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Even when we’re not gearing up for the release of Practical Magic 2, fall is a pretty enchanting season. The way hairstylists can whip your strands into shape when you go in for your fall chop is nothing short of spellbinding.
After a few glorious months spent rocking beach waves and other summer-y dos, autumn always comes along and reminds us that back-to-school haircuts are a staple at any age. Sure, you can stay in that surfer girl summer flow if you so choose... but you can also incorporate some of-the-times haircut trend magic.
“For fall, I see a return to soft, natural cuts that are easy to maintain, like grown-out bobs and shoulder-length styles with movement around the face,” explains Jerome Lordet, owner of Jerome Lordet Salon in NYC. “I also expect to see more purposeful, long layers that work with the hair’s natural texture. For me, less is more. The best haircut should complement your face and lifestyle without requiring too much styling.”
Ahead, stylists break down everything there is to know about this fall’s best easy-wearing haircuts, from the celeb-approved “Love Layers” look to ‘60s inspired styles and bobs galore.
Love Layers
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No surprise, we’re going to be loving Love Layers all season long.
“Love Layers are a perfect way to highlight honey bronde hair, which has been wildly popular this year,” explains celebrity hairstylist Dimitris Giannetos. “This updated version of the C-Cut I did on Gigi [Hadid] includes heart-shaped layers. It lifts the roots, for volume at the top and a narrow bottom. This also creates an illusion of contour, so the face looks more structured! This look is fabulous worn as a middle cut, or with vintage waves in a blowout.”
Weekend Bob
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Another of Giannetos’ favorite cuts for fall is the Weekend Bob that he created for Penelope Cruz.
“The Weekend Bob is all about hair that feels free and effortless, like you’re holding onto the luxury of the style you wore on Friday night, but with a more relaxed finish,” he explains. “To get the look, I always use plenty of L’Oreal Paris Elnett Satin Hair Spray because it keeps the texture in place without making the hair feel heavy or stiff.”
Healthy Hair
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As mentioned, Lordet is all about ease in the hair department. And you know the shortcut to good hair day, right? Having happy, healthy hair.
“I always consider the client’s face, hair texture and lifestyle first. From there, keep styling simple. A lightweight leave-in or styling cream can enhance natural texture, while a light volumizer works well for fine hair,” the artist notes. “Let the hair air-dry when possible and don’t try to make every strand perfect. The goal is healthy, natural-looking hair with movement. I love Davines for creating natural, effortless hair. For texture and movement, I recommend the OI All In One Milk, and for a little more hold and definition, the This Is a Curl Building Serum. The key is to use a small amount so the hair stays soft and touchable.”
Lived-In Length
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“This look works well for anyone as long as it’s high shine, conditioned and maintained,” says Eric Marshall Wright, owner of Eric Marshall Salon in Nashville. “Think lived-in layers where hair looks effortless and moves. Layers can be as short as collar bone so you can easily put up, but this is more about wearing it down and long-styled.”
As far as fall haircut upkeep goes, the artist recommends you kick things off with a healthy chop at the beginning of fall.
“Your hair definitely grows faster in the peak of summer and it’s the perfect time to start fresh for a winter look,” he explains, adding that “a healthy trim, over an inch or two minimum” is best going into fall.
And if you want to accessorize those gorgeous tresses? “I love tortoise and animal print for fall, and pulling them into a look through hair accessories like my favorite RPZL Samantha Headband in Black and clips like RPZL Leopard Print,” says the artist. Happy styling.
Hippie Hair
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We’re still hanging out in the canyon this fall.
“Think hippie, boho, or ‘60s,” Wright says. “The cut is accomplished by point cutting and dry cutting techniques to make it soft and lived in. It’s not overly aggressive on the layers side.”
The artist also notes that this is a great style if you’re looking to throw your hair into a braid.
Grown-Out Bob
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A few weeks ago, my fiancé told me he’s been getting a lot of bob content on his TikTok FYP. “Is that something you should look into?” he asked. Which, honey... we’ve been there.
However! He might be onto something. According to Paulina Raciborski, a stylist at NYC The Team founded by Michelle Hong, the bob is going to continue evolving this season.
“Instead of just a very blunt, one-length bob, we’ll see softer versions with a little movement and texture,” says the artist. “I also think the ‘grown-out bob’ is going to be popular because it gives you that shorter haircut feel without having to maintain a really short cut.”
Blended Bangs
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Raciborski also think bangs “are still very much in.”
“I’m seeing a lot of curtain bangs and softer, wispy bangs. I think people are more interested in bangs that blend into the haircut and can be styled a few different ways instead of a very heavy, straight-across bang,” she says. “Curtain bangs are also a great option for someone who wants to change their look without making a huge commitment.”
Wright adds that fall is the best time to give bangs a try.
“[Bangs] can devastate you in the summer as the humidity makes them fussy,” he explains. “A fringe or bang can make you looked styled and undone at the same time. Meaning, you can just style your bangs and pull your hair up to look chic.”
Full for Fall
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Ciao, slick back season. One thing so many of these looks rely on is the concept (or at least the illusion) of fullness.
“For anyone looking to achieve fullness, I recommend Great Lengths Tape-In Extensions. With the Love Layers, they instantly add dimension to the look,” Giannetos explains. “With the Weekend Bob, they give dimension and thickness to the style, making it easy to create texture and waves even at its shorter length.”