Whether you spent your summer lounging in an air-conditioned living room or sipping an Aperol spritz by the beach, the arrival of fall sparks a desire for a true fresh start in almost everyone. Some swap out their door wreaths or update their wardrobes, but the Bien team’s favorite fall ritual is a trip to the hair salon. Here’s what hairstyles and colors are making waves this year to get you ready for the cooler months.
When it comes to hair color, more people are embracing their natural shades—says Vanessa Ocando, a New York hairstylist. “I’m seeing a strong shift toward soft, sun-kissed highlights that don’t change but enhance your natural base color.” Longevity is also key, especially in uncertain economic times—adds colorist Min Kim. “People want low-maintenance options,” she explains, emphasizing it’s not about no upkeep but about styles that “let you return to the salon at your own pace while keeping the color looking great.”
On the flip side, cuts are trending toward bold transformations. Stylists say more clients are craving a complete change. “There’s a shared, collective energy around renewal,” Ocando notes. “A daring cut feels like a fresh start, and many are ready for that.”
Of course, renewal doesn’t always mean drastic change. The sharp-lined bob remains the season’s standout (“Fall is absolutely the season of the bob,” says New York stylist Garren), but you can refresh your look with subtler tweaks—try adding bangs or trimming sun-kissed ends with ’70s-inspired layers.
Overall, the ’70s vibe strongly influences this fall’s hairstyles—from shag cuts to full, voluminous afros. “The ’70s hair was all about personality, movement, and bold shapes that were openly sexy,” says Los Angeles stylist Sunnie Brook. “We really need a little playful, free, and rebellious hair right now, don’t you think?”
Crème Brûlée Blonde
Pros call it “crème brûlée” or even “supermodel” blonde, but whatever you name it, this fall’s coolest blonde tone is all about understated elegance. Neither too warm nor too cool, this low-contrast blonde radiates quiet luxury and, as London expert Tia Lambourn says, “I think it’s going to dominate the whole season.”
Brown Sugar Brown
This fall’s most exciting brown shade feels as effortless as its name. “The goal is to capture warm, sun-drenched depth with tones you’d see in the desert,” says stylist Tracey Cunningham, who first tried it on Lana Del Rey and named it “brown sugar brunette.” “We wanted something multidimensional and low-maintenance that shifts with the hairstyle. When Lana ties her hair up, the brown looks rich and uniform. When she lets it down, lighter ends peek through, giving a natural, earthy, lively vibe.”
Velvety Brown
If you want to deepen your natural brown this fall, pros are loving a dark, velvety cool tone dubbed “plush brunette” by New York colorist Jenna Perry. It’s not quite black but a rich, even shade with subtle espresso highlights that are nearly invisible indoors but sparkle beautifully in sunlight.
Cinnamon Red
“Less orange, more depth” is how Schwartz describes this fall’s hottest copper shades. “We’re moving toward natural, vibrant reds with depth, texture, and warmth—colors that stand out but feel a bit more autumnal.” He refers to chestnut reds with brown and cinnamon undertones, where the red leans more toward warm brown and cinnamon hues.
Color Pops
While natural shades lead the fall trends, vivid colors like neon orange or vibrant violet aren’t disappearing—they’re just hiding under top layers. “Block coloring will be the go-to method for experimenting with bold tones this year,” says Shvonne Perkins, Madison Reed’s education director and stylist. “Think creative placements like a bright streak in the bangs to highlight the cut or bold hues in the lower layers.” Kristen Stewart’s pink strands at Cannes are a perfect example of this playful approach.
Playful Pixie
Thinking about a short cut this fall? Take inspiration from Emma Stone, whose stylist Mara Roszak named this style the playful pixie. It’s slightly longer around the hairline with soft lines and no harsh edges, framed by delicate strands around the ears and nape. Mostly shaped with thinning shears to remove bulk at the temples and nape, this light, featherweight cut suits almost any hair type—from fine strands to curls. Roszak adds, “The soft edges make it super wearable and easy to style daily, even while growing it out.”
Geometric Bob
Requests for sharp, geometric cuts are on the rise, so it’s no surprise Leslie Bibb’s hairstyle is still trending. Emily Ratajkowski’s bangs in Netflix’s Too Much TV also inspired many this season. “More clients are going for bold cuts with blunt bases and minimal layering,” says Vanessa Ocando. “This look is clean and modern.” Depending on hair type and desired length, Garren suggests the cut fall just above the cheekbones or shoulders. Franck Izquierdo recommends a blunt or slightly undercut bob with precise ends and minimal layering.
Layered Cuts
If you’ve spent any time on TikTok, you’ve seen the love for long, layered cuts with bouncy movement—and it’s no surprise this trend has moved from screens to salons. “Layered cuts are still having their moment, and that’s true this fall too,” says Los Angeles stylist Kathleen Reilly. “Everyone seems to adore the lift and full, airy blowout these styles create.”
