Fall’s Biggest Hair Trends Are Subtle But Impactful

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Whether you spent the summer lounging in your air-conditioned living room or going full throttle at a resort with an Aperol spritz in hand, the fall ushers in an undeniable urge to hit the metaphorical reset button. Some people decorate their porch or update their wardrobe, but Team Allure’s favorite way to welcome autumn? A trip to the hair salon. We asked the experts for their thoughts on the season’s biggest cuts and color trends to get us ready for the crisp, cool months ahead.

When it comes to color, more and more people are leaning into their natural hue, says New York City-based hairstylist Vanessa Ocando: “I’m seeing a big shift toward soft, sun-kissed highlights that enhance natural base color rather than change it.”

Longevity for a look, especially as people navigate an uncertain economy, is also top of mind, according to hair colorist Min Kim. “I think the world is in a state, so clients are looking for something that's lower-maintenance,” she says, emphasizing that people aren’t asking for something entirely maintenance-free, but a style that “lets them come in at their own pace while keeping the color looking great.”

The opposite is true for cuts, though, as hairstylists are noticing that clients seem more game for total transformation. “There’s this collective energy around reinvention,” says Ocando. “A bold haircut feels like a fresh start. That’s what a lot of people are craving right now.”

In terms of fall trends, though, a reinvention doesn’t necessarily mean a big chop or a big change. Sure, the blunt bob remains this year’s boldest haircut (“Bobs are ruling for fall,” says New York City-based hairstylist Garren), but there are less drastic ways to transform your look, like adding bangs to your current cut or trimming your sun-bleached lengths into ’70s-inspired layers.

In general, the ’70s are having an outsize influence on fall’s most popular cuts, from the shag to voluminous Afros. “Hair in the ’70s had personality, movement, and fullness that was unapologetically sexy,” says Los Angeles-based hairstylist Sunnie Brook. “We need some fun, spirited, rebellious hair in the world right now, don’t you think?”

We enthusiastically agree. Here’s everything you need to know to get started.

Meet the experts:

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• Sunnie Brook is a Los Angeles-based hairstylist and Biolage ambassador.
• Bea Carmichael is a Scottish colorist, hairstylist, and global styling educator for Aveda.
• Tracey Cunningham is a Los Angeles-based colorist, owner of Meche Salon, and a US creative director for Schwarzkopf Professional.
• Kellon Deryck is a Los Angeles-based hairstylist.
• Monae Everett is a New York City-based hairstylist and educator.
• Garren is a New York City-based hairstylist and cofounder of R+Co.
• Sophie Gutterman is a Los Angeles-based hairstylist.
• Luke Hersheson is a hairstylist and CEO of Hershesons salons and product line in London.
• Franck Izquierdo is a hairstylist and cofounder of IGK Hair.
• Min Kim is a colorist at Butterfly Studio Salon in New York City and L’Oréal Professionnel ambassador.
• Tia Lambourn is a colorist and the founder of Bay Studios salon in Derby, England.
• Vanessa Ocando is a New York City-based hairstylist.
• Shvonne Perkins is a colorist and education director for at-home hair color brand Madison Reed.
• Jenna Perry is a New York City-based colorist and founder of Jenna Perry Hair Studio.
• Kathleen Reilly is a Los Angeles-based hairstylist and Prose hair care expert.
• Mara Roszak is a Los Angeles-based hairstylist and founder of Roz Hair Care.
• Jacob Schwartz is a Los Angeles-based colorist and Schwarzkopf Professional color-trend ambassador.

Fall Hair Color Trends

Crème brûlée blondeGetty ImagesGetty Images

The pros call it everything from “crème brûlée” and “creamed” to “supermodel,” but regardless of how you describe it, fall’s hottest blonde hue is all about subtlety. Neither too warm nor too cool, the “low-contrast blonde offers a quietly luxurious vibe that I predict will dominate this fall,” says London-based colorist Tia Lambourn.

