Wendy Iles Edit on Paris Fashion Week 2026 — The Hair Trends Defining the Season – Iles Formula

Paris always reminds me that fashion — and hair — is never purely about aesthetics. It is about mood, character, and the delicate tension between discipline and freedom.

This season’s Paris Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2026 revealed hair that felt incredibly modern: elegant yet relaxed, polished yet emotionally expressive. There was a clear shift away from overly constructed styles toward something more instinctive — hair that feels lived-in, healthy, and powerful.

Across the runways of Dior, Tom Ford, Saint Laurent, Balmain, and Hermès, I saw hair that allowed the woman wearing it to remain the focus.

Here are the moments that stood out to me.

DIOR — MODERN FEMININITY

Hair by Guido Palau

At Dior, there was a softness that felt incredibly refreshing. The collection carried strength, but never heaviness, and the hair reflected that beautifully.

Guido Palau created looks that felt natural, almost instinctive. Hair moved freely as the models walked — light, touchable, and healthy.

Lengths were worn with a subtle looseness that allowed individuality to shine through while still maintaining harmony across the runway.

This is the type of hair I always love seeing: luxurious, but never overworked.

My takeaway:
Beautiful hair does not need excess styling. When hair is in exceptional condition, its natural movement becomes the style itself.

Optional Product Note:
When recreating this type of effortless movement, I always begin with the ILES Formula Signature Collection. To keep curls defined while maintaining natural movement, ILES Formula Curl Revive is your absolute best friend here. Healthy, nourished hair creates that natural swing and softness that cameras love.

TOM FORD — SLEEK DISCIPLINE

Hair by Guido Palau

The mood at Tom Ford was darker, sharper, and incredibly refined. There was a cinematic quality to the show — seductive, powerful, and impeccably tailored.

Guido Palau led the hair direction with looks that were sleek and controlled, almost architectural in their precision.

Hair was worn close to the head with immaculate partings and a high-gloss finish. The discipline of the hair mirrored the precision of the tailoring — sharp tuxedos, structured leather, and elongated silhouettes.

What I admired most was the restraint. Nothing competed with the clothing, yet the hair quietly strengthened the entire atmosphere.

My takeaway:
Glossy, sculpted hair is still very much on trend — but in a refined, modern way.

Optional Product Note:
To achieve this kind of glass-like polish, I often finish the hair with a small amount of ILES Formula Finishing Serum through the lengths. It creates that luxurious reflective shine without heaviness.

SAINT LAURENT — THE SLICK BUN

Hair by Duffy

Saint Laurent has always understood the power of simplicity, and this season was no exception.

Duffy created sleek, low buns that felt striking in their purity. Hair was drawn back cleanly from the face, emphasizing bone structure and allowing the strength of the silhouette to speak.

The result was incredibly chic — powerful yet minimal.

This is a style that will always feel relevant because it celebrates the face and the woman wearing it.

My takeaway:
The sleek bun remains one of the most timeless and elegant hairstyles in fashion.

Optional Product Note:
Before pulling hair into a bun like this, I love smoothing each section with ample of ILES Formula Hair & Body Balm . It controls flyaways while keeping the hair supple and with a brilliant high gloss shine.

BALMAIN — BOLD ENERGY

Hair by Sam McKnight

Balmain brought a completely different energy to the runway — bold, confident, and unapologetically glamorous.

Under the direction of Sam McKnight, sculpted ponytails complemented the strong tailoring of the collection beautifully.

There was a sense of drama and confidence that felt very Balmain.

Hair here was not simply supporting the fashion — it was participating in the statement.

My takeaway:
There is always room in fashion for bold, powerful hair.

Optional Product Note:
For structured styles with movement, I always ensure the hair is deeply conditioned beforehand. The ILES Formula Balm keeps hair supple and of course delivers a very high sheer gloss finish with the ON _TREND  texture seen through most of this season’s runway shows.

HERMÈS — QUIET LUXURY

Hair by Gary Gill

Hermès closed the story in the most elegant way possible.

The hair direction reflected the house’s philosophy of quiet luxury. Styles were soft, natural, and effortlessly wearable.

Hair moved freely with a healthy, luminous texture. Sometimes tucked behind the ear or gently brushed away from the face, the styling felt incredibly refined in its simplicity.

Nothing felt forced. It was simply beautiful hair, worn beautifully.

My takeaway:
True luxury in hair is often the most understated.

Optional Product Note:
For hair that looks this naturally healthy, I always recommend a complete ritual using the ILES Formula Signature Collection, finishing with a  touch of ILES Formula Hair & Body Balm to polish the roots and top lengths.

When hair is deeply nourished and beautifully conditioned, styling becomes effortless. This is exactly why I always return to the ILES Formula Signature Collection — it creates the supple, luminous texture that allows hair to move naturally while maintaining its integrity.