It shouldn’t look too done”: the standout autumn haircuts of the season
Changing your cut is often the simplest way to transform an entire look. This season, autumn haircuts are built around a compelling paradox: appearing effortless while being carefully crafted. Four styles are dominating salons, each one suited to a different hair type and a different mood.
Autumn haircuts designed for movement, not structure
The instinct is usually to go for something clean and precise. But this season’s mood points in the opposite direction. Jake Unger, hairdresser at Larry King Marylebone, captures the spirit perfectly: a great cut shouldn’t look meticulously worked on, even when it absolutely is.
That’s exactly what the Boyfriend Bixie delivers, a hybrid style that borrows the short structure of a pixie and the softness of a bob. Tapered, layered lengths create movement without weighing the hair down. The nape is lightly graduated, and the fringe is long enough to be parted, tucked behind the ear, or swept to one side. To style it, a mousse adds hold without stiffness, while a light-texture styling wax reinforces that natural, lived-in finish.
For longer hair, Halo Layers follow a different logic entirely. Layers placed strategically around the crown lighten the overall mass while preserving full length. Hairdresser Naomi Brooks notes that this style works particularly well for long, thick hair that wants to keep its length while gaining lightness and volume. On fine hair, the effect is reversed: the layers add texture and create the impression of density. Naturally curly hair also benefits, as the layers enhance definition and amplify the curl pattern. A volumising spray applied before drying is all it takes to unlock the full potential of this style.
The bob and the curls: two opposing visions of this season’s hair trends
On one side, understated confidence. On the other, unapologetic volume. Autumn haircuts cover both extremes with equal conviction.
The Off-Duty Bob embodies the first approach. Worn at jaw or collarbone length, it has a clear shape that never tips into rigidity. Jake Unger is firm on one point: lines that are too sharp or too sculpted betray the whole spirit of the style. The goal is a result that looks relaxed, almost unconsidered. In practice, a volumising mist applied before a rough blow-dry or an air-dry is all you need. A slight wave, an imperfect parting, or a strand tucked behind the ear does the rest. This is the cut that elevates an outfit without trying to steal the show.
At the other end of the spectrum, Whimsy Curls fully embrace volume and personality. Christophe Pontin, Aveda artistic director at the Aveda salon in Covent Garden, recommends cutting curly hair dry, before any shampoo or treatment, to better control the final shape and account for shrinkage during drying. Long layers remove excess weight and encourage movement without sacrificing density. Hydration is the absolute priority for maintaining this style, and a little frizz is nothing to fear, it adds dimension to the whole look.
- Cut curly hair dry, before shampooing, to control the shape
- Add long layers to lighten without losing density
- Use extensions while ensuring the curl pattern, density, and movement match
- Place extensions strategically to avoid excess weight at the top and hairline
- Hydrate generously and embrace a little frizz for added dimension
For those looking to amplify volume even further, extensions are an option. Specialist Sarah Ethel stresses that texture matching is everything: beyond colour, the curl pattern, density, and movement must harmonise with the natural hair. Hairdresser Beverly Rosser adds that overly bulky applications risk disrupting the natural curl pattern and creating tension on the scalp.
How to choose between these new autumn haircuts
Hair type is the first consideration. Thick hair benefits from Halo Layers to shed excess weight. Fine hair gains volume from the same style. The Boyfriend Bixie suits those who want a short cut without losing femininity. The Off-Duty Bob is for anyone after a mid-length style that works effortlessly day to day. And Whimsy Curls are made for curly hair that wants to fully express its texture.
All of this season’s hair trends share one common thread: the cut should look natural, almost accidental, even when it’s the result of real skill and craft. That may be their greatest shared quality, and their greatest strength.
