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Your support makes all the difference.<\/strong><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nRead more<\/span><\/svg><\/span><\/button><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nHigh-shine, pin-straight styles dominated backstage at London Fashion Week autumn\/winter 2026, signalling a decisive return to noughties hair trends. After seasons of big, bouncy blow-dries and boho texture, a sleeker aesthetic took control, with hair pressed to a mirror-like finish and cut with sharp precision.<\/p>\n
The shift was most striking at Chet Lo, where lead stylist Anna Cofone created ‘glass straight’ hair to complement the designer\u2019s sculptural silhouettes. Backstage, teams meticulously sectioned hair. Fine-tooth combs carved razor-sharp centre partings, and straighteners glided until each panel reflected light like liquid \u2013 devoid of bend or fluff. <\/p>\n
Cofone explained the inspiration to the Press Association: “The inspiration for the look is pulling from south-east Asian identity, drawing from the iconic head-dresses of the Peking opera. In opera they use ostrich feathers as an extension of the performance [\u2026] so we wanted to bring that into the hair. You\u2019ll see these beautiful moments where they have ostrich feathers and we wanted to do it in a simple modern way \u2013 the hair is glass straight.” <\/p>\n
This cultural reference translated through sculptural feather placements, extending horizontally like wings. Its modernity stemmed from an immaculate base: ultra-flat, mirror-like strands tucked behind the ears or falling bluntly against the jawline, with finishing sprays amplifying shine to an almost vinyl sheen.<\/p>\n
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open image in gallery<\/span><\/button><\/p>\n<\/div>\u201cGlass\u201d hair was accompanied with ostrich feathers \u2013 feathers being a trend we\u2019ve also seen on runway clothes (Joss Wild for Authentic Beauty Concept\/PA)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nCofone believes the return reflects a broader beauty trend. “I think we\u2019ll see [straight hair] quite a lot this coming season as we\u2019ve had a lot of big hair and a lot of movement, texture so I love the idea of glass straight coming back in,” she said. <\/p>\n
After seasons of soft waves and voluminous blow-dries, autumn\/winter 2026 suggests a swing back towards structure, refining noughties\u2019 flat-iron culture into something more architectural. On the runway, the effect was dramatic: centre-parted bobs, cut blunt and severe, had symmetry emphasised by feathers piercing outward from behind the ears. The hyper-sleek texture contrasted sharply with Chet Lo\u2019s spiked knitwear.<\/p>\n
Precision also defined Paul Costelloe\u2019s autumn\/winter 2026 show, offering a controlled, classical contrast to Chet Lo\u2019s graphic direction. Toni and Guy global creative director Cos Sakkas crafted a look mirroring the Irish designer\u2019s powerful tailoring. Hair was smoothed to a high-shine finish, drawn into a low, sculpted chignon at the nape. <\/p>\n
The crisp centre parting reinforced Costelloe\u2019s suiting, with shine again proving key, appearing almost lacquered under backstage lights to complement structured coats and tailored silhouettes.<\/p>\n
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open image in gallery<\/span><\/button><\/p>\n<\/div>Smooth, straight hair backstage on blonde model at the Paul Costelloe show (Toni and Guy\/PA)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nWhile Costelloe\u2019s aesthetic evoked power dressing, Brazilian designer Karoline Vitto\u2019s runway demonstrated how sleek hair frames sensuality. Models wore slicked-back styles hugging the scalp, their clean finish emphasising bone structure and allowing the brand\u2019s signature cut-outs and draped silhouettes to take centre stage. The hair\u2019s shine mirrored the fluidity of the fabrics, reinforcing the body-conscious nature of the designs.<\/p>\n
After seasons celebrating individuality and airy volume, hair now sharpens clothing rather than competing. A severe centre part, gloss of flattened strands, and disciplined low bun elevate a look. This follows the predictable 20-year trend cycle, reimagining early 2000s straightener obsession through a high-fashion lens. <\/p>\n