← The Journal
Trends·Apr 2026

Men's grooming trends shaping 2026 in LA

Trend reports get loud every January. By April we know what's actually sticking. Here's what guys are walking out of SIR with in 2026 — across LA, Beverly Hills, and the wider West 3rd Street crowd.

1. The textured French crop, refined

The crop hasn't gone anywhere, but it's quieter now. Less blunt fringe, more piecey texture on top. Skin fades are giving way to mid and low fades that grow out cleaner. Works on almost every face shape and grows out without looking awkward, which is why it's our most-requested cut in 2026.

2. The modern mullet — but make it tailored

Yes, still happening. No, not the one from 2022. The 2026 version is shorter on the sides, softer in the back, and the disconnect is subtle. Best on guys with thicker hair who want something with personality but still sharp enough for an office or a date in West Hollywood.

3. Side parts are back — for real this time

After half a decade of middle parts, the side part is having a quiet moment. We're seeing it requested with longer top length and a soft taper rather than a hard skin fade. It's the cleanest, most timeless option on this list — and it photographs better than anything else we cut.

4. Beard sculpting over full beards

Thick lumberjack beards are out. Sculpted, line-up beards — short, sharp, and tailored to your jawline — are dominating bookings this spring. A 30-minute beard sculpt with a hot-towel finish has become the most-added service to a Signature Cut.

5. Naturally gray, intentionally

More LA guys in their 30s and 40s are letting grays come through instead of dyeing them out. Paired with a sharp cut, it reads as confidence, not age. We've stopped recommending color touch-ups for most clients unless they specifically ask.

What we're not booking

Bowl cuts. Heavy frosted tips. Anything with a pattern shaved into it. Trends come back — those ones haven't, and likely won't this year.

If you want to try one of these, book a consultation first. We'll tell you honestly whether it'll work with your hair type, growth pattern, and how often you actually want to come in.

—SIR Management