The air is crisper, pumpkin spice is creeping back into our coffee cups, and the sun is setting earlier each day, which can only mean one thing: it is time to talk haircuts. My hair refresh of choice is in September, when it is neither as spontaneous as a summer cut nor as tentative as a winter trim, but is just in that happy place where comforting layers and new texture are like a style hug.
But the real question is, are you in the mood of a radical change or a minor improvement? Do you want your hair to say that it is ready to fall in a low voice or scream it out? I have collected my top haircut ideas of the season, along with care instructions, my personal style thoughts and tips of the professionals who have a way with a pair of shears.
Soft, Lived-In Layers with Chocolate Mocha Shine
There is a certain nonchalant glamour about the medium-length, softly layered haircuts on straight hair that just hit the collarbone and frame the face perfectly. This is a magic cut, which makes thick and fine hair move without being too styled. The chocolate-mocha coloring here is warm but not brassy, and it takes the light in such a way that you think of steaming cocoa on a cool September morning.
Regarding care, I never fail to use Oribe Supershine Moisturizing Cream to make those layers frizz-free and smooth in the face of the changing humidity in autumn. This style has its swish factor and is not weighed down with a good round brush and slow blow-dry.
I have received the same cut twice and both times strangers have inquired who my stylist was a testament to the fact that small adjustments can make a big impact. Celebrity stylist Anh Co Tran has stated that soft, broken layers are what keeps a style timeless and I couldn?t agree more.
It is ideal to anyone who is looking to transition to a seasonal change without having to lose much length, especially when you are still trying out the waters before fully committing to shorter haircuts in 2025.
Golden Hour Waves with Curtain Fringe
Falls like sunlight and a feathery fringe that moves with every turn, this style is September in a bottle of haircuts. The fringe is light and airy and ends just above the eyes, and the face-framing pieces blend into warm caramel highlights on a light brunette base. It is a flattering cut that suits many face shapes including those seeking haircuts to fit round faces.
To keep these waves without heat every day, I swear by a silk scrunchie bun at night, it keeps the bend soft and natural. When you do style, add a dab of Bumble and bumble Hairdresser Invisible Oil to add shine and protect against heat.
This haircut takes me back to my first attempt at bangs in fall; I would wear them with my favorite sweaters and felt like the protagonist in my own little fall film.
It’s versatile, romantic, and one of the easiest haircuts ideas to dress up or down depending on your mood (and your plans).
Modern Shag with Tousled Bangs
Haircuts 2025 are still having their moment with shags and this medium length, layered style with messy bangs proves that they are not going anywhere. It begins with a large volume, the texture is everywhere, and the movement is carefree, which is exactly what people who prefer haircuts on medium hair that do not need much fuss but give a lot of personality will love.
All you need to keep the texture going between washes is a sea salt spray, such as Ouai Wave Spray. I also suggest foregoing a thick conditioner and letting the natural body work its magic.
I have always felt that a shag accentuates the edge of a person- it is not sloppy, it is lived-in. Celebrity stylist Sally Hershberger has always been quoted as saying that a good shag is like a work of art, and in this case, she is so right.
When you have been feeling like you want something new that is still modern but low maintenance, this is your cue.
Classic Layered Blonde with Subtle Balayage
This long, flowing style is the ultimate in long hair haircuts-soft layers beginning below the chin, to move beautifully whether you curl them or leave them straight. The balayage is subtle, and the ribbons of honey and champagne give this look depth and lightness without shouting summer blonde.
I use a purple shampoo such as Fanola No Yellow once a week to maintain blonde bright through the cooler months. It holds the warmth in balance and allows the softer fall tones to be present.
It is the sort of cut I see on those early days of sweater weather, when your hair is just touching the collar in the right way.
It is elegant, multi-purpose and ideal when you are not quite ready to give up your summer length yet you are ready to move into autumn.
Face-Framing Contrast Highlights
It is the most daring of the lot- a medium length style with dark roots and icy, face-framing highlights that stand out against the base. It is an excellent illustration of medium length haircuts that experiment with color to add drama without compromising on the ability to wear every day.
To preserve the blonde streaks, it is necessary to spend on a color safe shampoo and conditioner, like Pureology Hydrate, to seal off the moisture and prevent fading.
The first time I tried a money-piece highlight, I was surprised at how much it can brighten up your entire appearance, it is an immediate filter on your face.
This could be the ideal September change-up if you have grown tired of your color but do not feel like a complete change.
Chin-Length Bob with Soft Curtain Layers
This chin-length bob is one of such short hair cuts that seem to be upgraded without the effort. The layers of the curtain open the face and leave only enough volume at the ends to have a polished but casual look. It can be worn sleek or with a little natural wave and it is so flattering to haircuts on round faces due to the lengthening effect of the middle part.
To style, I prefer to apply Davines OI All In One Milk to the hair before blow-drying, which makes the hair smooth and bouncy but not without the airy quality.
I did a similar cut just before the fall and I felt instantly sharper and more put together. It is the type of change that can make your morning routine seem less heavy and faster.
