Baseball cap pulled over my face, palms sweating, I circled the neighbourhood twice before finally pushing open the door. Instead of a hair salon, you’d think I was psyching myself up to revisit the scene of a crime. In some ways I am, if you count unexpected bangs as a felony.

A year earlier, I’d watched in horror as my hairstylist gave me a set of curtain bangs and chopped off twice as much as I’d requested. It took everything not to have a toddler-like meltdown. Instead, I smiled politely as she spun me around in the chair, paid, and sobbed into a margarita as my best friend stroked my back and whispered, “It doesn’t look that bad”, on a loop.

Hair is a big part of our identity and a reflection of our self-expression, so when a cut or color goes wrong, it’s like a stranger is looking back at us in the mirror. But how to handle that situation the right way seems to be equally mystifying. Can I ask for a color correction? Should I just use a box dye at home and pray for the best? What if I just buy loads of hats?

The bottom line is, no stylist wants to give you a cut or a color you’re unhappy with. With that in mind, here’s a foolproof guide I’ll be following for how to leave the salon with the exact look you want, every time — and, all importantly, how to raise concerns without causing offence (or racking up a bar bill) if you’re disappointed with the result.

How do you tell your hairstylist or colorist exactly what you have in mind?

Rule no.1: always book a consultation before a color or a cut. It allows you to share what your vision is for your hair — and for the pros to pitch in with their expertise — before deciding whether you want to go ahead with it or not. “A thorough consultation should set realistic expectations from the beginning,” says Lauren Bailey-Chaidez, a stylist and owner of Feverfew Salon in Los Angeles. “I always try to explain what’s possible (and what’s not) and I check in throughout the appointment so they feel comfortable speaking up if something doesn’t feel right.”

Of course, TikTok’s buzzy ‘Korean bob’ or ‘butterfly layers’ can mean different things to different people. To ensure everyone is on the same page, Dale Herne, a stylist and educator at Hershesons salon in London, advises bringing screenshots of haircuts you really like on social media or on celebrities. “Two or three really great examples are all you need to showcase the style and vibe, ideally on someone with a similar hair texture to yours,” he says.

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Pictures will also help your colorist to visualize your desired shade or placement for highlights, adds Bianca Hillier, master colorist at Andy LeCompte Salon in West Hollywood, California. “Words like golden, cool, or red are surprisingly subjective, and clients and colorists often interpret them differently,” she says. “Referencing images eliminates the guesswork and helps determine whether the desired results are realistic in one appointment or whether it will require a long-term plan.” Hillier adds that photos can also be helpful if the salon environment makes you anxious and you’re nervous about explaining what you want your hair to look like.

If you don’t like the cut or color of your hair, when should you say something — and how?

Herne says you shouldn’t feel afraid to speak up if, at any point, you feel like your stylist is cutting too much hair off or if your hair isn’t short enough. Celebrity hairstylist Dimitris Giannetos also stresses that whatever you do, don’t wait until the end of the appointment to express any concerns. “The best time to speak up is while you’re still in the chair,” he says. “Throughout the appointment, your stylist will usually check in, and that’s the perfect opportunity to share your thoughts.”

So while it’s tempting to scroll through your phone during your appointment, most stylists and colorists agree that it’s best to keep a watchful eye on what’s happening, especially if you’ve opted for a fresh style or you’re new to the salon. “The more open you are during the process, the easier it is to make small adjustments before you leave the salon,” says Giannetos.

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If things don’t go quite as planned, Bailey-Chaidez maintains honesty is still the best policy. “If you’re unhappy, tell your stylist directly. If you smile, say you love it, and then leave a bad review or post a negative video afterward, you’ve taken away the opportunity for them to fix it or learn from the experience. It’s a two-way process, and both the stylist and the client share some responsibility in making sure everyone leaves feeling good about the experience.” At the end of the day, it’s your hair, says Bailey-Chaidez. “You’re paying for a service, so you should leave feeling happy with the result.”

As for making changes, Herne says that, most of the time, any issues can be addressed there and then. The exception is with color, as you may need to come back at a later date for a correction. Hillier caveats this by saying: “Before assuming the color is wrong, ask about the maintenance and how the color will evolve. Most color will soften, lighten, or settle after a few washes.” Above all, keep the conversation calm and constructive. “If you’re still unhappy, communicate that clearly and respectfully so you and your stylist or colorist can decide on the best route to navigate,” advises Hillier. “The end goal is always to make sure you love your hair, and I would much rather address your concerns than have you leave the salon disappointed.”

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How late is too late to change your mind about your hair color? And is it ever okay to ask for a redo?

There’s a difference between correcting something that didn’t go as planned and simply changing your mind about the shade a week or two later and deciding you want a completely different look, says Giannetos. “Hair color is a collaborative process, and it’s completely okay to reach out if something feels different than what you discussed,” Giannetos says. He adds, “That said, try to contact your colorist within the first week if you have concerns. The sooner you communicate, the more options you’ll have.”