A good example is Bella Hadid’s hair color at the Cannes Film Festival, which was created by Los Angeles-based colorist Jacob Schwartz. It was a soft, multidimensional tone that didn’t feel too bright or overdone. “It’s warm, transitional, and still has that healthy glow without looking too processed,” Schwartz says.

The golden-peachy, transitional shade offers an easy way to slowly begin winter-proofing your blonde. “It’s very low-maintenance, it's more forgiving, and you have that creamy, buttery tone without the brassiness,” says New York City-based colorist Min Kim.

As this color lives between ashy and warm, there’s a lot of flexibility to adapt the shade to someone’s natural skin tone and coloring, says Kim. For Hadid, Schwartz looked to Brigitte Bardot, as well as photos of the model’s own childhood hair color, to ensure the most natural-looking shade possible. He lifted her hair and added lowlights throughout to add “depth, richness, and movement, without losing that blonde impact.”

Schwartz also gave the roots a natural shadow and hand-painted a few pieces: “Honestly, it’s all about balance with the right products, right placement, and knowing when to stop.”

Between appointments, Kim recommends using the Olaplex Shampoo and Conditioner “to keep the hair strong, shiny, and ready for whatever’s next.”

Brown-sugar brunetteGetty ImagesGetty Images

The buzziest brunette shade for fall feels equally as easy-going. “It’s all about capturing warm, sun-drenched depth, like the tones you see in the desert,” says colorist Tracey Cunningham, who dubbed the shade “brown-sugar brunette” after trying it out on Lana Del Rey. “We wanted something dimensional and low-maintenance that could shift depending on how she styled it,” Cunningham explains. “When [Del Rey’s] hair is pulled up, the brunette looks rich and uniform. When worn down, the lighter ends come through and give it that earthy, lived-in vibe.”

The color requires a soft yet multidimensional base that’s a blend of ash and neutral tones. “We called it 'brown sugar' because brown sugar isn't really warm, it's more of a smoky shade,” notes Cunningham, who also lightened Del Rey’s ends to add the illusion of movement and a sun-kissed vibe. ”The goal was seamless blending, something that grows out gracefully, and feels luxe without being high-maintenance.”

There is, obviously, some maintenance involved. Cunningham suggests sticking to sulfate-free shampoo (like the Best of Beauty-winning Dove Scalp + Hair Therapy Sulfate Free Shampoo Density Boost Hydrating Shampoo), cool-water rinses (to prevent fading), and a weekly deep-conditioning mask (we love the hyaluronic acid-infused Amika Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Mask). A clear gloss between salon appointments helps bring back shine and richness. You can apply IGK Expensive Amla Oil Hi-Shine Topcoat in the shower, and it leaves strands ridiculously glossy.

In general, though, a neutral tone like this should allow you to stretch out the time between seeing your colorist. “It has warmth, but it's not so warm that it's going to read orange,” says Kim. “So when the color starts to fade, if you can't make it back into the salon, it's still going to look good.”

Plush brunetteGetty Images

If you’re looking to deepen your natural brunette color this fall, the pros are feeling a dark, velvety, cool tone that New York City-based colorist Jenna Perry has described as “plush brunette.” Not quite black, the allover hue features espresso highlights that are undetectable when you’re indoors, but provide a flash of brilliance under the sun. Perry named Kaia Gerber’s current color as a reference.

“If someone's hair is naturally black, they're going to have to do a little bit of lightening,” Kim says. But for brunette shades, the color is achievable through an alkaline semipermanent gloss, or a single-process treatment if they require gray coverage.

Keeping the hair glossy is key to maintaining a plush brunette. A color-safe shampoo and conditioner are nonnegotiable (we love the Biolage ColorLast Duo), as are products that both moisturize and protect your hair. “I always recommend that clients hydrate their hair, especially for fall, with a nice cream like R+Co Waterfall Moisture and Shine Lotion,” says Perry.

Kim recommends L’Oréal Professionnel’s new Vitamino Color Spectrum Glass Shine Serum, which leaves strands lustrous and protects them from color-fading UV damage, while we love Wella’s Ultimate Smooth Miracle Oil Serum, which offers all of the above plus heat protection of up to 450 degrees.

