With the start of autumn nearly here (as of September 22nd!), it’s time to start getting serious about your hair — namely, what new styles and hair colors you’ll be trying out in the months ahead. After all, fall is the season of change. And for a lot of us, this transitional period serves as the perfect time to give our hair a gentle refresh.
If you’re thinking of switching up your look for the new season, but don’t exactly know where to start, you’ve come to the right place. We enlisted the help of top hair hairstylists from R+Co and IGK Hair to share their insights on all the coolest fall hair trends to try – from honeycomb copper and meringue blonde to baby bangs and decorative hair. Keep scrolling for their expert advice.
Natural Bedhead
It’s official: messy hair is in. This fall expect to see many people trading in pristinely-styled locks in favor of slept-in blow dries and second-day hair. According to celebrity hairstylist and R+Co Collective Member Ashley Streicher, the effortless vibe of bedhead hair perfectly complements the always trending “no makeup, makeup look.” She adds that anyone looking to embrace this “just got out of bed” look should opt for relaxed waves and undone texture.
To achieve bedhead hair, Streicher recommends washing your hair with R+Co’s LABYRINTH 3-in-1 Texturizing Shampoo + Conditioner + Styler ($36), and then letting your hair air dry, without brushing. “Once your hair is dry, you can add loose waves in some places, but make sure to keep your natural texture,” she says. “I love adding R+CO’s SUN CATCHER Power C Boosting Leave-in Conditioner ($32) to damp or dry hair for separation and a lived-in healthy texture.”
Wild Cherry Red
Ready to switch things up and embrace a bolder hue? Consider opting for a rich cherry red. “Although this is a vibrant, standout color, it’s sophisticated, making it a standout choice that looks particularly striking on those with medium to dark skin tones,” says Chase Kusero, Co-founder of IGK Hair Care. “When going to the salon, be sure to ask for a deep burgundy with a hint of violet undertones.”
Sleek Low Ponytails
A sleek low ponytail is easily one of the chicest—and if we’re being honest, one of the most underrated —hairstyles. That’s why we’re super excited to see it stepping into the limelight this season. “Perfect for all hair types and face shapes, sleek, low ponytails are simple yet elegant and can be worn for both casual and formal settings,” says Franck Izquierdo, Co-founder of IGK Hair Care.
If you’re hoping to style a low pony of your own, Izquierdo suggests smoothing hair first with a straightener before gathering it at the nape of the neck and securing it with a hair tie. For a sleek finish, make sure to reach for IGK’s Mistress Hydrating Hair Balm ($29.00).
Rich Chocolate Brown
If you’re looking to go darker this fall, you can’t go wrong with a rich chocolate brown hue. “This is a timeless color that offers warmth and depth. It’s versatile, making it suitable for a wide range of skin tones,” said Kusero. “Although a chocolate brown is often best for someone with warm undertones, it can be customized to suit cool undertones as well. If you are hoping to achieve this gorgeous color, he recommends using the IGK Color Depositing Mask in Brown Bella ($29.00), as it allows you to transition from a lighter brown to a rich brown.
Decorative Hair
Hair accessories have never been cooler, especially those of the overly embellished variety. If you’ve been holding off on adorning your hair with blinged out headbands, clips, and other headpieces, consider this your sign to start, because decorative hairstyles are majorly trending.
“We’ve seen hair accessories all over the runway, from jewel encrusted headbands to hair tattoos,” says Streicher. “This trend will consist of styles that include slicked back hair with a cool jeweled headpiece rather than the more traditional bows and headband we’ve seen previously.”
Honeycomb Copper
The copper craze is still going strong, with honeycomb copper emerging as the must-have hue this season, according to Richy Kandasamy, Vice President of Color Development and R+COLOR Collective Member at R+Co.
“This trend can come in many different shades and offers warm, rich colors that are perfect for the fall season,” he says. “It is a great transition color for anyone looking to add a bit of summer warmth into their hair before the colder months. When going to the salon, be sure to ask for bright copper hues to softer, brownish-ginger tones, which will add warmth to your hair and keep the inner warmth of the summer ending.”
High Volume
According to Streicher, hair is set to reach new heights this season. “We’re seeing BIG hair this fall,” she says. “Pinned back or brushed out into a 60’s wave are just a few ways you can wear this versatile style that works on everyone.”
To create this look on thicker, wavier hair, Streicher shares that it’s best to prep with a bristle brush, like the R+CO Vegan Boar Bristle Hair Brushes ($50.00 each). “This hair texture also does well with a blowout or a hot roller set,” she says. As for fine, thin hair? Streicher recommends air drying with any natural texture you might have and then setting the hair with a lower heat curling iron set. “ZIG ZAG Root Teasing + Texture Spray ($36.00) is great for prepping the hair. Spray throughout all the roots for a natural teased look at the roots,” she shares. For the ends of your hair, you’ll want to use a lightweight buildable hairspray like the R+Co BLEU Featherlight Hairspray ($46.00).
Meringue Blonde
Meringue blonde is one hair color that’s on the rise this season—and trust us, it looks as good as it sounds. “This sun-kissed blonde mimics natural highlights you would get from spending time in the sun,” Kandasamy explains. “A light blond that features a mix of buttery, golden tones blended throughout, creating a look that balances delicate warm tones. The atmosphere will naturally filter out blue light when the sun is closer to the horizon.”
According to Kusero, this shade of blonde is “perfect for anyone looking to add a sun-kissed warmth to their hair as the weather cools down, keeping that summer glow all year round. He adds that at the salon, make sure to ask for a honey blonde balayage for natural, sun-kissed effect.
Baby Bangs
While bangs of all types have trended for awhile, this fall it’s all about baby bangs. The beauty of this style is that it can work on just about anyone, regardless of your hair type or texture. “Whether you have a pixie cut or long and layered hair, a baby fringe can be added to any style,” says Streicher. “You don’t need a traditionally thick bang section for this trend, you can just take a small section across your forehead. Similar to a bang, cut 1-2 inches above the eyebrow.”
To style your newfound baby bangs, Streicher has a few recommendations: “I love using a styling paste like R+Co BADLANDS Dry Shampoo Paste ($34.00) which is amazing for a fringe that lays directly on the forehead, as the hair tends to get oilier from the natural oils on your face. This paste can also add texture and soaks up some oil. Another amazing option is R+Co SAND CASTLE Dry Texture Creme ($29.00).”
Midsummer Beachy Brunette
If you’re not quite ready to say goodbye to summer or beach hair, beachy brunette is one hair color that absolutely needs to be on your radar. “This natural, yet vibrant blend of colors captures the essence of that end of summer feeling, but ensures that your hair retains a sun-kissed appearance despite the season change,” Kandasamy says. “When asking your stylists for this color, they will need to add golden or copper glosses to brunette hair, creating a sun-touched, lighter effect that remains rich and warm.”
Sleek High Bun
Get ready to embrace your inner ballerina because sleek high buns are set to be everywhere and for good reason: they are timeless, chic, and look so polished. Plus, they are perfect for both casual and formal occasions, according to Izquierdo. To style a bun of your own, is fairly simple. “Smooth hair back into a high ponytail, twist into a bun, and secure with bobby pins,” he says. To finish, you’ll want to reach for IGK’s Mistress Hydrating Hair Balm ($29.00) to add some sleekness.
Platinum Blonde
According to Kusero, platinum blonde will be a highly-coveted shade this season. “While this is a bold and edgy look, it’s a look that’s always in style,” he says. “A striking, cool-toned color that beautifully contrasts with fall fashion. At the salon, Kusero stresses the importance of requesting a platinum blonde with an ashy toner to keep the look cool.
