Real Simple

Hair

11 Fresh Fall Haircuts to Try This Season, According to Hairstylists

 

Prepare to take a ton of screenshots.

The air is crisp, leaves are changing, and pumpkin spice is everywhere—time for a fresh start with a new fall haircut. It's an easy way to change up your look, and a great opportunity to snip off dead ends and undo any summer-induced hair damage that's taken a toll on your tresses.

To inspire you this season, we asked hairstylists to share their favorite fall hairstyles, with options for all lengths and textures. Trust us, they're cuts you're guaranteed to fall for (sorry).

'90s Blowout

One of the defining hairstyles of the supermodel era, the bombshell blowout, is making a loud comeback—but requires the right tools and aftercare. In terms of technique, direction is key.

To achieve the most volume where your hair frames your face, direct strands away from your face. At the top of your head, direct the hair upwards and toward your face, which makes it take the most flattering shape when it falls back. And since heat is damaging, apply a hair oil or leave-in conditioner after styling to inject needed moisture back into your strands.

Bieber Chignon

Chignon, anyone? "Sleek hairstyles are trending, and this minimal bun inspired by Hailey Bieber fits the bill perfectly," says Raven Hurtado, stylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago. "To achieve the look, tie your hair into a low ponytail, then wrap it around and secure the bun by pinning it. Spray hairspray to keep down flyaways."

Draped Layers

Draped layers are a face-framing style inspired by the '90s-early 2000s-Y2K era. "The layers are cut around your face at different levels of lengths that accentuate your features to give a pop," says Hurtado.

Sharp (Sliced) Bob

While last fall was all about the bent bob, pin-straight is back this season. "The sharp bob haircut, also known as the sliced bob, will be trending into fall," confirms Hurtado. "It's a short-to-medium haircut that is cut in a blunt length, which comes across very classic and is luckily low-maintenance."

Baby Braids

Equal parts statement and subtle, one of the biggest '90s beauty trends being resurrected this season is tiny plaits. "Braids were such a hit this summer with looks like soft, tousled beach waves, but for fall I think adding some baby braids is the way to elevate a simple hairstyle," says UNITE hairstylist Hayley Heckmann.

Our favorite rendition is adding single micro plaits flanking either side of the middle part to add a cool little detail to straight strands.

Modern Mullet

We all know the classic mullet: business in the front, party in the back. But Drew Schaefering, master stylist at Rob Peetoom Salon in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, says, "these haircuts come in all varieties in shape, length, with or without bangs, and I don't think they will be leaving just yet."

You can go extreme à la Miley Cyrus with her short fringe or with more modern "mermaid layers," a much longer version of the look while keeping the shorter layers around the face. Either way, it's the perfect look for a wash-and-wear approach, with minimal maintenance and free-falling layers.

Feathered Fringe

Laura Polko, celebrity hairstylist and Aquage Brand Ambassador, says the fall-forward evolution of the curtain bangs is '70s-inspired feathered fringe, which also happens to be a great style for those whose bangs have grown out. "I love this look because it's both retro and modern, and tends to enhance most face shapes," she says.

To achieve the look, prep with a texturizing spray to infuse grit and hold, ensuring hair maintains its shape. For the feathered look, blow hair out around the face and direct a round brush so it's in line with the hair line, brushing and blowing away from the face for the '70s swoop.

Natural Texture with Highlights

Embracing your natural texture is yet another big trend for fall. The key to making it look as good as possible? "Shape and color really matter when you're keeping your hair au naturel," points out Giovanni Vaccaro, the artistic director of Glamsquad.

Something as simple as adding a soft fringe and some warm highlights that complement your skin tone—as seen here—can make a big difference in the end result, enhancing what your momma gave you.

Jaw Clips

Taking inspiration from the latest runways, '90s hair accessories are all the rage. Schaefering loves this trend because "adding an accessory can be one of the quickest ways to change up your look in just a few minutes without altering your haircut or putting in a lot of time with hot tools."

Polko adds that jaw clips specifically are having a major moment. "To style a jaw clip, work hair back into a low pony, leaving out a couple strands in the front, then twist up and lock it in around your thumb for the perfect twist. Clip in place and finish off with a spritz of texture spray on the unsecured front pieces for added texture and hold," she says.

Choppy Pixie

If you're ready for something more dramatic, opt for a super-cropped cut. This bold pixie cut is a great choice for those with straight, fine hair. If your strands are thicker or curlier, it's going to require quite a bit more effort in the daily styling department, points out April Cason, a hairstylist at Bob Steele Salons.

Piece-y layers add lots of texture and interest, and fall is a great time to incorporate a wispy bang, since you won't be dealing with the humidity and sweat that make bangs tough to style.

Curly Shag

According to Vaccaro, this cut is one of the biggest hair trends of the year, especially for fall. If you already have a naturally curly texture, you're one step ahead of the game and don't have to worry about creating spirals. You're also in luck since the change of seasons marks a noted drop in humidity—and the likelihood of your curls frizzing and poofing up.

Ensure they stay extra-smooth by using the diffuser attachment on your blow dryer, and gently scrunching your hair, but never running your fingers through the curls, adds Vaccaro.