Soft Money Piece with Shoulder-Grazing Waves
These shoulder-grazing waves with a lightly blended money-piece accent are an ideal option when it comes to haircuts on medium length hair that desire a touch of brightness around the face. The waves are not overwhelming and the soft golden hues form a soft frame that is just perfect with haircuts that are loved by the wavy hair lovers.
I would recommend applying a lightweight mousse, such as Moroccanoil Volumizing Mousse, prior to styling to maintain the waves defined, yet touchable.
Personally, I like that this style is polished but not fussy; the flourishes are eye-catching but not fussy, which is exactly what I need in September when my calendar is already too full.
Copper Glow with Gentle Face Layers
Copper is taking a serious turn in haircuts 2025, and this softly layered cut is the ideal way to wear it. The soft waves and face-framing layers allow the warm, dimensional colors to shine, which is why it is an incredible option when it comes to haircuts on straight hair or hair with a slight bend.
To keep the red or copper color looking bright, I love the Pureology Reviving Red Shampoo and Conditioner, which keeps the color bright even after weeks.
I have found that copper hair in the fall is almost cinematic; it works with the colors of the season in a way that no other color can.
Root Melt with Smoky Blonde Ends
Anyone who has been missing haircuts on long hair that are not only deep but also bright will find this root melt with smoky blonde ends a head-turner. As well, the darker foundation also fades ideally in a light ash-blonde, giving an organic grow-out look that is best in cooler weather.
I would suggest a toning mask, such as Redken Color Extend Blondage Express Anti-Brass Mask, twice a month to maintain the blonde without the brass.
There is so much understated confidence to this style- it is the kind of hair that looks equally great with a trench coat as it does with a chunky knit.
Edgy Shag with Cherry-Red Panels
This layered shag with panels of bright cherry-red is a quick energy shot in the fall to the bold at heart. It is one of the boldest haircuts ideas here, as it is a mixture of texture, volume, and contrast. It can be worn on haircuts with medium length hair and haircuts with wavy hair and the color is the center of attention in the most appropriate manner.
I adore Overtone Extreme Red Coloring Conditioner as a way to maintain the red between salon appointments.
Every time I encounter a cut like this, I think of how fall is the time to reinvent yourself, and there is no better way to say that you are ready than to add a bright color to a well-worn silhouette.
Blunt Bob with Color-Blocked Red and Blonde
This blunt bob brings haircuts to a new level in short hair with color-blocked panels of blonde and bright red over a dark base. The accuracy of the cut makes it have a graphic edge, whereas the layered tones provide it with a playful rebellious touch. It is ideal to anyone who wants haircuts ideas that are not only unique but also not unstructured.
To maintain color like this, I can testify to alternating sulfate-free shampoo and a red-depositing conditioner, like Overtone Vibrant Red, to prevent the tones from fading.
This style is the haircut equivalent of a confidence boost, that kind of style that makes you walk a little taller, even when you are just getting coffee.
Long, Natural Copper Waves
Rich copper long, loose waves are a dreamy choice of haircuts on long hair as we move into fall. The middle section and the low layering allow the color to speak, which is why it is perfect in case you desire something classic and yet seasonal. This is a very flattering tone on haircuts on round faces due to the effect of the vertical lines that make the features longer.
I would always advise washing in cooler water and a color-safe, hydrating conditioner such as Kerastase Chroma Absolu to keep the copper rich.
I always say that copper hair in September is in its natural element, it fits perfectly in with the falling leaves and the golden light.
Silver Smoke Layers
Silver layers are cool-toned, and they are trending in haircuts 2025, and this style is evidence that they can be both dramatic and classy. The medium-long cut with a soft face frame is perfect when it comes to haircuts on medium length hair as well as it makes the color stand out without being flat.
Silver tones need an additional dose of love, thus I rely on a fan favorite Fanola No Yellow Shampoo to maintain the tone sharp.
It has a futuristic but comforting quality to this color in fall, something like cashmere and chrome in a single outfit.
Feathered Brunette Layers
This is a long, feathered cut, a gentle version of long hair cuts, full of movement and lightness, but easy to manage to wear day-to-day. The layers are begun low to maintain fullness at the crown and then lighten the ends to add swing and shape. Perfect to straight hair which requires a little bit of texture yet must be smooth.
Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Body Builder gives body without stickiness, a necessity on crisp mornings when hair gets flattened by scarves.
It is the epitome of subtle glamour the type of style that makes heads turn unobtrusively.
Soft Blonde Waves with a Textured Bob
This chin-length textured bob is a no-fuss pick when it comes to haircuts on short hair and haircuts on wavy hair enthusiasts. The light blonde color enhances the complexion and the slight waves make it light and friendly.
I’d keep a lightweight sea salt spray, like Sachajuan Ocean Mist, in rotation to give those waves a lived-in, just-off-the-beach (but autumn-appropriate) feel.
It is an equal mix of cute and classy which is a lesson to the effect that short hair is as versatile as long hair.
Soft Blonde Waves with Effortless Volume
This is the epitome of subtle glamour- a medium-length style with loose and unfinished waves that reflect the light in a perfect way. It can be used as haircuts medium length hair as well as haircuts wavy hair and has long layers that add movement without sacrificing volume. The warm blonde tones over a darker root give it depth and it is the ideal color to wear in the fall when we want a little glow but not too bright.