Cinnamon SpiceGetty ImagesGetty ImagesGetty ImagesGetty Images

“Less orange, more richness,” is how Schwartz describes the season’s coolest copper tones. “I think we’re going to see a shift this fall toward more lived-in reds with depth, dimension, and warmth that still make a statement but feel a little more autumnal,” he says, citing auburns that lean into brown and cinnamon.

It may seem like copper requires a simple single process, but you can experiment with the color in various ways. “It can be done as an allover color or lowlights, on panels and pieces, depending on your own personal style,” says Scottish colorist and hairstylist Bea Carmichael. Kim loves the look of softer shades of copper around the face, which then opens up the possibility of playing with deeper shades on the back of your head for a multidimensional effect.

For reds to look vibrant and healthy, Schwartz recommends a demi-permanent dye, which adds a gorgeous sheen and helps soften the grow-out (Schwartz uses Schwarzkopf Professional Igora Vibrance). “It’s also worth remembering that coppers and reds tend to fade faster, so be prepared to visit the salon for maintenance every six to eight weeks at least to keep the color looking fresh,” adds Carmichael. Pureology Hydrate Shampoo and Conditioner are classic, color-safe formulas and integral if you want to keep your copper from fading.

Shocks of ColorGetty ImagesGetty Images

You might assume that a fall focus on natural-looking colors means Technicolor shades like neon orange or vivid violet fade into the background, but rest assured, they’re there—just tucked under the top layers of hair. “I think color-blocking will be a way people experiment with bright tones this season,” says Shvonne Perkins, colorist and Madison Reed education director. “Think creative placements of color, whether that’s a piece through the bangs to accent a cut or on the under layers of your hair.” (Kristen Stewart’s shocks of pink at Cannes are just one example of how to try it.)

Perkins continues, “It’s a great option for someone who doesn’t mind a little DIY, because once you’ve lightened your hair [at the salon], you can then use a temporary color to change it up.”

Madison Reed has a violet-pink option in the brand’s Demi-Permanent Hair Color collection, but the Good Dye Young Semi-Permanent Hair Color range offers the most vibrant hues, including traffic cone orange and My Little Pony pastel purple. You can apply the color when you want it, and the pigments will last for about 25 washes.

Fall Haircut Trends

The “whimsy pixie”Getty ImagesGetty Images

Thinking of going for a close crop this fall? Take a page from Emma Stone’s book and keep it playful with what her hairstylist, Mara Roszak, calls the “whimsy pixie.” Says Roszak: “This version of the pixie is slightly grown out around the perimeters of the face. Everything is soft without any blunt lines, and with wisps around the ears and nape of the neck.”

Shaped mostly with thinning shears to remove bulk from the sides (specifically near the temples) and the back of the head, the beauty of this featherlight cut is that it's incredibly flattering with a variety of different hair textures, from fine strands to tight curls. Adds Roszak, “The softer edges make this an effortless, everyday cut that’s easy to style, especially as it’s growing out.”

Since everything about this cut is meant to feel light and airy, you’ll want to avoid products that could weigh the hair down. Roszak likes to prep damp hair with a thickening spray before rough-drying (she uses her Roz Air Thickening Spray; Ouai Wave Spray similarly adds body and texture without salt). She then uses no-crease setting clips to shape and flip the wispy bits around the ears and the nape of the neck (Emi Jay makes options that are pretty enough to wear out and about), and finishes with a styling cream, like the Chris McMillan The Hair Styling Balm, to shape and defluff.

The shaggy ‘90s bixieGetty ImagesGetty ImagesGetty Images

The bixie cut’s unexpected resurgence continues into the fall, getting longer, shaggier, and even more nostalgic for the ’90s. Stars like Iris Law, Isabela Merced, and Auli'i Cravalho are growing out their bixies and wearing them like the women who originated the style—think Meg Ryan and Natalie Imbruglia—back when we used to call it “short hair.”

