6 Autumn Hair Trends That’ll Take You From Summer To Winter Seamlessly

It’s never easy saying farewell to summer for another year, particularly when we pulled off our first La Niña-less beach season in two years. However, with the humidity, air conditioning and regular ocean swims come the dehydrated, unruly and damaged strands.

That’s why we’re so ready to say goodbye to frizz and hello to hair colours, styles and cuts that make our manes shine again. Even just the thought of fresh hair is making us feel toasty warm with excitement.

So if you’ve been thinking of making a seasonal change, these autumn hair trends are right on the money (without actually costing you much at all).

Yes that’s right, these hair trends are heroing our natural shades and textures because as inflation rises, our ability splash cash at the salon chair goes the other way.

#1 Recession brunette

Here are two things we know to be true: the cost of living is on the rise and being a blonde ain’t cheap. So, with inflation and maintaining our colour being a match made in hell, ‘recession brunette’ has cemented itself as cost-effective, low-maintenance and totally gorgeous hair trend.

This style is all about working with your natural texture and rocking a lived-in colour that doesn’t require booking in to the salon every few weeks.

#2 Cherry Cola

During 2022, copper hair reigned supreme and it seems we still can’t get enough. Only this season, the deep red hues have been reborn with a Y2K-inspired twist. Introducing: cherry cola.

“This colour is suitable for all and involves creating that deep brunette base, then enhancing with copper and red tones,” explains Jaye Edwards from Edwards and Co . Stunning.

For the best results with any new hair colour, try removing any leftover dye first. bh recommends: Scott Cornwall Decolour Stripper, $24.99 at Priceline.

#3 Air-dried

Instead of the sea salt-enhanced crunchy texture we’ve been rocking all summer, this season we’re keeping our hair soft and dare we say, a little bit fluffy.

This unfussy style (which is most suited for short hair) is best achieved by avoiding heavy styling product like mousse and hairspray as well as the overuse of heat tools.

Keep your roots regularly shampooed and air-dried, combing a lightweight oil like the Kérastase Elixir Ultime Original Hair Oil ($72, Adore Beauty) through hair for any necessary taming.

#4 Layered shoulder-grazers

This season we’re adding dimension with our cut instead of colour. Create movement by asking your hairdresser to litter your mane with choppy layers.

With your ends flicking every which way, this tousled chop will only call for a blast of your hair dryer, one pump of the Color Wow Xtra Large Bombshell Volumiser ($63, Sephora) and you’ll be out the door. Does it get any cooler?

#5 Curly bangs

Whether it’s a full bang, a curtain bang or a baby bang (as pictured on Tessa Thompson below) growing out a fringe (and not torturing it with a straightener or blow-dry brush every waking moment) is an effortless way to mix things up.

According to Jaye, executing this style “would involve a simple face-framing trip, cut dry to enhance the natural pattern.” We’re obsessed.

Keep your curls nourished, shiny and in check with a regular treatment like the Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Leave-In Treatment ($45, Adore Beauty).

#6 Classic bob

We’ve seen many variations of a bob over the years – shaggy, blunt, A-line – but this autumn we’re going back to basics. Cut to the one chin-grazing length, this painfully chic chop requires minimal admin, freeing up your time for other autumn activities like stepping on crunchy leaves and sipping hot chocolates.

*This article has been updated to reflect the trends of 2023.

Which autumn hair trends are you excited to try?