Curly Hair Trends 2026: How to Embrace Your Natural Curls in Brighton
In recent years, curly hair has taken centre stage. More clients are embracing their natural texture instead of feeling pressure to straighten or heavily style their hair. For salons, this shift means helping clients find styles that look great not just after a blow-dry, but also when air-dried or styled naturally.
Knowing the fundamentals — curl type, hair density, and porosity — is essential. These factors affect how hair holds a shape, how it responds to products, and how healthy it stays over time. When salons can explain these basics to clients, it builds trust and ensures that each style suits the individual, not just a trending look.
Curly Hair Styles That Are Popular Right Now
Soft Layered Shag
This style adds gentle layers to bring movement and airiness to curls. It works beautifully for medium to thick hair and complements round or oval faces by balancing volume and shape.
Curly Bobs and Lobs
Chin-length bobs give tighter curls structure while keeping volume intact. Longer lobs are perfect for wavy or looser curls, offering a low-maintenance, grown-out look that still feels polished.
Curtain Bangs and Face-Framing Layers
Curtain bangs add softness and subtly highlight facial features without needing constant trimming. They suit many curl types and lengths, and are especially flattering for longer face shapes.
Long Curls with Layers
Layered long curls reduce bulk while preserving natural movement. This style keeps hair looking healthy and full without sacrificing length, ideal for dense curl patterns.
Colour That Works with Texture
Colour trends for curly hair are all about depth and dimension. Balayage and hand-painted highlights enhance natural curl patterns, creating subtle contrast and movement. Warm tones like rich browns, auburn, and soft coppers are popular, as are natural-looking blondes that require minimal upkeep.
Styling and Products
2026 styling trends favour effortless, touchable curls. Air-dried finishes and diffused volume are highly requested, especially by clients who prefer low-maintenance routines.
Products are lightweight and practical: defining gels, soft mousses, and moisturising creams that support curl shape without stiffness. Many clients also choose products with gentle, nourishing ingredients that keep hair healthy in the long term.
Caring for Curls Every Day
Clients want routines that are easy to follow yet effective. Techniques like scrunching, plopping, and micro-plopping help enhance natural curls without heat. Leave-in conditioners, creams, and light gels make styling quick and flexible. Overnight care, such as silk pillowcases, satin bonnets, or loose “pineapple” hairstyles, keeps curls looking fresh and prevents damage.
Helping Clients Feel Confident
For stylists, understanding what works for different curl patterns and hair types is key. By offering personalised advice on cuts, colour, and care routines, salons can create results clients love — and keep them coming back.
At Chalk Hair Salon Brighton, we love helping clients embrace their natural curls. Whether it’s a cut, colour, or styling advice, our team ensures every curl is celebrated.