This is also why that initial consultation is so crucial, explains Hillier, as it avoids issues further down the line. “If a client changes their mind, it’s best to speak up before the colorist begins mixing the color,” Hillier says. “Once it has been applied, your options become much more limited, and changing direction may require additional appointments to maintain the health and integrity of your hair.”

As for a redo? “If the final result doesn’t reflect what you and your stylist agreed on, or if the color shifts unexpectedly in the first few washes, it’s completely reasonable to reach out,” says Giannetos. “Sometimes a quick toner is all that’s needed to adjust warmth or brightness.” Again, it’s worth pulling up pictures to show what you feel should be done differently.

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You dyed your hair at home in between salon visits; how do you tell your colorist?

Professional color is considered the gold standard for lightening or adding multi-dimensional tones to hair. But not everyone is in a financial position to get their hair colored every six to 12 weeks. If you do use a box dye in between appointments, there’s no shame in letting your colorist know. “We aren’t going to be offended — just tell us!” says Bailey-Chaidez. “Home color can have a huge impact on the results we’re able to achieve. Even if it’s faded and you can’t see it anymore, it’s still in your hair and can affect how professional color lifts, deposits, or reacts.”

Disclosing your hair history is also a must for safety reasons, stresses Bailey-Chaidez. “Honestly, clients tell us everything — their family drama, relationship updates, work stress… we want all the details,” she says, adding, “Knowing your hair history is no different. It helps us avoid unexpected chemical reactions and unnecessary damage. The more information you give us, the better we can create a plan that’s safe and gets you as close as possible to your goal.”

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Is it rude not to talk to your hairstylist during your appointment?

Hillier has noticed that quiet appointments have become much more commonplace, and most stylists are happy to accommodate them. “As a professional, it’s my job to read the room,” says Hillier. “It’s obvious if a client is on call, or clicking away on a keyboard, that they’re clearly occupied.” You’ll still receive a great service, reassures Herne. “A good sign is when a client gently closes their eyes during an appointment,” he explains. “It gives me the signal that they’d prefer a quiet service and just want to relax.”

There may also be more complex reasons for wanting to avoid conversation that day. For some people, small talk can be intimidating and a quiet service can calm jangly nerves. “Bringing headphones to listen to music or watch a movie can make you feel more comfortable, especially in a loud and upbeat salon environment,” Hillier says. (Side note: Just make sure they’re wireless earbuds rather than over-ear headphones so they don’t interfere with your hair).

Politely explaining to your colorist or stylist that you’re just not feeling up for a chatty session is perfectly acceptable, too, says Hillier. “It’s not rude – simply tell your colorist that you’re in a funk,” she adds. Just remember, some collaboration is still necessary: during the consultation appointment, for example, to ensure everyone has clarity on the desired result, and if your stylist or colorist checks in to make sure you’re happy with how things are progressing.

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Is it bad salon etiquette to hop between stylists or colorists?

The short answer is no. “There’s no rule that says you have to stick with the same stylist or colorist forever,” says Herne. Many salons keep detailed client notes for consistency. “If your regular stylist is unavailable, seeing another stylist is never a problem,” says Bailey-Chaidez, adding that at her salon, referrals between teammates are completely normal. Regarding loyalty, Hillier says it’s always appreciated, but it’s also earned through results and trust. “If a client has clearly communicated their goals over multiple appointments and is still not receiving the desired look, it’s appropriate to seek a second opinion or new artist,” she says.

So it’s absolutely okay to try somewhere new. But in some circumstances, Herne stresses that there are also benefits to giving someone a second chance and building an ongoing relationship with your existing stylist or colorist. “Over time, they understand your hair’s texture, how it behaves, what’s been done to it previously and, most importantly, what you’re trying to achieve long term,” he says. “That history allows them to make more informed decisions and tailor your cut or color.”

Ultimately, the decision is yours, but everyone agrees that the biggest thing is respect. “If you weren’t happy with your service, have that conversation first if you can,” says Bailey-Chaidez. “But if you were disrespectful to your stylist and then decide to come back later, that can make things awkward.” Open, honest communication goes a long way: “Most stylists appreciate the opportunity to make things right.”

What are some tips for socially anxious people navigating hair salons?

While some people revel in the mirror selfies, the playlist and the social interaction, a busy salon can be a stressful and overwhelming environment for others.

Most stylists agree that mid-morning and mid-week appointments tend to be quieter, so you may prefer to book in then. “Booking a consultation first can also help you ease into the experience and get familiar with the space without committing to a full service,” says Bailey-Chaidez. If booking in person or over the phone feels daunting, consider making an appointment online or via an app. “And don’t hesitate to reach out with questions before your appointment — many stylists are happy to communicate via email or DM if that feels more comfortable,” she says.

