It is a little crisper, pumpkin spice lattes are here to stay, and my social feed is already cluttered with warm layers and golden-hour selfies. But we can be real, fall hair is its own special magic. It is the time of year when hair is playful, a bit romantic, textured, and just a bit more casual-yet-chic than usual. The correct cut, color, or style does not only complete your image, it is the story of the moment you are experiencing.
This year, I have been in pursuit of looks that are camera-ready, yet not too much, the types of styles that are as much at home on a Sunday brunch as they are on a stylish night out. And believe me, the Fall 2025 lineup is serving. We are talking about soft braids, smooth buns with a surprise accessory, and ponytails that you want to skip the day of hair washing so you can keep them longer. So, whether you have been pondering what hairstyles you should screenshot to bring to your next appointment, or what kind of hairstyles will get you in the mood to go on the next fall adventure, here we go.
Chic Topknot and Color-Pop Scarf
A high, voluminous topknot is so chic and easy, and when it is combined with a big scarf in autumnal colors, it is so chic and easy. The bun is placed at the top of the head without making it too high and stiff and the scarf gives both texture and character. It is not only the hair but it is also the framing of the face with color and the fun of accessories that make you feel instantly put-together.
I prefer to use a lightweight styling cream to work into the bun and make it sleek and full. Silk scarf, such as Anthropologie has, slides over strands without snagging, which also helps keep strands shiny. And since scarves can come off, I never tie the scarf until I have fastened the bun with invisible pins.
It is my personal favorite when I need to look polished in a few minutes. Celebrity stylist Justine Marjan is always going on about how accessories can be used to complete a hairstyle just like jewelry can complete an outfit and this is precisely that type of look.
It is also a fabulous transitional look on days when the weather is not sure whether it wants to be sunny or cold- you can wear oversized sunglasses one moment and a chunky knit later in the day.
Athletic Double Dutch Braids
Dutch braids never actually went out of style, but this season they are returning with a bit of a sporty feel. The braids are smooth at the head, and then they are long and even plaits that are both sporty and stylish. It is tight enough to hold all day, and yet soft enough at the hairline to remain pretty.
To get that clean definition in every braid, I suggest a little smoothing gel such as Ouidad Advanced Climate Control, which will tame flyaways even in a blustery autumn breeze. Grip and duration can also be assisted by braiding on day-two hair.
I wore a variation of this on travel days or errand days when I was running around a lot- it feels purposeful but is low maintenance. Celebrity hairstylist Kristin Ess frequently says that braids are the next-day built-in texture, so you have instant waves when you undo them.
The most amazing bit? These braids look as good with a hoodie as they do with a tailored coat- which means they are ideal for impromptu fall outings.
Glam Half-Up Oversized Bow
The half-up style is classic, but the oversized neutral bow makes it feel particularly appropriate to Fall 2025. The top is raised in volume and the rest falls in loose, soft waves. The bow, in a dull beige, is a nice touch to the cozy color palette of the season but does not overwhelm the style.
On those soft waves, I will use a 1.25-inch curling wand and seal with a flexible hold hairspray such as Kenra Professional Volume Spray 25. The trick is to curl outward away from the face to have that open, romantic look.
I believe that bows are having a massive moment once again because they add a feminine, almost whimsical touch, but not too precious. According to celebrity hairstylist Laura Polko, you should match hair accessories to the color family of your outfit so that it looks more cohesive, which I find immediately elevates a style.
You feel like you tried harder than you did, whether you are going to a fall wedding or just brunch with friends.
Romantic Crown Braid
The crown braid is the type of the hair style that makes you feel like an autumn queen. This one is wound around the head in thick even strands, with the rest of the hair falling in easy natural waves. It is half-organized and half-uncontrolled.
The trick to keeping the braid full and defined is all in the prep work, applying a volumizing mousse prior to drying will give it the body to last throughout the day. I adore the Moroccanoil Volumizing Mousse to have a light but voluminous effect.