Now, the word “bixie” refers to how the style sits somewhere between a bob and a pixie. “In essence, a bob’s a bob, no matter what kind it is. A pixie’s super-short length limits customization,” hairstylist Devin Toth previously told Allure. “A bixie, however, lives in between the two with more length to work with and a style that doesn’t feel as weighty.”

Whether your shaggy bixie is the result of growing out your hair or cutting it off, a lot of what makes fall’s iteration special comes down to the styling. London-based hairstylist Luke Hersheson describes the texture as “lived-in and flicky.” When working with Iris Law at the Cannes Film Festival, he blow-dried her hair with a bag diffuser, a tool that professional hairstylists love because it softens the airflow while maintaining heat, allowing hair to dry naturally, but better. (Hersheson sells one in the UK, but you can nab one in the US by YS Park.)

He then haphazardly pinned-up pieces of Law’s hair using no-crease clips to create purposeful dents and curls. As the hair set, he misted it with a texturizing spray (we love the Dae Wave Spray, which adds movement without the crunch), then diffused Law’s hair again, twisting strands as he went to “create this really nice, natural-looking texture.”

Voluminous CurlsGetty ImagesGetty Images

The Afro will never go out of style, but fall’s iteration looks back to the ’70s with lots of volume. We’ve spotted big, bouncy curls all over the red carpets on stars like Jennifer Hudson and Viola Davis, and even on our Peloton app, where Tunde Oyeneyin’s been rocking her voluminous style for months. “I get requests for volume all the time from my clients,” says hairstylist Monae Everett, who predicts that Afros with bangs will also be big for fall 2025. “They’re powerful, frame the face beautifully, and celebrate natural texture,” she says.

The tighter your curls, the easier it is to create volume, explains Everett, who emphasizes that it’s important to start with a clean base. Wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove buildup (we love Pattern’s antioxidant-rich Cleansing Shampoo), followed by a lightweight, hydrating conditioner. “Choose your set—whether it’s a wash-and-go, twist-out, or braid-out—and lock it in with a volumizing mousse or foam,” Everett continues. (Briogeo Yuzu + Plum Oil Full Miracle Styling Foam is the go-to for many curly-haired Allure editors.)

Then, once your hair is fully dry, separate your curls or undo your twists, and finish with a texture spray to expand the shape without weighing it down. (Ceremonia’s Açai Style Refresher does the job with moisturizing argan and avocado oils.) “It’s also really about amplifying your own curl pattern and using cuts that add layers for shape,” Everett adds.

The Geometric BobGetty ImagesGetty ImagesGetty Images

As hairstylists continue to get requests for sharp, geometric crops, it’s clear Leslie Bibb’s “cunty little bob” is still having its moment. Emily Ratajkowski's banged version in Netflix’s Too Much may also have given some people the itch this season. “We’re seeing more people go for big chops, especially with blunt bases and minimal layering,” says hairstylist Vanessa Ocando. “It’s clean and modern.”

Depending on your texture and how short you want to go, hairstylist Garren recommends cutting it either just above the jawline or just above the shoulders. Then, ask for a blunt or slightly undercut bob with precision ends and minimal layering, says hairstylist Franck Izquierdo.

Izquierdo adds that this cut is easiest to style if your hair is straight or wavy, although that shouldn't deter you if your hair is curly or coily. “Curly clients are embracing the bob too, just with more flexibility in length,” explains Ocando. “Think chin to shoulder, and softer finishes to play up their natural texture.”

Your part is one of the most important elements of a blunt bob, so make sure you are clear with your hairstylist on where you like to wear yours. If you don’t have a definite part, though, not a problem. “Once the hair is wet, I cut the hair from the center, making sure all sections are blunt so the shape stays really strong,” Carmichael explains. This also allows you to experiment with the placement of your part—from side to center—which you can easily achieve with your blow dryer.

For a sleek evening look, Carmichael recommends using a little gel along the hairline (we love the non-crunchy finish of Reverie Hymn Gel) to keep it tucked neatly behind the ears “for an elevated, luxurious effect.”