When you arrive, it’s perfectly normal if things feel a little awkward at first, Bailey-Chaidez adds. “Especially in salons without a traditional front desk,” she admits. “But most stylists understand this and will do their best to acknowledge you as soon as they can.” Bailey-Chaidez stresses that your stylist or colorist will also follow your lead — whether you’re comfortable chatting or prefer to keep conversation minimal. “You can also let them know during the service that you’d like a quiet appointment,” says Hillier. “Everyone wants you to feel comfortable and relaxed throughout the process.”

Most importantly, give yourself grace says Bailey-Chaidez. “Finding a stylist and environment that feels safe and comfortable can take time, and that’s completely okay.”

When and how much should you tip?

Bailey-Chaidez says 20% gratuity is the standard tip for a cut or color. When it comes to corrections, she notes: “Allow your stylist to make adjustments that day or schedule a correction appointment within the week if needed. If the service isn’t finished because you’re waiting on a correction, I’d hold off on the tip until everything is complete.”

If you later decide you simply don’t like the look — even though your stylist gave you exactly what you asked for — that’s a different situation, Bailey-Chaidez says. “Many stylists or salons will still try to help by offering a discounted adjustment or second service, even when it’s not technically their mistake,” she says. In which case, a tip is one way to show your appreciation.

How can you build a better rapport with your hairstylist?

Hillier says that trust is built over time, but booking with the same stylist or colorist means they can better understand your preferences, lifestyle, and long-term hair goals. “Share honest feedback, ask questions, and let them know how you’re feeling throughout the process,” she says. “The stronger the relationship, the better your results become.” Booking your next appointment when you pay is one way to guarantee consistent results. Following your stylist’s recommendations for aftercare, like using heat protection and a once-weekly hair mask, is another.

Divulging your daily hair care routine is equally important. “Let them know how much time you’re willing to spend styling your hair at home and be honest about your maintenance expectations,” Giannetos says. Do you wash your hair every day, for example? Do you prefer to air-dry rather than blow-dry? Do you use styling products in your hair or do you simply wash and head out the door? All this can determine the best cut and color on a practical level. “The best results happen when there’s trust on both sides,” he says. “Think of your stylist as your beauty partner — the more they know about your routine and goals, the better they can customize your look.”

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Growing up in New Orleans, I watched a lot of TV. I’ve always loved sitcoms like Living Single, Sister Sister, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and Girlfriends. Any sitcom that showed the shenanigans of daily life complete with a laugh track — and robust dating lives. Good or bad, they had them. So naturally, as I watched them in adolescence, I assumed my adult dating life would be somewhat similar. So much so I made a podcast about it! I imagined it would be filled with hot guys meeting me at my front door to take me on a date and then gabbing with my friends about it afterward (complete with a background crowd going Oooooo). Maybe even a friend or two watching my date from across the room behind a big newspaper as it happened, just to make sure everything was going according to plan. In reality, my dating life has not been like a sitcom. There haven’t been any meet-cutes in the grocery store. There’s been no laugh track. There’s hardly been any dates at all. This year, a week before my 36th birthday, I realized I had not been on a date for three years.

This fact hit me like a ton of bricks, and I cried for two days straight. My last committed relationship ended over 10 years ago, and I haven’t seriously dated anyone since 2018. I’m “chronically single” and I feel deep grief about it. I’m not ashamed to be single, nor do I believe I will never find love. I’m certainly not Carrie Bradshaw in Season 4, of Sex And The City: when through a series of unfortunate events everyone misses her 35th birthday dinner. When they finally catch up with her, she admits that she has never felt more alone and despite having her friends, she says “it felt really sad not to have a man in my life who cares about me. No special guy to wish me a happy birthday. No goddamn soulmate.” Charlotte suggests that they are all each other’s soulmates. And while Carrie accepts that sentiment, we all know it goes in one ear and out the other once Big [her on/off boyfriend] shows up. While I’m 36 and didn’t have a special man to spend my birthday with, I don’t feel soulmate-less. I have my forever life mates.

I already have a plan to live in a nursing home with two of my oldest best friends when the time comes. I’m fortunate to have a wealth of familial and platonic love; without it, I would be in much worse shape. What exists right now for me is a lack of romantic love, and with it, a very real feeling of grief. Grief for the life I have not been able to live. Grief over the love I missed out on in my 20s and now my early 30s. Grief for the good dates I did not have, or the bad dates I did not get to learn from. Grief for consistently feeling unloved, undesired, and unseen.

I know I’m not alone in this. Recently, one of my fellow single friends commiserated that being “chronically single” is, in fact, harder than people who have not had this issue understand, and that’s why they are dismissive of our feelings. When coupled up friends tell me, “love will find you when you least expect it,” they want the best for me and just want to save me from feelings of sadness and rejection. But it only makes me feel more rejected and unheard. The spiral of confusion, frustration, and grief starts again. My friend also identified it as grief we are mourning as “chronically single” people. We mourn what never was, even without having it.

