The Top 15 Autumn Hairstyles for 2021

Fall is a time for new beginnings and new looks. Alongside falling leaves, that ingrained back-to-school energy often has us drastically switching up styles and trends to welcome the new season. Following the suppression of 2020, this years Fall Hairstyles are brave and bold. It’s time to (literally) let our hair down. We deserve a bit of everyday glamour. Read on for our Top 15 Fall Hairstyles for 2021.

Choppy Cuts

Credit: @hellobalayage

The choppy cut is a 2021 hair trend here to stay. Asymmetrical or blunt, choppy layers can be styled depending on your desired look and hair type. This edgy fall hairstyle is at the height of versatility, expect oodles of volume, definition, and movement irrespective of length. Through spring and summer, the appeal of this edgy cut is its low maintenance. Simply roll out of bed, add some texturizing spray and you’re ready to slay.

Waft Fringes

Credit: @bel_pipsqueekinsaigon | Model: @holllie__

Grown out fringes, or Waft Fringes as they’re affectionately known, are defined by dramatic length - with a short inner centre - that graduates downwards at the sides of the face. Think Jenna Coleman’s ’70s hair in BBC drama The Serpent, but a lot less ‘murder accomplice’. This fall hairstyle celebrates the retro resurgence of other 70s fashion trends. Watch this space. 

The Wolf Cut

Credit: Debbie Ryan

While the name itself may sound almost feral, the relaxed execution allows the bold to pull off a wolf cut with ease. The staple of this style is choppy, shaggy layers with a mullet-esque fringe at the front. Expect dishevelled volume at the top which dramatically diminishes at the lengths. An effortlessly-cool-vibe makes this fall hairstyle a wonderfully wild staple.

The Crop Bob

Credit: Hannah Kleit

Maybe after the long locks of summer, you’re in the mood to go short. Enter the Bob! Bobs may seem a little daunting at first, but with the right stylist and execution they can grab the attention of a room with virtually no effort on your part. There’s a reason Bobs are timeless.

For a new chop that sweeps your roll neck perfectly, try the Crop Bob. "Cut short, cute and tight into the neck with a blunt fringe, the beauty is you can wear them dead straight and glass-like or soften them up with a loose wave” explains top LA hair stylist, Sal Salcedo.

The Soft Shag

Credit: Julia Steigner

Soft Shags are tried and tested, one of the most requested hairstyles of 2021. Longer layers will give you a fabulously feminine feel without sacrificing the shag signature: movement and dimension. This cut is ideal for shoulder length hair, making this an fall hairstyle to be reckoned with. 

The ‘70s Flip

Credit: Ciara

70s style has dominated global fashion trends over 2021. Garish retro swirl and psychedelic floral prints have dominated our Instagram feeds, and retro hair trends are no different. Few haircuts are as iconic as Farrah Fawcett's ’70s flip. TikTok has led a resurgence of these flipped, voluminous flicks. Expect to see contemporary variations cropping up this Fall.

90s Blowout Hair

Coined 90s supermodel hair for its star-studded history - think Claudia Schiffer back in her prime – the 90s blowout champions soft, shiny locks with no shortage of volume. It's classy, classic, and blatantly high maintenance; you’re going to want to grab your blow-dryer and rollers for this fall hairstyle. For maximum volume, try a full set of hair extensions for the y2k approved look.

"The '90s was all about a natural body and bounce without looking overdone or too structured," explains the Franck Provost team, Australia's number one rated hair salon. "Stay away from words like flat and smooth. The more volume the better."

Curtain Bangs

Credit: Gabrielle Roccuzzo | Model: Eden Kannourakis 

Curtain bangs are amazing for any face shape; if cut right they beautifully frame your face and emphasise your best features. Top tip: accompany your new bangs with highlights that compliment your eye color. This way, that new face glow will be the star of the show.

The Mixie

Credit: Úrsula Corberó

Mullet mashups are ten a penny in 2021, and the Mixie is no exception. Yes this super cute variation is a hitting the streets this fall, combining the short, dainty crops of a Pixie cut with a little extra length at the back to nail that rebellious mullet feel. 

French Bob

Credit: Mariama Diallo

The French Bob is a très, très chic variation of our favourite short Fall hairstyle. Gloriously low maintenance, this romantic cut skims daringly along the mouth line and is accompanied by a straight, brow-skimming fringe. Wear it with signature Parisian chicness while feeling delightfully light and airy.

Full and Curly

Credit: Dina Denoire

Curly hair is finally getting the recognition it deserves, and this Fall we’re embracing our curls in a big way. Thanks to curly hair gurus like Charlotte Mensah and Jennie Roberts, the full and curly trend is bigger than ever. Shoulder length cuts are particularly in demand this season; enrich your locks with specialised products that embrace your natural curls, coils, and ringlets. 

If your lucky enough to of been blessed with Curly hair, then you will probably know that styling and caring for it takes a little more work than normal. We have collected the best tips and tricks in maintaining and styling Curly and Wavy hair and hair extensions and listed the best products for this hair type.

Raw Textures and Rough Layers

Color and cut aren’t the only factors to consider for Fall hairstyles, a key 2021 hair trend comes in the form of texture. Rough and choppy layers enhance natural movement in your locks, while embracing your natural hair texture minimises styling time and heat exposure, resulting in happier, healthier strands. After all, our hair doesn’t just exist to be photographed. 

Luxe-looking hair

Olga Nowotarska | Instagram

This Fall hair trend is all about embracing our natural locks. Whether curly or straight, hair health is key for shine, strength, and vitality. Play around with your natural texture and treat yourself to a dash of glamour Every. D*mn. Day.

Buzz Cuts

Getty Image | Cara Delevigne

The ultimate low maintenance hairstyle, a buzz cut is super easy to look polished and professional. For an fall hairstyle others will envy, bleach your buzz to create subtle softness and texture.
Beauty industry's afro hair authority Charlotte Mensah explained “For most women, a buzz cut is a radical hairstyle that will change how others perceive you, so be prepared for lots of comments and remarks on your new look – few people have the confidence to go for a buzz cut, so enjoy that limelight.”

The Curly Shag

Credit: Zendaya

"It's a long grown-out version of the traditional shag, which allows for more intense curl," says celebrity hairstylist Jason Collier "In general, natural waves, curls and texture help to soften the look and make it more wearable.’ 

You might be interested in....

The 12 Best Hair Accessories for Fall 2021

Crazy and Colorful Halloween Hair Ideas