Leaves are changing, air is crisping up, and we all understand what this means, it is time to refresh your hair. But enough of the tired-old salon blather, it is time to be real: what is really trending this fall? What works if you’re 25 or 55? What styles feel modern but still you? Whether you’re thinking about bangs, braids, or just craving that subtle switch-up, I’ve gathered looks that answer all the right questions. And, to tell the truth, they are not trends; they are minor changes to the way of life. Therefore, get your latte and scroll into the season.
Wrapped Low Ponytail with a Silk Twist
This chic low ponytail is that non-obnoxious glam that never shouts out to anyone, yet makes people turn their heads on the streets of the city. The hair is cut short and the hair is pulled tightly into a long smooth tail, with a printed scarf that is large and bold. It is making professional meets fun, and it is perfect for the late summer brunches or galleria strolls. The thing I adore about this is the texture, the contrast, the length of glassy strands against the old-fashioned lushness of the scarf. Yes to the no-fuss fall women hairstyles that are not overdone.
If you’re recreating this look, don’t just grab any scarf. Silk or satin- something that does not pull or make static. Pre-treat your hair with a lightweight smoothing serum such as Oribe Supershine Light Moisturizing Cream which will allow you to achieve that smooth texture without making the hair heavy. I like it personally when I want sleek without flat.
In my case, this is the style I wear when I want to feel like a rich aunt. You know what I mean, the one who is cool, and not overdressed, but just happens to have it all together. I wore it in the first place last year, after a Milan street style snap caught my attention, and since then it has become a permanent part of my seasonal wardrobe.
And if you’re in your 40s or 50s, don’t write this off. It is very versatile- one can add a few extra volume at the crown or allow a few gentle strands to frame the face. Classic with a twist is always age-proof.
Short Twisted Crown on Blunt Waves
These twisted crown braids with its soft, short wavy bob have something whimsical about them. It’s youthful without feeling childish, romantic without being fussy. I like the way it plays with form and volume, it has that lived in quality to the waves and the braids provide a perfect amount of structure. Think golden-hour park hangs, oversized sweaters, and good mascara. This is definitely going to make it to the list of fall hairstyles 2025 among women.
This style lives on volume and hold, thus texture sprays are your best friends. I grab the Balloon Dry Volume Spray by R+Co- it provides that light airy volume without making your hair crunchy. A warm-up shot followed by some twisting is a charm.
It was actually on a weekend trip in Vermont when I wore something like this the first time. I did not have time to wash my hair and worked in a couple of braids and bam- accidental aesthetic. I’ve been obsessed ever since. It is actually not so difficult as soon as you learn the parting.
Oh, and by the way to the women over 40 set: this is so flattering to soften the fine lines. The diagonal braids bring the eye up and produce this slight facelift. It’s magic.
Soft Retro Waves with Half-Pulled Volume
This look is full-on trendy, and full of volume. It is retro and modern chic at the same time: the upper part is rounded up slightly, and the lower part falls into free, undulating waves. What I adore is how universally flattering this is. It can be applied on the long and thick hair but can also be used on the medium hair with a touch of product magic. If you’re after fall hairstyles for women over 40 that feel feminine but powerful, this one’s your calling card.
Volumizing mousse is key here. I prefer to apply the Kenra Volume Mousse 12 on the roots, and then blow-dry using a round brush. It lifts without crunch. Medium-barrel curling iron is used to put in the soft bends- no curling to the ends, just loose.
I wore this last Thanksgiving and it got compliments both by my Gen Z niece and my mother-in-law, so that basically made it my MVP of the holidays. The thing is so classic about this type of wave, soft enough to have dinner and daring enough to take wine selfies.
Celeb stylist Justine Marjan bonus tip: “A little shine spray on the ends will appear to make hair healthier and fuller.” I tested that. It works.
