Exclusive: Decrypt Hairdressing’s Heng Meng Hui on Becoming the Avant Garde Stylist of the Year, 2026’s Biggest Hair Trends, and Taking Creative Risks
In conversation
In our last exclusive of the year, we speak with 2025’s Goldwell Global Creative Awards (GCA) Avant Garde Stylist of the Year Gold Winner about all things tresses.
As we close off 2025, we’re looking towards a new year of experimentation. You’ve heard it here first—2026 calls for a shift away from the “Clean Girl” aesthetic that has long reigned supreme in favour of all things bold, bright, and diverting. Leading the charge on our local shores is none other than hairstylist Heng Meng Hui from Decrypt Hairdressing, also known as the 2025 Goldwell Global Creative Awards (GCA) Avant Garde Stylist of the Year Gold Winner.
The Global Creative Awards (GCA) is an on-stage competition that invites stylists from all over the world to showcase their technical prowess in real time. The finalists compete in three technical categories and four editorial categories, judged on three main criteria: Creativity and originality, technical execution, and the overall look.
We’ve scored an inside scoop with Heng, and she’s shared her wisdom on all things hairdressing. From the trends to look forward to in 2026 to sage advice for aspiring stylists, find our full exclusive below:
How does it feel to have won the Avant Garde Stylist of the Year Global Gold Winner award?
MH: Winning the “Global Avant-Garde Stylist of the Year” award feels both dreamlike and profoundly meaningful. It is a recognition not only of my own creativity and my team but also of the passion we have maintained over the years to continually push boundaries. I am deeply grateful to Goldwell for providing such an exceptional international platform, allowing me to share ideas and experiences with top hairstylists from around the world. This opportunity has broadened my professional perspective and further ignited my passion and inspiration for hair artistry.
What drew you towards a career in hairdressing?
MH: I have always loved transformation. Hair artistry allows me to combine art, emotion, and technical skill to create unique looks for every individual.
What inspired your award-winning creation?
MH: The theme of my current inspiration is “Flame.” It symbolises the burning vitality and indomitable will of life. The style uses red and black tones as its base, with layers that surge like fire and lines sharp as blades. It balances wild energy with precise structure, portraying the strength of controlling rhythm amidst chaos and expressing a soul that burns with unwavering courage.
How does one get into the avant-garde?
MH: Entering the avant-garde field requires exploring non-traditional ideas. Avant-garde isn’t about rules—it’s about expression, experimentation, and the courage to be different.
How do you conceptualise the looks and styles you create? Are you moodboarding, sketching, etc?
MH: I begin conceptualising my styles by creating mood boards and sketches. Then I refine the concept by studying shapes, structure, colour flow, and how it interacts with the model’s personality.
What are the biggest challenges you face as a stylist?
MH: The biggest challenge as a stylist is striking a balance between creativity and practicality, while keeping up with trends and maintaining my own artistic style.
How do you decide when to take a creative risk as a stylist?
MH: The best time to take a creative risk is when the concept aligns with the client’s personality or the artistic vision of a project.
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What are your must-have products and tools in your kit?
MH: My work relies heavily on Goldwell’s complete system. During bleaching, I use Bond Pro+ for structural protection and to minimise damage. For colour, I depend on Elumen, Colourance, and Topchic—these products’ stability and high pigmentation allow me to confidently create bold contrasts and extreme creative colours. For finishing, I combine haircare with styling products. For texture and hold, I use the Stylesign series Working HairSpray 3 and Extra Strong HairSpray 5, and Shine Spray 0. These products give me confidence and make it easier to execute avant-garde styles, creative colours, and complex structural designs.
What major hair trends do you foresee for 2026?
MH: In 2026, I predict hair trends will focus on bolder colours and more defined structures. Orange tones, mineral metallic shades, and deep cool colours will continue to be popular. Colouring will emphasise layers, light and shadow, and 3D effects rather than simple single tones. Hairstyles will become more sculptural, with curl, volume, and texture taking centre stage, transforming hair into wearable art. In short: bolder colours, more dimensional layers, and visually impactful styling—hair colour will not just be applied, it will be crafted.
What are some hair trends you would like to leave behind in 2025?
MH: I don’t believe any trend needs to be completely discarded. Many trends just need better understanding and application. Sometimes it’s not that the trend is bad—it’s that the stylist and client’s ideas aren’t aligned. Clients may want to follow trends that don’t suit their face shape or hair type; stylists may have ideas but fail to communicate expectations clearly. The future requires precise analysis, better communication, and making trends more suitable for everyone.
How has hairstyling shaped your identity?
MH: Hairstyling has taught me confidence, discipline, and the beauty of individuality. It has become my language of self-expression.
What advice do you have for aspiring stylists?
MH: To aspiring hairstylists, I would say: stay curious, practice consistently, and never be afraid of failure. When you step out of your comfort zone, creativity will flourish.
Decrypt Hairdressing is open at No. 16, 0, Lorong Batu Nilam 3A, Bandar Bukit Tinggi, 41200 Klang, Selangor, Malaysia. Book an appointment here.
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