hair trends fall 2021
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8 Very Cool Ways to Update Your Hair This Fall

Whether you’re looking for a little tweak or a complete overhaul

Today is the day it all changes: the Tuesday back from Labour Day weekend. Our calendars insist it’s still summer for nearly three more weeks, but our many years as students have convinced us otherwise. This is the time when, like clockwork, slouchy knits begin to call our name and the prospect of soup somehow seems entirely novel.

But the biggest shift presents itself in the form of a sudden, inescapable yearning. It usually starts in the bathroom mirror then starts following you around everywhere: on Instagram, in magazines, on the street. The “I want new hair” phenomenon, major hallmark of early fall and deeply ingrained legacy of childhood back-to-school cuts. Few, if any, are immune. So to satisfy the urge, we rounded up the biggest, coolest hair trends of the season. Prepare to screen-grab.

hair trends fall 2021
Getty Images, Prabal GurungEtro and Prabal Gurung

Braids

There were braids of all kinds this season: accent braids, box braids, braided ponies. But while the interpretations varied, all had a few key elements in common, namely a tight weave and a sleek finish. (No Coachella-esque fishtails with strands poking out every which way.) A strong-hold gel or smoothing cream is your friend, here.

 

hair trends fall 2021
Getty Images, Gabriela HearstJason Wu and Gabriela Hearst

The relaxed middle part

The key word is “relaxed.” It’s not perfectly straight or centred, but resides in the general vicinity of the middle of your head. If you’ve got a few baby hairs going rogue at the front, even better. Ditto for a little frizz or volume along the part itself.

 

hair trends fall 2021
Isabel Marant, Tom FordIsabel Marant and Tom Ford

Mullets/shags/wolf cuts

The lines between the three are getting ever more blurred, but here’s all you need to know: Layers, bangs and contrasting lengths are basically the holy trinity of fall 2021 haircuts. And while that might seem like a lot to pull off at once, the look can be entirely customized to every hair type and comfort level, making for super wearable—yet still very cool— iterations.

 

hair trends fall 2021
Chloé, Ulla JohnsonChloé and Ulla Johnson

Crimped hair

This season, the early aughts made a return in fashion in the form of butterflies, fun fur and velvet. So how fitting is it that crimped hair also made a comeback, volunteering to complete the look? Think of it as the autumnal take on beach waves: a bit tighter, a bit flatter. All you have to do is section off your hair and braid it while it’s still damp. (The thinner the braids, the smaller the ripples.)

 

hair trends fall 2021
Chanel, ValentinoChanel and Valentino

Blunt bangs

Now that salons are back up and running (and hopefully staying that way), the time feels ripe for intentional, higher-maintenance cuts again. That said, the straight-across bangs seen at Givenchy, Louis Vuitton, Chanel and more all veered toward the longer, lash-skimming side, so you can afford to space out your trims a bit more.

 

hair trends fall 2021
Anna Sui, VersaceAnna Sui and Versace

Hair scarves

It’s the accessory that keeps on giving. Hair scarves first caught our attention last summer when Parisian influencers began teaming them with their wicker baskets. Since then, they’ve been on runways (Jacquemus, Dior, Etro and more) and famous heads (Kendall Jenner’s buttercup version on the Italian seaside was particularly aspirational) alike. This fall will be no different. Versace, Max Mara, Anna Sui and more all made a case for keeping the hair scarf around a little longer. 

 

hair trends fall 2021
Alberta Ferretti, FendiAlberta Ferretti and Fendi

Side bangs

Another nod to Y2K, side bangs made a noted appearance. You could practically hear The O.C. theme song playing (Were you more of a Marissa or a Summer?). Compared to their blunt counterparts, these are much easier to grow out. They’re also quite simple to fake if you don’t feel like committing at all. Just sweep a section of hair across your forehead and secure with a snazzy clip.

 

hair trends fall 2021
1017 ALYX 9SM, Giambattisa Valli1017 ALYX 9SM and Giambattista Valli

Bejewelled pixies

Who says hair accessories are just for longer lengths? Pearl and diamanté headbands crowned buzz cuts and pixies on many a runway. And while headbands are often touted for being both stylish and practical—helping keep your hair out of your face or disguise greasy bangs—the fact that these were purely ornamental made them all the more fabulous. 

 

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