With the British weather continuing its seasonal bait and switch – sunshine one minute, existential drizzle the next – there's really only one thing we can rely on with certainty: our hair. Identity crisis? The weather can keep that role...
So, to ring in the new (if slightly confused) season in fashion, we're turning to a cut that understands the assignment. Meet: the contour cut.
Cos Sakkas, hairstylist and Global Creative Director at Toni & Guy, says that the contour cut taps into a wider seasonal shift towards lightness in tone, texture and attitude. In other words, we're leaning into a more wearable, bouncy and springy (quite literally) look for spring 2026.
"This haircut is designed to enhance the face frame and shape the features, with cheekbone-focused detailing that flatters from every angle," says Cos. Think layers that are placed with intention at key facial focal points – grazing the brows to open up the eyes, skimming the cheekbones to lift and define, and soft tapering around the jawline and chin to refine the overall silhouette.
A softly sculpted bone structure, sans makeup? Sign us up!
What makes it so appealing is its adaptability. Worn sleek, it gives clean, minimalist polish; worn tousled, it channels that undone, French-girl-adjacent ease. Plus, Cos says the cut is versatile. "Regardless of hair texture, it consistently delivers a finish with effortless movement."
Everyone's clicking on...
And not only that, but it can be tailored shorter or longer, depending on personal desire and what you're willing to commit to. The contour cut knows no bounds!
That's not to forget its OG 90s reign à la Jennifer Aniston. Yep, that's right, the iconic "Rachel" era circa 1995 has been updated for 2026. We're talking more movement and less commitment, AKA nostalgia upgraded.
With all that said, if spring cleaning your life feels a bit too ambitious, start smaller: with your hair – and more specifically, the trending contour cut!
Contour cut inspiration
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Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK, with over four years of experience reporting across the brand's print, social, video and digital platforms. Lia covers everything from emerging trend analysis to viral celebrity hair and makeup moments, making her an expert at spotting the season’s next big beauty look (before it takes over social media feeds).
In 2025, she was named The Rising Media Star at the Love Perfume Awards with The Perfume Shop, recognised for her outstanding digital fragrance content and for building genuine authority within the space. She is passionate about challenging outdated beauty stereotypes, championing inclusive representation in beauty, and educating readers on the trends, products and conversations shaping the industry today. Follow her on Instagram or find her on LinkedIn.
