Crisp mornings, golden leaves crunching under boots, and that sudden urge to reinvent yourself — is it just me, or does autumn always whisper, “It’s time for a change”? Are you looking to find fall hairstyles that look effortless, are in the mood to find an updo that is simple enough to learn before your latte gets cold, or just need that one image to inspire your next visit to the salon, 2025 has you covered. I like polished-but-slightly-mussed styles this season, the ones that say you take care of yourself, but not so much that you need a blowout.
The fall is so beautiful because it is versatile: rich textures, deep tones, and silhouettes that suit medium length 2025 cuts, brunettes long, wavy hair, and even short thin hair. And should you have that urge to be experimental, then braids, half-ups and layered ponytails are definitely in. So, here we go, you may find your next favorite look here.
Twisted Crown Braids With Low Knots
There’s something instantly regal about a crown braid, especially when it melts into two low, slightly undone knots at the nape. It is half fall hairstyles for long hair glamour and half comfy-weekend-wear. The braids wrap neatly along the head, offering that sculpted shape, while the buns keep things grounded and soft — perfect for pairing with gold hoops and a chunky sweater. 
Should you be keeping this style all day, a light styling cream such as Bumble and bumble Styling Creme will help keep the style textured without stiffness. I have discovered that braids such as these are better prepared on day-old hair- that extra bit of hold is important. And to keep the low knots from slipping, invisipins (those nearly invisible hairpins) are a game changer.
This is one of those updo easy styles that appear complicated but are actually easy once you have practiced it. It is also amazing on slightly breezy fall days- nothing is sticking to your lip gloss and everything is secure.
Diagonal Dutch Braid Into Textured Bun
This braid starts high on one side of the head and sweeps diagonally into a textured bun at the opposite nape — asymmetry done right. It is organized yet fun, so it has the vibes of strong fall hairstyles with braids but the finish is contemporary. The bun is intentionally messy, which makes it both approachable and adaptable, from work meetings to apple-picking trips. 
When I am wearing this, I prep with Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray so I have that airy volume in the bun. As celebrity stylist Justine Marjan is fond of saying, a braid with a little looseness around the crown is universally flattering-it adds softness without sacrificing detail.
And this is my favorite part: the braid clings to the head, thus, making it ideal to medium length updo styles, which tend to lack volume. Bonus: this covers up slightly greasy hair when you have no time to wash it like a dream.
High Voluminous Ponytail With Loose Waves
Ponytails are having a moment in fall hairstyles 2025, and this high, bouncy version proves why. The height provides it with the preppy kick, and the loose waves provide movement and softness. It’s a style that works just as well with medium length 2025 cuts as it does with brunettes long layers, and it’s basically the definition of quick and easy when you need a lift. 
I have discovered that curling the hair once it is in a ponytail maintains the waves and not flat. Living Proof Flex Hairspray is the best when it comes to hold that is soft to the touch. And when you want a little added oomph at the crown, backcomb the underside only, then smooth the top layer over it– it is an old trick, but it works.
This is what I use when I am wearing oversized knits or a preppy blazer. The high pony is just so much, I have my life together, even when I don t.
Double Dutch Braids With Length
For days when you want your hair out of your face but still crave some drama, double Dutch braids down to the ends are unbeatable. This look plays beautifully with fall hairstyles curly hair (braid them in, let them loose later) or sleek long hair 2025. The contrast between the tight braids on top and the length flowing below is bold but wearable. 
I have worn this style on cross country flights and to weekend markets- it does not move around, it does not frizz as easily and it still feels stylish. Braiding guru Sarah Potempa is a mousse-before-braiding devotee, and I am too.
And, you end up with beautiful heatless waves when you remove the braids. It is as though you are getting two looks with the work of one- fall hair magic.
Half-Up Braided Waterfall With Waves
This one is pure romance — a cascading waterfall braid that feeds into soft, beachy waves. It is the ideal half up half fall hairstyles shoulder length and longer. The braid frames the top half like a crown while letting the rest fall loose and wavy, so you get structure without losing movement. 
As far as the waves, I can vouch by GHD Soft Curl Tong, the barrel is the perfect size to get that not too tight, not too loose wave. And to avoid the braid looking too rigid, separate each piece a little once it is fastened.
I would consider this the ideal date-night or fall wedding guest look. It is also kind to short thin hair as long as you add a couple of clip-in pieces to plump it out no one will be the wiser and you will feel fabulous.
