18 Best Fall Hairstyles for Women That Are Always in Style
Fall is that season when your hair finally breathes a sigh of relief after summer’s heat and humidity. Cooler air means less frizz, richer colors, and more room to experiment without your curls deflating or your blowout melting. If you’ve been itching for a style refresh, autumn is your playground. In this guide, I’m sharing 18 fall hairstyles that don’t just look gorgeous—they fit real life, real weather, and real moods.
1. Soft Layered Waves
When the leaves start layering the streets, your hair deserves some layers too. Soft layered waves frame your face, add movement, and work perfectly with chunky sweaters and scarves. Layers remove weight from thick hair, making styling easier, and give fine hair more texture. The key is keeping them soft and not too choppy—think long, fluid motion instead of sharp steps. Curl loosely with a 1.25-inch iron, then finger-comb for that lived-in, breezy finish.
2. The Modern Shag
The modern shag is like your effortlessly cool friend who “just woke up like this.” Perfect for fall because it thrives with a bit of wind and mess, the cut uses lots of choppy layers around the crown and face. Pair it with curtain bangs to soften the look. Bonus: shags are low-maintenance—no need to fight the weather; let the season’s natural texture work for you.
3. Sleek Low Ponytail
If you’re layering on coats and scarves, sometimes the best hairstyle is the most practical. Sleek low ponytails are a lifesaver for windy days. Smooth your hair back with a shine serum, tie at the nape, and wrap a strand of hair around the elastic for a polished finish. This style pairs well with bold fall lipsticks and statement earrings.
4. Chin-Length Bob
A chin-length bob can feel as crisp as the air in late October. This cut is perfect for those wanting to shed summer damage and start fresh. Bobs look chic whether styled straight, curled under, or with subtle waves. And here’s the secret: shorter lengths dry faster in cool weather, making your morning routine quicker when it’s too chilly to linger with a blow dryer.
5. Half-Up Twist
For days when you want your hair out of your face but still down, the half-up twist is your best friend. Twist two front sections back and secure them with a small clip or decorative pin. It works with straight, wavy, or curly hair and is especially cute for showing off dimensional fall highlights or balayage.
6. The Curtain Bang Glow-Up
Curtain bangs aren’t going anywhere, and fall is the perfect time to try them. They work with nearly every length and soften the transition into winter styles. Curtain bangs grow out beautifully, so if you commit now, you’ll have a chic frame around your face even into spring. Style with a round brush for a swoopy, voluminous effect.
7. Braided Crown
Want to feel like autumn royalty? The braided crown wraps around your head like a natural tiara. It’s perfect for special events like harvest festivals or fall weddings. Use small clear elastics to secure the braids discreetly. This style works wonders if you’re skipping a wash day but still want to look like you made an effort.
8. Glossy Straight Hair
When the sun hits smooth, glossy hair in fall’s golden hour light—it’s magical. Glossy straight hair is best achieved with a high-quality flat iron, heat protectant, and shine spray. This look emphasizes healthy ends, so a trim before the season starts is a must.
9. Textured Lob
A textured lob (long bob) is like the cozy sweater of hairstyles—it’s reliable, flattering, and versatile. Hitting just above the shoulders, it gives you enough length to style but not so much that it becomes high-maintenance. Add loose bends with a flat iron for that “I woke up chic” finish.
10. Side-Swept Curls
Side-swept curls bring old Hollywood glamour into the season of pumpkin spice. Curl hair away from your face on one side, pin it discreetly at the nape, and let the other side fall freely. This style works well for dinner parties, weddings, or just when you want to feel extra put together.
11. Messy Bun with Face-Framing Strands
Not every day in fall is Instagram-perfect. On casual days, the messy bun with face-framing strands saves time while still looking intentional. Pull your hair into a loose bun, then gently tug a few strands around your face to soften the style. It’s cozy, effortless, and works with beanies.
12. Deep Side Part
Shifting your part is the easiest no-commitment change you can make. The deep side part adds instant volume on top and changes your face’s balance. It’s a great way to refresh your look without a cut or color. Combine with soft curls for a romantic vibe or keep it straight for sophistication.
13. Layered Pixie Cut
Fall is a great time to go bold with a layered pixie cut. Short hair and crisp air are a dream combo. Layers add shape and movement so it doesn’t feel flat. Style with a little texturizing paste to keep it playful and modern.
14. Romantic Low Bun
The romantic low bun works for both casual afternoons and formal evenings. Keep it loose, with pieces falling naturally, and pin softly at the nape. Add a velvet ribbon for an extra autumn touch—perfect for seasonal photos.
15. Auburn Balayage
Okay, technically this is a color trend, but paired with the right cut, auburn balayage becomes a fall hairstyle in its own right. Auburn tones catch the low autumn sun beautifully. Blending with balayage keeps it low-maintenance while still vibrant.
16. Fishtail Braid
The fishtail braid is intricate but surprisingly easy once you get the hang of it. It works especially well with chunky sweaters and is great for keeping hair in place during outdoor fall activities. Pull gently at the braid to loosen it for a fuller, softer look.
17. Shoulder-Length Cut with Blunt Ends
Blunt ends are trending again, and a shoulder-length blunt cut looks both sleek and strong. It’s especially good for women with finer hair because the blunt edge creates the illusion of thickness. Style straight or with subtle waves.
18. Wavy Ponytail with Hair Wrap
Take your ponytail up a notch with loose waves and a hair-wrapped base. Curl the lengths, tie them back, then wrap a strand of hair around the elastic for a polished finish. Works for casual coffee dates or dressy dinners.
Final Thoughts
Fall is more than just a season—it’s an excuse to reinvent yourself. Whether you’re leaning into romantic buns, edgy shags, or low-maintenance lobs, choose a hairstyle that feels comfortable, reflects your personality, and makes you excited to get ready in the morning. After all, hair grows, trends shift, and seasons change—but the confidence you get from loving your look lasts far longer than the leaves on the trees.