I know love is possible, but this is not just about love or getting married. It’s about feeling the small-yet-joyous things: cuddling; romantic affection; spending aimless time with someone and holding hands with them. The ups and downs of meeting new potential partners. The butterflies you get in your stomach when you have a crush who likes you back! The grief I feel also comes from realizing that I do not get these things, even though I know I deserve them. I deserve to be loved, desired, and seen — everyone does. We all deserve romantic love and intimacy, and going without it can sometimes make you feel unworthy, even when you are not. I feel sadness and confusion — am I doing something wrong? Am I not worthy?

This is nothing new, of course; dating has been in steady decline for many women, especially those who live in big cities. Los Angeles, where I currently live, has been cited as one of the worst dating cities. According to Time Out’s 2025 survey, only 26% of L.A. locals think dating is great. I would love to meet that 26%! I have had multiple people suggest I move — but would packing up my entire life to move to a new place, starting all over again in the hopes of going on a date, be a very feasible solution? Dating has been an issue for me before I even moved to L.A. I’m a Black woman, and even though we are the most amazing beings, statistically dating is harder for us. 

I think the current dating landscape is not just hard for me, but so many other women. I bet you’re thinking: Girl, get on a dating app! Yes, dating apps are the main way people go on dates, and maybe I’m blocking my blessings by not having profiles. Truthfully, I quit dating apps (three years ago) when it took me a year of being on them to get one date with a man who insulted how I looked, and told me that no matter what, a man should always make the decisions. No, thanks.

Truthfully, I would love to meet someone in person. It seemed much easier for the characters in sitcoms to meet other people, partly because of third spaces in shows. Ranging from coffee shops to bowling alleys, they were able to interact, mix and mingle with those outside of the core group. More third spaces. More dates. The Girlfriends had the Blue Bar, Friends had Central Perk, and even Lizzie McGuire had the Digital Bean. With the growing lack of third spaces this has become harder to accomplish. No weeknight trips to the bowling alley or standing appointment for post-work happy hour. When I speak to other single women about the possibility of an IRL meet-cute, we all seem to think the same thing: be it a party or community activity, it is mostly occupied by other women. I have been to a few speed dating/dating events where the organizers are begging men to sign up. I’ve even been turned away because there were simply not enough men signed up for the number of women. When I once asked a guy why men don’t like to go to these events, his response was that they feel intimidated. But isn’t dating intimidating for everyone? Aren’t we all nervous? I thought that’s what made dating an adventure.

This adventure I’m looking for requires vulnerability. I believe in 2026, we are scared to be vulnerable — including me. I can admit that my lack of dating experience has caused me to put up a few walls. On the off chance I do get to flirt with a man in the wild, I’m always braced for rejection. I dream of the day that one of my friends comes to me and says, “I have a guy I think you should meet.” I routinely check in with my coupled friends, single friends, and even my coworkers on this front. They go on to say they either don’t know any single men or don’t have anyone “good enough” for me to meet. While that could be true, I think the truth is they don’t want to disappoint me or be caught in the middle if it doesn’t work out. While I appreciate the caution, but unless he is a living breathing red flag, shouldn’t I be the judge of that?

After turning 36, and crying for two days straight, I took a couple of deep breaths and told myself I didn’t have to be over my sad feelings yet. I’m the only one who can hold my grief and feelings. What does it mean to be alone? What does it mean to be “chronically single”? It means recognizing and accepting them. Giving them space to be. One day, I will not have these feelings, but today, at this big age of 36, I’m sad. Luckily, I can binge Living Single. Finding solace in knowing that my character arc is still being written and join in the laughter of the laugh track as my favorite characters go on dates and gab at the end of the episodes. As the theme song goes, “I’m glad I got my girls.”

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“Nothing? Not even a gloss coat? Maybe light pink?” 

The manicurist could barely hide her disinterest as I confirmed that, yes, I wanted an entirely bare manicure: nails trimmed, cuticles treated, and nail beds buffed to a shine — everything but the polish. 

Throughout the entire treatment, she barely engaged me, instead looking over at other clients who were getting ‘actual’ manicures done. I left feeling slightly apologetic, like I’d wasted her time and somehow let her down. Frustratingly, this is far from an isolated incident; it’s often what happens when Muslim women like me book in for nail maintenance appointments. 

You see, many Muslim women refrain from wearing nail polish for religious reasons. As part of the five obligatory daily prayers, ablution (the ritual washing known as ‘wudhu’) must be performed, which involves cleansing the hands, ensuring that water reaches the nail beds. Traditionally, nail polish has been seen as a barrier that invalidates wudhu. Women don’t pray when menstruating, and growing up, nail polish was reserved for that one week a month. As a teenager, I was always so excited to paint my nails, and some Muslims have their nails painted at the salon just to have the polish removed a week later.

