Hair: by 2026, volume matters as much as length
More compact ends, less visible breakage, and treatments chosen according to texture are gradually replacing the pursuit of centimeters. The new hair luxury is primarily reflected in hair that retains body all the way to the tips.
Gaining centimeters is no longer enough when the ends become thinner. On Nigeria, Fashion Police Nigeria highlights a trend on September 17 that favors visually fuller lengths and better-managed breakage. This is particularly relevant for curly or coily hair, as it aims to maintain body all the way to the tips.
The distinction is crucial. Natural density partly depends on the number of follicles and the thickness of the strands, two factors that cosmetic treatments cannot change at will. However, lengths that regularly break can result in thinner ends, even when the roots continue to grow. This discrepancy explains why shorter hair can sometimes appear fuller than very long hair.
The most visible action may be the haircut. Ends cut along a straighter line often create a more compact silhouette, while heavily layered cuts can remove bulk when the initial density is low. For textured hair, volume also comes from the natural shape of curls and coils. The goal is not to create a density that does not exist, but to preserve what is already there.
Heat requires similar caution. The American Academy of Dermatology advises limiting the use of very hot hair dryers, straighteners, and curling irons, recommending lower or medium temperatures and the use of heat protection. These details may be less glamorous than a serum marketed as a hair growth accelerator, but they directly impact the preservation of already achieved lengths.
The Best of Beauty 2026 list published on September 17 by Allure also illustrates how hair care routines have become more fragmented. Among its 47 winners, the magazine separately recognizes fine, dry, damaged, colored, curly, or coily hair, as well as scalp treatments. The commercial message is no longer solely about growing hair; it is more about selecting a treatment based on texture, the condition of the lengths, and the desired outcome.
Regarding maintenance, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends choosing shampoo frequency based on hair type and scalp condition, focusing the shampoo on the roots rather than on all lengths. After washing, conditioner aids in detangling. For thick, curly, or coily hair, the academy suggests using a wide-tooth comb and advises detangling while the conditioner is still in, before rinsing.
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