Cashmere shagGetty ImagesGetty ImagesGetty Images

The ’70s outsized influence on beauty and fashion this year is clear from the fact that the shag is set to be one of fall’s most popular cuts. Softer and a smidge longer than the classic style, hairstylist Sunnie Brook calls the version we’ll see this season the “cashmere shag.” Says Brook, “It’s a cut with coy, flattering layers that’s the perfect reset after summer’s sins—heat, sun, chlorine—by trimming up the length and adding layers that bring back the hair's natural movement.”

Ultra-cool girls like Sophie Turner, Suki Waterhouse, and HoYeon Jung have all tried a version of this look, the latter two adding bangs or face-framing layers that graze the lashes and cheekbones. Carmichael cuts a shag like this from wet to dry, starting when the hair is damp and refining the layers when they’re nearly dry. “This allows me to see how it will look when the guest washes and dries their hair themselves,” she says.

If it’s cut well, you should just be able to air-dry and go, while a smoothing cream or serum (Bumble and Bumble Invisible Oil Ari Long Lasting Styling Cream is an Allure editor favorite) will help keep things polished if you’re prone to frizz.

The "Rachel” 2.0Getty Images

A new generation has discovered “The Rachel” and they’re embracing it with the same enthusiasm as crop tops and baggy jeans. “I’m seeing a major shift toward heavy layers with movement and volume,” says hairstylist Kellon Deryck. “Whether it’s long hair or shorter lengths, clients are gravitating toward cuts that remove bulk while still keeping length—creating that airy, full-bodied shape.” Add face-framing layers or curtain bangs, and you get a ’90s-inspired silhouette reminiscent of Jennifer Aniston’s nostalgic cut, something Ocando says her clients are obsessed with.

But the new version of The Rachel feels less manipulated by hairspray and hot tools than what we saw on our screens during the Friends era. “With layering and added texture, the cut has beautiful movement and an effortless, face-framing flow,” Ocando says. Your key tools for this type of style are a blow-dryer and a round brush, such as the Ibiza Hair B Series Round Brush, which is excellent at adding softness, shine, and shape to the layers in this iconic cut.

Squared-Off BangsGetty ImagesGetty ImagesGetty Images

Blunt, brow-grazing bangs are a great way to change up your look for fall, whether your hair is long, short, or somewhere in between. “Lots of my clients’ inspiration images include squared-off bangs, which allow you to make a statement while maintaining the length you have,” says Carmichael. And while they may not seem versatile, hairstylist Sophie Gutterman assures you they can be worn straight down or swept off to the side for an event or if you’re wearing your hair up.

Those with curly textures can style blunt bangs as they do the rest of their hair, but if you want your bangs to be straight and smooth, you’ll need a round brush and a blow-dryer, as well as a strong-hold hairspray to keep them in place. L’Oréal Elnett is a classic, reliable option because, even though it locks the shape in place, your hair stays soft and brushable, not stiff and shellacked down.

Feathered layersGetty Images

If you’ve spent any amount of time on TikTok, you know that the girlies are loving long cuts with lots of layers and bounce—and it’s no surprise that the look has leapt off the app and into salons. “Layered haircuts are still having their moment and will continue into the fall,” says Los Angeles-based hairstylist Kathleen Reilly. “It seems everyone is loving the movement and the big, bouncy blowout vibe these haircuts allow.”

Unsurprisingly, these cuts offer a lot of versatility and can add lots of movement and texture around the face when worn up, say, in a French twist or a claw clip. The Hair Edit Epic Extra Large Tortoise Claw Clip has the strength and size to hold up long lengths and lots of layers.

The classic way to style this cut is with a blow-dryer and a round brush, but if TikTok has taught us anything, it’s that a blow-dry brush, like the Revlon One-Step Volumizer Plus, will save you a lot of time and bicep strain. Just make sure to apply heat protectant, like the Aveda Heat Relief Thermal Protector and Conditioning Mist, and start with your hair about 80% dry to avoid causing damage. Hot rollers, like the T3 Hot Rollers, are also a great way to “add body and polish without sacrificing the natural texture of the cut,” says Deryck.