\n<\/p>\n
\u201cThe interest in waterless hair care is driven by a combination of sustainability concerns and innovative formats,\u201d says Dobos. But the shift to waterless hair care has taken some time. \u201cWater helps products spread easily on the hair, incorporate ingredients, and create foam,\u201d she says. \u201cIt\u2019s really challenging to deliver the same level of performance for a conditioner in a bar format, for example.\u201d<\/p>\n
Superzero<\/p>\n
In 2026, we\u2019ll see some updated waterless options as brands refine ye olde shampoo bars to make them just as nourishing as their liquid counterparts, says Dobos. Avoid bars that don\u2019t list conditioning ingredients like behentrimonium methosulfate, silicone alternatives like natural oils, or plant-derived emollients like hemisqualane. Brands are also looking to create even newer waterless formats like dissolvable sheets, powder-to-liquid cleansers, and encapsulated oil systems.<\/p>\n
Gemz<\/p>\n
The Powder Shampoo<\/p>\n
Kenra Professional<\/p>\n
According to a survey by the American Psychological Association, stress\u2014about societal division, the future, and isolation\u2014is a significant issue for most Americans heading into 2026. And when things get stressful, and your mental health suffers, your hair and scalp often reflect that. Stress can disrupt your body\u2019s natural rhythms, leading to increased breakage, dryness, thinning, or sensitivity.<\/p>\n
As we\u2019ve learned, tend the garden (scalp) and your flowers will flourish. \u201cOur hair grows from follicles in the scalp, so the skin health of the scalp is extremely important in determining the health, growth, and appearance of the hair,\u201d says Kristina Collins, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Austin.<\/p>\n
\u201cLifestyle stressors are pushing more people to seek preventative and restorative solutions, starting at the root,\u201d says Labrecque, who expects more consumers to start treating their scalp as part of a skin-care routine.<\/p>\n
\u201cBrands are finally designing products for true scalp penetration and therapeutic benefit, not just fragrance and shine,\u201d says Rachel Westbay, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Marmur Medical in New York City. \u201cWe\u2019re seeing a shift toward prescription-strength actives in cosmetic formats, targeted delivery systems (particles that actually reach the follicle opening instead of sitting on top of the scalp), and exfoliating scalp serums with acids or enzymes.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dr. Westbay says to look for more products coming out with niacinamide to help support barrier health, salicylic acid to exfoliate buildup, and caffeine or rosemary, \u201c[which all show] emerging support for follicle stimulation.\u201d (Though the most effective hair-growth solution is still topical minoxidil.)<\/p>\n
N\u00e9cessaire<\/p>\n
The Ordinary<\/p>\n
Carol’s Daughter<\/p>\n
Ceremonia<\/p>\n
When it comes to hair care, one size has never truly fit all, but with consumers demanding more value in 2026, they\u2019ll expect products to be truly one of a kind. \u201cWe\u2019ll see more personalized hair-care routines for different types of curl patterns and waves,\u201d predicts Shianna Davey, vice president of hair merchandising for Ulta Beauty.<\/p>\n
While creams may be good for curls that crave hydration and can take the weight of a super-rich product, other curl types (fine, wavy, or loose) may not be able to stand up to that kind of formulation. Instead, curl foams offer airy, lightweight styling that won\u2019t sacrifice definition or frizz control.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n