Brb, just booking my next appointment…
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGE BY DAVID CAMERA/PEXELS
New year, new hair? Like many, you might be eyeing up a trip to the hairdresser’s to kick this year off in style with a new hairdo. But if you’re unsure where to start, don’t worry. The LGBTQIA+ community, as ever, has a million new hairstyles to try out this year. With the dawn of TikTok, Instagram and even Pinterest, the wonderfully hair-obsessed queer community has decided what styles are in for 2026. Here are some of our favourites. (Spoiler: everyone’s going short.)
The “bixie”
What happens when you mix all the glamour of a bob with the excitement of a pixie? You get the internet’s new favourite hairstyle: a bixie! Maintaining the chic, defined shape of a pixie cut but with longer layers, the bixie is perfect for anyone who is ready to embrace short hair. For both femmes and mascs, this haircut is versatile. It can be chic, it can be shaggy, but it will always be timeless.
The blunt bob
We weren’t joking when we said everyone was going short this year! Blunt bangs and flicked in/out ends make this look oh-so-delightful. Paired with bold accessories and outfits, this look can be refined or extravagant.
Buzz cuts
Yep, you can thank queer icons like Syd and Cynthia Erivo for this one. Buzz cuts are so in right now. Queer people around the world are using these buzz cuts as a place for creative expression, using dyes and clippers to create intricate patterns like leopard print in their hair.
The soft mullet
Wolf cuts are so 2025! The rise of the mullet everywhere is undeniable, and in the queer community, it is no different. With a more seamless transition from the longer and shorter layers, this look can add edge to a more feminine look or be the perfect androgynous accessory.
Embracing your natural curls
2026 is the year of owning your queerness, taking up space, and staying true to who you are. And your hair should be saying the same thing. Pash Mitchell told Blue Tit London: “2026 is the year of big, bold, and beautifully authentic hair. Think Type 3 and 4 curls, bouncy shapes, and strong Afros that celebrate individuality.” With more creators educating about curl types and haircare out there, this year, we hope you see more and more curls on our For You pages.
Bangs, bangs and more bangs
Whether you’re more into curtain bangs, full bangs or even micro bangs, they’re going nowhere this year. Love them or hate them, they have become a staple in the LGBTQIA+ community. To spice things up this year, why not add a pop of colour?
Hair tinsel
This accessory is the perfect way to customise your hair without cutting a thing! Great for adding a bit of extra shimmer to your hair, these Y2K accessories are so back. Get ready to catch everybody’s eye when you walk into the room.
Love media made by and for LGBTQIA+ women and gender diverse people? Then you’ll love DIVA. We’ve been spotlighting the community for over 30 years. Here’s how you can get behind queer media and keep us going for another generation: linkin.bio/ig-divamagazine
Did you know that DIVA has now become a charity? Our magazine is published by the DIVA Charitable Trust. You can find out more about the organisation and how you can offer your support here: divacharitabletrust.com