I can never forget this style when I think of afternoon in a cozy cafe. I wore it once to a farmers market and three separate people came up to me and asked how I did it, which is evidence that it is a head-turner. Stylist Sarah Potempa once commented that braids are built-in accessories and that is what happens here.
This one is for you, if you are the type of person who wants their hair to feel like a part of their outfit and not an afterthought.
Sleek Long Hair and Statement Headband
Ultra-straight, glossy hair and a wide, black headband have a quiet drama to them. The style has framed the face beautifully and does not feel like a costume. The cooler air in fall actually aids in keeping strands smooth, so it is the ideal time to do it.
A decent heat protectant is a must-have-one-I prefer the GHD Bodyguard Heat Protect Spray and then flat ironing the section. To add that additional glassy finish, a couple of drops of Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser Invisible Oil glided through the lengths is a miracle.
I adore the way how a headband can change your mood in a second. Hair stylist Guido Palau has stated that hair accessories can redefine a style in a few seconds and I could not agree more.
It is a mood-booster right away- like putting on your favorite coat and going out on a fresh fall morning ready to take over the day.
Soft Waves of Golden Glow
Soft, cascading waves in the fall have a way of making you feel like you are sliding into your favorite sweater. This style is framing the face with volume at the crown and a soft bounce through the ends, catching the autumn light in all the right places. The golden-blonde shades give the entire appearance a glow, as though your hair is in its golden hour. It is a very versatile hairstyle that can take you on coffee runs and date nights without skipping a beat.
Maintaining this appearance fresh implies embracing nutritive therapies. I have discovered that Oribe Gold Lust Repair & Restore Shampoo works magic in keeping the hair shiny and voluminous without making the curls heavy. A large-barrel curling iron and a decent heat protectant are essential I adore Heat Protect Spray by ghd to keep my hair safe and shiny.
And, if you love the idea of easy glamour, it is one of those hairstyles that will always make me feel like I just walked out of a stylish fall editorial. The secret lies in the loose curl pattern, nothing too perfect, that is when it looks like it was actually lived in and Insta-worthy.
I will even sometimes tuck one side behind the ear and wear it with a bold lip and it is an easy, elevated twist. It is like a pumpkin-spice latte of hair: warm, traditional, and picture-perfect.
Sleek Braided Rows Gold Accents
There is something subdued and yet powerful about these braids- smooth, clean, and bold. The cornrows are divided into several sections that then become long, tight braids that are sophisticated but fun and the gold hair cuffs provide the perfect amount of glam without being too much. It is protective styling with a personality and, therefore, it is as practical as it is stylish.
Here everything is moist. I will always suggest Mielle Organics Pomegranate & Honey Leave-In Conditioner to maintain braids moisturized and frizz-free. An oil that is lightweight, such as Moroccanoil Treatment Light, will keep the ends smooth and healthy.
When I have had similar braids I have noticed how they immediately alter my posture you sit a bit taller, you walk with more purpose. As celebrity hairstylist Ursula Stephen frequently says, a killer braid style can help you feel like you can do anything, and I couldn t agree more.
The style will see you through hectic fall weeks, whether you are going to the gym, meetings, or late-night plans, and it will keep your hair safe against the dry air of the season.
Soft Strands Romantic Crown Braid
This plait is like an autumn poem–a weaving like a crown, beginning at the top and falling into a loose, fat braid down the side. Some soft tendrils are left out in front, which gives it that soft romantic touch. It is the type of style that you can wear to a fall wedding or even a casual brunch where you want to feel put together but not overdone.
To maintain braids smooth but not stiff, I use Briogeo Farewell Frizz Rosarco Milk Leave-In Conditioning Spray. It aids in keeping hair soft, and it keeps flyaways at bay on windy autumn days.
I, personally, love the way this style combines rigidity and gentleness. It feels like a chunky knit scarf, but it is not an accident, it is warm, and it can be worn forever.
When you are a beginner in braiding, do not worry about getting it right. Actually, the slightly relaxed parts make it more voluminous and that adorable nonchalant touch that is always complimented.