Structured Dutch Braid Down the Back
One word: power. Clean, confident and not afraid to be bold, a tight, sculptural Dutch braid running straight down the back is a perfect choice. I am in love with the fact that this look is not afraid to be precise. It’s ideal for when you want your hair to stay in place all day, whether you’re doing school drop-offs or leading a meeting. It is also a classic choice of braided hairstyles for black women fall 2025 and all the people, who adore a good protective style with flare.
To help this braid stay crisp and long lasting, apply a pomade or gel such as a Pattern Styling Custard- particularly awesome on curly or textured hair. Fine-tooth comb your way out to avoid frizz. You may also pull the braid loops a little to give volume without unraveling the braid.
In my case, this is the fashion I adopt when I have to be together without being too fussed. Like when you look so meh in an outfit but you can tell the braid said I had it planned out. That. It is particularly awesome during windy fall days when loose hair will not do.
It also looks fabulous on black women fall hairstyles whether on natural hair or over wigs with full lace closures. Add gold cuffs or thread to add some extra glam, it is still fall, but the drama is not unwelcome.
Bohemian Halo Braid with Loose Ponytail
Braids that double as accessories? Yes please. This style is a combination of two milkmaid-like braids into a twisted halo crown into an elegant ponytail. It is smooth, artistic, and an all-out vibe to October afternoons or date-night layering. The ponytail keeps it down to earth, the braid adds volume and style. It is a dreamy look on fall 2025 hairstyles black women, in combination with long, defined hair.
A little bit of smoothing cream such as Living Proof No Frizz Vanishing Oil will keep your flyaways down without making your texture look flat. Apply bobby pins underneath the loops of the braid to keep it in place and seal everything in place with a soft mist hairspray to avoid that helmet look.
This fashion is like something you would put on when you are going to a farmers market or a fun fall concert. I wore it with a knit jumpsuit and hoops, and I swear people who did not know me were asking me whether I was a stylist.
If you’re craving new, easy-to-maintain styles this season, this one’s a must-try. It’s especially flattering for brunette shades, where the braid shadows catch beautifully in autumn light.
Classic Side Crown with a Low Braided Bun
It is so poetic-looking when a crown braid dissolves into a low bun. It falls in that nice place between fancy and casual, a great brunch or cold-date-night coat or, you know, going to run errands in a wool coat and feeling like a queen. It is all halo effect, here: heavy plaiting that circles the crown and falls into a full braided chignon at the nape. The thing I like about this is the dimension- it is tidy, though not so much as to be stiff. Works best on medium length hair and also suits rounder face shapes.
This kind of style asks for smoothness without stiffness. To give my hair a soft base texture, I will always pre-treat my hair with some heat protectant and a large-barrel curling wand. As a hold without crunch product, Living Proof Flex Hairspray is my holy grail. It provides the minimum grip to be able to braid easily and holds everything in place without being helmet-y.
This is my personal favorite when I have to look put-together without any drama. It looks particularly good on women over 40 as it lifts and frames the face perfectly but not in an overdone way. I have worn it to fall wedding of a friend and I even showed two people in the bathroom how to do the same. That’s how you know it works.
To elevate it for more formal events? Put in a thin gold hair accessory or two, bobby pins with small pearls are a win. and when you have a layer cut, or fine hair, you might think of a clip-in braid to give it that little extra fullness. Only remember to loosen the braid with your fingers, so you get rid of the horrid tight-plaited appearance.
Double Dutch Braids with a Casual Twist
Two perfectly parted Dutch braids are as classic as it can get! It is a bit of a schoolgirl, a bit of sporty, and entirely back in fall 2025 women hairstyles. The difference is that the way we wear them has changed: they are looser, have more texture, and a bit of imperfection in them. This version goes well with natural volume and lived-in middle part, and this is what you can wear to Pilates and a pumpkin patch and still look cool.
Maintenance is simple but not to be overlooked. I adore refreshing my roots using Kristin Ess Dry Shampoo prior to braiding, as it gives it a little grit and assists in subduing frizz. If you’ve got naturally straight hair like me, misting a texturizing spray (try Amika Un.Done) gives it that slightly mussed-up finish that’s very now.