Muslim women have been wearing their nails bare for generations, not because they were trending, but because they formed part of our religious rituals. It has been a lonely beauty club to be in.

In other words, bare nails are the norm for many Muslim women. You can imagine my surprise, then, when I recently discovered that bare nails were being hailed as the latest, chicest manicure trend. I saw it in a magazine article first, and I was certain that the writer must have meant ‘barely-there nails’, or ‘the bare nail look’ — a sheer nude coat of polish (think OPI Bubble Bath or Essie Ballet Slippers) designed to mimic the appearance of healthy natural nails. Surely, there was no way that the humble cut, file, and buff I’d been disappointing manicurists with was now considered en Vogue, I thought. 

All the more unexpectedly, it was being reframed as a symbol of “quiet luxury”, a phrase that has infiltrated fashion — and now beauty. If social media is anything to go by, the aesthetic rejects “showy” maximalism for “sophisticated” minimalism, and when it comes to nails, the “natural” finish is said to indicate quality.

I could count the number of manicures I’ve had on one hand (pun intended). As such, I’ve long thought of going to the nail salon in much the same way as going to the dentist. Not pleasant and slightly guilt-inducing, but I’ll leave feeling clean and refreshed, albeit dreading my next visit. Seeing bare nails being framed as a trend, or symbol of understated luxury, evoked complex feelings. 

On one hand, working in beauty PR, I’ve always felt a sense of FOMO about not having my nails done. I worried that it might make me look less put together than my colleagues (see the viral conversation around “nail privilege”, which suggests having your nails done can make you more successful), or that people would assume I hadn’t made an effort. On the other hand, it’s a relief to know that it’s no longer outside the norm to skip the polish, but it would be remiss not to acknowledge that bare nails have always been another point of difference for Muslim women. 

More questionable still, the majority of inspiration pictures shared on Instagram or Pinterest tend to be on white hands that look nothing like mine or the countless Muslim women I know.

That’s why it feels especially jarring when Influencers tell me that it’s “chic” to have bare nails. More questionable still, the majority of inspiration pictures shared on Instagram or Pinterest tend to be on white hands that look nothing like mine or the countless Muslim women I know. Simple, bare nails have even earned cutesy monikers, like the “naked manicure”, “your nails but better manicure”, or the “barely there manicure”. This is frustrating. We shouldn’t need Western women to co-opt and rename beauty rituals that Muslim women have been doing for years for it to become normalized and acceptable.

Ambreen, 33, echoes my sentiment: “It feels like anything white women do is allowed to become a trend, but when it’s Muslim women, it’s framed as oppression,” she tells me. Ambreen adds, “Even if it’s something Muslim women did first, it always takes the Western world adopting a beauty ritual for it to be seen as acceptable. In the past, a Muslim woman skipping nail polish during a manicure would mean she was a step behind, but suddenly now that all the inspo is on white women, it’s completely acceptable.”

Like me, Saimah, 30, wears her nails bare and has often felt pressured into getting nude gel polish by the nail techs she’s visited in the past. “[I have bare nails] for religious reasons, as well as being in the medical field,” she tells me, adding, “I’d love to get more bare nail mani-pedis, but it really takes away from the experience to feel like you’re constantly being convinced a nude gel is the better route. It simply isn’t an option for me.”

In recent years, nail technology has advanced, bringing a steady rise in breathable, permeable nail polishes. This allows water to pass through and is therefore considered permissible by some Muslims. As you might’ve guessed, this doesn’t extend to gels including Shellac, builder gel (or BIAB), and acrylic nails — none of which I have ever had. 

But as “naked” manicures rise in popularity, so have the offerings on salon menus, making it much easier to book in, rather than having the ‘everything but the polish’ conversation. For Ambreen, the naked manicure encouraged her to book into a salon for the first time. “I wouldn’t usually spend time getting my nails done,” she tells me, “but knowing I can invest in a manicure that leaves my nails looking and feeling healthy, without compromising on the conditions required for prayer, is a really great beauty maintenance option.”

I agree, and I love seeing manicurists perfect their craft in a way that feels relatable and desirable to Muslim women. Celebrity manicurist Iram Shelton tells me, “I love working on bare nail manicures. The trend has made me so much better at the fundamentals like shaping, buffing, and cuticle work because that takes center stage when there’s nothing else to distract from it.” 

With that said, while the conversation around bare nails has skyrocketed, putting this into practice in mainstream salons is more gradual. Shelton shares, “Clients who used to opt for chrome or nail art now want to look like they’re not wearing anything. However, most people aren’t actually going for fully bare nails; they are opting for a glazed look using an ultra-glossy top coat, and OPI’s Tin Man Can glaze, both of which give the illusion that it’s how their nails look naturally.”  