Side Braids and Fringe Long Loose Waves
It is a bit of a cool-girl thing to combine soft, flowing hair with side braids and a fringe. The style offers the best of both worlds texture and movement combined with a hint of surprise. It is ideal to wear on those fall evenings when you are jumping between a rooftop happy hour and a late dinner.
On the styling front, I would recommend using Kerrastase Elixir Ultime Oil Serum prior to heat styling to ensure that hair remains shiny and easy to handle. Seal it off by spraying a light mist of IGK Beach Club Texture Spray to maintain the waves bouncy and defined.
Every time I put on a fringe during fall, I get the impression that it puts a frame around the mood of the season, a little mysterious, a little playful. The side braids provide a bit of grit that does not make the entire look too sugary.
It is the kind of hairstyle that looks good in photographs since it captures movement in all directions. Bonus: the braids hold any bothersome layers out of your face as you are out in the wind.
Flowing Curls Textured Side Braid
This plait begins at the side and works smoothly into soft flowing curls, which fall over the shoulder. The combination of the braid pattern and the loose ends makes the appearance have a natural, romantic flow to it- as though it was designed to be worn on a golden fall afternoon outside.
A smoothing cream such as Living Proof No Frizz Nourishing Styling Cream may be used to keep the curls smooth and the braid tidy without being hard. A little Verb Ghost Oil adds extra shine.
I have always been a fan of a side braid that feels casual and deliberate. It is a simple way to display layers or highlights, particularly when the light falls in the right place.
The beauty of this style is that it can be used in almost any fall event, a casual coffee date, a walk in the market or even a fall photo shoot. And believe me, you will be questioned about it.
Soft Ombre Waves Braided Crown
It is a dreamy bohemian romance and high-gloss polish blend. The crown braid flows over the head in a woven halo, which flows into long, tumbling waves that change in color from dark brunette to buttery blonde. The subtle ombre is not obnoxious- it is elegant, fading out root to tip in a manner that makes each strand appear sun-kissed, even on gray days. It is that type of hair style that is as much fall festival as it is wedding guest chic.
I prefer to add Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil to the ends to maintain the waves glossy and defined. It controls frizz without making the hair heavy, and it adds that delicate reflective shine that is so gorgeous in golden-hour shots. Braids may fray or fall out in cooler, dryer weather, so a little spritz of texturizing spray before the style will keep the style in place without being stiff.
I myself have worn a variation of this style on crisp Sunday mornings with a chunky sweater and it has never failed to get compliments, even strangers in the coffee shop line. As celebrity hairstylist Kristin Ess has frequently told me, the best braid is not too perfect, and I could not agree more. It is left feeling relaxed and wearable by leaving a few strands loose around the temples.
Clear elastics and a couple of strategically placed bobby pins can help the style look flawless even when you are a beginner at braiding or when you have layers that tend to slip out. The magic of this is the contrast between the form of the braid and the wildness of the waves- it is that contrast that makes this a fall staple of mine.
Sleek Low Chignon and Leafy Hair Accessory
A low sleek chignon in autumn is just timeless. This iteration is polished to a T and pinned at the nape, but the metallic leaf accessory is what makes it pop–a seasonal nod that does not feel costume-y. It is nice enough to wear to a formal dinner but casual enough to wear with a warm turtleneck and trench coat.
The thing about this style is prep. Blow-drying after applying a smoothing cream such as Moroccanoil Smoothing Lotion makes the hair silky and easier to shape into a bun. A comb with fine teeth will assist in getting that smooth surface with no lumps. The accessory does most of the work to make it Instagram-worthy, so you can keep the rest to the minimum.
Personally, a style such as this is ideal on days when you do not feel like washing your hair yet you still want it to appear purposeful. It also makes a wonderful foundation on which to stick on seasonal hairpieces: leaves, pearls, a jeweled clip.
To re-create this at an event, follow the advice of stylist Justine Marjan: pin your bun in place with bobby pins, and anchor it with a secret hair elastic so it will last all night. The last thing you need is your chignon to come undone at the moment when the evening becomes interesting.
