A new year is the perfect excuse to refresh your look -and at Charles Ifergan, we believe great hair is the most effortless form of confidence. As Chicago’s best hair salon, we’re welcoming 2026 with polished, wearable trends designed for women who want to look put-together without trying too hard.
Whether you’re booking at our Oak Street, Deerfield, or Oakbrook locations, these are the 2026 hair trends our expert stylists are already perfecting for professional women across Chicago.
1
Long, healthy hair is dominating 2026-and not the high-maintenance kind. Think glossy, fluid length that looks intentional and elevated.
If growing your hair feels like a long game, our stylists can seamlessly customize premium hair extensions that blend beautifully and move naturally. The result? Length that feels effortless, not obvious.
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The key to ultra-long hair is balance. We design layers and shaping that keep long hair polished, never heavy or flat so it complements your lifestyle and face shape.
2
Soft, lived-in bangs are having a major moment. French-girl bangs are flattering, versatile, and surprisingly low-maintenance when cut correctly.
Perfect for women looking to refresh their style without committing to a drastic change, these bangs add softness and modern edge-especially when paired with a tailored cut.
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French-girl bangs should enhance-not overpower-your features. Our stylists customize the length and density to suit your bone structure and daily styling routine.
3
Caramel hair color is shaping up to be one of the biggest fall hair color trends and beyond. This blond-meets-brunette shade adds warmth, depth, and dimension while still feeling refined.
It’s ideal for Chicago women who want a sophisticated update that works year-round—from office meetings to evenings out in Lincoln Park or the Gold Coast.
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Caramel tones look best when strategically placed. We customize highlights and lowlights to enhance your skin tone and keep the color rich, not brassy.
4
Face-framing highlights are bolder in 2026 and we’re here for it. These brighter sections around the face instantly lift your look and create a youthful glow without requiring a full color overhaul.
This trend is especially popular with clients who want visible impact with minimal maintenance.
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Money pieces should frame, not stripe the face. We blend them seamlessly for brightness that feels elevated, not trendy.
5
Muted jewel tones-like soft copper-are a refined way to experiment with color. This shade is especially stunning for blondes looking to warm things up without going too bold.
Elegant and timeless, it’s a confident choice for women who appreciate understated luxury.
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Muted tones require expert formulation. We balance warmth and depth to ensure your color looks polished in every light.
6
The bob gets a 2026 upgrade with movement, layers, and volume. This flippy, textured bob feels fresh, modern, and undeniably chic-perfect for women who want a strong, confident silhouette.
It’s a favorite among clients visiting our hair salon in Chicago for a style that transitions seamlessly from day to night.
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A voluminous bob starts with the cut. Our stylists sculpt shape and movement so styling feels easy-and your hair always looks intentional.
Gentlemen, we’ve got you covered. The new year is the perfect time to refine your look, and our barbers and stylists are already seeing these trends take over Chicago.
1
Natural texture meets modern shape with a little length and a center part. It’s relaxed, stylish, and easy to maintain.
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The right texture cut enhances natural movement-no over-styling required.
2
A subtle, tapered take on the mullet is gaining momentum. Short on the sides with length through the top and back, this look is bold but wearable.
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This style only works when precision meets balance. We tailor it to your face shape for a clean, elevated finish.
3
Timeless, polished, and always in style. The crew cut remains a go-to for men who want clean lines and effortless upkeep.
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Even classics need customization. We refine proportions to ensure your cut looks sharp-not generic.
If you’re ready to start the new year with hair that feels confident, elevated, and unmistakably you, trust the experts at Charles Ifergan—the best Chicago salon for effortless luxury.
Visit us at our downtown Chicago location in the Gold Coast on Oak Street, Deerfield, or Oakbrook locations.
Book your appointment today and step into 2026 with confidence.
Hair styling isn’t new; hairdressing dates back over 4,000 years, with Ancient Egyptians being early adopters, making the New Year a tradition of self-expression.
Our limited-time gift card event is here. Enjoy a promotional offer on a single retail product for every gift card purchased in the salon all month long.
To ensure the best results for your makeup application, please arrive with a clean, makeup-free face (or makeup-free eyes for eye-makeup application only). If you arrive with makeup on, please plan to arrive 15 minutes earlier so we can professionally remove it for you. A $30 makeup removal fee will apply.
