10 Best Hairstyle Apps to Try Haircut in 2026 (Free & AI-Powered)

Cutting your hair is a risk. Once it is gone, you often have to wait months for it to grow back to the same length and shape. Even when hair grows back, a bad haircut can cost more than the salon fee in time, confidence, and repeat fixes. That is why more people now rely on AI-powered tools to preview hairstyles before taking the leap.

A free hairstyle try on app removes that risk. Instead of guessing how a cut or color might look, AI hairstyle apps let you see the result on your own face first. In 2026, these tools are faster, more realistic, and easier to use than ever. So, to see if these best hairstyle apps actually live up to the hype, we tested hairstyle apps and online hairstyle changers to see if the results are actually worth it.

The best free hairstyle apps are designed to cater to a pretty wide range of audiences. And our evaluation considered all of them. Tools like BeautyPlus and YouCam are great examples of such tools, as they rely on competent AI engines to map hairstyles to your specific face shape.

After testing the top hairstyle apps that promise realistic previews, clear differences start to appear. The results depend largely on the AI technology behind the app and how accurately it maps hair onto the face. An equally important factor is the size and quality of the hairstyle and hair color library, since limited options reduce how useful the preview really is.

To bring you the best hairstyle app, we looked at several factors to determine which apps truly pass the test. We ran multiple tests to evaluate image processing speed, hair overlay realism, and to see if there are hidden costs along the way. We heavily prioritized apps that offer genuine free trials or free versions.

These top 6 free hairstyle try-on apps let you preview a variety of styles. While not all of them qualify as the best hairstyle app free of charge, they still let you test looks and enjoy different hairstyles before making any commitment.

1. BeautyPlus

BeautyPlus is a cross-platform photo editing app that works like a personal stylist, letting you try different hairstyles and hair colors with just a few taps. You can adjust hair parts and even fine-tune the hairline for better accuracy. You don’t have to limit this app to testing out different hairstyles on yourself, as it serves an equally apt purpose in helping you improve your overall look, making photos cleaner and more visually appealing.

The hairstyle library offers a wide range of options and is easy to use, with little to no learning curve. Most of the time, it delivers consistent and realistic results, allowing you to relax and let the app handle the styling with minimal effort.

Pros

• Offers 50 hairstyles, with unique hair color options
• Applies well even on complex hair types like afros and ponytails
• Delivers clear, natural-looking strands with realistic texture
• Handles different face angles and partial occlusion accurately
• Blends hairstyles smoothly with existing lighting for a polished result

Cons

• Hair color can shift slightly in some cases
• Only 3 hairstyles are available in the free version

Price

Free to try (3 hairstyles). Premium plan starts at $8.49 per month.

Platforms

iOS, Android

How to try hairstyles in the BeautyPlus App?

2. YouCam Makeup

YouCam Makeup is a selfie editing app similar to BeautyPlus. It allows users to try a wide range of hairstyles while also offering photo touch-up tools to enhance the overall look. Its AI engine is fairly strong and holds up well during testing, delivering results that are generally consistent and reliable rather than disappointing.

Pros

• Large hairstyle library with wide range of hair colors and styled combinations
• Multiple bang styles are available
• High flexibility with no limitation based on hair length or texture
• Supports multi-person photos with face selection

Cons

• Hair texture can look artificial in some results
• Works best with front-facing photos only
• Hairstyles do not always blend well with existing lighting
• Hair color accuracy can shift, with highlights often looking unnatural

Price

Free basic version. Premium plan starts at $10.99 per month.

Platforms

iOS, Android

3. HairHunt

HairHunt welcomes you with a wide selection of hairstyles to choose from. After uploading your photo, the tool requires a fairly strict setup. Your face needs to be straight-facing and positioned slightly away from the camera. This is the main hurdle, but once you get past it, the rest is easy.

With access to over 100 hairstyles and a wide range of color options, it offers plenty of flexibility for testing different looks. The tool has a community that you can connect with and get professional advice on what hairstyle suits you best, which you can then proceed to try on in the app to see if it’s the route you want to take.

Pros

• Huge collection of hairstyle ideas
• Professional advice and guides
• Works without app download

Cons

• Requires a strict photo setup (face straight, distance from camera)
• Does not directly edit hairstyles on photos

Price

Free

Platform

iOS, Android

4. Hairstyle Try On

As we list the best hairstyle apps available today, Hairstyle Try On still makes the cut, mainly because of its massive library of over 600 hairstyle options and having over a million downloads. Using the app is simple and beginner-friendly. Just browse through the styles, and pick the one you want to preview before making a decision.
That said, the app only goes so far. While it is decent for quick experimentation, it does not reach the same level of realism as some of the stronger tools on this list. Hair texture and blending quality often hold it back, which can make results feel less convincing.
The app can be a little difficult to use, with constant ad pop-ups appearing even when you are just trying to preview hairstyles. On top of that, it is a paid tool, which can make the overall experience feel less smooth compared to other options.
tion.

Pros

• Massive library with over 600 hairstyle options
• Simple and easy to use: upload photo and choose styles

Cons

• Only decent realism compared to other tools
• Hair texture and blending fall short
• The interface includes frequent ads
• Paid tool after free previews

Price

Limited free previews. Paid plans start around $6.99/month.

Platform

iOS, Android

5. Makeup Filters & Hair Editor

Makeup Filters & Hair Editor is an AI hairstyle app that applies filters and changes hairstyles and hair colors. Its 3-day free trial lets you preview your photos with different styles, but the app quickly pushes you toward a $7.99 subscription to continue using its features freely. It is positioned as a high-end option, promising solid results and a fairly large hairstyle library. However, since it is almost entirely paid after the trial period, it is worth thinking twice before committing.