Sleek Length Half-Up Top Knot
This style is the ideal compromise between laid back and sophisticated. The half up top knot is high and gives the crown some lift, the rest of the hair is straight and sleek. It is best to display length without being too dressed up, and is very versatile; wear it up with some statement earrings or keep it casual on a weekend coffee run.
My secret to making it sleek and not flat is to run a flat iron through the lengths using ghd Platinum+ Styler and mist a shine spray. The top knot has the advantage of some grip, so I backcomb it a little then twist it into place. This makes it not deflate in the middle of the day.
I have worn this on lunch dates, to work on casual Fridays, and it photographs well (particularly with a chunky knit or a fall coat). It gives an easy influencer effect but not the influencer effort.
When you have fine hair, you can put a small hair donut into the knot to add more volume without making it bulky. It is a small adjustment that makes a huge impact in the end silhouette.
Free Waves with Bow Accent
Soft waves with a bow have something playful about them. This aesthetic provides a significant amount of retro-romance vibes but does not seem outdated. The waves are springy and lively, and the bow–which is snugged up on one side–is not at all childish. The softness is enhanced by the warm blonde color that captures the light perfectly in the outdoors.
It is all about holding the wave but not stiffly. Kenra Professional Volume Spray 25 is my favorite because it has a good balance of hold and flexibility- it holds the style, but you can run your fingers through your hair. In the case of the bow, a satin or velvet fabric is richer in the fall and looks wonderful with knits and tailored coats.
I wore something similar to an outdoor fall market once, and it was the right amount of polished and approachable. Hairstylist Chris Appleton has frequently stated that accessories must look as though they belong to the ensemble, and I believe that the bow in this case does just that.
In case your waves have a tendency of falling during the day, curl them and pin-curl after curling and then brush them out when cooled. It is an old-fashioned trick, but it makes all the difference in the world in the length of time they will last.
High Ponytail and Soft Face-Framing Layers
It is the type of ponytail that does not only tie your hair back but it also picks up your entire mood. Perched at the top of the crown, it is that youthful and energetic style, however, the layers that frame the face make the overall impression flattering and feminine. It is relaxed enough to go on a coffee date and fancy enough to match with a fitted blazer.
I vow to apply Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo prior to styling to give it a little grit and volume. In that way, the ponytail does not lie flat and has some movement. Twisting a lock of hair around the foundation immediately makes it more refined.
I have used this style in cold mornings when I need my hair up but still need that soft frame around my face. It is a miracle with oversized sweaters, and it adds a playful touch to heavier layers.
To add even more volume, I have learned a trick by celebrity stylist Jen Atkin to place two elastics on top of each other- it creates an immediate push-up effect on the pony that lasts throughout the day. Just a little adjustment and everything is different.
Golden Leaf Elegance Updo
This gently twisted low bun is so old-Hollywood-meets-modern-bridal. The strands are collected at the nape and are woven in a smooth, polished loop and the light face-framing tendrils make it soft. The gold laurel headpiece is what really makes it Insta-worthy in the fall, it is festive yet timeless. This is the type of style that looks gorgeous in any angle and immediately ups a look.
To keep an updo like this smooth after hours of motion, I have learned that it is important to prep with a smoothing serum. I prefer Oribe Supershine Moisturizing Cream to make strands slip without weighing them down. A light spray of strong-hold hairspray is all it takes to keep the flyaways at bay, but it does not make it appear stiff- because we still want that soft, romantic look.
I myself have always been partial to styles that allow a bit of hair to fall loose in the front–it is so becoming, particularly when you are wearing darker colors and heavier materials in the cooler months. Jen Atkin, celebrity stylist, frequently discusses how a bit of softness around the face can soften even a formal look.
And when you are considering experimenting with an accessory, fall is the right time. Metallic colors, particularly gold, go so well with autumn light, autumn knits, and autumn makeup hues such as rust or berry.
