When the crispness in the air sets in and the leaves transform into shades of amber and gold, it signals the perfect moment to refresh our hairstyles. Fall is always associated with cozy layers, earthy tones, and a polished transition before the holiday season arrives. But what about hairstyles that capture the spirit of autumn—cute yet practical? How do we strike the right balance between simple, everyday styles and fall 2025 trends? That’s exactly what we’ll explore—versatile, stylish looks that are easy to achieve and suitable for school, work, or any occasion in between.
Double Braid Bun Elegance
The first hairstyle takes inspiration from a timeless braided bun. Medium-sized braids are gathered into a sleek, low bun that combines structure with freedom. This look is ideal for medium to long hair, keeping strands neatly away from the face while highlighting the hair’s natural texture. It’s a perfect mix of beauty and function—effortless yet refined—equally fitting for a morning coffee run or a dinner date.
When it comes to braiding, I’ve found that slightly “day-old” hair holds best. If your hair feels greasy, a light spritz of dry shampoo, like Batiste or Amika Perk Up, creates grip. Finish with a soft-hold hairspray to keep everything intact without making your hair stiff.
Braids have always carried a nostalgic charm for me—I wore them throughout school but didn’t realize their versatility until adulthood. As celebrity stylist Gregory Patterson says, braids are “the foundation of so many chic looks.” Adding a bun simply gives them a modern upgrade.
Soft Waves with a Half-Up Braided Crown
Few looks are as dreamy as soft waves paired with a braided crown. This half-up hairstyle frames the face with loose braids while leaving the rest of the hair to flow naturally in gentle waves. It’s one of the sweetest fall hairstyles—detailed yet easy, and almost storybook-like while still practical.
To get the perfect soft waves, I use a large-barrel curling wand for a looser, “not pageant” effect. For frizz control, Redken’s Frizz Dismiss serum works wonders, especially in autumn’s unpredictable air.
This style is a favorite for family gatherings, Thanksgiving dinners, or even casual date nights. Hairstylist Jen Atkin once said half-up styles are ideal for those wanting “the best of both worlds,” and I couldn’t agree more.
Playful Braids for Short Hair
Those with shorter cuts don’t have to miss out on braided styles. Adding small braids at the crown can instantly transform a simple bob into something edgy and exciting. It’s one of my favorite fall 2025 hairstyles for short hair, proving that braids aren’t reserved for long locks.
For extra staying power, I like to apply a volumizing mousse—Moroccanoil works beautifully—while blow-drying. This adds texture and helps braids stay in place, especially for fine hair. A few small sections braided at the front can completely elevate a short hairstyle.
Curly Updo with Vintage Flair
As temperatures drop, curls make their seasonal comeback. This year, I’m loving a vintage-inspired curly updo—elegant yet soft, with loose tendrils that frame the face. It’s a versatile look, perfect for special occasions or simply when you’re in the mood to dress up.
To keep curls defined, Ouidad’s Advanced Climate Control Gel is a game-changer, especially for thicker hair. It locks in shape without leaving that dreaded crunchy texture. A light mist of hairspray adds shine and enhances dimension under fall lighting.
This style embodies my love for texture—bold, empowering, and timeless. Celebrity stylist Chris Appleton put it best: “Curls are a statement all on their own.” This updo proves exactly that.
Sleek High Ponytail
Nothing says modern sophistication quite like a sleek, high ponytail. With straightened strands pulled tightly back, this look is sharp, confident, and surprisingly easy once mastered. It’s one of my effortless go-to styles that requires little thought but delivers maximum polish.
The trick lies in prepping the hair properly. I smooth my strands with Kerastase Elixir Ultime after straightening, and for slightly oily hair, teasing the roots provides the grip needed to anchor the ponytail.
This look is ageless, versatile, and works just as well in a professional setting as it does for a night out.
Romantic Ribbon Braid
A textured braid adorned with a satin ribbon is the epitome of autumn romance. Swept to one side, this style is soft, feminine, and ideal for long hair. It combines classic charm with modern elegance, making it a perfect transition look from crisp fall days to cozy autumn nights.
Fine hair can be tricky with this style, so I suggest misting sections with a texturizing spray like Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray for grip and hold. A smoothing serum can also help keep braids neat in cooler weather.
As hairstylist Kristin Ess often says, accessories “elevate simple hairstyles”—and the ribbon is the star accessory here.
Oversized Braid for Cozy Days
For an effortless yet stylish fall look, an oversized braid is unbeatable. It’s easy to do, looks great on medium to long hair, and works for everything from brunch to evening dinners.
Before blow-drying, I like to use Bumble and bumble Thickening Full Form Mousse for added body. If you have thicker hair, gently pulling apart sections of the braid creates even more volume.
This hairstyle feels perfect for the season—it reminds me of chunky sweaters, mountain air, and cozy winter vibes. Sarah Potempa, founder of The Beachwaver, once said winter braids are “the coziest of styles.” I couldn’t agree more.