Soft Waves With Dimensional Highlights
There’s something timeless about shoulder-grazing waves paired with ribbon-like highlights. It is an ideal style to use in fall hairstyles medium length since it maintains that light bouncy texture and brings out all the color nuances. The combination of warm brunette and creamy blonde is very deep, and thus, it is flattering to both cool and warm skin tones. For anyone seeking medium length brunette ideas for 2025, this is a versatile, low-drama option that still makes an impact. 
Keeping this kind of tone-rich color requires adding a color-protecting shampoo such as Pureology Hydrate and a glossing treatment once a week to keep the highlights looking new. I have also found that silk pillowcase could be used to minimise frizz especially during those drier autumn evenings.
It is a fantastic default when you need something that can be worn to the office, brunch or a date night without re-styling every day. The cut and color are doing most of the heavy lifting here and that is the best kind of cozy hair situation.
Pull-Through Braid With Hair Clip Accent
Pull-through braids are having a comeback, and this long, airy version feels fresh and feminine. It is particularly effective on fall hair styles on long hair, providing voluminous braid that is not so much about tightness as it is about fullness. The subtle clip at the crown is a smart way to secure the style while adding a touch of shine. 
I would suggest spraying the hair with a light-hold setting spray prior to beginning, Kenra Professional Perfect Medium Spray provides grip without crunch. And here is a trick: when you have thinner hair, you can tease a bit before looping so that it has a bit more lift.
The outcome is one of those easy breezy styles that makes heads turn and yet seems effortless. It is also a nice fix to second-day hair when you need something presentable to go out to dinner.
Sporty Dutch Braid With Edgy Finish
Here’s a style that blends fall hairstyles braids with a touch of gym-to-street energy. The braid is neat and crisp, falling straight down the middle, and with some of the face-framing pieces left loose to add softness. The choice of statement earrings makes this a preppy yet slightly daring look. 
This braid will be easier to do with smooth, detangled hair, which can be achieved with a leave-in conditioner, such as It?s a 10 Miracle Leave-In. Celebrity stylist Kristin Ess usually recommends applying a light pomade along the edges of the braid to make it sharp and frizz-free, and I have to say that tip is right on the money.
It is a style that can take you through the morning errands and drinks at night- medium length updo enthusiasts can even modify it to a tucked bun to look sleeker.
Romantic Crown Braid With Loose Waves
This one feels like it was made for chilly fall mornings, pairing a crown braid with tumbling waves. It is a dreamy fall hairstyles shoulder length and longer with a cozy feel that does not lack detail. The braid circles gracefully while the rest of the hair falls in loose curls, making it a perfect half up half style. 
I adore this look with a thermal curling wand such as the Hot Tools 1-inch Gold Curling Iron, it gives that soft bend that lasts all day. And a few tendrils pulled free around the face immediately makes it look more relaxed and flattering.
It is also one of those hairstyles that suits women over 50 as well as women in their twenties, which makes it an extremely versatile hairstyle, season after season.
Loose Fishtail Braid With Polished Start
The fishtail braid never really left, but in fall hairstyles 2025, it’s all about a looser weave with a smooth crown. This style starts sleek at the top, transitioning into a wide, textured fishtail — a great choice for long hair 2025 lovers who want detail without heaviness. 
To achieve this loose separation in the braid, pull lightly at each section after tying the end. Hairstylist Jen Atkin frequently suggests applying a malleable paste to maintain fishtails intact without stiffening them, and I can not agree more.
This plait is particularly dramatic on darker materials – the contrast is very dramatic and each crossover is very clear. It is a delicate, refined tip of the cap to the texture love of fall.
Glossy Copper Waves
There’s no shade that captures the fall hairstyles 2025 mood quite like a deep, glossy copper. The medium-length cut is in that ideal medium length 2025 sweet spot: long enough to have fun with texture, short enough to keep it light. The color is deep and almost molten, varying between deep auburn and bright copper in the light. Perfect for wavy hair, it frames the face while adding instant warmth to any outfit. 
To maintain reds this bright, I will always suggest a sulfate-free color-preserving shampoo such as Aveda Madder Root. And because copper tones can disappear in a minute, a monthly gloss refresh will have the shine locked in.
I adore the way that this color is like wearing fall leaves in your hair, it is so bold and yet soft enough to wear every day. It is that type of shade that makes you want to wear more comfortable cream sweaters and gold jewelry.
