Chris Appleton reveals the biggest hair trend of 2026 and the style that’s officially out

Chris Appleton reveals the biggest hair trend of 2026 and the style that’s officially out | Junior Publisher Published September 23, 2026 7:00am Just when we thought Shark couldn’t do any better with their hair tools. (Picture: Metro/Shark/Getty) Metro journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more If there’s one thing celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton knows, it’s great hair. The man behind some of the world’s most famous glossy blow-dries and red carpet-worthy curls has worked with an enviable list of A-list clients over the years, so when he tells us we’re all making the same styling mistake, we’re inclined to listen. According to Appleton, excessive heat styling is still one of the biggest culprits behind damaged hair and lacklustre locks, which is why he’s excited about the launch of Shark Beauty’s newest styling tool, the FlexStyle IonCurl. Shark FlexStyle IonCurl Hair Styler and Dryer The Shark FlexStyle IonCurl is a new multi-styling hair tool that dries and styles hair while helping to reduce frizz and boost shine. Designed to create bouncier, more defined curls without heat damage, it uses advanced airflow technology to wrap hair automatically for effortless styling at home. With multiple attachments, a new Airset button and Scalp Shield mode, it's aimed at delivering salon-worthy results while protecting hair health. Buy Now for £299.99 Shark FlexStyle IonCurl Air Styler & Hair Dryer, 4-in-1 The Shark FlexStyle IonCurl 4-in-1 is a multi-tasking hair tool that dries, smooths and styles hair while helping to reduce frizz and boost shine. Designed to create more defined curls without heat damage, it uses advanced airflow technology to deliver salon-worthy results at home. Finished in a stylish lilac colourway, it also features Scalp Shield mode and a selection of styling attachments, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to simplify their hair routine. Buy Now for £299.99 Designed to create bouncier, more defined curls while minimising heat damage, the latest addition to the FlexStyle family uses Shark’s new Ion Smooth Technology, which releases 200 million negative ions to help reduce static, tame flyaways and combat frizz. ‘One of the biggest problems I get asked about is damaged hair and most of it is caused by heat styling,’ Appleton tells Metro. ‘The fact that Shark Beauty has engineered the FlexStyle IonCurl to deliver smooth and shiny hair without the heat damage is great.’ Get ready for your best hair yet. (Picture: Metro/Shark) For Appleton, modern styling tools need to do more than just create one look. Versatility is key. ‘People now want to change their style from day to day and they don’t necessarily just want one look,’ he explains. ‘What’s great about the FlexStyle IonCurl is that you’re able to achieve multiple looks with just one tool.’ The celebrity hairstylist also believes hair health is becoming just as important as the latest cut or colour trend. We’re excited to give this latest Shark launch our honest opinion. (Picture: Metro/Shark) Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. ‘I think people are starting to realise that healthy, shiny hair feels more youthful,’ he says. ‘It doesn’t matter what the style is, if the condition isn’t great, it’s never going to look as good.’ As for the trends he’s seeing everywhere right now? The era of big hair is far from over. ‘The bombshell lives on,’ Appleton says. ‘I love a big bouncy blowout or adding volume to the hair, no matter what the length is.’ One trend he predicts we’re leaving behind, however, is overly flat styling. ‘No volume, no layers, no shape,’ he says. Bye bye flyaways! (Picture: Metro/Shark) The FlexStyle IonCurl also introduces a handful of new features, including CoandaBoost Technology for stronger curl formation, Scalp Shield mode to protect new hair growth from excessive heat near the scalp, and an Airset Button that allows users to pause airflow or instantly switch to a cool shot while styling. And if Appleton could stop Britain making one hair mistake tomorrow? ‘Putting too much heat on the hair with super-hot straighteners or curling irons,’ he says. ‘You just don’t need it.’ For anyone chasing shinier, smoother, salon-looking hair at home, that might be advice worth taking. Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Share your views in the comments below Arrow MORE: I tried the £400 hair removal gadget loved by the Kardashians and it’s changed my routine Arrow MORE: Boots shoppers can get a £95 Sculpted by Aimee beauty gift set for just £35 Arrow MORE: The best skincare products for men – 10 essentials for a simple daily routine Puzzles Newsletter Get your favourite puzzles when they are ready to play on the website sent directly to you every day and track your daily streak!