Every time I book a haircut, I spiral. I want my hair to look slightly messy but intentional — effortlessly cool but still polished. One minute I'm tousling it, chasing that lived-in look; the next I'm smoothing it down, craving something sleek. I want it to feel current without trying too hard, stylish but practical, on-trend but not trend-obsessed.
Hair decisions feel especially weighty at this time of year. Winter always brings pressure for some kind of dramatic reset — a fresh-start haircut to carry us into spring. When indecision hits, sometimes the easiest solution is to look at what everyone else is choosing. And if there's one city that knows great hair, it's London.
To narrow things down, I spoke to some of the city's most in-demand hairdressers. Here are the three cuts dominating London salons right now.
1. Daisy Edgar-Jones-Style Bangs
You know the look: long, softly textured hair paired with a swept fringe that frames the face perfectly. According to celebrity hairstylist Larry King — founder of the iconic Larry King salons in west London — this is currently the most requested haircut in the city.
Clients are asking for bangs inspired by Daisy Edgar-Jones, with a fringe that can be worn relaxed and natural or styled into a full, glamorous blowout. The versatility is what makes it so popular. It can feel Old Hollywood when blown out or cool and modern when worn with natural texture. King notes that the fuller, blown-out fringe is especially popular right now, with many referencing Sabrina Carpenter as additional inspiration.
2. The Soft Pixie
No list of trending haircuts for 2026 would be complete without the soft pixie — sometimes called the curtain crop. The difference often comes down to how the fringe is styled, but the overall silhouette is the same: longer on top, shorter at the sides, and full of movement.
Celebrity hairstylist George Northwood, known for creating iconic looks for Alexa Chung and Meghan Markle, describes the cut as slightly foppish and effortlessly stylish. It brings to mind classic beauty references — Sharon Stone, Robin Wright in House of Cards, Demi Moore in Ghost.
The appeal of the soft pixie lies in its balance. It's a statement haircut that still feels low-maintenance and wearable — the kind of cut that turns heads without demanding hours of styling, perfectly aligned with Northwood's signature "undone" approach to hair.
3. The Chunky Bob
The chunky bob — also known as the Paris Texas bob — continues to dominate salon requests across London, and its staying power is easy to understand. This cut is adaptable, flattering, and endlessly versatile.
It can be worn sleek and glamorous, inspired by Zendaya's polished red-carpet looks, or styled with texture for a more relaxed, off-duty feel similar to Gigi Hadid. The shape works across hair types and personal styles, making it one of the safest yet most fashion-forward haircut choices of the season.
Practical Tips
- Bring reference photos to your appointment, but choose images that match your hair texture and density — not just the celebrity's face.
- The Daisy Edgar-Jones fringe requires regular trims every four to six weeks to maintain its shape; factor that into your salon budget.
- A soft pixie grows out more gracefully than a traditional crop, making it ideal for anyone nervous about committing to short hair.
- The chunky bob works on most hair types, but those with very fine hair may want to keep the length slightly shorter for maximum fullness.
Conclusion
If you're booking a haircut this winter and feeling stuck, these three London-approved styles are a strong place to start. Whether you lean toward soft, face-framing bangs, a statement pixie, or the endlessly versatile chunky bob, the common thread is clear: texture, movement, and cuts that look as good unstyled as they do polished.
FAQ
Q: What's the difference between a soft pixie and a traditional pixie cut? A soft pixie is longer on top with more movement and texture throughout, creating a less severe, more wearable silhouette. A traditional pixie is often shorter and more uniform in length.
Q: How often do Daisy Edgar-Jones-style bangs need to be trimmed? Every four to six weeks to maintain the ideal length and shape. The fringe is the focal point of the cut, so regular maintenance is essential.
Q: Will a chunky bob work on curly or textured hair? Yes — it's one of the most versatile cuts available. Your stylist can adjust the length, layering, and technique to work with your natural curl pattern and density.
Q: Who should avoid a soft pixie cut? Those who prefer the ability to tie their hair back completely or who have very coarse, resistant textures may find a soft pixie requires more daily styling than they're willing to commit to. A consultation with your stylist is the best way to decide.
Q: Why is London considered a trend-setting city for haircuts? London has a long history of producing influential hair trends, driven by a concentration of world-class salons, celebrity stylists, and a street-style culture that values individuality and effortlessness in equal measure.