Edgy Waves with a Braided Crown
For those who enjoy a touch of edge, pairing loose waves with a braided crown is a winning combination. The braid keeps the top sleek while the rest of the hair remains soft and tousled. It’s especially flattering on medium-length cuts.
I like using a curling wand to create the waves, finishing with Ouai Wave Spray for that effortless texture. Dry shampoo at the roots also helps disguise oil while supporting the braid.
This style is playful yet chic, making it perfect for fall festivals or a relaxed weekend stroll.
Side-Swept Loose Braid
A thick, side-swept braid is a fall classic—romantic, laid-back, yet polished enough for dinner plans. It works beautifully with either straight or slightly wavy hair.
For thinner hair, extensions or teasing at the crown can create a fuller braid. I prefer clear elastics and wrapping a small strand of hair around the tie for a seamless finish.
It’s a style that pairs perfectly with a cozy scarf on a chilly morning. As hairstylist Harry Josh once said, “Braids are a timeless way to look styled without heat tools.” This look is proof.
Textured Bob with Side Braids
Short bobs can also be transformed with braids. Adding a small side braid to textured, wavy hair creates instant dimension and modern flair.
To achieve this, I use a one-inch curling iron for soft bends, then apply a light pomade like Aveda Control Paste to braid the strands. This technique is particularly effective for fine hair, adding depth and body.
It’s a look that feels edgy yet chic—something you might see on a street-style photo during fashion week.
Playful Twin Ponytails
High, voluminous twin ponytails bring a sense of youth and fun, especially with sleek medium to long hair. They carry a playful confidence, making them perfect for breezy autumn afternoons paired with oversized sweaters.
For added lift, I like teasing the roots and sprinkling in SexyHair Big Powder Play for volume. A quick spritz of dry shampoo helps prevent the style from looking greasy.
This style reminds me of my school days—with a grown-up twist. As hairstylist Justine Marjan says, “Ponytails are like accessories—they change with your mood.” Twin ponytails are exactly that.
Half-Up Space Buns
Space buns are playful and charming, and the half-up version is a perfect balance between fun and chic. The top half is styled into buns while the bottom half is left flowing, making it versatile for both casual days and night outings.
For natural curls or waves, I like using Living Proof Curl Enhancer mousse to keep strands defined and frizz-free. Small elastics and hidden pins secure the buns in place without being visible.
This look is lighthearted and reminds me of fall festivals, warm cider, and cozy sweaters. Hairstylist Jen Atkin calls accessories and buns “the gateway to effortless styling,” and this hairstyle proves it.
Chic Messy Bun with Loose Strands
The messy bun gets a sophisticated upgrade with soft, face-framing strands. It’s one of the most versatile fall 2025 hairstyles, suitable for the office, brunch, or even a quiet day at home.
Before styling, I like to use It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In for manageability. For strands that tend to slip out, a texturizing spray offers the right balance between hold and softness.
This look is timeless—elevated but relaxed. As Chris Appleton once said, “The right bun can frame the face better than any haircut.” This chic messy bun proves that perfectly.
Pearl Bubble Ponytail
The bubble ponytail has quickly become one of the standout hairstyles of the season. The segmented sections of hair create soft, rounded “bubbles” that give the impression of length and fullness. This style is particularly flattering for those with thick hair since it emphasizes volume. It’s essentially a more refined upgrade from the classic ponytail—practical, yet undeniably stylish.
When styling, I first gather the hair into a ponytail and secure it. Then, using small elastics, I create several mini sections down the length of the ponytail. Gently tugging each section adds shape and depth. To finish it off with a polished shine, I love using a light spray such as Kenra Shine Spray, which works perfectly for both everyday wear and special outings.
This hairstyle defines fall elegance and pairs beautifully with tailored blazers, cozy layered coats, or chic high-neck sweaters. It’s one of the best easy fall hairstyles for 2025 if you want something that looks sophisticated but requires minimal effort.
Elegant Double Buns
Another hairstyle making waves this season is the chic double bun. Placed high on the head, the buns create a structured, almost sculpted look, while soft tendrils left loose around the face add a romantic touch. Suitable for both long and short hair, this style balances sleekness with playfulness—perfect for when you want a fresh change.
From my experience, double buns stay firmly in place with a combination of mousse and bobby pins. For those with straight hair, lightly curling the face-framing strands beforehand softens the overall effect, making the look even more flattering.
Double buns always make me feel bold, trendy, and full of character. As hairstylist Ursula Stephen once said, “hair is the ultimate form of self-expression.” That sentiment truly captures the essence of double buns—modern, daring, and unapologetically stylish.
Low Bun with Soft Bangs
This timeless hairstyle remains a staple because of its effortless elegance. A sleek low bun paired with soft bangs creates that Parisian-inspired “effortless but chic” vibe. It’s ideal for medium to long hair, and the subtle bangs keep the look from appearing too severe. Whether for office hours or a cozy dinner date, this hairstyle always feels refined.
