The Top 10 Hair & Beauty Trends From The S/S26 Shows

Spring/Summer 2026 introduced a fresh perspective on beauty — one that values quiet confidence over bold declarations

Across the international runways, this season the spotlight shifted from dramatic excess to refined elegance, where delicate textures and subtle movement made a powerful statement. This season, beauty was less about commanding attention and more about inviting discovery: sculptural headscarves at Lanvin, vintage up-dos at Max Mara, sleek hairbands at Boss, and delicately lengthened lashes that framed the face with poetic precision. From winged eyeliner at Dolce & Gabbana to ethereal washes of blue at Anna Sui, every detail conveyed confidence and empowerment.

Bazaar Arabia takes a closer look at the beauty trends that stole the spotlight on the Spring/Summer 2026 runways.

Hair

Windswept Waves

At the Roberto Cavalli Spring 2026 show, hair was all about volume and movement. Models walked the runway with windswept waves that felt glamorous yet undone, striking the perfect balance between softness and confidence. The voluminous texture added a sense of ease—less polished, more lived-in—while still commanding attention under the runway lights. Paired with high-shine golds and metallics, the look captured a modern kind of luxury: radiant, effortless, and full of attitude. It was a reminder that beauty doesn’t need to be overly structured to be powerful.

Sleek Hair

Sleek, wet-look hair emerged as a defining beauty trend on the Spring 2026 runways, with designers such as Prada, Hermès, and Chloé presenting polished styles that feel both fresh and easy to wear. Whether parted sharply, pulled back, or left loose with minimal texture, the focus was on clean lines and a shiny finish. This straightforward approach to hair captures the spirit of S/S 2026: embracing simplicity and quiet confidence.

The Messy Updo

Messy, voluminous updos made a striking appearance on the Spring 2026 runways, notably at Saint Laurent. This trend brought a sense of effortless glamour, with textured, undone styles that felt both bold and natural. It’s the chicness in being messy—the fullness and relaxed shape give the hair a lively, dynamic feel, offering a fresh alternative to sleek, polished looks. Perfectly blending high fashion with a carefree spirit, this trend makes a statement without trying too hard.

Fringes

Side partings with softly swept fringes emerged as one of Spring 2026’s defining beauty codes, bringing a subtle yet refined edge to the season’s minimalist aesthetic. At Tory Burch, the look found its perfect expression — hair fell naturally to one side, its sleek texture and gentle sheen recalling the effortless sophistication of late-’90s and early-2000s minimalism. Paired with understated styling and soft, natural make-up, the effect felt timeless yet distinctly modern — a quietly powerful reminder that even the simplest detail can redefine elegance.

Headscarves & Hairbands

Headscarves and hairbands emerged as the most defining accessories of Spring 2026, seen across runways as symbols of quiet power and modern grace. At Lanvin, the headscarf took on an almost sculptural presence — wrapped tightly or draped low, it framed the face with monastic precision, evoking a sense of calm, controlled femininity. The fluid fabrics and muted tones added to the purity of the silhouette, blurring the line between utility and elegance. At Boss, the interpretation was sharper: wide, structured hairbands swept the hair back with minimalist rigour, highlighting polished skin and tailored lines.

Vintage Updo

At Max Mara, hair was sculpted into elegant vintage-inspired updos that redefined classic glamour for the modern woman. Swept high and smoothed to perfection, the look recalled the poised sophistication of 1960s icons, yet with a distinctly contemporary edge. A simple black headband added graphic precision, anchoring the volume and highlighting the clean architectural lines of the collection. Paired with bare skin and minimal makeup, the hairstyle struck a balance between nostalgia and modern restraint — a quietly commanding beauty statement that felt timeless and assured.

Makeup

Winged Eyeliner

For Spring 2026 season, the classic winged eyeliner made a powerful return, lending a sense of sculpted drama to the runways. At Dolce & Gabbana, the line was bold and graphic — flicked sharply outward to accentuate the eyes’ natural lift, complementing the house’s sensual, cinematic codes. Meanwhile at Fendi, the interpretation was more refined: sleek, controlled strokes traced close to the lash line, elongating the gaze with quiet sophistication. Whether paired with red lips or nude tones, the look conveyed confidence and polish — a timeless gesture of femininity reimagined for a sharper, more modern era.

Pop of Blue

Blue returned to the beauty spotlight this season, radiating nostalgic charm and dreamlike modernity. At Anna Sui, models wore washes of powder-blue and icy turquoise across the lids, softly diffused to evoke a whimsical, retro romance. The colour — once emblematic of 1960s youth culture — felt newly ethereal, especially paired with petal-pink lips and luminous skin. Framed by soft waves and bohemian textures, the look captured Anna Sui’s signature fusion of vintage spirit and fairytale femininity, proving that blue, when worn with intention, can be both delicate and defiantly bold.

Highlighted Eye Corners

For Spring 2026, makeup artists turned their focus to light — quite literally — as highlighted inner corners became one of the most universal beauty statements across the runways. From Versace to Armani, a touch of shimmer at the tear duct transformed even the subtlest looks, opening up the eyes and adding dimension without excess. The effect ranged from icy silver and champagne tones to near-translucent gloss, catching light with every movement. Whether paired with bare skin or bold lips, this radiant detail offered a fresh, modern take on luminosity — proof that a hint of glow, placed with precision, can redefine the entire face.

Smoky Eyes

Smoky eyes re-emerged this season as one of beauty’s most powerful statements, seen everywhere from Nina Ricci to Patrick McDowell. The look shifted away from perfection — embracing smudged lines, diffused shadows, and a lived-in texture that felt effortless yet impactful. Whether soft and romantic or dark and grungy, the smoky eye returned as a symbol of attitude and allure, redefining classic glamour through a modern, undone lens.

Long Lashes

On the S/S 2026 runways, soft, fluttering lashes framed an open, expressive gaze that defined shows from Armani to Richard Quinn and Dreaming Eli. The look balanced softness with impact: fluttering, elongated lashes that felt ethereal rather than theatrical. It’s a trend rooted in delicacy — enhancing the eyes with graceful lift and movement.

Images: Supplied