Men’s Grooming Haircare Trends for 2026
Grooming professionals offer industry insight into the top haircare and grooming trends for this year.
When was the last time you got a haircut — and what was your conversation with the barber or hairstylist like? Chances are, it was only a few weeks ago, and you may have gone into more detail than ever before.
Across Canada — not to mention North America and beyond — the men’s grooming and self-care industries are growing at an accelerated pace. Now a multi-billion-dollar sector, the category shows no signs of slowing, with steady and healthy growth projected well into the next decade. 1 2 3
Keeping pace with this evolution at ground level are the professionals we trust with every cut, style, and shave: the barbers and stylists preserving an age-old craft in an increasingly automated world. From trending hairstyles to practical tips for refreshing your daily routine, we asked two Toronto-based barbers — plus our partners at Blind Barber — to share their predictions for the top men’s grooming and haircare trends of 2026.
Brian Hurson, Owner of The Nite Owl Barber Shop, @brianhurson, @theniteowlbarbershop. Images by Nikki Ross, nikki@nikkiross.com, @_nikkiross on Instagram.
About Brian Hurson
Brian is the proprietor and head barber at The Nite Owl Barber Shop, a Toronto-based barbershop that’s been part of the community since 1947. Brian trained through a traditional apprenticeship at the Waldorf Barbershop in Dublin, Ireland — a beautifully restored shop originally established in 1929, which Brian also helped to manage during his time there.
Today, The Nite Owl Barber Shop has locations in Long Branch and Roncesvalles, with a long-standing team and a shared respect for the craft, its history, and the role a barbershop plays in the life of a neighbourhood.
Connor Haynes, Co-Owner of The Manor Barbershop, @connor.haynes_, @themanorbarbershop. Images courtesy of Connor Haynes and @themanorbarbershop on Instagram.
About Connor Haynes
Connor Haynes is a Barber/Hair Stylist and co-owner of The Manor Barbershop at 121 John Street, in the heart of Toronto’s entertainment district. Connor has been practicing the art of barbering for over eight years, working at several shops in Toronto’s downtown core before opening his own location with friend and fellow barber, Robin Doyle.
Originally from England and Ireland, respectively, Connor and Robin have formed a tight-knit community of UK/Irish expats and local Canadians alike, creating a welcoming environment that merges modern barbering with a vibrant atmosphere.
Eric Becker, Barber/National Education Director at Blind Barber, @eric___becker. Images courtesy of Blind Barber.
About Eric Becker
Eric Becker is a barber and the National Education Director at Blind Barber in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Eric has spent over 20 years working in the fashion and grooming industry, and is now with one of the leading voices in haircare and the makers of some of the best hair and grooming products on the market today.
Why are Canadian men increasingly interested in their hair, skin, fragrance, and overall appearance?
BH: “Over the past decade or so, there’s been a renewed appreciation for traditional skills and things that feel permanent. Barbering has always been relatively recession-proof: in good times, people enjoy the ritual; in more uncertain times, they want to look composed and well put together.
“Grooming today isn’t about vanity — it’s about self-respect and feeling properly squared away, regardless of what’s happening around you.”
CH: “The men’s grooming industry has evolved through culture, social media, and the help of men’s products getting better and becoming more accessible.
“For the longest time I believe men thought taking paying attention to their hair and grooming routines wasn’t masculine, but redefining what masculinity looks like has made personal care more acceptable or even expected now.”
EB: “I think people are much more intentional about caring about themselves in general. Physical health, mental health, etc. So, focusing on how they present themselves has been a natural progression.
“Nothing is easier than a good hairstyle. The same goes for skin and scent. People just want to feel good, and looking good does that.”
What do you predict will be some of the main men’s haircare and grooming trends for 2026?
BH: “When the revival of traditional barbering first took hold, styles were often very structured and deliberate — sharp fades, strong partings, and highly stylized looks that echoed the past. That phase has softened considerably.
“What I see now is a more natural expression of classic ideas: haircuts that move, beards shaped to suit the face rather than make a statement, and products that enhance what’s already there. The overall direction is calmer, more personal, and much less forced.”
CH: “I believe men’s hair in 2026 will fall more on the longer side, with many men further exploring scissor-based haircutting as opposed to electric clippers. I’m cutting far more natural looks with minimal hair products to avoid looking heavy or greasy, and instead moving towards products like salt sprays and matte paste finishes.
“I also believe men will feel more confident in using a blow dryer to complete these looks.”
EB: “Look, the classic fade won’t ever go away, but this year seems like the closest to doing so in a while. Way more guys are embracing having their sides cut with more length and texture than in years past.
“I’d say the ‘trend’ is actually more about having an actual haircut that is personalized to your face and head shape rather than a guy that used to come in tell you ‘#2 on the sides.’”
What are some easy-to-follow tips men can implement into their grooming routines this year?
BH: “The most effective grooming routines are the ones that become habits. Consistency matters far more than chasing the latest technique or product. Most people know when it’s time for a haircut — when shorter styles start creeping over the ears, or when longer styles begin to feel bulky and untidy.
“Beard maintenance is just as important, as it frames the face and is often the first thing people notice. Finding a barber you trust and sticking with their guidance over time makes everything easier.”
CH: “I always recommend a pre-styler, like a salt spray or matte paste, and using a blow dryer to help work that product into your hair and maximize its effect. I would also suggest applying a small amount of hairspray at the end to keep the desired look in place, though nothing that will make your hair look shiny or feel too hard.”
EB: “Other than actually having a ‘routine’ at all, it’s rarer than you’d think.
“1: Really consider the ‘finish’ to your desired styling product. Matte, natural, shine, etc. Experiment with what actually looks nicest against your hair colour and skin type/tone.
“2: Find different fragrances for different moods. Try a discovery set and test out things you may never have considered.”
What’s one type of product more men should embrace in their everyday grooming routines in 2026?
BH: “Simplifying usually yields the best results. Over-washing strips the hair and scalp of natural oils, so less shampooing is often better. Scalp health matters, and properly working shampoo in with your fingertips makes a real difference. Light creams and conditioners tend to work better than heavy products, as they allow hair to move naturally.
“For skin, understanding whether it’s dry or oily is key, and a simple daily moisturizer — ideally with SPF — used sparingly and consistently goes a long way.”
CH: “Go for products that look more natural. Sea salt spray is great for longer hair as well as curl cream if your hair is a bit more wavy/curly and you want to enhance those curls — this type of product would typically be applied wet hair and then air dried.
“Matte paste or styling powder is also great for shorter hair as they create a lot of texture, which is especially useful if your hair sits a bit flat or is on the straighter side.”
EB: “Hard to pick just one, but I’d say treat your skin right. That’s not just about your face, but obviously it’s included. Consider your scalp, too. Good hair starts with a healthy scalp. So, consider investing in a better shampoo (focused on scalp) or conditioner (focused on hair) or a new skincare routine (like our BB 5 step regimen).”