This one makes me go back to Saturday morning coffee runs in my oversized hoodie and my lip tint that I might have applied secretly. It’s a subtle way to say “I tried” without actually trying that hard. And it is also awesome with long hair, which has to be tamed but still look cute.
If you’re wondering whether this is too youthful for women over 50—absolutely not. Just loosen the braids around the temples or just take out some face-framing pieces. Suddenly it reads as romantic and cool, not schoolyard. That is the magic of braids in 2025, it is back, and it is now unisex.
Half-Up Waterfall Braid on Wavy Lob
This half up braid scenario is feeling like soft rebel, which I am into. A waterfall, careless braid that kisses the side of the head and tumbles down in messy curls? Yes, please. It is so good on short to medium lengths- particularly lobs that land just over the collarbone. You can experience the look of a braid without actually going all out on the style, which is brilliant on days when you are in a hurry or just want to keep things low-key when you are going out.
Wavy lobs have to be taken care of to ensure that they do not appear dry or flat. I tend to put a couple of drops of Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil on my ends to keep my ends hydrated and shiny. Just running a flat iron over a random few strands can help cheat that I woke up like this texture that we all know really takes 12 minutes.
Honestly, this is my lazy-girl go-to. It even makes second-day hair look deliberate, with a chunky sweater or fake leather jacket. There is also something about this braid that makes the hair color stand out, too, at least when it comes to brunette or caramel balayage.
To give a bit of a twist, tie a ribbon or a satin cord woven down the braid. Even some fall-colored accessories can be slipped in mustard, rust or sage. It is the sort of thing that will cause people to pause and say, wait, how did you do that?
Low Textured Braid with Cozy Volume
The style makes me think of fireside with my chai latte and my warmest knit. It is a low single braid with a crown of volume that does not allow things to fall flat. It is a bit boho, a bit Scandinavian and so fall. The texture is all here, a little fluffy, not frizzy and the ends are held together by a no-nonsense elastic, which is modern and casual.
I would describe this as one of the simplest looks to replicate in this list. Spray with Not Your Mother Sea Salt Spray, air dry, and then simply braid back without going overboard. It also works well on curly or naturally textured hair, since it provides a little bulk in the braid, without tightening it up.
It is a fall hairstyle that works on women over 40. It does not shout out that it is trying too hard, but it does say that it has taste and yes, it does love a little drama. I use it when I need to feel like I am put together but not ready to invest in heat styling.
To elevate it even further? Take a small piece of your hair tie and wrap it around the hair tie and pin it down. The little trick will make it appear 10x more complete, and nobody has to know that it took five minutes at most.
Romantic Braided Crown with Low Chignon
It is a fall take on the main character energy. We mean a side braid that fades into a low-bun sculpture, with some soft tendrils hanging freely, so it looks like a romance-caught-in-the-wind. It’s structured without being uptight and is ideal for anyone wanting something timeless that still feels of-the-moment.
This kind of structure needs prep. I vow by R+Co Aircraft Pomade Mousse to provide the strands with hold and memory without the terrible crunch. It also keeps flyaways at bay which helps in case you want to wear this look all day- or night.
Whenever I recreate this style, I think I am the main star of a Hallmark fall romantic comedy. And yes, that’s a compliment. It looks especially beautiful on redheads or warm-haired brunettes since the braid gives such depth and light effects.
And one more: this hairstyle is so flattering to older faces, that it has certainly earned a place in the top of the best fall hairstyles of women over 50. You receive lift, sophistication and that type of timelessness that is not catching up on trends, it is creating them.
Loose Goddess Waves with a Braided Halo
This style is the very definition of dreamy. We are discussing really long, thick waves combined with a broad halo braid that sweeps over the top like a light crown. It is soft, airy, and unbelievably romantic, i.e. the autumn variant of the fairy tale. The ombr theme in the hair color is so subtle that it enhances the definition of the waves and makes each twist of the braid stand out. If you’re browsing fall hairstyles for women 2025, this is the one that’ll make you feel like you walked straight out of an autumn.
