It’s time to break out your sweaters and grab a pumpkin spice latte because autumn is here! We couldn’t be more excited about this new season, and the fall hairstyles it’ll usher in! 

This is the time of year where the transitional weather makes it easy to try out new trends. So if you’re ready for wide legged jeans and cosy fall hairstyles, we have all the tips for getting this year's fall hair trends right. 

What are the hottest hair trends for fall 2021? 

Thanks to a whole year of nothing better to do than scroll through instagram and watch Netflix, we’ve achieved a new level of “anything goes”. Many of the cute fall hairstyles are variations on what we’ve seen over the past two years, with a few updates for 2021. 

Just like our wardrobe choices during the pandemic, many styles tend towards relaxed ease. Shaggs and natural hair are in, as are messy buns and visible roots. If you treat your appearance as a moment of self care, there are other fall hairstyles that take time and effort to achieve, like elaborate braids and bright hair. 

The great news is, if your hair is short, medium, or long, there is a new fall hair trend waiting for you to try. 

Are you ready to see what these trends look like in action? Here are our favorite fall hairstyles, to get you inspired! 

1. 70s vibes

Source: Saint Laurent 

Bell bottom jeans are back and so is the 70s shag hairstyle. This look works with whatever natural wave you have (or don’t have). Whether you wear it curly, straight, or commit to the mullet, there is no wrong way to wear this look. The only way to get the shag is with the right fall haircut. Make sure you bring a picture of what you want your hair to look like, so that your hairstylist can get the look just right. 

Source: @voodootripp 

If you’re looking for 70s hair without having to change your whole look, consider going full Farah Fawcett instead. All you need is a blow dryer, a round brush, and hair spray, which you probably already own!

In case you don’t, we suggest the Mighty AF Mini Travel Dryer! Grab a professional round brush with premium boar bristles, and make sure you dry your hair away from your face. Twist your wrist away from your face as you blow dry to get bouncy waves that float away. Finish your look with a spritz of hairspray to keep your hair voluminous as the day goes on. 

2. Natural hair

Source: Jonathan Cohen

Did you decide to embrace your natural hair over the pandemic, or are you taking a break from hot tools? For fall 2021, natural hair is in. Natural waves and afros were all over the runway, but just because you don’t need to heavily style your hair doesn’t mean you can’t improve its natural texture. 

Sulfate free shampoos and moisturizing conditioners are the easiest way to decrease frizz. Also, avoid drying your roughly hair with a towel, and try using a t-shirt instead. If you have wavy or curly hair, make sure you discover your curl type so you can properly take care of those tresses and get the right products. 

Source: Celine

By the way, when we say natural hair, we also mean natural color. Grown out roots were seen all over the runways for fall 2021, so if you haven’t had a chance to hit the salon since lockdowns ended, don’t worry, that’s fashion now. 

3. French bob

Source: @mnnafsalon

The latest cute fall hair trend is the French bob. It’s shorter than a traditional bob, and has a more triangular shape that flares out. The easiest way to add texture to the ends of a bob is with a clip curler. 

The Beach Wave Babe 2-Piece Set comes with a thick barrel  curler which will give you exactly the right under curl to get the right shape. Instead of winding the hair around the barrel, just clip the ends. Curl small sections so that the hair isn’t too even, which will create the under volume you’re looking for. Then, you can use the mini straightener in the set to smooth out your bangs.  

The best thing about this trendy fall haircut? As it grows out you can curl the ends under to create a totally different and equally cute hairstyle, all using the same hot tool. 

4. Classic bob, but make it edgy

Source: @hexblush

Maybe you tried the French bob but just weren’t feeling it, or perhaps you prefer the more modern version of this hairstyle. To update this look for fall 2021, keep the cut but make it edgy. Consider playing with color and face framing highlights, or keep your natural color and straighten your hair for a perfectly aligned edge. 

We love the Venice Babe 1.25" Flat Iron for bobs for two reasons. First, the iron is the perfect size for straightening even the shorter hairs at the back of the bob. Second, the gemstone plates and ionic technology prevent frizz, which is super helpful for any of us with wavy hair who want to look chic. Similar to the grown out French bob, as the style grows out you can curl the ends under.

