forward from the emotional connection that fragrances build between consumers and your products, to learning about the shift in how consumers are learning about their own hair health.
The haircare industry is undergoing a transformative shift. Two powerful trends are emerging - hair education and hair wellness, each redefining how we care for our strands and ourselves. From science-backed solutions to spiritual rituals, this year’s beauty forecast is all about deeper understanding and holistic nourishment.
Trend #1: Hair Education
Knowledge Is Luxury
Consumers are shifting from fleeting styles to science-backed care. Topics like hair porosity, geo haircare, and flat hair remedies are gaining traction. Innovations in molecular treatments and targeted solutions are empowering smarter routines. Volume Injection is redefining texture for all hair types, with hero products like Redken’s Volume Injection Shampoo.
Trend #2: Hair Wellness
Self-Care Starts at the Scalp
Haircare is becoming a ritual for emotional wellbeing. The Head Spa trend, rooted in Japanese beauty, blends massage, exfoliation, and cleansing for scalp health and relaxation. With rapid market growth and viral popularity, salons are offering personalized treatments for inner peace and renewal.
Consumers are embracing routines that promote emotional wellbeing, seeking products that foster renewal, calm, and confidence.
Haircare is becoming a moment of self-reflection
With formulas designed to support mental focus and inner peace. One standout movement is the Head Spa trend, rooted in Japanese beauty culture. Combining massage, exfoliation, and cleansing, it’s a luxurious ritual for scalp health and relaxation.
With the head spa machine market projected to grow at 10.76% CAGR, and hashtags like #headspa amassing over 919 million views on TikTok, this trend is poised for explosive growth.
Salons are responding with customised treatments, offering a deeply personal and rejuvenating experience.
In 2026
Haircare is no longer just a routine - it’s a revolution. Whether you're diving into the science of strand health or indulging in scalp therapy, this year’s trends invites people to connect with their hair on a deeper level.
