Hair Trends in the Twin Cities: What’s In for 2026

Written By Mykel Gradwell

If you’ve been thinking about switching things up, 2026 is your year. Hair trends in the Twin Cities are leaning into personality, low-maintenance beauty, and bold self-expression which honestly fits the Minneapolis vibe perfectly.

From effortless texture to statement color, here’s what I am seeing everywhere right now (and what your clients are about to start asking for).

Top Hair Trends in Minneapolis & St. Paul for 2026

The biggest shift? Hair is no longer about perfection—it’s about looking like you, but elevated.

Across the Twin Cities, stylists are seeing a move toward:

  • Natural texture

  • Lived-in color

  • Cuts that grow out beautifully

  • Styles that work with real life (not against it)

Local salons are emphasizing individuality and creative expression more than ever, with bold color and texture leading the way

Haircut Trends Taking Over the Twin Cities

The Modern Shag & Wolf Cuts

Texture is everything right now.

The modern shag is softer, more wearable, and super customizable—giving volume without feeling overly styled. It’s trending hard in 2026 because it works on almost everyone and grows out well.

Why clients love it:

  • Movement + volume

  • Low maintenance styling

  • Works with natural waves and curls

Bixie Cuts & Soft Bobs

The bixie (pixie + bob) is having a moment—and yes, your cool clients already want it.

Alongside that:

  • Precision bobs are softer and more voluminous

  • The “clavi cut” (collarbone length) is trending for that in-between feel

These cuts strike that balance of polished but still effortless

Fringe Is Back (Again, But Better)

Bangs are evolving.

We’re seeing:

  • Fuller fringe

  • Wispy, lived-in bangs

  • Curtain bangs sticking around but softer

Fringe is becoming more intentional and less “trendy”—more like a staple.

Hair Color Trends in Minneapolis for 2026

Warm, Lived In Blondes

Goodbye icy platinum, hello glow.

  • Buttercream blonde

  • Golden balayage

  • Soft face-framing highlights

Blondes are warmer, softer, and easier to maintain

Dimensional Brunettes

Brunettes are no longer boring they’re rich.

Think:

  • Cocoa tones

  • Espresso gloss

  • Multi-dimensional depth

Shiny, healthy-looking hair is the priority.

Coppers, Reds & Bold Color

If your client wants to stand out this is the lane.

Trending shades:

  • Copper + auburn

  • Vibrant reds

  • Pink + lilac tones

  • Color blocking

Bold color is still huge in Minneapolis, especially for clients wanting personality driven looks

Effortless Styling Over Perfect Styling

Clients want:

  • Wash-and-go routines

  • Diffused curls

  • Lived-in waves

Less time. Better results.

Extensions & Volume Are Still Big

Long, full hair isn’t going anywhere but the approach has changed.

Clients are using extensions for:

  • Volume, not just length

  • Subtle enhancement

  • Temporary transformation

It’s less about dramatic change and more about flexibility

Twin Cities Hair Trends: The Vibe Shift

Here’s what makes Minneapolis hair trends unique:

It Has to Work Year Round

  • Winter dryness = healthier hair focus

  • Summer humidity = texture-friendly styles

  • Low-maintenance is key

People Want Real-Life Hair

Not overly styled. Not high maintenance.

Just:

  • Elevated

  • Effortless

  • Authentic

What Clients Will Be Asking for Next

Expect to hear:

  • “Something low maintenance but cool”

  • “I want texture but still polished”

  • “I want to look like me, just better”

That’s the trend.

Final Thoughts: Hair Trends That Feel Like You

Hair trends in the Twin Cities aren’t about copying anymore they’re about customizing.

2026 is all about:

  • Confidence

  • Ease

  • Expression

And honestly? The best trend you can lean into is creating looks that feel real for your clients’ actual lives.




Mykel Gradwell