Miracle Knots

These days, it’s all about looking natural, effortless, and slightly undone—which explains why boho or goddess braids have been all the rage. That said, their installation can be tedious, and the weight of the hair often puts strain on the scalp. That’s why Garvey suggests miracle knots. “What feels new is the intentional blending of techniques—braids combined with crochet, which is what miracle knots are,” she explains. “You can achieve the trendy boho look with miracle knots by using a hook to attach extensions to individual braids. This style feels elevated, modern, and healthier, allowing for softness, movement, and individuality.”

Two-Strand Twists on Blow-Dried Hair

Two-strand twists are a classic, but they’re back with a new attitude. According to Monroe, the shift is all about the process. “They feel new again because of how they’re being done,” he explains. “Before, we were twisting on completely wet hair. Now, with better products, we can create more elongated curls by starting with lightly blow-dried hair, then twisting with an oil or light cream, like the Oribe Eternal Curls Polish & Protect Oil. This stretches the curl and creates a lighter, more whimsical finish.”

Remixed Braided Bobs

Monroe is predicting a return to the ’90s with braided bobs. Think Jada Pinkett Smith in Set It Off or Erika Alexander’s iconic Maxine Shaw on Living Single. “We’ll see the look remixed with elements of boho braids for added texture,” he says. “But overall, the sleekness of a blunt braided bob is set to make a comeback—especially with bixies and bobs trending across the board.”

Smoked Espresso Hair

Brown is anything but boring, Diallo says. “This year, rich chocolate browns are going to be huge for protective styles—and it’s worth being excited about.”

He points to It girl Olandria Carthen at the 2025 CFDA Awards as a recent example. Garvey calls the brown shade “smoked espresso,” noting that the warmth really shows only in natural light, giving it an “elevated and modern” feel.

Single Braids

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it—which is exactly the case with traditional single braids. While the style can sometimes be overlooked or dismissed as dated amid all the innovations, Garvey calls it completely “underrated.”

“Basic single braids—medium to small and knotless—worn a little past shoulder length with straight, wavy, or curled ends will have a moment,” Garvey says. “The beauty of this look is its versatility: it can be styled in a variety of ways while remaining lightweight. They also allow the scalp to breathe and make proper cleansing easier.”

Invisible Extensions

If traditional sew-ins aren’t your thing, Diallo says there’s a new option worth knowing. “One of the biggest innovations we’ll see more of is the invisible method of extensions, which I offer at the Benjamin Salon,” he explains. “It’s ideal for anyone who wants less tension during the install and more freedom in how they style their hair, since some sew-ins can limit updos or high ponytails.”

Diallo adds that the technique uses thinner, flatter wefts, creating an install that feels significantly less bulky while still delivering fullness and versatility.

Micro Braids

Micro braids are primed for a comeback, Diallo says, with stars like Zoë Kravitz leading the charge for years now. “This is an incredibly versatile style,” he explains. “With the right hair extensions, it allows for endless styling possibilities—even looks that follow non-braided hair trends, like old Hollywood–inspired updos.”