The fall season brings fresh hair trends, but not all are winners. Whether you’re thinking of switching up your look or trying to avoid a hair disaster, knowing what’s in and what’s out is the trick. From daring haircuts to rich new color trends, we’ve broken down fall’s best and worst hair choices.
1. In: The Ever Stylish “French Bob”
The classic “French bob” continues to be one of the best haircut choices for fall. It’s chic, effortless, and low-maintenance—perfect for that laid-back autumn vibe. The slightly shorter length, which typically hits right around the jawline, paired with blunt ends and soft layers, gives it a modern edge. This cut flatters almost all face shapes and works with straight and textured hair, making it a versatile, timeless option.
2. Out: Super Long, One-Length Hair
While long hair can be stunning, the super long, one-length look feels outdated this fall. Hair without layers or dimension tends to fall flat and look lifeless, especially as we head into colder weather. The trend now is all about movement and texture, so if you’ve been holding onto long locks, consider adding some layers or going for a shorter, more dynamic cut to keep things fresh and current.
3. In: Warm, Rich Brunettes
Fall is the season for rich, earthy tones, and brunette hues lead the way. Think chestnut, chocolate, and caramel tones that add depth and dimension to your hair. These shades are universally flattering and can be customized with subtle highlights to add brightness around the face. Warm brunettes work particularly well for fall, mirroring the season’s natural tones and making them trendy and timeless.
4. Out: Icy Blonde
While platinum and icy blonde shades have had their moment, fall isn’t the best time to maintain such high-maintenance colors. Cooler weather, less sunlight, and potential scalp dryness can make icy blondes look harsh and washed out. Instead, fall is the perfect time to warm things up. If you’re committed to blonde, try incorporating honey or beige tones to soften the look while keeping it light and bright.
5. In: Curtain Bangs for the Win
Curtain bangs are still having their well-deserved moment this fall, and for good reason. They’re flattering, easy to style, and grow out gracefully, making them a fantastic choice if you want to change your look without too much commitment. Curtain bangs’ soft, face-framing effect adds dimension to any haircut, and they pair perfectly with layers or shaggy styles. Plus, they add a touch of effortless glamour.
6. In: Subtle Balayage
Balayage isn’t going anywhere, and this fall, it’s all about subtle, natural highlights that look sun-kissed and low-maintenance. The beauty of balayage is its versatility—it can be customized to suit any hair color, from blondes to brunettes to redheads. This technique adds depth and dimension without harsh regrowth lines, making it perfect for fall when we naturally gravitate towards warmer, more natural tones.
7. Out: Rainbow Colors
While rainbow hair has its place in bold, experimental beauty, fall isn’t the season for technicolor locks. Bright, neon shades can feel out of place with the muted tones of fall fashion, and the upkeep for such bold colors can be exhausting as colder weather impacts hair health. Instead, fall calls for more understated, elegant color choices. For a fun twist, try softer pastels or jewel tones for a more sophisticated, seasonal look.
8. In: The Shag Is Back
The shag haircut is making a major comeback this fall. It’s a perfect blend of volume, texture, and personality. With its choppy layers and lived-in vibe, the modern shag is adaptable for various hair types, whether you have thick curls or fine, straight hair. Plus, it offers a lot of movement and works well with the layered, tousled looks that are dominating the season. If you want effortless, rocker-chic hair, the shag is your go-to.
9. Out: Stick-Straight Hair
While sleek, straight hair was a big trend in the early 2000s, it’s not a look making a solid return this fall. Stick-straight styles often lack the volume and texture that make haircuts feel fresh and exciting. Plus, achieving super straight hair can involve a lot of heat styling, leading to dryness and breakage, especially in colder weather. This season is all about embracing natural texture and movement, so put down the flat iron!
10. In: Deep Auburn Hues
Fall wouldn’t be complete without the rise of deep auburns and rich red tones. These colors are a nod to the changing leaves and warm your complexion. Whether you opt for a full head of deep auburn or blend it with subtle highlights, this color is bold and seasonally appropriate. Auburn works well on many skin tones and gives your hair a vibrant, fresh look that feels perfectly fall.
11. Out: Overly Bleached Hair
Bleached hair can be hard to maintain, and it tends to look more damaged and dull in fall’s colder, drier air. Over-bleached hair is especially prone to breakage; without proper hydration and care, it can start to look lifeless. Instead, fall is the perfect time to step away from excessive bleaching and try softer, more natural blonde tones or incorporate some lowlights to add dimension and health back to your hair.
12. In: Asymmetrical Cuts
If you’re looking for something edgy and unexpected, an asymmetrical haircut is the way to go this fall. Asymmetry adds an element of surprise to your look, whether it’s a long bob with one side slightly shorter or a more dramatic angle. This cut brings instant sophistication and modernity to your style, making it an excellent choice for anyone wanting to stand out without being too over-the-top.
13. Out: High-Maintenance Colors
This fall, low maintenance is key. Colors that require constant upkeep, like pastels or overly bright shades, are on their way out. As the weather cools, hair gets drier, and high-maintenance shades can be difficult to keep vibrant without excessive touch-ups. Instead, opt for colors that grow out naturally, such as balayage or soft ombre, which require less upkeep while still delivering a fresh, chic look.
14. In: Face-Framing Layers
Face-framing layers are one of the best ways to enhance your features while giving your hair more movement and texture. Whether you have long or short hair, these layers bring attention to your face in the most flattering way. They can soften your look while adding a touch of volume where needed. These layers work particularly well with wavy or curly hair, giving you a laid-back, effortlessly chic vibe that’s perfect for fall.