Neill

NYFW SS26, New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2026 wasn’t just about the clothes – the hair told its own compelling story. At three standout shows – Maria McManus, Tibi, and Alexis Bittar – Aveda artists led the way in defining next season’s SS26 hair trends. From effortlessly natural textures to ’90s-inspired waves and theatrical pageant glam, the runway hairstyles offered aspirational yet achievable inspiration for salon professionals.

At Neill, our mission is to empower stylists with education and inspiration. These shows prove that artistry and technique go hand-in-hand — and with the right knowledge, you can bring runway-worthy trends straight to your chair.

Effortless Eco-Luxe at Maria McManus

Maria McManus’s NYFW SS26 collection set a tone of luxurious minimalism – a “luxury cocoon” vibe – and the hair direction mirrored this ethos. Aveda’s Antoinette Beenders led the team in enhancing each model’s natural texture to its absolute best, resulting in hair that was polished yet effortlessly cool.

The look was all about sustainable simplicity: healthy, touchable hair with subtle movement, as if the models woke up with inherently perfect tresses. Aveda artists “worked with each model’s natural hair and [did] not overdo it,” creating a “done, undone” style that felt organic.

Trend takeaway: Healthy, well-conditioned hair is the ultimate luxury statement. Stylists can recreate this by focusing on nourishment and gentle volume.

’90s Revival Texture at Tibi

At Tibi’s 25th anniversary show, Aveda Guest Artist Frank Rizzieri and his team transported us back to the 1990s cool-girl era. The direction was all about artful messiness — undone waves, lived-in curls, and lazy braids that looked chic without trying too hard.

    • Mist damp hair with a texture spray for grip.

    • Twist 1-inch sections and diffuse dry to set natural bends.

    • Finger-tousle and finish with a flexible hold spray for that effortless wave.

Trend takeaway: Work with natural texture, not against it. This trend is about individuality and authenticity, empowering stylists to enhance what’s already there. Encourage your clients to embrace their natural curl pattern or add subtle bends for a modern ’90s revival.

Theatrical Pageant Glam at Alexis Bittar

For Alexis Bittar’s theatrical presentation “Miss USA 1991”, Aveda Guest Artist Alaina Kathleen led the backstage team in creating pageant-inspired glamour, but updated for 2026. Models showcased voluminous blowouts, cascading curls, and sleek updos that nodded to classic beauty queens while keeping the finish modern and touchable.

One standout example: model Vivian Wilson wore her blonde hair in side-swept waves with deep volume at the roots, evoking pageant nostalgia but with an editorial polish.

Trend takeaway: Big hair is back. Stylists can channel this look with refined blowouts, polished curls, and high-shine finishes. Think drama without stiffness, volume that’s bold, soft, and empowering.

Bringing Runway Inspiration to Your Salon

Each of these NYFW SS26 hair trends – eco-luxe natural, ’90s textured, and modern pageant glam – offers something fresh for salon professionals. The key is learning the techniques and knowing which products will deliver the look.

That’s where Neill comes in. Our education programs are designed to keep you ahead of the curve, helping you translate runway artistry into real-world results.

Explore upcoming hands-on workshops and education sessions on the Neill Events Calendar.
Learn more about Neill’s mission to empower stylists through education and community here.

Stay invigorated, stay empowered, stay ahead. With Neill and Aveda at your side, the next big trend can start in your salon.