Pair this hair with a bold eyebrow and dark eyeliner to take this hair from “seen it already” to “wow!”

5. Blunt bangs 

 

Source: @mariisco 

You may have noticed all the bangs featured in our collectio of hairstyle trends. That’s because bangs are in. All bangs. 

The first style of bangs for fall 2021 we want to highlight is the blunt bang. These bangs are not layered, so they lie straight across the forehead. They can be cut above, in line with, or below the eyebrows. 

There are two steps to getting perfect blunt bangs. The first is with a round brush and blow dryer, but unlike the Farah Fawcett technique, hold the round brush under the hair, parallel to the floor as you blow dry from the tip of the hair to the end. 

After this step, your hair may look too round and bouncy. Grab a Smooth Star On The Go flat iron to take some of the roundness out. The mini flat iron is perfect for bangs, as it can get close enough to the scalp without burning. One loose pass of the mini straightener and your bangs will sit perfectly. 

6. Side bangs

Source: Ann Sui

When we said all bangs were a trendy hairstyle for fall 2021, we weren’t kidding. Unleash your early 2000’s emo kid, because side bangs are back. Similar to blunt bangs, they can be worn above or below the eyebrow. 

To style side bangs, you can use the same technique as for other bang styles. Blow drying underneath the bangs with a round brush will help you get the fullness your bangs need so they don’t sit limply on your forehead. 

Instead of blow drying straight, as you pull the brush through, twist the brush in the direction of the ear on the side you want the bangs to fall. Add the tiniest bit of hair wax at the very end. Combining heat setting your hair with the wax will maintain the structure of the side sweep. 

7. Curtain bangs

Source: @brit_bellasalonandboutique 

We said it before and we’ll say it again. We meant it when we said anything goes, and that’s why we’ve listed three different kinds of bangs - you can’t go wrong with them as your fall 2021 hairstyle. 

The most recent bang trend for fall 2021 is the curtain bangs. These bangs are perfect for anyone with a natural center part. If you’ve tried the blunt bang and side bang and you find your hair never keeps its shape, curtain bangs may be exactly what you’re looking for. 

Curtain bangs take no effort and no hot tools, aside from how you normally style your hair. Similar to the 70s shag, when you head to your hairstylist make sure you take a picture of what you’re looking for since the only way to achieve this look is with a pair of scissors. This is another fall hairstyle that continues to look great as it grows out. That being said, we recommend you don’t shorter than eyebrow length, or these bangs may look a little silly. 

 8. Fantasy braids & buns

Source: @ilonahanni

We promised you styles for long hair, and this fall hair trend for 2021 requires no trip to get snipped. We’re feeling the fantasy vibes with buns and braids. 

Elaborate fantasy braids are really cool and don’t require any hot tools, unless you want to curl your ends. The trick to multiple and intertwined braids is sectioning your hair in advance with combs and sectioning clips. 

The first time you try braiding your hair may be a bit difficult, but the more you practice the easier it will get. To get a variety of braids, practice over braiding (“French braids”) versus under braiding (“Dutch braids”). Once you’ve got that down, it’s easy to section parts of your hair into buns and wrap the braids around them. Secure your hair with bobby pins, and as usual, a bit of hairspray to keep your hair in place. 

9.Bright colors

Source: Dolce & Gabbana 

The last cute hair trend for fall 2021 is bold fantasy colors to go with the fantasy braids. Make a statement with bright, anime blue hair! 

Alternatively, you can match the changing autumn colors with auburn and red tones, or keep it more natural with jet black. No matter which color you choose, do not bleach your hair at home or with a box. This can result in severely damaged hair, and ruin your natural texture which will also make it harder to style with hot tools. 

Head to your hairstylist for the first round of bleach and color. Refresh the color in between with temporary dyes from trustworthy brands, or buy the brand your hairstylist uses from a beauty supply store. 

Falling for your hair

Short, medium, or long, there’s a fall hair trend for you. Since there are so many styles to choose from, try experimenting with one or more! With all the different colors, cuts, and bangs, there’s something for everyone. 

Will you try one of these 2021 fall hairstyle trends? We’d love to see it. Post your photos, give us your best tips for creating the style, and make sure to tag us @almostfamoushaircare!