This made me question whether those spearheading the bare nail conversation were really living with them. I put the question to luxury manicurist Megan Margot Evans, who tells me, “A high percentage of my clients are still getting gel manicures, with regular gel maintenance appointments every three weeks.” Evans adds that natural nails are certainly the more “practical, low-maintenance option”, but if Instagram is anything to go by, it seems that truly natural, bare nails are few and far between. The expert consensus is that going “faux bare” remains the most viable option. But if we’re expected to fake the look of natural nails, will truly natural nails ever be accepted as they are?

One positive that has come from the rise of bare nails is the increased manicure options on the market. Take the Japanese manicure, for example: a targeted treatment where nails are cleansed, shaped, and buffed before a mix of paste and powder with ingredients such as beeswax, vitamin E, and keratin is massaged into the nailbeds for health and shine — no polish whatsoever. Another option, and my personal favourite, is glass nail buffing. This enlists a tempered glass tool to smooth ridges, leaving a high-shine finish that replicates the look of a glossy top coat. This is something I request during all my naked manicures, and considering how long the pearly shine lasts, it’s hard to believe they’re my natural nails.

With all that said, it’s frustrating that bare nails are only now being embraced, especially, it seems, by people who have written Muslim women out of beauty narratives in the past. Muslim women have been wearing their nails bare for generations, not because they were trending, but because they formed part of our religious rituals. It has been a lonely beauty club to be in. So please remember that while bare nails might be a fleeting trend for the summer, for Muslim women, they always have — and always will — form a key part of our beauty identities.

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In case you were looking for a reminder that the summer is moving faster than The Bear’s Carmy dicing onions, the 2026 Emmy Nominations are already here. The ceremony — hosted for the first time by Law & Order: SVU star Mariska Hargitay — will be live on Monday, September 14th, on NBC and today, the list of TV shows and stars acknowledged by the Television Academy caused the usual commotion: excitement over returning Emmy favorites (Hacks, The Pitt, Abbott Elementary), shock and awe over the surprise noms (Chase Infiniti! Riz Ahmed! Subway Takes!), and the inevitable frustration over supposed snubs (Industry, Stranger Things, Paul Anthony Kelly for Love Story, Cailee Spaeny for Beef, I could go one). 

As always, Emmy nomination morning isn’t just about celebrating television, it’s about instantly becoming convinced the Television Academy has either impeccable taste or has never watched TV before, with absolutely no middle ground. Every year brings a fresh batch of “finally!” moments, a handful of “sure, I guess,” picks, and at least one nomination that sends everyone sprinting to Google. This year’s ballot asks some genuinely pressing questions: Will Hacks’ final season cement it as an unstoppable comedy dynasty? Will The Pitt‘s dominance last through voting season, or has the backlash already begun? How exactly did Connor Storrie pull off one of the morning’s biggest surprise nominations? And perhaps most importantly, which snub will become the internet’s entire personality for the next 48 hours?

So before we all become armchair Television Academy voters for the next two months, here are the biggest questions hanging over this year’s race.

Who Are The Frontrunners? 

Can anything actually stop The Pitt? Do we want it to? HBO’s breakout medical drama dominated this year’s Emmy nominations, cementing itself as the awards juggernaut everyone predicted when Noah Wyle first put on those scrubs… again. But Emmy voters have a habit of falling in love hard, and then moving on just as quickly. Is The Pitt genuinely unstoppable, or are we about to witness the annual backlash that inevitably follows peak TV obsession? I’m still mad at team behind The Pitt for doing my girl Dr. Samira Mohan (Supriya Ganesh) so dirty last season and announcing that she would not be returning to the series. But, I digress. The series garnered 25 nominations in total, including noms for Wyle, co-stars Taylor Dearden, Fiona Dourif, Fiona Dourif, Sepideh Moafi, Patrick Ball, Shawn Hatosy, Gerran Howell, and guest stars Brittany Allen (who submitted herself), Tal Anderson, Tina Ivlev, and Ernest Harden Jr. (Louie!!) 

Moafi (The Pitt’s Dr. Al-Hashimi) became the first Iranian woman and woman from the Middle East to be recognized in the supporting actress in a drama series category. I love The Pitt but when one show monopolizes the nominations like this, it’s hard not to wish the love was spread around a bit more. And it brings up questions like why Isa Briones was left off the ballot when so many of her co-stars weren’t? 

On the comedy side, Hacks somehow keeps finding another gear. For its final season, the reigning champion garnered 24 noms (a record for a comedy series for noms in a single year) making it the rare series that is both critically beloved and broadly embraced by the Academy, and this year’s haul only reinforces Jean Smart’s seemingly permanent residence in the Best Comedy Actress winner’s circle. My prediction is that Smart will do it again. And she deserves! The ending of Hacks was perfect. In the Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series category, Smart’s co-star Hannah Einbinder is nominated again, and I’m hoping for another win because her 2025 speech (“Go Birds, Fuck Ice, and Free Palestine”) is one of my all-time fave Emmy Speeches. However, I think the frontrunner in that category is Kate O’Flynn as Patricia in Widow’s Bay.