Wavy Deep Side Part
These cascading waves and deep side part are simply screaming confidence. The face is contained within the smooth structured curves that are both classic and yet powerfully modern. The color is a deep brunette with streaks of warm caramel that reflect the light and add depth to the hair without making it too much.
To maintain the waves such as these voluminous and glossy throughout the day, I tend to use a volumizing mousse prior to blow-drying and then apply a large-barrel curling iron to add some loose bends. Once they have cooled, I comb it with a wide-tooth comb to get that smooth flow. And that final reflective finish is added with a spritz of Moroccanoil Glimmer Shine.
The first time I wore this style out on a fall dinner date, I felt immediately more polished. It looks lovely with tailored coats and bold lipstick- sort of like how a great turtleneck highlights your favorite accessories. Chris Appleton has been known to say that a deep side part can totally change the vibe of your look and I have to agree.
This hair style is so versatile to day to night. It can be worn loosely with coffee with friends, and then one side can be tucked behind the ear to give it a sleeker more polished evening look.
Mini Cornrow Detail Intricate Side Braid
Braids are back in the fall 2025 and this one is on another level. The style is a mixture of very tight cornrow-like plaits along the scalp and a thick, voluminous side braid that falls over the shoulder. It is sporty, trendy, and totally attention grabbing, ideal when you want your hair out of the way but still a statement during cozy sweater season.
I suggest applying a small amount of Briogeo Farewell Frizz Rosarco Milk to the hair prior to braiding to make strands smooth and easy to handle. It is finished off with a clear or gold hair tie at the end so that it looks neat but does not take attention away from the braid.
Personally, I have tried this style and I can tell it is a conversation starter. People always ask how long it takes (answer: not as long as it looks once you get the hang of the sections). Celebrity braider Kee Taylor has revealed that it is better to begin with clean, slightly damp hair as the plaits will last longer.
To add a fall twist to this braid, weave thin ribbons of velvet in deep burgundy or forest green in–subtle, but seasonal.
Casual Half-Up and Braided Crown
The half-up hairstyle is given a stylish twist by having a braid crown that goes down the hairline and towards the back. It is that weekend coffee date hair that is just the right amount of put together and relaxed. The flowing waves at the bottom provide movement and the braid provides interest but not formality.
To achieve this kind of look, I tend to spritz it with a texturizing spray, such as Amika Un.Done Volume and Matte Texture Spray which is my favorite. It also provides grip so that the braid stays better. A few bobby pins beneath the braid hold the rest together.
I adore the way this style holds the face without gathering all the hair up–it is ideal in the fall when you may be wrapped up in a scarf or a bulky sweater and yet want your hair to feel light. This is a great example of what hairstylist Kristin Ess likes to say, that small braids can immediately customize a look.
It can be easily accessorized with a shiny barrette to make it a fall wedding guest look, or just worn as-is to go out on a casual afternoon.
Soft Layers of Natural Volume
It is a style of healthy, honey-blonde layers that move. The hair is cut to provide body but not over-done and the warm golden color is ideal in fall light. It is relaxed but there is no denying that it is chic, just the sort of thing that works with a flannel shirt as well as a tailored coat.
It is rather easy to maintain this appearance: I wash every other day with Pureology Hydrate Sheer Shampoo in order to keep the color fresh, and I prefer to air-dry half way and then I use a round brush to lift the roots. The aim is bounce but not frizz.
I have a similar cut before and what I liked most about it was that it was so easy to style. It looked like it was done with little effort even though I did not have time to do a complete blowout. Stylist Tracey Cunningham tends to mention that warm blondes are more forgiving to grow-out, which is why this shade is an excellent seasonal option.
To make it even more fall-appropriate, I would combine it with soft makeup in peach and gold shades- it will complete the entire look without making the hair look overdone.
The fall is the best time to experiment with your style, and these Insta-cute hairstyles show that you do not have to be on the red carpet to feel gorgeous. You may be a braid person, a bow person, or a sleek headband moment person but the magic is in the style that makes you feel like you. So, take your favorite accessory, get into the colors of the season, and make your hair the best fall accessory, and you will be turning heads before the leaves even fall.
