The Side Part is Back: The Period Influences Shaping 2026 Hair Trends
From corseted silhouettes to candlelit interiors, period dramas have long shaped the fashion imagination. Now, with new releases such as Bridgerton season four and “Wuthering Heights”, these influences are driving a distinct shift in hair and beauty trends.
With monthly Google searches for ‘Wuthering Heights hair’ skyrocketing by 1838%, and interest in ‘Bridgerton hair’ surging by 761%, we worked with the team at Shark Beauty to reveal how vintage-inspired hairstyles will dominate hair trends in 2026.
As Google searches for ‘vintage hairstyles’ soar, the hair experts at Shark Beauty have revealed three vintage-inspired hairstyles set to define 2026 hair trends.
The side part returns, thanks to Penelope Featherington
Once dismissed as a relic of the late 2010s, the side part has firmly re-entered the cultural conversation.
Seen on screen, the style is worn by Penelope Featherington in season four of Bridgerton, where polished curls paired with a pronounced side part create a refined, Regency-inspired silhouette.
The side part’s modern revival has been reinforced by red-carpet appearances such as Addison Rae’s Grammys look, where a softer curl pattern and lighter finish bring the style into a modern beauty context.
Hair experts at Shark Beauty have revealed the secret to recreating this style for everyday wearability, noting that, “When it comes to side parts, placement is key. The part should sit just above the centre of the eye to perfectly frame the face.”
“To recreate Addison Rae’s voluminous blow-dry, work on clean hair, washing and blow-drying until 70% damp. For naturally fine or flat hair, use a round heated blow-dry brush, like the Shark SmoothStyle, and work section by section from roots to ends of the hair.”
“Switch the SmoothStyle to Dry Hair Mode and comb through each section, bending layers and curling the ends toward the face for a soft, romantic look.”
“Wuthering Heights” surges searches for wavy hair by 588%
During the “Wuthering Heights” press tour, Margot Robbie adopted a modern approach to an 18th-century style, sparking monthly searches for ‘how to wave hair’ to surge.
The look is defined by a flatter, undone mermaid-style wave pattern that we predict will become a dominating hair trend in 2026, while half-updo silhouettes subtly nod to historical romance while keeping the overall look contemporary and effortless.
Shark Beauty experts explain, “These types of waves can be achieved with a variety of tools and techniques. It’s all about wrapping hair loosely, alternating curl patterns, and gently pulling them apart once cooled for a flatter shape and more relaxed movement.”
“For a heatless approach, try the now-viral dressing gown cord method: section damp hair in two, wrap around the cord overnight, and wake up to soft, face-framing waves.”
“For a faster, fuss-free result, the Shark FlexStyle Air Styler uses Coanda Technology to automatically wrap sections around its curlers, creating effortless curls without heat damage.”
Braids are making a quiet comeback on the red carpet
Braids are emerging as a quieter expression of period influence in 2026 hair trends.
Neat braided elements frequently appear throughout Bridgerton and “Wuthering Heights”, with styles woven into half-up styles or used to add texture and definition to the hair.
As well on screen, braids have made their red carpet debut, with celebrities such as Chappell Roan and Tyla incorporating braided styles to add dimension at the Grammys.
Hair expert at Shark Beauty recommends keeping braids intentionally undone, with experts commenting, “For a modern interpretation of this classic look, texture should remain visible throughout the hair, keeping tension minimal. Gently pull at your braids to loosen them, and finish with texture spray.”