To maintain a polished look, I recommend using a lightweight smoothing serum to tame flyaways—Oribe’s Supershine Moisturizing Cream is one of my favorites. It hydrates without making hair greasy and works especially well on finer strands. For hair that’s limp or flat, a texturizing spray before pinning the bun adds volume and staying power.
Personally, this has always been one of my go-to “instant polish” hairstyles. It requires little effort yet elevates any outfit. I’ve worn variations of this style to autumn weddings and received endless compliments. Even Chris Appleton, a celebrity stylist, has emphasized how a sleek bun can completely transform your look in minutes.
Half-Up Top Knot
There’s something effortlessly chic about the half-up top knot. This style works beautifully with both medium and long hair, whether straightened or softly wavy. Casual yet fashionable, it’s perfect for everything from school and brunch dates to nights out with friends.
To keep the knot secure and voluminous, I use a lightweight mousse such as Bumble and Bumble Thickening Full Form. It helps the knot stay in place while adding lift, making it especially effective for thick hair that needs balance.
For me, this hairstyle is a favorite “lazy day saver.” I’ve worn it on weekends when my hair wasn’t freshly washed, and no one could tell. A friend once called it a “five-minute confidence boost,” and honestly, I couldn’t agree more.
Romantic Braided Ponytail with a Bow
The braided ponytail accented with a bow is a fall classic that never goes out of style. Perfect for medium-length hair, it has a whimsical, fairy-tale charm that looks beautiful on both straight and gently wavy textures.
To keep the braid glossy and smooth, I like using Redken’s One United. Adding a velvet ribbon or soft bow at the base transforms it into something extra feminine and enchanting.
I once wore a simple ponytail tied with a bow while visiting a farmer’s market, and that tiny detail completely elevated the look. What could have been an ordinary style suddenly felt special and eye-catching.
Messy Textured Bun
Not every bun has to look gym-ready—this version embraces softness and texture. With curls or waves left loose, it has that cozy-season charm. It’s particularly flattering for medium-length hair with natural texture, perfect for brisk autumn days when you want your hair styled but still comfortable.
For this style, I embrace the “messy” finish by spritzing Ouai’s Wave Spray onto damp hair before styling it into a bun. It keeps waves soft yet defined. For fine hair, lightly teasing before pinning adds fullness without weight.
This look instantly reminds me of fall evenings spent in oversized sweaters with a chai latte in hand. Celebrity stylist Jen Atkin once said that messy buns can often look more captivating than polished ones, and I couldn’t agree more. They feel approachable, modern, and effortlessly chic.
Polished Ponytail with Satin Bow
Adding a sleek satin bow to a classic ponytail instantly elevates the style. Minimalist yet charming, it works best on medium to long straight hair and is versatile enough for both casual and formal occasions.
For a flawless finish, I straighten the hair with a flat iron and spritz on Kenra Shine Spray. The result is a glossy, smooth ponytail with an elegant touch.
Personally, I adore the “schoolgirl but elevated” vibe this style gives off. With the addition of a bow, I feel like I’ve stepped into a modern-day Austen novel. Best of all, it’s incredibly quick to recreate.
High Ponytail with Champagne Satin Bow
The high ponytail never goes out of fashion, but adding a champagne-colored satin bow gives it an extra dose of softness and romance. This look is ideal for medium to long hair with waves or curls, as it highlights natural texture and movement. The higher placement creates an elongated effect, giving the face a lifted appearance without extensions.
To achieve a neat finish, I start with a smoothing blow-dry or use a curling wand for added definition. Living Proof’s Flex Hairspray is my go-to since it keeps the style in place while leaving the hair touchably soft. It’s particularly great for thick hair that tends to feel heavy.
This hairstyle always lifts my mood. Bows, in particular, strike the perfect balance of playful and elegant. I once wore this ponytail with a chunky knit sweater, and it felt like the perfect mix of cozy and sophisticated. As hairstylist Kristin Ess has often said, adding a bow or ribbon is the simplest way to make everyday hair feel intentional.
Sleek Chignon with an Embellished Clip
Sometimes the most understated hairstyles are the most impactful. A sleek chignon adorned with a jeweled clip blends modern minimalism with classic elegance. It looks especially chic on medium to long straight hair and is equally appropriate for office wear or evening occasions.
I like using Moroccanoil Treatment Light before pulling the hair back. It smooths flyaways and keeps the bun glossy without weighing it down—especially useful for fine hair. The jeweled clip adds a touch of sparkle that instantly transforms the style into something special.
Paired with structured blazers, statement earrings, and soft autumn makeup, this hairstyle exudes balance—clean lines with expressive details. As celebrity stylist Guido Palau often emphasizes, the key to great hair is balance, and this look captures that perfectly.