top of page
Search

2026 Hair Trends, but Scented: Choose Your Look, Meet Your New-Year-New-You Vibe

Welcome to your 2026 sensory era!


This year’s hair trends aren’t just about the shade you choose — they’re about how you want to show up. A new year is an opportunity to realign your look with how you want to feel, and hair color has a way of quietly reflecting that intention.


At Moonstone Salon in Portland, we see firsthand how hair color and fragrance work together to shape a look. From bright blondes to rich brunettes and bold statement shades, 2026 hair trends are all about pairing your style with the right mood.

Color sets the tone, vibe does the talking, and scent is the finishing touch that brings it all together.


So we’re doing something fun: Pick your 2026 hair trend, and we’ll match it with a fragrance that fits the feeling.


The right hair color doesn’t just change how you look, it helps define the energy you carry into the year.


Ready to define your 2026 self? Let’s find your new-year hair and scent vibe.


How This Guide Works

Each trend includes:

  • The Vibe – the energy it gives off

  • Our Moonstone Take – what we really think

  • Your Scent Match – notes that match the personality

  • Popular Picks  popular fragrance recs you can add to your 2026 moodboard collage

  • Ask Your Stylist – the practical tips to keep that color looking cute


Scroll to the one that feels like you… or that one hair moment that you've secretly been crushing on for forever!


🔮 Find the 2026 Hair Trends + The Scent That Matches Your Energy


1. Vixen Red

decorative collage based on Vixen Red section descriptors

If you pick this, you’re: The sweet troublemaker. Flirty, bold, chaotic-in-a-good-way.

Vibe: Glossy rebel energy. The take-charge friend who says “we’re going out” with no explanation and no complaints.

Why It’s Trending: High-shine reds with rich dark dimension are going to be everywhere in 2026.

Moonstone Take: Loud but still classy. People notice you without you trying.

Your Scent Match:

  • Cherry

  • Vanilla

  • Cola spice

  • Amber

Popular Picks: Tom Ford Lost Cherry, Kayali Lovefest Burning Cherry, YSL Black Opium,

Notes from Your Stylist: Cooler showers and less heat stying are the key to your red staying juicy, not faded.



2. Espresso Brunette

decorative collage based on Espresso Brunette section descriptors

If you pick this, you’re: The dark-academia main character. Soft but mysterious and ready to solve any crime...

Vibe: Magnetic, smooth, luxe, quietly powerful.

Why It’s Trending: Brunettes are going full shine + more depth instead of “natural and flat.”

Moonstone Take: Instant “rich energy” even if you’re eating ramen at home.

Your Scent Match:

  • Smoky vanilla

  • Coffee

  • Tonka

  • Vanilla Bourbon

Popular Picks: YSL LIBRE Vanille Couture, Kayali Vanilla 28, Replica Coffee Break, Burberry Goddess, Replica By the Fireplace

Notes from Your Stylist: Hydration masks + scheduled toners = the glossy brunette lifestyle.



3. Soft Butter Blonde

decorative collage based on Soft Butter Blonde section descriptors

If you pick this, you’re: The cozy, soft-focus romantic lead of your very own movie.

Vibe: Warm, airy, fresh-feminine energy.

Why It’s Trending: Warm blondes are back after years of icy tones. Your skin will thank you since these tones lend warmth and vibrance to your complexion.

Moonstone Take: Looks rich in the most effortless and natural way and so will your growout!

Your Scent Match:

  • Soft citrus brightness

  • Juicy berry

  • Sheer florals (rose, peony)

  • Clean musk

Popular Picks: Chloé Eau de Parfum, Chloé Naturelle, Burberry Her, Burberry Her Elixir, Glossier You, Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh

Notes from Your Stylist: If you wanna stay warm as a blonde, purple shampoo is not your friend...trust the colorwheel. Stick with sulfate free shampoo and great heat products to keep your color looking intentionally warm and soft rather than brassy.



4. Mushroom Bronde

decorative collage based on Mushroom Bronde section descriptors

If you pick this, you’re: The cool, calm, poetic one. Quiet luxury with a grounding presence.

Vibe: Earthy, neutral, effortlessly editorial.

Why It’s Trending: Cool-neutral depth is everywhere for 2026.

Moonstone Take: The “I don’t try but I look good” shade.

