Paris this January delivered a confident, pared-back masculinity. Hair felt intentional, tactile, and quietly luxurious—nothing forced, nothing overly styled. The common thread: hair that looks lived-in, healthy, and touchable.
Texture Takes the Spotlight — Not Just Length
While super-short cuts and dramatic trims appeared here and there on the runways, the bigger story was texture first. Whether the hair was cropped close or kept longer at the top, designers and stylists emphasized how texture can elevate a look: loose waves, slight scruff, and soft natural curl were celebrated as much as slick backs and precise bangs.
This aligns with the overall 2026 hair narrative, which champions shapes that feel personal — not generic — and styles that work with hair’s natural tendencies.
• Textured movement with effortless length and natural waves
• Punk-infused undone styles with raw edges
• Sleek couture polish with gloss and refinement
• Shape-focused cuts, emphasizing structure and flow
Here are the major runway shows that defined the week and where you’ll want to look for hair inspiration and styling product cues:
Louis Vuitton – Kickoff Show
Pharrell Williams’ debut men’s collection opened the week with understated elegance and minimalist silhouettes — a great backdrop for clean, refined, textured hair looks that balance polish with natural movement.
Hair wasn’t just an accessory to the clothes — it was an extension of attitude. From deconstructed shapes to intentionally “unfinished” textures, messy silhouettes added personality to traditional tailoring and streetwear alike.
This resonated with broader 2026 hair forecasts that highlight a return of playful silhouettes — a nod to both retro and future-leaning aesthetics — proving that modern men are embracing freedom and texture.
Dior Men’s Fall/Winter 2026/27
Jonathan Anderson’s collection continues to experiment with silhouette and structure — ideal for exploring edgy cuts, sculptural shapes, and intentional texture contrasts that mirror couture precision.
Sleek, Glossy Finishes Against Couture Outerwear.
Balancing out the rawer textures were runway moments of sleek precision, particularly on the more refined silhouettes — hair was styled closer to the head with a high-shine, polished finish. This modern contrast gave hair a couture sensibility without feeling stiff or contrived.
Hair professionals backstage mixed controlled styling with just enough fluidity to avoid rigidity, offering a fresh take on classic sophistication. Loved by most backstage artists was the Iles Formula Hair + Beard Balm used for its perfect supple styling hold and high lusrtous shine.
Hermès – Final Collection by Véronique Nichanian 26/27
A seminal moment in fashion history, this show emphasized subtle luxury and craftsmanship — a perfect runway for sleek finishes and classic, well-groomed hair with personality.
Grooming as Expression — Beyond the Cut
Paris demonstrated that men’s hair is no longer just a haircut — it’s a form of self-expression. From undone waves to carefully polished shapes, there was a palpable sense that grooming can communicate identity as clearly as clothing.
Sacai & Jacquemus 20/27
This designer delivered playful tailoring and expressive layers — great sources for textured, lived-in looks on models with versatile lengths and movement.
The Iles Formula Balm was a hot favorite for this year's backstage artists.
This translates to the salon and home routines alike: grooming isn’t about covering flaws but working with what’s already there — celebrating uniqueness while enhancing health, shine, and resilience.
Professional tip
Takeaway: Encourage clients to explore lived-in textures with natural movement — whether it’s a tousled finish after a trim or an intentional shaggy-fringe statement.
Use a light, conditioning styling product like Iles Formula Finishing Serum to enhance natural shine while maintaining touchable softness — perfect for tailored looks or evening wear
Client advice:
Grooming as Expression — Beyond the Cut
Paris demonstrated that men’s hair is no longer just a haircut — it’s a form of self-expression. From rugged undone waves to carefully polished shapes, there was a palpable sense that grooming can communicate identity as clearly as clothing.
This translates to the salon and home routines alike: grooming isn’t about covering flaws but working with what’s already there — celebrating uniqueness while enhancing health, shine, and resilience.
Embrace your hair’s natural movement. A tailored haircut that respects texture will look more intentional than forcing a uniform shape.
What This Means for 2026 Haircare
Across the Men Paris runways, one message was clear: healthy, expressive hair defines modern masculine style. Gone are the days of one-note cuts — today’s trends favor character, versatility, and texture.
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