Men's hair trends in Japan for 2026 will continue to favor mushroom-based styles. The mainstream look is expected to feature movement created by layers, combined with soft, natural-looking perms.
This article clearly explains the latest trends based on interviews with top stylists from leading Japanese salons. For those who want to try a cut or perm at a Japanese hair salon, we also introduce useful keywords and tips for communicating your desired style. Our interviewees are Yosuke Kawai from SHISEIDO PASSAGE BEAUTE in Ginza, Tokyo, and Ryosuke Kawakita from SHISEIDO SALON & SPA. This is the latest guide introducing styles that are widely supported by men in their 20s to 40s and above.
What are the men's hairstyle trends for 2026? We asked Japanese stylists!
For 2026, mushroom-based men's hairstyles remain popular, just like last year. To add a sense of lightness, this year's mainstream style is expected to feature movement created by layers, combined with soft, natural-looking perms.
Bangs parted in the center or styled up to show the forehead are attracting attention for creating a clean and fresh impression. Additionally, the fade style, which is popular overseas, is expected to gain more support in Japan going forward.
Introducing our experts from SHISEIDO BEAUTY SALON!
Both individuals are members of "SHISEIDO BEAUTY SALON," which operates hair, esthetic, and bridal salons nationwide. Both Mr. Kawai and Mr. Kawakita serve as Executive Directors and Beauty Educators responsible for technical instruction, and are active as seminar instructors both in Japan and abroad.
[2026 Latest] Popular Japanese Men's Style ①: Highlights × Center Mash
(Photographer: Hitomi Katada)
This style creates a three-dimensional movement with natural-looking perms and highlights. The base color is kept dark, with bright highlights added as an accent. This hairstyle suits all hair types and face shapes, making it a style that’s easy for anyone to try.
Recommended for:
- Face shape: All face shapes (round, long, square, oval, inverted triangle)
- Hair type: All hair types (since highlights require bleaching, those with severely damaged hair should consult with the stylist)
✂ One-point advice from Mr. Kawai
To add shine, we recommend using oil or styling products that give a glossy finish.
[2026 Latest] Popular Japanese Men's Style ②: Loose Silhouette × Center Part
A perm style with a relaxed, undone texture that creates an effortless look. The tousled movement gives off both a casual and mature vibe. Depending on how you style it, you can easily change the mood, making this a versatile option suitable for a wide range of hair types.
Recommended for:
- Face shape: Square, oval, inverted triangle
- Hair type: Wavy, straight, coarse, fine
✂ One-point advice from Kawakita
Parting your hair in the center will give you a more sophisticated, mature impression.
[2026 Latest] Popular Japanese Men's Style ③: Mature × Relaxed Wave
A relaxed hairstyle that combines a mushroom cut with a perm for a natural wavy look. The dark color and perm keep it from looking too sweet, resulting in a calm, mature mash style.
Recommended for:
- Face shape: Long, oval
- Hair type: Wavy, straight
✂ One-point advice from Kawai
You can enjoy different vibes by either letting your bangs down or parting them.
[2026 Latest] Popular Japanese Men's Style ④: Twist Perm × Relaxed Short
A sharp style with the sides and back closely shaved. The twist perm adds three-dimensional movement to the top, creating a clean yet playful impression.
Recommended for:
- Face shape: All except round
- Hair type: All except fine or soft hair types
✂ One-point advice from Kawakita
The key is to use a hard gel-type styling product to add shine and movement.
Men's Hair Color Trend for 2026: Dark Colors!
Classic black and dark hair colors remain popular among men in 2026. Even within black hair, there are various subtle tones such as blue or red undertones, and Japanese stylists excel at expressing these subtle differences. If you visit a Japanese hair salon, try consulting with a stylist about a color that matches the look you want. Also, more people are adding highlights in selected sections to create movement and lightness.
No More Mistakes! 3 Key Points for International Tourists Getting a Haircut at a Japanese Salon
If you're visiting Japan, you might want to experience the latest styles at a Japanese hair salon. However, some may feel anxious about ordering due to language or cultural differences. Here, we introduce key points to help you avoid mistakes when getting a haircut in Japan.
Point 1: Show a picture (photo)
The most effective way to accurately communicate your desired hairstyle is to prepare reference images. It’s perfectly fine to show several different images and specify details for each part, such as bangs or sides. The stylist will assess the overall balance and create a look that suits you.
Point 2: Consult about Your Hair Texture and Face Shape
Hair texture and face shape can vary greatly from person to person. Consult your stylist to see if your desired hairstyle can be achieved and if it will suit you. In some cases, you may need a perm, straight perm, or color treatment.
Point 3: Share Your Haircut Frequency and At-Home Care Routine
Japanese stylists consider whether you’ll be able to recreate your style at home. By sharing how often you get your hair cut, your usual styling methods, and your hair care habits, your stylist can suggest a hairstyle that fits your lifestyle.
Experience the 2026 Hair Trends at Japanese Salons
One of the charms of Japanese salons is that they offer styles tailored to each individual, while keeping up with the latest trends. Simple perm styles and dark hair colors are popular not only with younger men but also with mature men in their 40s and above. If you visit Japan, stopping by a salon and trying a new hairstyle can be a fun and memorable experience.
Special Thanks
Shiseido Passage Beauté
- Address: 7F FUKUHARA GINZA, 7-8-10 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
- Access: About a 5-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Ginza Station
- Business Hours: Weekdays 11:00~20:00
Weekends & Holidays 10:00~19:00 - Closed: 3rd Wednesday of the month (Open every day in March and December)
- Price: Cut ¥9,020 and up (Private room available for an additional 10%)
- Stylist Yosuke Kawai booking fee: ¥2,200
- Official Website: https://salon.shiseido.co.jp/passage_beaute/english/
- Reservation Page: https://c2vsah.b-merit.jp/s3jaxq/web/ (Japanese only)
Shiseido Salon & Spa Osaka
- Address: 6F HERBIS PLAZA ENT, 2-2-22 Umeda, Kita-ku, Osaka
- Access: Directly connected to Nishi-Umeda Station on the Osaka Metro Yotsubashi Line, about a 2-minute walk from JR Osaka Station Sakurabashi Exit
- Business Hours: 10:00~20:00
- Closed: Follows the facility’s closing days
- Price: Cut ¥7,920 and up
- Stylist Ryosuke Kawakita booking fee: ¥2,200
- Official Website: https://salon.shiseido.co.jp/shop/osaka/ (Japanese only)
- Reservation Page: https://c2vsah.b-merit.jp/a342uy/web (Japanese only)
Comments