The Top 9 Hair Trends For Autumn

It's fall and we're manifesting good hair days. Whether you're looking to switch up your colour, or you need some fresh haircut inspo, we asked top hairstylists from New York to L.A. to predict what will trend during this upcoming autumn-winter transition — so you have something to bring to your next salon appointment.

Of course, your natural hair is gorgeous and doesn't need touched. But, should you want to try a new wig, we've some recs. We also have a shade of glossy noir brown that might inspire you to take your colour a bit darker for the new season. Nothing is new — hair trends are cyclical, like fashion comebacks — just think of this as the hairstyle, cut, or colour to pair with your new (vintage) chunky loafers.

Think of the 'C-shaped' haircut as a modern way to ask for face-framing layers. You don't need to layer the hair all the way around — the pieces around the front are the most important. The layers will cup the face in a 'C' arc, hugging the jawline and creating dimension to the mid-lengths and ends of the hair. It gives the hair a soft and bouncy look, whether you wear it down or pulled up and back.

Autumn is the best time for a colour change, according to colourist Krystel Cuadra. "After months in the sun, many people will be looking to change their overly-lightened and oxidized hair," she says. "Just a few carefully placed highlights — think: Hailey Bieber's gorgeous au naturel look — helps grow into a dark base gradually."

You don't have to book a hair appointment to try a different style for autumn. Our R29 style editors are loving the trend evolution from the classic bun to a high and tight statement ponytail. "Wearing a snatched high ponytail is perfect for autumn, especially when wearing sweaters — showing off your cheekbones and getting hair off your shoulders is perfect during sweater weather,” says celebrity hairstylist Becca Mader. 

The styling will look different depending on your hair type. R29 social editor Breanna Davis braided her hair, sealed the ends with hot water. Then, she separated the front braids and pulled them to the side, secured the rest of her hair in a loose ponytail, and then tied both sections together to get that high and tight finish.

One thing most stylists agree on: autumn is the ideal time to book a haircut, specifically a big chop. "A lot of clients have been loving their long hair all summer and I think everyone is ready for a change," says Alessandra Bruno, hairstylist. "I think we’ll see more shoulder-grazing haircuts with interior layers for movement or mid-length cuts. Summer can be tough on your hair, so autumn is the perfect time for doing a big chop and getting your hair back in good condition."

If you favour a bun over a ponytail, the high and tight style will continue to trend from summer into autumn. "I'm obsessed with a sleek bun during all seasons, but can’t wait to pair this look with a high-neck sweater or scarf this fall," says hairstylist Graham Nation.

To get the style, apply styling cream, Nation recommends Unite's Smooth & Shine Cream, from roots to ends on towel dried or dry hair before tying your hair up in a bun. "I also recommend using the Conundrum Paste around the hairline, or anywhere there may be flyaways to create the sleekest look possible," he adds. "Apply the paste with a small toothbrush or boar-bristle brush."

If you're easily bored with your hair, a new wig might be scratch the itch. Brittany Johnson, hairstylist and content manager at Mayvenn says that this style — a loose-wave bundle with darker roots and pre-lightened, dark-blonde lengths and ends — is a "chic" and "easygoing" option that's super popular right now.

There's a lively discourse on hair parting — side versus middle. Really, you can do whatever you want. However, stylist Mia Santiago points us towards a classic '90s-style blowout that favours the side part and long layers. "This blowout style is all about volume, movement, and layers," she explains. "To achieve this look you want to make the hair as bouncy as possible."

The styling advice: Start with a volumising spray on damp roots, then use a blowdryer and a round brush to give your blowout extra body. Or, try the volumising iron going viral on TikTok. When your hair is fully dry, apply a texture spray from roots to ends, giving extra oomph and hold.

According to Chicago-based stylist Alex Brown, curtain bangs are a perennial autumn favourite that will see a rise come October. "If you’re looking for a change from your summer style and want to transition into autumn feeling brand new, wispy curtain bangs are the best way to do so without compromising length,” says Brown. "They’re great for any hair type, and look best effortlessly pushed to either side of the face."

Bangs, even the longer curtain kind, can be tricky to style. But Brown recommends applying a mousse to damp hair before styling. Whether you opt for a blowout or an air dry, Brown recommends finishing with a texture spray for the "lived-in" finish.

The biggest hair colour trend, according to Angela Hazelton, colourist at The Marie Robinson Salon, is a one, single colour. "One colour, no dimension, deep, on the cusp of being black," says Hazelton. Her tone of choice, she calls 'noir' brown: "I'm very into a deep dramatic brunette colour for fall as this colour showcases how sultry brown hair can be." If you're looking to get the tone at home, dpHue makes a cool-brown semi-permanent gloss that colourist Justin Anderson created for maintaining that healthy, glossy brown, without a salon appointment.