From choppy bobs to fox red, 5 celebrity-approved hair trends for autumn
Stars like Jenna Ortega, Demi Moore and Yara Shahidi have modelled these trending looks – and you might want to as well. By Prudence Wade.
A change in seasons is the best opportunity to shake up your beauty look.
Whether you want to go for a chop or style your locks in a different way, there are plenty of celeb-approved hair trends on the rise.
These are the looks hair experts predict will be big this autumn…
1. Undone updos
Undone updos are the perfect autumnal look for anyone who isn’t too bothered with precision.
“Say goodbye to rigid, over-the-top updos and welcome a style that harmoniously combines comfort with couture,” says Gennaro Dell’Aquila, creative director of GA Salons.
“Imagine French twists with artfully stray wisps or messy buns so masterfully executed they are nothing short of a work of art.”
Model Kendall Jenner and Killing Eve actor Sandra Oh are just some of the celebrity fans of this look.
If you want to recreate it at home, Dell’Aquila first recommends applying a small amount of texture product “to add volume and grip”, then: “Secure your hair into a low, loose ponytail, leaving a few strands out for a more relaxed look.”
Finally, he says: “Gently twist the ponytail and secure it with bobby pins, allowing some ends to stick out for an undone appearance” – and finish with hairspray.
2. Glass hair
On the opposite end of the spectrum is the growing trend for ‘glass hair’ – locks so straight and shiny, they seem to reflect light – seen on everyone from Demi Moore to new Big Brother presenter AJ Odudu.
“This isn’t a style for everyone — it’s for those who wish to redefine perfection,” warns Dell’Aquila.
If you want to try the look at home, Dell’Aquila recommends washing your hair with a smoothing shampoo and conditioner (“This will help in achieving the sleek and shiny look characteristic of glass hair”), before applying heat protectant and drying it.
“For a sleek finish, blow-dry your hair using a round brush, ensuring all strands are perfectly straight and smooth,” Dell’Aquila says.
“To achieve that glass-like shine, straighten small sections of your hair at a time. [Then] apply a lightweight shine serum or spray to enhance the glossy appearance.”
3. Curly fringes
“A face-framing curly fringe will be all the rage this season,” predicts Jennie Roberts, Afro hair expert at SheaMoisture UK.
“As more women transition to their natural hair texture, the curly fringe will allow them to take their Afro to the next level. The fringe should slightly curve towards the sides of your face for a seamless blend, which can be completed with a freehand cutting technique.”
Look to celebrities like Grown-ish star Yara Shahidi, Pattern Beauty founder Tracee Ellis Ross and Barbie actor Issa Rae for curly bang inspiration.
If you want to get the look, Roberts advises going to a natural hair specialist, “As they’ll be able to ensure the look is completed perfectly for your hair texture.”
And to keep it fresh, she says you’ll need to get regular trims, use a diffuser (“to help set the curls in your fringe”) and products that keep your curls “councy and defined”.
4. Fox reds
“Copper-coloured hair and autumn are a perfect match,” notes Roberts – and ‘fox red’ is set to be the overwhelming autumn trend for 2023, as seen on Daisy Jones And The Six star Riley Keough.
“Fox red is a deep copper shade that has a more muted and brunette base as opposed to more vibrant coppers previously trending. It uses more red-based tones rather than orange, making it a more neutral and less fiery look,” explains Tyler Moore, expert hairstylist at Live True London.
While it can be adjusted for most skin tones, Moore suggests it suits people with “pink-red and other cool undertones” best, “As shades in this range can help draw attention away from any red pigmentation”.
If you have Afro hair, Roberts adds: “Be mindful because maintaining copper-coloured hair requires a lot of time and effort,” and it’s important to keep your locks well moisturised.
5. Choppy bobs
“The choppy bob bridges the gap between a blunt bob and something super layered – it helps give hair texture and movement, creating that perfect rolled-out-of-bed look that’s super chic,” says Moore, who calls it “the cut of the autumn”.
In fact, Pinterest searches for ‘choppy bob haircuts’ – perhaps inspired by Wednesday star Jenna Ortega’s ‘do – soared by four times in the three months preceding the end of August, showing just how popular the style is becoming.
Moore adds: “If you’re a low maintenance hair lover, this look is perfect for you. It requires limited styling – just some dry shampoo or texturising spray. It can also add some volume for fine strands, and can help lift up weighed down curls.”
The best thing about this look? “It’s super easy to style at home – you can make what you want of it,” Moore says. “If you want to add some waves with a curling iron or just roll out of bed with a brush and some texturising spray, this look can be as low or as high maintenance as you need.”
Roberts is also a big fan of bobs for autumn. “Think Nineties Whitney Houston vibes,” she says.
“The best part about the style is that it can be tailored to your specific curl pattern, which allows you to embrace and enhance your natural hair texture.”
