From Zendaya’s Halo Braids to Jennifer Lawrence’s Wispy Bangs, These Are the Biggest Fall Hairstyle Trends to Try This Season

Steep Side Parts

With Labor Day officially behind us, it's time to graduate from our beloved beachy summer hairstyles and ease into all things autumn. From back-to-school 'dos to NYFW (yes, it's already on the horizon) and awards season glam, consider this your definitive guide to the styles you should try in September, October, and November.

How do I know? Well, for one, researching hair trends is my full-time job as a member of Cosmo’s beauty team. But I also tapped celebrity hairstylists Clayton Hawkins and Marc Ballance—the masterminds behind some of the best A-list hair moments out there—to get the inside scoop on what will be coming down the runway and red carpet all season long.

Keep scrolling for the best fall hairstyles to inspire your next salon appointment or everyday look, plus tips on how to DIY each one, from whimsical feathered ends to elevated updos.

@dimitrishair

@claytonhawkins

My middle school self would be quaking to know that the deep side part is having a revival. “We’re seeing a return to side parts, which can make your hair feel completely different just by changing where it falls,” Ballance explains. “It’s a simple, quick way to update your hair without completely restyling it.” No matter your hair texture, moving your part from the middle to either side can instantly elevate any everyday look while simultaneously adding volume to the hair.

Up But Down

@jennychohair

@coree.moreno

“I’m loving half-up, half-down styles that work with the wearer’s natural texture,” explains Ballance. “We’re used to seeing these looks created on blown-out or heavily styled hair, but seeing natural texture incorporated into an updo feels really beautiful and fresh right now.” Whether you’ve got waves, curls, or braids, pinning some strands up and intentionally letting a few pieces loose is equal parts effortless and chic. All you need is a clip or ponytail, and you have a red carpet-level look on your everyday hair in mere minutes.

Soft Blowouts

@brycescarlett

@joyboylace

This fall is all about leaning into that Hollywood glamour, complete with blowouts that look silky to the touch. “I’m loving soft, healthy-looking hairstyles that feel more blown out than forced with other hot tools,” says Ballance. “There’s something very modern about hair that has movement and body without every section looking perfectly curled.” You can get the soft look with a blowout brush, or even heatless curls—no iron necessary.

Autumnal bandanas

@dualipa

@matildadjerf

How cute would a bandana look paired with your favorite fall sweater for autumn activities like apple picking or a cozy weekend getaway? Our A-list hair muses have been embracing the paisley print as of late, and the accessory in an autumnal palette like reds or neutrals would look especially fab tied around your strands.

Halo Braids

@melissa.hernandez

@ernestocasillas

Zendaya and Olivia Rodrigo both were spotted with braided updos, and the regal style is a chic twist on the slick backs we’ve been seeing in recent years. “I’m loving crown braids again for special occasions when you want something a bit more elevated,” says Hawkins. And this updo allows you to go for that effortless look without straining your arms with a boar bristle brush for the perfect sleek finish. And it’s surprisingly simple; all you need to know is how to braid your hair into pigtails, then bobby pin them up around your head for that halo effect.

All Things Wispy

@chrisappleton1

@lacyredway

Wispy and whimsical hair has been having a major moment, and it works on any length. “We’re seeing so much of that romantic, Practical Magic type hair,” Hawkins says. “It’s been all about feathered bangs and ends, and don’t be afraid of some frizz.” The look can be achieved on your natural hair; just add in some texture spray (Living Proof’s is a cult classic) or a curl cream (Dove’s adds hydration and definition).

Meet the Experts

Marc Ballance is a New York–based celebrity hairstylist whose clients include Nick Jonas, Bad Bunny, and more.

Clayton Hawkins is an L.A.-based celebrity hairstylist whose clients include Rachel Zegler, Meg Stalter, and more.

Why Trust Cosmopolitan?

Jasmine Hyman is the assistant beauty editor at Cosmo who covers all things hair. She’s always keeping up with the latest celebrity haircuts and hottest hair color trends. She also tapped celebrity stylists for their favorite fall hairstyles.

Jasmine Hyman

Jasmine Hyman is the Assistant Beauty Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she writes about the latest beauty trends and must-have products. Her most prized beauty possessions are a meticulous skincare routine and salon blowouts. You’ll also likely find her in bed reading a good book or endlessly scrolling TikTok (spoiler: it’s usually the latter) while listening to Harry Styles’ entire discography on repeat. Follow her on Insta to be inundated with pictures of her meals.