Half-Up Twist With Curtain Bangs
This look blends soft half up half styling with wispy curtain bangs, making it one of the most versatile fall hairstyles medium length options. The upper part is loosely twisted back into a braid, and face-framing tendrils soften the style. It works beautifully with layered hair, letting each wave fall naturally. 
A light styling cream such as Davines This Is A Medium Hold Pliable Paste can assist in styling those bangs to have a smooth yet touchable finish. And in case you need some added dimension, slight highlights around the face can bring the shape out even more.
This style is so feminine yet so effortless it is my choice of fall date night or a cafe afternoon. It can be worn with silk blouses as well as oversized cardigans.
Double Braided Low Pony With Ribbon
For those who love fall hairstyles braids with a sweet twist, this double braided low pony finished with a ribbon is pure charm. It works on medium length brunette or lighter shades, and the ribbon adds a preppy nod that feels fresh for the season. 
As celebrity hairstylist Adir Abergel has said many times, accessories can make an ordinary style something extraordinary and this is evidence of that. To maintain the braids and keep them tidy, a soft-hold hairspray such as Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray will keep the braids tidy without stiffening them.
This is the fast and easy default to everything, school runs, brunch, and it is particularly good when you have slightly greasy hair and still want to look pulled together.
Messy Copper Updo With Loose Strands
An updo easy enough to throw together yet polished enough for dinner in the mountains — this messy copper bun with loose front strands has it all. The color choice leans into the fall hairstyles for long hair category, warm and eye-catching against crisp air and snowy backdrops. 
I prefer this style to work best with a texturizing powder at the roots, my holy grail is Schwarzkopf OSiS+ Dust It to keep volume in loose buns. It is also the best travel hair style: fast, flexible and forgiving when you are styling without a mirror.
It is romantic and practical, particularly over a bulky cardigan in the fresh mountain air.
Short Wavy Bob With Blonde Highlights
The short bob is still dominating fall hairstyles short hair trends, and this wavy, highlighted version proves why. The hair is softly bent to give it a movement and the face is framed with bright blonde ribbons to make it alive. Perfect for short length lovers who want something low-maintenance yet modern. 
Styling-wise, I like a flat iron wave, so you take a section and bend it back and forth and then spray it with Ouai Wave Spray and get the undone effect. And the beauty of this length? It air-dries quickly, making it perfect for busy mornings.
There is a certain confidence to this bob, it is casual, stylish and can be easily personalized with some seasonal accessories such as headbands or silk scarves.
Low Knot with Satin Ribbon
The preppy yet classic thing about a smooth low knot that is held together with a satin ribbon. The sheen of the ribbon in contrast to the gentle highlights makes it the right combination of polished and approachable, which is precisely what fall hairstyles 2025 are all about. The style can be as comfortable in a structured coat on an office day as it is in an oversized sweater on a Sunday brunch. Bonus? It is perfect to medium length updo enthusiasts or those who just want an updo fuss free moment.
A smoothing cream is essential to ensure that this knot does not appear to have been thrown up. My favorite is the Bumble and bumble Brilliantine–it gives a little shine without making the flyaways crazy. And when your hair is more likely to get dry as the weather gets cooler, a lightweight leave-in such as It is a 10 Miracle Leave-In will keep that healthy, pulled-together look.
According to celebrity hairstylist Justine Marjan, accessories are not an accent, they are a statement. And this satin ribbon? It’s the punctuation mark on your fall outfit. I would have to say I wholeheartedly agree, it is a confidence booster to know that your hair can be this put together in less than five minutes.
To go out in the evening, replace the navy ribbon with deep burgundy or emerald velvet. It immediately slides into the autumn color scheme and maintains the style without altering the technique.
Soft Waves with Light Dimension
There is nothing more perfect than softly sculpted waves that move in a natural way. It is the type of style that can be worn all year round, but in the warm golden glow of fall, the dimension in these soft blondes literally glows. It is a style that fits so well into fall hairstyles medium length or long hair 2025, and it is one that anyone would love to wear because it is a polished look, but it is something that can be worn every day.
To care, I use a heat protectant spray such as Oribe Royal Blowout, which not only protects, but also leaves your hair smooth so that your curls stay without stiffness. And when you want these waves to stay, a light mist of Kenra Professional Volume Spray 25 sets them so they are touchable but intact.
I have worn this wave pattern to both casual coffee runs and evening dinners and every time, the compliments come in. It is low-maintenance, flexible, and makes you feel like you woke up like that, but you and I know that there is a curling wand involved.
