If anyone had eyes on the Chanel F/W 26 show, you would have seen the futuristic feel on the catwalk. Chrome hair was front and centre – and we’re loving it! Here, the experts weigh in, giving their tips and tricks on how to recreate for your bolder clients.
Andy Heasman, International Creative Director at Rush Hair said:
“At the Chanel F/W 26 show, this season’s main contenders for styling were present – slick backs, long waves, and chignons, all adorned with a metallic touch – chrome! Models strutted down the catwalk with cool toned pastel hair accented with tinsel and dustings of glitter. I was loving the pastel undertones!
“To recreate Chanel’s chrome vision, my top recommendation would be to use tinsel hair extensions which can be easily woven into the hair to achieve that futuristic feel. Glitter sprays are another great product for adding a chrome effect to the hair, simply spritz over your finished style – the way these catch the light are gorgeous! In 2026, I hope we see more people experimenting with their style and taking a risk – life is too short for boring hair!
Dan Spiller, JOICO Colour Ambassador said:
“Chanel took a risk for their F/W 26 show – and it’s got everyone talking! The renowned fashion house took a step away from their classic hairstyles, opting for something with a more Avant Garde feel. I was mesmerised by the cool tone metallic hues with a faint pastel undertone – these shades are often perceived as being on the warmer side, but Chanel have shifted the perspective, instead, showcasing a spectrum of cooler, metallic pink, purple, and silver tones. This palette makes for an edgy, grungy look, whilst beautifully complementing their latest collection. These shades will be everywhere this festival season!”
Suzie McGill, International Artistic Director, Rainbow Room International said:
“Hair had a real moment at the Chanel Spring 2026 show, with colour and texture taking centre stage. One of the most striking elements was the chrome hair; it was all about luminous, light-reflecting shades layered with sparkle, shimmer, and flashes of colour.
“There was something almost dancefloor-ready about the hair. It caught the light from every angle, giving the styles a glow that felt playful and full of energy. Classic shapes were still there, but with a twist. Chignons appeared throughout the show, finished with glitter extensions woven through the hair and dustings of tinsel that shimmered as the models moved. It kept the structure of the style but added something unexpected.
“Colour played a big part in creating the overall effect. The palette leaned towards cool, iridescent tones, sparkling lavenders alongside streaks of purple and blue, with flashes of chrome running through the hair to reflect the light. It created depth, dimension, and a finish that felt bold without being harsh.
“For salons, this kind of runway moment often signals where colour is heading next. While the full glitter effect might stay on the catwalk, the idea behind chrome hair, cool reflective tones, light-catching dimension, and pops of unexpected colour is something that can easily translate into more wearable looks for clients.
“It feels like we’re heading into a big colour moment, where shine, tone, and light reflection become just as important as the shade itself.”
Tracey Ann Smith, Creative Director at MOOD said:
“The mesmerising chrome hair seen at the Spring 2026 Chanel show has been trending on social media and across consumer portals, and it’s not hard to see why. This almost galactic, futuristic look is super quirky and cool. Although it’s not an everyday look, it’s a great option for clients to experiment with at concerts, music festivals and similar events, giving their hair a fun, contemporary feel that turns heads.
“With that in mind, the trend can be adapted to be more wearable. Instead of opting for a heavy dusting of glitter on the hair or tinsel hair pieces, blonde-haired clients may want to experiment with silver-toned toners or more pearlescent hues such as rose pink, amethyst purple and sapphire-like blue tones to give their hair an iridescent finish. For those looking to add glitter to the hair, proper prep and using the correct products to keep the glitter in place is key.”
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