Long hair: 7 trendy cuts to discover this spring according to a world hairdressing champion

Volume-free long hair is a thing of the past. This spring 2026, XXL lengths are reinvented with subtlety and movement. Discreet gradations, light waves: here are the cuts that will transform your hair.

Why long hair with no volume is out of fashion

After several months dominated by the bob, the trend is finally balancing out. Long hair is back in the spotlight, but far from the flat, fixed versions of yesterday. From now on, it’s all about movement and subtle volume.

Star hairstylist Raphaël Perrier, four-time world hairstyling champion, confirms this trend. According to him, lengths will be very present in spring 2026, but in a quiet luxury spirit. Theultra-worked natural effect will become the norm.

Customers no longer want cuts that look heavy or static. Instead, they’re looking for hair that lives and evolves throughout the day. That’s why cuts with very few layers are losing ground.

“Long hair will also be very much in evidence in spring 2026, but not in the flat, shapeless version. The overall trend: movement, invisible layers and a highly worked natural effect, in the quiet luxury spirit.”

Layering: the solution to long hair without volume

Gradients are the ideal way to energize lengths. Yet it’s discreet and almost imperceptible. The strands blend into each other to create movement without breaking the density.

This technique, known as invisible layers, offers a very natural, airy volume. Anne Hathaway perfectly illustrates this style with her light, flowing hair. What’s more, this cut works well with almost any hair texture.

• Natural XXL lengths: very long hair with shine, like Nicole Kidman
• Invisible layers: discreet gradation for airy volume
• The long butterfly cut: a structured gradient inspired by butterfly wings
• Waterfall layers: flowing strands framing the face like a waterfall
• Ghost waves: subtle waves for a natural effect

Seven trendy cuts to say goodbye to long hair without volume

Natural XXL lengths are making a comeback. With few layers, they focus on substance and shine. The objective remains simple: healthy, dense hair that catches the light.

The long butterfly cut structures the face thanks to a gradient placed around the lengths. Emily Ratajkowski and Rosalía have adopted this hairstyle, which gives a controlled, tousled effect. As a result, it’s perfect for women who like movement without losing length.

Waterfall layers frame the face like a waterfall. Fluid and feminine, this style brings an ultra-elegant dimension to long hair. Hailey Bieber popularized this soft, sophisticated cut.

Ghost waves and curtain bangs: finishes that make all the difference

Ghost waves are halfway between styling and cutting. These barely visible waves create a highly sought-after natural effect. Charlize Theron perfectly embodies this quiet luxury aesthetic.

Curtain fringe remains timeless in 2026. Open and light, it structures the face without stiffness. It blends into the lengths for a natural, modern look, avoiding the appearance of long hair without volume.

Raphaël Perrier reminds us that fringe should harmonize with the shape of the face. He advises against following a trend without taking your morphology into account. A good hairdresser will be able to recommend the right cut for each customer.

Why this trend will last well beyond the season

The shift towards gradation has been underway for several months now. According to Raphaël Perrier, this trend will really take hold over time. Women need cuts that are more alive than before.

Staid, overly strict cuts no longer meet today’s expectations. In short, we’re in an era of naturalness, volume and lightness. This approach to hair will last well beyond a single season.

The long jellyfish cut is for the most daring of women. With its two distinct levels, it offers a sharp, graphic contrast. Zendaya is one of its fans. For those who prefer discretion, long hair without volume is a thing of the past, thanks to the many subtle gradient options.

This season’s message remains clear: we don’t necessarily cut everything, but we do cut better. The 2026 version of long hair is freer, lighter and more fluid, while still being worked behind the scenes.

• long hair without volume