Pros

• Uses AI to change hair and color
• 3-day free trial allows hairstyle previews
• Decent library and filter options

Cons

• Strong push toward $7.99 subscription
• Mostly paid features after trial

Price

3-day free trial. Subscription $7.99/month.

Platform

iOS, Android

6. Perfect Hairstyle and Hair Cut

Perfect Hairstyle and Hair Cut is only available on iOS and comes with a large hairstyle library. It does take some time to get used to the tool, and even after that, the results are not always fully realistic. With AI-based tools, performance can vary a lot from one app to another, and unfortunately, this one does not rank among the top performers. It analyzes the face correctly, but the hairstyles in its library often lack the realism needed for a quick and convincing preview. It can be decent for basic testing, but it may fall short if you are looking for highly realistic results.

Pros

• Large hairstyle library
• Good face analysis
• Free to use

Cons

• Only available on iOS
• Takes time to learn the tool
• Results are not always realistic
• Not as strong as the top competitors

Price

Free of cost

Platform

iOS

You do not necessarily have to download an app to get a realistic preview of different hairstyles for free. You also have the option to use online tools that require no downloads and can be accessed directly from your browser. 

1. BeautyPlus AI Hairstyle Changer

BeautyPlus’s online hairstyle tool is incredibly easy to use and includes more than 40 built-in styles, offering a wider selection than its mobile app. It also lets users change hair colors, including popular and trending shades. For extra flexibility, you can describe the hairstyle you want in a prompt, and the AI will generate a custom look based on your input.

The tool analyzes your face accurately, regardless of angle or distance, and places the hairstyle in a way that feels natural and reliable. The results are consistent and realistic, making it a strong option for anyone looking for a trustworthy online hairstyle preview.

Pros

• Offers a wide variety of hairstyles and hair color templates
• Automatically detects your hair using AI, no manual brushing required
• Allows custom hairstyle generation through text prompts

Cons

• Sometimes the prompt-based results may not fully match your expectations.

2.Youcam Online Hairstyle Changer

YouCam’s online hairstyle tool is very easy to use. All you need to do is upload a photo and select the hairstyle you want to try. The hair textures look realistic, making the result feel close to an actual haircut. This helps you assess how a style would suit you before making a decision.

With more than 60 hairstyles available, the tool offers enough variety that most users can find a style that fits their preferences.

Pros

• Very easy to use with a simple upload-and-select process
• Realistic hair textures that resemble an actual haircut
• Large library with more than 150  hairstyles
• Strong face recognition for accurate placement
• Good option for quick and reliable previews

Cons

• Limited customization beyond preset styles

• Image processing can take some time

• Requires a stable internet connection

• Some advanced styles are locked behind paid credits

3. ImagineArt – AI Hairstyle Changer

ImagineArt takes a different approach compared to most hairstyle tools. Instead of working with a preset library, it relies entirely on text prompts. You describe exactly how you want your hair to look, such as a short bob, layered cut, or black color, and the AI generates the result based on your input. This gives you full creative control and allows for very specific styling.

The results can look realistic, but the quality depends heavily on how detailed your prompt is. Being precise is essential, which can be a pro for users who know what they want and a con for those who prefer quick presets. ImagineArt offers limited free access with daily credits, though it is usually enough for only one image. Paid plans start at $9 per month with 2,000 credits included.

Pros

• Full creative freedom through text-based prompts
• No preset library limitations
• Can generate highly specific and unique hairstyles
• Useful for concept testing and experimental looks
• Offers free daily credits for basic use

Cons

• Can feel inconsistent without precise instructions

• Results depend heavily on prompt quality

• Not ideal for users who prefer quick presets

• Free credits usually allow only one image per day

4. TheHairStyler (Virtual Hairstyler)

TheHairStyler.com gives off a very old-school vibe at first glance, with an interface that feels straight out of the early 2000s. Uploading your image is easy and simple, and from there, you simply select a hairstyle from the side that fits what you want to try. Once chosen, the tool applies the style automatically.

Despite its dated look, the results are surprisingly decent for a free online tool. Using it feels a bit like playing one of those classic dress-up games, but focused on hairstyles. It is simple, functional, and does the job better than you might expect.

Pros

• Completely free to use
• No account or download required
• Simple workflow
• Decent results despite basic technology
• Fun and lightweight experience for casual testing

Cons

• Outdated interface
• Hairstyle overlays lack depth and realism
• Limited modern or trendy styles
• Not powered by advanced AI compared to newer tools

There are plenty of tools with very strict rules that will not show results unless your face is front-facing, your hair is fully out of the way, only one person is in the image, and you are positioned at a specific distance from the camera. Finding a photo that meets all these requirements can be frustrating.

While tools like BeautyPlus can still generate realistic results even with multiple people in the image or different poses, there is a better way to get the most accurate and reliable output. For best results, follow these simple tips:

• Good lighting: Natural lighting usually works great to help AI clearly detect facial features, skin tone, and edges around the hairline. Harsh shadows or artificial lighting can confuse the system and reduce realism. Standing near a window or using soft daylight usually gives the cleanest results.
• Tie your hair back: Pulling your hair away from your face allows the tool to properly map your facial structure. When the hairline, jawline, and forehead are visible, the AI can place new hairstyles more accurately, regardless of the length or style you want to try.

• Face forward: Make sure your face is straight forward-facing so it is easier for the AI to align the hairstyle evenly on both sides of the face. Angled selfies can distort proportions, which may lead to uneven or unrealistic previews.

Hair will grow back, but that does not make a bad haircut easy to live with. Spending months with a style that does not suit you can be frustrating, especially when free tools can show you how a haircut will look in advance. There is no need to rush into trends. With tools like BeautyPlus, you can take your time, try different styles, and make the right choice before committing.