For care, I’d keep it simple but consistent. A light mousse such as Oribe Grandiose Hair Plumping Mousse will keep that light lift without the crunch, and a shine-enhancing oil will seal the ends so they do not fray as temperatures drop.
I have a similar style in transitional months and it is the style that I never feel too done up or too casual. The trick to waves like this, as hairstylist Kristin Ess has stated in interviews, is to use less heat and more texture spray-you want them to move, not be stiff.
Polished Chestnut Lob with a Sleek Side Part
This one is to anyone who wants straight hair haircuts that are still rich and dimensional. A polished lob (long bob) skims just below the collarbone, cut with clean lines but softened by subtle layers at the ends. The side part is a simple sophistication, and the chestnut brown color makes it warm and flattering against the darker color of the wardrobe in the fall.
A smoothing serum such as Kérastase Discipline Oléo-Relax is essential to maintain that glass-like finish. It combats frizz but does not make hair heavy, which is crucial to maintain the sharp silhouette of the lob.
As an individual, I adore the fact that this shape does not feel heavy on the face, it is especially appealing as a haircuts for round faces style since the side part is long enough to elongate the features.
Dimensional Brunette Waves with Soft Face-Framing Layers
Consider this the ideal transition between the lightweight feel of summer and the more saturated color of fall. The foundation is a dark brunette, yet the strands of lighter caramel run through the long waves. The soft layers give the face more space, so this is a simple default when it comes to haircuts on medium hair that want to be romantic, but still wearable on a daily basis.
When you maintain color such as this glossy, a weekly mask is a must. I would grab Redken Color Extend Magnetics Mask- it maintains tones, but gives softness so that the layers flow beautifully.
I had something like this last fall, and frankly, it is the type of cut where you can miss a wash day and still have it look better than you thought it would.
Coppery Mid-Length with Soft Curtain Layers
It is undeniable that the copper trend is continuing to be strong into haircuts 2025 and this is one of the most wearable ones. The medium-long haircut with loosely hanging curtain-like layers allows the fiery color to be seen without dominating the face. It is particularly impressive because of the haircuts of straight hair or slightly curled, which reflects all the rays of the sun to that warm September light.
To maintain, such color-safe shampoos as Pureology Hydrate prevent the copper from fading too soon–red colors are notorious in their tendency to run away.
I have always felt that going red in fall is a little like putting on your favorite sweater: warm, dramatic, and a statement all on its own.
Edgy Undercut Pixie with Swept Blonde Top
This is the most daring of the lot–just the thing to wear when you are willing to venture into short hair cut territory. The sides and back are held in by the undercut and the top is left long and swept over to provide contrast and drama. The blonde on the top and the darker base make the texture even more pop.
I would use a matte paste such as Bumble and bumble Sumotech to style and give it shape but not stiffness. This cut thrives on confidence—and minimal maintenance.
The other thing I have observed when friends get a pixie is that it becomes their trademark look within no time. Short hair helps you stand taller as celebrity stylist Gregory Patterson has put it. It’s a built-in confidence boost.”
Long Layers with Wispy Fringe
I just love the look of long, soft layers coupled with a wispy fringe, and there is something about it that feels so autumnal. This style is so pretty as long hair haircuts and can also be used in haircuts on wavy hair, providing movement and face-framing without being too heavy. The fringe is not too long and it merges with the layers creating that casual, lived-in effect that is easy to wear to work and to a relaxing weekend.
I would apply a light dry shampoo such as Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo in between washes to maintain this cut. It keeps the fringe airy rather than clumped and the longer layers full.
Celebrity stylist Jen Atkin has said that a soft fringe such as this can immediately give a style more purpose-almost as though it were an accessory to your face. I couldn’t agree more.
Sleek One-Length Cut with Subtle Layers
If you love precision, this is your style. Straight down the back, one-length, sleek cut with barely-there layers to make it move. It is perfect to cut straight hair, but it is also a polished alternative to haircuts on long hair when you want to make a statement without a lot of fuss. The clean line and smooth finish is particularly contemporary this fall.
To achieve that mirror-like shine, you need a heat protectant that smoothes hair, and Moroccanoil Perfect Defense is the one that will keep strands sleek without compromising their health.
What I love here is the simplicity. It has that just-left-a-blow-dry-bar vibe, but it also is the sort of cut that can air-dry into something chic in case you have naturally straight hair.
Textured Lob with Curtain Bangs
It is a casual but sophisticated appearance that mixes a collarbone-length lob and curtain bangs. The mid-length texture is a great option to use as haircuts on medium length hair and haircuts on round faces because the movement is just enough to frame without being too much. The fringe on the curtain is light, which opens the face and makes the entire style more universal.
Styling-wise, a texturizing spray such as Ouai Wave Spray adds the right amount of body and separation, and does not look flat.
This style to me is the ideal compromise between too long and too short, long enough to withdraw, short enough to be fresh. Curtain bangs are flattering on nearly anyone provided they are cut to touch the cheekbones, and this is a good example of that idea as hairstylist Chris Appleton once said.
