Short hair is booming in 2026, with clients lining up for bold, sculpted cuts that feel confident, modern, and expressive. Bobs, pixies, mixies, and bixies are leading the movement—and now is the perfect time to position your salon as the go-to expert for these in-demand styles.
“Pixies, mixies, and bixies will define the cuts of 2026. But the real shift will be clients going from long hair to strong, sculpted shapes. Expect inspiration from Emma D’Arcy, Zoë Kravitz, and Florence Pugh. Education is key—clients need the right products to achieve that effortless, textured look at home.” — Dan Stanley, OCS Salon Owner & Creative Ambassador
1. The Bob: The Always-In Classic /
Bobs remain a timeless favourite—versatile, flattering, and easy to maintain, with a version for everyone.
Client favourites include the Classic Blunt Bob for sleek impact; Layered and Textured Bobs for movement; the effortlessly undone French Bob; the polished, curved Italian Bob; and the Razor-Cut Bob for a modern, lived-in edge.
How to Style The Bob /
• Sleek Bob: Mix a drop or two of Argan Oil Gloss into Glaze and blow-dry for a stunning, glassy finish.
• Layered/Textured Bob: Finish with Texture or Clay
• Soft Waves: Prep with Volume or Root Lift, then add gentle waves
• Natural Curls: Use Keep Curl Memory Gel and Shape, finish with Sculpt or Define
Why Clients Love Them /
Bobs suit all textures, photograph beautifully, and style fast—perfect for clients who want impact without effort.
2. The Pixie: Powerful, Polished, and Unapologetically Short /
Pixies are short, confident, and back in demand. Their popularity lies in their versatility and strong personality.
Trending variations include textured pixies, sleek polished cuts, asymmetrical shapes, micro pixies, and colour-enhanced styles.
How to Style The Pixie /
• Polished: Add Argan Oil Gloss into Glaze or Shape to blow-dry, finish with Shine and/or Finale
• Textured: Blow-dry with Root-lift/Memory Spray, finish with Texture or Clay
• Volume: Lift roots with Volume or Root Lift
Why Clients Love Them /
Pixies highlight facial features, work on every hair type, and keep styling simple.
3. The Mixie: Fashions Favourite Rule-Breaker /
The Mixie—a modern pixie-mullet revival—is cool, rebellious, and surprisingly wearable. Short and light at the front with wispy length through the back, it’s ideal for clients exploring short hair without committing fully.
Styles range from soft and shaggy to curly or micro, making it easy to tailor the look to each client.
How to Style The Mixie /
• Soft and Shaggy: blow dry with Volume or Root Lift, finish with Texture or Clay to build texture.
• Glossy finish: Apply Define to smooth, separate, and add polished shine.
Why Clients Love Them /
Edgy yet wearable, low-maintenance, and perfect for natural texture.
4. The Bixie: Soft Structure Meets Effortless Cool /
The Bixie is the ultimate in-between cut—combining the softness of a bob with the ease and edge of a pixie. Light, airy, and universally flattering, it works beautifully on straight, wavy, and curly hair.
Popular variations include textured, soft, curly, and bang-friendly bixies.
How to Style The Pixie /
• Natural Curls: Use Keep Curl Memory Gel, enhance with Shape, finish with Sculpt or Define
• Sleek: Blow-dry with Glaze, finish with Shine
Why Clients Love Them /
Bixies offer the best of both worlds—soft, edgy, low-maintenance, and ideal for a stylish grow-out.
The Bottom Line for Salon Owners
Short hair isn’t slowing down. Salons that master bobs, pixies, mixies, and bixies—and confidently guide clients on styling—will lead the way in 2026. The demand is here. Make sure you’re ready.
