6 autumn haircut trends to have on your radar, from ‘crobs’ to billowy lengths

Autumn's heading our way and tbh, we'll happily take the temperature dip if it means we're due some truly dreamy autumn haircut trends. What's on the menu (other than pumpkin spiced lattes)?

The top hair stylists we spoke to predicted shorter lengths will pull through as the months get colder – and, unsurprisingly, we'll be mining the '90s archive for our inspo. Meanwhile if you're fringe has been scraped back off your face for summer, autumn is the optimal time to let her loose to do her thang. And, we'll be seeing our hair (like our outfits) benefit from some serious layering.

These are the 2024 autumn haircut trends you need to know…

Crobs

Taking hair shorter in autumn may feel counterintuitive when we're wanting to cover up in cosy knits. But actually, it makes a lot of sense to lift lengths now before letting them grow out in time for next summer (giving you more options to tie hair back when it's hot). What's more, the trend has a whole heap of nostalgia around it, with short hairstyles tapping up '90s references this season. “I'm foreseeing shorter hair, for sure, in Autumn 2024,” notes celebrity hairstylist and ColorWow international creative director, Dom Seeley. If you're unsure whether to go for a bob or shorter, split the difference. Dom reckons the “crob” or cropped bob, is the style to watch. “Think: cropped hair that's not as short as a pixie but shorter than a bob, like Natalie Imbruglia's ‘90s hair,” he says. “Or textured, shorter bobs with wispier lengths and movement throughout,” he adds. The ’90s have given us plenty of midi and long inspo lately, “but we’re going to see more of this ‘90s crop come forward for the shorter hair girls that don’t want to brave a pixie just yet,” Dom predicts.

“I've been loving seeing more and more curly and coily clients be braver with cutting their hair.” notes pro hair stylist and Aveda educator, Leah Hill. “I’m doing more and more short cuts lately. I think the ‘big chop’ will continue to be a staple, however if you're going for a pixie style be aware of the high maintenance,” she adds.

Draped fringes

Autumn is the undisputed “fringe season” so expect to see plenty. The style comes with a bonus, offering the perfect opportunity to trim sun-sapped strands while giving your cheekbone and jawbone a face-framing hug. “The cosiness of curtain bangs fit perfectly with the change of season and have a practical element that facilitates the generous trimming of face framing hairs after a summer of potential damage,” notes leading hair stylist and trend forecaster, Tom Smith.

We'll see it worn in different ways. “There's a huge fringe revival happening and there are so many variations, from wispy to the blunt, or curtain-style like Sabrina Carpenter,” says Dom. “I’m here for the ‘Blow-Out Bang’, which is quite full, with some separation (but not too wispy),” explains Leah. “It can be easily cut into any style,” she says and offers volume and fullness. Look to the likes of Daisy Edgar Jones who has been serving up endless fringe inspo recently.

“It's much easier to maintain a bang during winter as you don’t sweat as much,” notes Leah. “I often hear people with long hair being afraid of adding a bang in fear it won’t connect to their cut, however, when cut correctly it can really change the entire look and make you feel brand new,” she says. To trial the trend, “you can opt for a clip in fringe if you don’t want to commit long term,” says Dom. “Beauty Works have just launched a clip-in fringe with Maya Jama and it's zero commitment, but all the fun, and can be cut into so many different styles. It can help with a look if you want to wear it down or up or you just want to refresh your hairstyle totally,” he adds.

Billowy lengths

Counter to the crob, we've also seen ultra long, whimsical billowy lengths, shaped with gentle layers. “Long hair is going more soft and flowy with dimension and movement throughout the face framing sections,” predicts Dom. “Internally, butterfly layering will still be huge as it’s super versatile and keeps length, but just allows playful texture and volume,” he adds. The cut blends voluminous fluttery layers and swishy chin-length face-framing pieces. “It can be done with any length, but it really promotes volume and movement, as well as really opening up the face. Plus it can be worn in so many different styles thanks to how layered the haircut is,” says Dom. Leah's in agreement. “The easiest way to make a long hair cut look modern is to add texture. By adding layers you will instantly add shape and movement,” she explains.

Tailored midi

If you're an in-betweener, the tailored midi is the best route for you. It offers enough length to style hair up, but has some of the cool crispness that a bob offers. “Blunt, clean mid-length cuts will be huge this autumn season,” says Dom. “It keeps the hair healthy, promotes thickness and volume and gives an effortless, cool girl persona.” But if you want to add some of that autumn layering into the mix, you can personalise. “A blunt cut doesn’t work for everyone so you can also add layers and movement. Internal layering is great, especially if you have any natural texture as this will enhance what you already are blessed with (look to the '90s hair trends at this length). As much as The Rachel is always used as a reference, it’s just a great way to show that mid length hair doesn’t have to be boring.”

Cloud curls

Curls, coils, waves and texture come into their own in autumn when it's cool enough to let them loose and play them up. One trend in particular that's set to be big is fluffy, teased curls. “This is all about natural looking, airy and textured waves or curls with a halo of intentional fluff that brings a youthful, ethereal and carefree energy,” says Tom who calls the style “cloud curls”. It's ideal on longer or naturally textured hair he says noting the relaxed style “will bring the echo of summer into the autumn months.” To style, “use your natural texture if you have it, or create a similar style by braiding your hair after rough drying just before it has completely dried and cooled. Leave it to set and loosen with your fingers,” says Tom. Or, “for a more polished look use a small curling iron with small sections and alternate the direction you twist the hair. Finish with a styling powder or texturising spray and shake upside down for the airy fluffy finish,” he adds. Of course the style will sit best on tactically tailored curls. “I can’t stress enough that when it comes to cutting curly and coily hair, it’s all about creating shape to enhance your unique features,” says Leah. “Textured hair is all about cutting in 3D,” she adds.

Nara bob

We couldn't not have a bob moment. The classic cut will continue to recruit fans heading into autumn, but Leah is spotlighting one rendition in particular: the “Nara Smith bob” worn by the namesake fashion model and influencer. “It features a strong one-length bob and side part, and gives the most chic and effortless glam vibe,” says Leah. Plus, it's easy going. “If you’re looking for low maintenance, a one-length bob with slight layering and texture will always be a lot less maintenance than a graduated cut,” Leah explains. “This because the base line will grow out very naturally with the layers following, so it remains easy to style, unlike a pixie or graduated bob,” she says.

For more from GLAMOUR's Senior Beauty Editor, Elle Turner, follow her on Instagram @elleturneruk

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