Your Scent Match:

  • Sandalwood

  • Vetiver

  • Fig

  • Amber

Popular Picks: Phlur Father Figure, Dedcool Milk, Billie Eilish No. 2, Replica Whispers in the Library, Le Labo Santal 33

Notes from Your Stylist: This is the perfect bookish transition color when you're a longtime blondie that wants to dabble in brunette land. Keep it cool with a blue-violet based hydrating mask and shampoo and know that lowlights are likely to fade a bit warmer.



5. Midnight Black

decorative collage based on Midnight Black section descriptors

If you pick this, you’re: The elegant, mysterious one who knows exactly what they want.

Vibe: Silky, hypnotic, clean luxury, think bold without shouting.

Why It’s Trending: Runway gloss black is back in rotation.

Moonstone Take: Deep but not harsh. Chic without being intimidating.

Your Scent Match:

  • Musk

  • Dark rose

  • Incense

  • Soft patchouli

Think: a fragrance that lingers, draws people in, and leaves a hint of mystery.

Popular Picks:Tom Ford Black Orchid, Byredo Black Saffron, Maison Margiela Replica Jazz Club, Jo Malone Velvet Rose & Oud, Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Intense

Notes from Your Stylist: Try shine oils to lock in moisture and weekly masks that amplify gloss without weighing down shiny dark hair.



6. Icy Platinum

decorative collage based on Icy Platinum section descriptors

If you pick this, you’re: The bold, high-energy trendsetter who turns heads without even trying.

Vibe: Sharp, radiant, attention-commanding — luminous and confident.

Why It’s Trending: Platinum and ultra-bright blondes are having a major comeback for 2026, from icy silvers to polished platinum sheen.

Moonstone Take: Looks daring, glamorous, and editorial — the kind of shade that says “main character energy” instantly.

Your Scent Match:

  • Crisp citrus

  • White florals

  • Clean musk

  • Frosty ozonic notes

Think: fresh, sparkling, and radiant — the scent equivalent of freshly polished platinum hair.

Popular Picks: Chanel Chance Eau Tendre, Dior J’adore, Ariana Grande R.E.M., Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt

Notes from Your Stylist: Keep brightness pristine with monthly touch ups, toners, heat/UV protection, and a balance of protein and hydration to maintain that glossy, head-turning shine.



7. Vivids & Pastel Colors

decorative collage based on Vivids & Pastel Colors section descriptors

If you pick this, you’re: The adventurous, playful, rule-breaking trendsetter who isn’t afraid to show your true colors.

Vibe: Bright, whimsical, expressive — full of personality and energy.

Why It’s Trending: Pastel hues, vibrant neons, and unexpected rainbow tones are dominating 2026. Everyone’s looking for a hair color that screams “this is me!”

Moonstone Take: Perfect for those who want their hair to be an accessory, a mood, a statement.

Your Scent Match:

  • Fruity berries

  • Sparkling citrus

  • Soft florals

  • Sweet vanilla musk

Think: energetic, fun, and vibrant! Like your hair just danced into the room before you did.

Popular Picks: Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb, Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540, Tom Ford Soleil Blanc, Marc Jacobs Daisy Love Twinkle, Byredo Sundazed 

Notes from Your Stylist: Vibrant and pastel shades need extra love! Think cold showers, color-safe shampoos, toners, and regular appointments to keep your hues popping and dreamy.



8. Warm Chestnut

decorative collage based on Wqrm Chestnut section descriptors

If you pick this, you’re: The effortlessly grounded one — warm, approachable, and quietly captivating.

Vibe: Cozy, natural, modern elegance — not flashy, but full of personality.

Why It’s Trending: 2026 is all about shades that feel real and lived-in. Rich chestnuts that glow in sunlight and feel soft at every angle.

Moonstone Take: Low-maintenance but dimensional and luminous: the kind of brown that makes people do a double take.

Your Scent Match:

  • Soft cedar

  • Toasted almond

  • Creamy sandalwood

  • Warm vanilla

Think: earthy, cozy, and comforting. A subtle scent that feels like you, but elevated.

Popular Picks: Diptyque Tam Dao, Maison Margiela Replica Whispers in the Library, Chanel Allure, Juliette Has a Gun Superdose, Dolce & Gabbana Devotion

Notes from Your Stylist: This hair is achieved through a dimensional color or balayage session, so keep trims regular to prevent ends from breaking and utilize a dry conditioner as needed to keep locks shiny and fresh.



Ready for Your 2026 Hair Era?

Book your appointment, bring your favorite fragrance if you want the full sensory moment, and we’ll help match the vibe to keep your 2026 color, scent, and energy aligned.





 
 
 
bottom of page