Fall 2026 Hair Trends

It's that time again to dig into what haircuts and colors are trending this fall! With back-to-school season in full swing and September already here, now is a great time to refresh or update your look with these cuts, colors, and styles.

Here are our fall 2026 hair trends:

Haircuts:

• Layered cuts: See the picture above for reference. This season, opt for dynamic, face-framing layers that will create bounce and movement. Your hair will feel fuller, but you'll still have softness.

• The "bixie": The bob-pixie cut is more structured in shape but soft around the edges, and is anything but an ultra-short, ultra-severe crop. Instead, the front pieces are elongated, with softer sides, and fringe, whether that's a micro-bang or a heavier fringe to make a dramatic statement.

• Fringe: Autumn weather = time for bangs. We don't make the rules. Bangs are a great way to switch up your look without committing to a full cut. This season, baby bangs, side-swept fringe, soft cowboy bangs (textured, piece-y layered bangs that frame the face), and Birkin fringe (soft, retro bangs) are all in. Disconnected bangs (bangs that are fully disconnected from the rest of the cut) are also trending and allow the rest of the hair to be pulled back without disturbing the fringe, which allows for a gentler look.

• The "clavi-cut": The style that's not quite a bob, but isn't quite long hair, but feels effortless all the same. The cut will fall about to clavicle length, and should focus on movement.

• The graduated bob: Instead of the sharp, classic bob we've seen in the past, this version sits anywhere between the jawline and shoulder. A razor is used to remove weight at the nape of the neck and deconstruct the ends to add movement. The front is ever-so-slightly longer, maintaining length and weight around the front of the face.

• Grown-out bobs: This is a very '60s Beatnik look, but think grown-out pixies and bobs with a tousled, air- and finger-dried texture. The look encourages plenty of movement around the face and emphasizes hair's natural texture.

Hair color:

• "Nude" blonde shades: This color trend is versatile and tailored to skin tone, hair color, and texture. Honey blonde shades and dark caramels embrace color placement that feels natural and adds dimension without feeling overwhelming. The "nude blonde" trend is a more muted trend that aims to match the skin tone.

• Lavish brunette: For color, moody brown tones like espressos and mochas are mid-tone colors that are trending. For dimension, add in some subtle "nude blonde" colors or caramel tones.

• Wheat-colored blonde: Aren't ready to go brunette? Wheat-colored blonde is in, for a softly sun-kissed blonde that looks lived-in rather than high impact and dramatic. Get it as highlights or all-over color.

• Copper: Spicy whiskey and copper reds are trending for fall. Aim for rich, multi-tonal variations that blend copper with warm brown or auburn undertones.

• Dark Cherry Cola Red: If you want something redder than copper, dark cherry cola red or maple cinnamon colors add the red you want without looking too bright or neon.

• Golden walnut: For a nice light brown or dark blonde color, aim for a golden walnut shade. This will create a lived-in look without too much upkeep.

Styles:

• '90s updos: The '90s are still having their moment, but the styles are simple and stripped of anything complex. Ponytails, braids, French twists, and buns are all making a comeback, but with a minimalist style, strong center or side part, and a glossy finish.

• Gothic waves: Gothic waves will look great with that layered cut! This trend is all about creating romantic, Victorian-era style waves, with most of the movement concentrated around the face. Embrace your natural waves or use a hair waver to add the texture, then leave a few face-framing pieces free as you style the rest of your hair in a half-up half-down look.

• Side parts: Yes, friends, side parts are back. Don't be afraid to play with a side part to see how it changes the look of your favorite hairstyle. Use the arch of your eyebrow as the guide to where to place your part.

• Natural texture: Let your natural texture shine. The trend is actually "enhanced" natural texture, so add some curl cream to hold your natural pattern.

• Crown braids: Whether you do a half-up or fully up crown braid, make sure they don't look or feel tight and perfect. The goal is for a naturally undone, imperfect vibe. Keep the braids loose and leave a few pieces out to frame your face. Pull the braids apart just a little to add more volume.

• Modern crimping: Unlike creating tiny, very defined waves, this season's trend is a softer take. It aims to create a more lived-in texture with lots of movement. Start by working with damp hair and create multiple braids (or you can do this overnight). Once your hair dries naturally or with a diffuser, take the braids out and shake your hair out with your fingers to soften the waves.

• Hair jewelry: Yes, hair accessories are back. Dust off your favorite bows, barrettes, oversize claw clips, and anything else that makes a statement.

• Slick, sleek styles: As with the '90s updos, slicked-back hair is making a comeback. Make sure you have a high-shine finish with whatever hairstyle you choose, whether it's a ponytail, braid, or ballerina bun.

• Blowouts: There is a definite movement back toward blowouts, rather than beachy, air-dried textures. Want a different look than the bouncy, glamorous blowout? Try for a midi blowout, which adds volume at the root and a little bounce with a little curl just at the ends.

For a haircut, color, or total transformation, call Salon Patrice at (815) 223-8643 or find our hair services here.