Low Ponytail with Loose Curl Ends
The low pony is back in style once again, and this season it is a combination of a plain foundation and the soft curly ends. It is a wink to casual elegance- a great choice when you are in a rush yet you still want to appear purposeful. This style glides right into fall hair styles long hair or medium length 2025, particularly on brunettes long or blondes who are after that polished casual look.
One of the stylist tricks I learned off of Chris Appleton: never miss the shine spray. It transforms the pony to runway in a few seconds. I add that extra gloss with Moroccanoil Glimmer Shine, which prevents the ends looking dry in cooler air.
It is a savior on those greasy hair days- just smooth the roots, tie low, curl the ends and you have finished. Throw it with a tailored blazer or a cozy cardigan and it looks great on women over 50 as it does on twenty-somethings.
Twisted Half-Up with Pearl Clip
A twisted half-up is so feminine, and when the look is anchored with a statement pearl accessory, it is so much more. The twists give it some texture and the pearls give it that finishing touch that is so appropriate of fall hairstyles shoulder length or half up half styles. It is romantic and not too fussy and thus it is ideal to use during the day and night events.
To extend the life, a lightweight texturizing spray such as Amika Un.Done Volume and Matte Texture Spray will prevent the twists unraveling. It also provides grip to ensure that the accessory does not move throughout the day.
I adore that this style is also perfect with curly hair as well- simply allow your natural texture to be part of the twists and you have an even more natural style. The pearls will be even more contrasted with the specified curls or waves.
Classic Waves with Animal Print Clip
A softly waved look with a statement clip (particularly animal print) is that preppy meets aesthetic sweet spot. It is a default to medium length brunette or short length cuts that still want to make a statement. The side placement of the clips is also a fast solution to the greasy hair mornings.
Stylist Anh Co Tran is fond of reminding us that accessories are an opportunity to cheat your way into a completed look. This is exactly that—effortless but with intention. Personally, I think it is ideal on those in-between weather days when my hair does not know whether to take a curl or not.
When it comes to fall hairstyles on short hair, this is a trick that is worth its weight in gold: leave the waves loose, pin to one side and allow the accessory to do the talking.
Boho Braided Crown with Sleek Length
It is a casual beauty of a thin braid crown on top of shiny, straight locks. It is both romantic and modern, which provides that preppy meets boho effect that suits fall hairstyles long hair and fall hairstyles braids. The braid is not too much on the face, allowing the hair to shine and be healthy to be the center of attention, which is ideal in a subtle, beautiful fall style.
To keep this sleek finish, rely on a good quality flat iron and a serum that will not make your hair heavy. I vow by Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum- it controls frizz, adds shine and allows the strands to move freely. The braid itself will keep neater longer when you mist a bit of Aveda Control Force Hairspray first before you weave.
Celebrity stylist Jen Atkin frequently says that braids are one of the fastest methods to create a visual interest without heat damage. I adore that this style allows me to completely forego curling or waving and still feel like I did something.
Dimensional Beachy Waves
This combination of dark brunette roots fading into sandy blonde waves would be fall in a bottle of hair color. The texture is airy and loose and veers into the fall hairstyles medium length or long hair 2025 realm, with the dimensional color bringing it to life no matter what light. It is a real wavy hair masterpiece to those desiring low maintenance glam.
To preserve this color change, I suggest Pureology Hydrate Sheer Shampoo-sulfate free and color friendly. When it comes to the waves themselves, GHD Curve Creative Curl Wand is what you want to achieve that undone texture that is so simple to re-fresh with a spritz of R+Co Trophy Shine + Texture Spray.
The style is ideal to the brunettes who long to lighten up, but not to the full blonde. I have the same melt this season and it is incredible how much movement it gives even when my hair is just air-dried.
Twisted Double Bun Elegance
Two smooth twists that converge at the nape in a low, symmetrical bun- this is how to be sophisticated. It is perfect with updo easy hairstyles but still with that red carpet potential, particularly women who are over 50 and want classic silhouettes. The style looks gorgeous with statement earrings and a sleek blazer and is one of my favorite medium length updo looks to wear to fall events.
To achieve this much shine and control, blow-dry with Kerastase LIncroyable Blowdry Creme before blow-drying-this provides a smooth foundation without stiffness. A firm-hold hairspray such as Sebastian Shaper Plus will make those twists hold all night.
This bun can get you through office meetings to evening plans without even a touch up. It is subtle but effective and after you have practiced the twist method it is actually quite fast and simple to reproduce.
