Modern and wearable cuts are the go-to this season. Photo: Kami Hair Group
As Chinese New Year approaches, salons across Malaysia are experiencing the familiar rush of clients coming in for trims and colour touch-ups, with some choosing to revamp their entire look.
Big, overt statements are giving way to chic subtlety – hair that looks intentional and effortless.
Stylists are noticing that clients want hairdos that photograph beautifully, move naturally and hold up from reunion lunches to late-night celebrations, without feeling overdone.
From the way hair is cut and coloured to how it’s cared for and styled, the emphasis is increasingly on longevity, adaptability and hair that feels as good as it looks.
Soft statements
For Chinese New Year 2026, hair trends lean into expressive individuality balanced with polish.
Cuts are modern yet wearable, favouring movement, texture and shape over rigidity.
Longer shags are still going strong thanks to their lived-in texture and versatility across straight, wavy and coily hair types. Photo: Portfolio Hair Studio“This festive season, we’re seeing a strong return to shapes that feel effortless yet intentional,” says Portfolio Hair Studio creative director William Wong.
“Micro-bobs offer a sharp, modern statement that feels fresh and fashion-forward while ‘bixies’ (a blend of bob and pixie) bring softness and movement, perfect for those who want edge without losing femininity,” says Wong.
Additionally, longer shags are still going strong thanks to their lived-in texture and versatility across straight, wavy and coily hair types.
“Defined curls emerge as a key trend, focusing on sculpted shape, enhanced curl definition, and healthy movement. This look celebrates natural texture, bringing a confident, elevated finish that feels both modern and festive,” he adds.
Founder of Kami Hair Group Glen Hew notes that modern and wearable cuts are the go-to this season.
“Textured lobs, long layered hair, and soft curtain bangs. To elevate the festive look, I recommend adding face-framing highlights or sleek styling with minimal accessories,” Hew says.
Read more: How Chinese New Year fashion celebrates heritage while setting a festive mood
DoubleThe Hairpy Space director stylist Jeff Tiong recommends natural layers with fluid movement as this creates lightness and volume without looking overdone.
“Another standout is the modern centre-part wave, which blends vintage glamour with a contemporary finish, perfect for festive gatherings and photos,” he says.
For any haircut, the Birkin fringe (inspired by iconic actress Jane Birkin), a soft, wispy style, contours the face beautifully, says Wong.
“It creates a relaxed luxury style while subtly softening facial features, ideal for festive dressing and outfits,” he says.
Warm hues
In terms of colour, shades like soft chocolate brown and honey brown remain popular because they look natural and flattering on most skin tones.
“For those who want something more festive, amber gold and subtle coral gold hues add warmth and brightness, making the complexion glow,” says Tiong.
On the other end of the spectrum, matte chocolate ash offers a refined, modern look that feels understated yet very chic.
Hew notes that for Chinese New Year, soft warm tones like auburn, copper chocolate brown with subtle caramel highlights and balayage are popular.
“These colours symbolise prosperity and photograph beautifully,” says Hew.
Today’s colour trends focus on sustainable colouring that respects natural hair texture while enhancing depth and dimension, opines Wong.
“Rather than dramatic transformations, it’s about refinement and longevity. Chestnut maple blond is warm, luminous and effortlessly flattering, while chocolate cherry is rich, deep and festive without being overpowering,” he says.
Smoky Mocha Brown, golden oolong and soft auburn rose are also popular picks for the season.
For colour-treated or textured hair, weekly masks and lightweight leave-ins help prevent dryness without causing oiliness at the scalp. Photo: Kami Hair Group“A soft ombre remains very current, adding movement and lightness through the ends while keeping the overall look elegant and low maintenance, is perfect for the festive season and beyond,” adds Wong.
Maintenance is key
With Malaysia’s fluctuating weather, striking the balance between scalp health and hair hydration is essential.
Stylists stress that long-lasting results start with professional treatments that reset and restore the hair and scalp, making daily home care more effective.
“Hair care at home plays an important role in maintenance. True correction, rebalancing and restoration happen through professional salon treatments,” says Wong, whose hair treatments are designed as a multi-step system, starting from the scalp and working through to the hair.
Today’s salon treatments are no longer a one-size fits all solution.
“Hair treatments today are fully customised. Depending on individual needs, they can be adjusted to achieve different results whether they’re lightweight hydration, enhanced shine, smoothness, or deeper nourishment,” says Wong.
Hew advises the use of hydrating, sulfate-free shampoos, avoiding over-washing and using conditioner on mid-lengths to ends.
“For colour-treated or textured hair, weekly masks and lightweight leave-ins help prevent dryness without causing oiliness at the scalp,” says Hew.
Read more: Ask The Expert: A celebrity hairstylist’s guide to healthy hair and scalp
Tiong recommends deep moisturising masks once or twice a week.
“After shampooing, use a conditioner that contains hyaluronic acid or nourishing plant oils such as argan or coconut oil. When detangling, start from the ends and work your way up to prevent unnecessary breakage,” says Tiong.
For oily hair, balance is crucial, so choose a lightweight, balancing shampoo that cleanses effectively without stripping the scalp.
“Over massaging the scalp can actually increase oil production, so keep it gentle. Using a tea tree or clarifying cleanser every few days can also help keep the scalp fresh,” he says, adding that those with textured or colour-treated hair should avoid washing with very hot water as this can fade colour and weaken the hair structure.
“Sulphate-free products are essential to minimise dryness and frizz. I also strongly recommend a leave-in treatment spray, which acts as a hydration shield throughout the day,” he adds.
Staying power
Long-lasting hairstyles, for when you’re going to be out and about all day, always start with the right foundation.
Preparation is central, from heat protection and anti-humidity products to thoughtful sectioning and lightweight finishing.
Ahead of major events, stylists recommend repair and strengthening treatments to improve manageability, shine and resilience.
“I like to begin with a light layer of anti-humidity setting spray to control frizz and maintain shape. Styling should always be done in sections, using a root-setting spray at the scalp, a texture product through the mid-lengths, and finishing with a light shine serum on the ends,” says Tiong.
Heat protection, he says, is non-negotiable.
“Any hot styling tool should always be paired with a heat protectant to preserve hair health,” he adds.
For timeless glamour, Wong’s go-to hairstyle is a low ponytail or a bun or chignon.
“They’re elegant, structured, and incredibly versatile, working beautifully for everything from modern minimal looks to classic formal moments. What I love most is their longevity. With the right preparation and precise placement, they hold their shape effortlessly throughout the day while still looking soft and refined,” says Wong.
He recommends bond-repairing treatment masks for repair and to strengthen hair, as well as deep conditioning masks which replenish moisture and make the hair softer and healthier.
For volume, choose lightweight cleansing and conditioning formulas that add lift at the roots without weighing the hair down.
“Root-lifting sprays or foams are applied to damp hair at the scalp. These give a noticeable boost and support long-lasting volume,” says Wong.
Finally, gloss or shine sprays and serums are light, reflective finishing products that tame frizz and add instant luminosity to styled hair, while light-hold hairsprays keeps styles in place without stiffness, while maintaining a natural, soft finish.
Armed with all these tips from the professionals, may your Chinese New Year hair be fully in its element – glossy, cooperative and absolutely doing its thing.