Widow’s Bay leads the noms for new shows with 19 and I think a combination of recency bias (the show’s Season 1 finale aired just last month) and the fact that it’s one of the most original and best TV shows of the past decade (Matthew Rhys hive, we up!) makes it a clear frontrunner come September. 

Does Your Fave Have A Shot At Winning? 

Some nominations just feel right. Abbott Elementary continues its remarkably consistent Emmy run, reminding us that network TV isn’t dead if you’re funny enough. It’s one of my personal favorite shows on TV but I think the chances of Abbott taking home any hardware this year are slim (Janelle James has the best shot in the supporting comedy actress category). 

Riz Ahmed popping up on the ballot for Bait is exactly the kind of “oh, good for him!” surprise that makes nomination morning worth refreshing social media for. And Subway Takes getting recognized is a beautiful reminder that the Emmys occasionally remember the internet exists. That said, I don’t think either will win their respective categories. 

Everyone’s fave it girl, Zendaya, garnered another Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series Emmy nom (she’s won twice) for playing Rue Bennett for the last time in Euphoria. Again, I don’t think this is her year to win it. This one probably belongs to Pluribus’ Rhea Seehorn though my vote would go to Carrie Coon as Bertha Russell in The Gilded Age or Chase Infiniti’s stunning work as Agnes in The Testaments. 

I also loved seeing Yahya Abdul Mateen II’s name show up for Outstanding Lead Actor In A Comedy Series for Wonderman but if I had to wager, that category belongs to Rhys.

Then there’s Connor Storrie, whose nomination immediately launched a thousand group chats asking the same thing: “Wait… Connor Storrie got nominated?” That’s not a criticism — it’s been widely reported that Heated Rivalry is not eligible for Emmys since it’s an entirely Canadian production but Storrie got nominated for his hosting gig on Saturday Night Live. The Emmys knows what comes with getting some like Storrie to their event. He’s the it-boy of the moment, who is also a wonderful actor and was great on SNL, but let’s not pretend like this wasn’t some kind of make-up nom since they couldn’t give him one for Heated Rivalry. Well, however it happened, I’m excited for Storrie. He’s at the beginning of his career and I can’t wait to watch him rise (more of this energy for Hudson Williams too, please!). His name on the ballot is the kind of wonderfully left-field acting nomination that makes awards season fun. 

Finally, Who Did Emmy Voters Forget? 

Of course, no Emmy nominations are complete without the annual crashouts that come when the show you swear deserved a nom is left off the ballot.  Industry remains one of the Television Academy’s most confounding blind spots. The voting body just must not be watching because Myha’la as Harper Stern deserves! Stranger Things‘ absence feels like the end of an era, even if its eligibility and release schedule have complicated its awards prospects in recent years. Cailee Spaeny missing for Beef stings, while Paul Anthony Kelly’s omission for Love Story isn’t exactly unexpected (critics widely called him out as the show’s weakest link but I liked his performance as JFK Jr.) but he was hitting the “for your consideration” circuit hard so I’m sure he’s feeling a bit disappointed today. 

There are some snubs that inspire the kind of deeply specific grievance that awards obsessives will be litigating until voting closes but this year, I don’t think there’s a clear one. Most outlets are pointing out that none of Taylor Sheridan’s shows got noms but those are all just soap operas for boys so I don’t know why anyone thinks they deserve the prestige of Emmys. In that case, Kerry Washington should be there for Imperfect Women, a messy ass show that only worked because of Washington and Elisabeth Moss. 

Other snubs: despite winning a Golden Globe for her role in CBS’ Matlock, Kathy Bates was notably missing from the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series category, Sydney Sweeney wasn’t nominated for Euphoria (correct, in my opinion), and usual Emmy darlings Selena Gomez and Steve Martin were absent from the comedy categories for Only Murders In The Building. 

As always, I would love The Emmys to diversify their TV viewing experience from the same old shows and maybe watch Survival Of The Thickest (Michelle Buteau should have all the comedy awards!). I would have also loved to see Tessa Thompson in there for His & Hers or Keke Palmer for The Burbs, but overall, I’m not mad at these nominations. 

Wait — Is The Bear A Comedy?

I’m kidding. This question has never really interested me, but it’s (almost) the last time people will be able to gripe over whether The Bear is committing category fraud (who cares?) so I had to poke the bear (I’ll be here all week!). Let’s just revel in the sweet gesture the Academy made by nominating the late Rob Reiner for  his guest appearance on the series’ penultimate season and keep it moving. 

Below, find the complete list of the 2026 Emmy nominees.

Outstanding Drama Series

“The Diplomat”

“The Gilded Age”

“A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms”

“Paradise”

“The Pitt”

“Slow Horses”

Your Friends & Neighbors

Outstanding Comedy Series

Abbott Elementary.

The Bear.

Hacks.

Margo’s Got Money Troubles.

Nobody Wants This.

Only Murders in the Building.

Shrinking.

Widow’s Bay.

Outstanding limited or anthology series

All Her Fault.

The Beast in Me.

Beef.

DTF St. Louis.

Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette.

Outstanding Lead Actor, Drama

Sterling K. Brown, Paradise.

Gary Oldman, Slow Horses.

Mark Ruffalo, Task.

Rufus Sewell, The Diplomat.

Noah Wyle, The Pitt.

Outstanding Lead Actress, Drama

Keri Russell, The Diplomat.

Rhea Seehorn, Pluribus.

Zendaya, Euphoria.

Chase Infiniti, The Testaments.

Carrie Coon, The Guilded Age.

Outstanding Lead Actor, Comedy

Steve Carell, Rooster.

Matthew Rhys, Widow’s Bay.

Jason Segal, Shrinking.

Martin Short, Only Murders in the Building.

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Wonderman.

Outstanding Lead Actress, Comedy

Quinta Brunson, Abbott Elementary.

Elle Fanning, Margo’s Got Money Troubles.

Lisa Kudrow, The Comeback.

Jean Smart, Hacks.

Ayo Edebiri, The Bear.

Outstanding Supporting Actress, Drama

Taylor Dearden, The Pitt.

Fiona Dourif, The Pitt.

Allison Janney, The Diplomat.

Katherine LaNasa, The Pitt.

Sepideh Moafi, The Pitt.

Julianne Nicholson, Paradise.

Karolina Wydra, Pluribus.

Outstanding Supporting Actor, Comedy

Colman Domingo, The Four Seasons.

Paul W. Downs, Hacks.

Harrison Ford, Shrinking.

Nick Offerman, Margo’s Got Money Troubles.

Stephen Root, Widow’s Bay.

Micheal Urie, Shrinking.

Tyler James Williams, Abbott Elementary.

Outstanding Supporting Actress, Comedy

Dale Dickey, Widow’s Bay.

Hannah Einbinder, Hacks.

Janelle James, Abbott Elementary.

Kate O’Flynn, Widow’s Bay.

Michelle Pfeiffer, Margo’s Got Money Troubles.

Megan Stalter, Hacks.

Jessica Williams, Shrinking.

Outstanding Lead actor, limited series, anthology or movie

Charlie Hunnam, Monster: The Ed Gein Story.

Oscar Isaac, Beef.

Matthew Rhys, The Beast in Me.

Jason Bateman, Black Rabbit.

Riz Ahmed, Bait.

Outstanding Lead actress, limited series, anthology or movie

Claire Danes, The Beast in Me.

Carey Mulligan, Beef.

Sarah Pidgeon, Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette.

Sarah Snook, All Her Fault.

Sally Field, Remarkably Bright Creatures.

Outstanding Supporting actor, limited series, anthology or movie

Jason Bateman, DTF St. Louis.

Richard Gadd, Half Man.

David Harbour, DTF St. Louis.

Richard Jenkins, DTF St. Louis.

Charles Melton, Beef.

Nick Offerman, Death by Lightning.

Outstanding Supporting actress, limited series, anthology or movie

Linda Cardellini, DTF St. Louis.

Dakota Fanning, All Her Fault.

Laurie Metcalf, Monster: The Ed Gein Story.

Joy Sunday, DTF, St. Louis.

Youn Yuh-jung, Beef.

Constance Zimmer, Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bissette.

Outstanding Guest actor, drama

Colman Domingo, Euphoria.

Ernest Harden, Jr., The Pitt.

Jeff Hiller, Pluribus.

Jeff Kober, The Pitt.

Jonathan Pryce, Slow Horses.

Bradley Whitford, The Diplomat.

Outstanding Guest actress, drama

Brittany Allen, The Pitt.

Tal Anderson, The Pitt.

Tina Ivlev, The Pitt.

Miriam Shor, Pluribus.

Merritt Wever, The Gilded Age.

Shailene Woodley, Paradise.

Outstanding Guest actor, comedy

Michael J. Fox, Shrinking.

Brett Goldstein, Shrinking.

Hamish Linklater, Widow’s Bay.

Christopher McDonald, Hacks.

Rob Reiner, The Bear.

Connor Storrie, Saturday Night Live.

Outstanding Guest actress, comedy

Leslie Bibb, Hacks.

Jamie Lee Curtis, The Bear.

Betty Gilpin, Widow’s Bay.

Cherry Jones, Hacks.

Laurie Metcalf, Hacks.

Kaitlin Olson, Hacks.

Lauren Weedman, Hacks.

Outstanding variety series

The Daily Show.

Jimmy Kimmel Live!

Last Week Tonight with John Oliver.

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.

Saturday Night Live.

Outstanding reality competition program

Dancing with the Stars.

RuPaul’s Drag Race.

Survivor.

Top Chef.

The Traitors.

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