You will need to go in with a lightweight curl amplifier to ensure that these curly, soft waves are bouncy. I’ve had great results using Bumble and Bumble’s Curl Defining Cream on slightly damp strands, then setting it with a diffuser. If you’re braiding on day-two hair, a texturizing powder at the roots helps secure the braid without slipping.
The appearance always brings me to late September mornings with apples cider and layered knitwear. It is ideal when it comes to women who are more than 40 years old and need a romantic update that is not in the direction of anything too young or too forced. And it goes along with stratified cuts and dense textures.
Bonus points? It flatters brunette, blonde, and balayage tones equally. Put a couple of hair cuffs or mini clips to make it fancy or keep it simple and just leave it like that, and let the braid do the talking.
Twisted Waterfall Braids with Defined Curls
This one’s pure autumn enchantment. We have cascading medium curls in a semi-updo with waterfall braids woven in a complicated fashion and hidden in the crown. It is majestic, but unpretentious, like a Renaissance painting, only with a contemporary flow. The twist is the fact that it uses a twin-braid method to surround the face and leave the curls to shine. This is a perfect match to the world of braided hairstyles of black women fall 2025 as well as to any thick-textured hair type that needs some definition and drama.
Care-wise, let’s not overcomplicate it. I apply the SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie to give it some definition and then I give it a little spritz of shine spray to keep things a bit moist yet bouncy. And please—never skip heat protectant before curling. I learned that one the hard way last fall.
As a personal observation, I like this as one of my personal favorites as an occasion look for October weddings or Thanksgiving dinners. It’s dramatic without being theatrical. Furthermore, it does not wear out after a couple of hours, which is a major win in my book.
No matter how you are wearing this on natural hair, a wig, or clip-ins, this one oozes big-effort even though you make it in less than 30 minutes with some planning.
Elegant Side Bun with Gold Accents
Let’s talk refined, shall we? A simple side bun with this low and sculptural base goes through a significant glow-up with the help of glowing gold accessories and a gorgeous side part. It’s the kind of look you wear to a fall gala or a crisp-weather dinner date. The figure is not rigid yet well-organized – it caresses the nape with grace. This is a quiet-luxury moment, as far as fall hairstyles on women go, but it is not too impractical to take into real life.
I always tell my friends: this is the style which makes your earrings pop. I also use a matte pomade to keep mine in place and a light mist of the Luminous Hairspray Shine and Hold by Moroccanoil. The secret of it is to smooth the roots, but not flatten them–so work product through with a boar-bristle brush.
I’ve done this look for interviews and even jury duty (because who says you can’t slay the courthouse?). It is this unsaid refinement that makes you feel like you have your life together even when you are not.
And–this is one of those styles which suits all ages–between 20 and 50, all textures–fine and curly. Simply change the location and accessory game to your style.
Messy Bun with Airy Bangs
Here’s the thing—sometimes chaos is chic. This is the messiest bun with soft wispy bangs ever and the ultimate I woke up like this but planned it kind of style. That comfy texture and the natural crown lift are what makes it fall-ready. It is sexy, young, and perfect to wear in between seasons when you need hair off your neck but you still need it styled. I would rate it as one of the top short hairstyles on women fall in case you are dealing with layers on shoulders.
I never apply this without dry shampoo even on freshly washed hair so that it has some grip and volume. My favorite one is Kristen Ess Dry Finish Working Texture Spray. It makes the bun move and the bangs defined without that waxy leftover.
Personally, this style lives in my weekday rotation. It goes well with turtlenecks, oversized denim jackets or soft knits. You can smear it with your fingers and it still does not look bad. And on women past 50, it is a very flattering method of softening the jaw line and drawing the eye up.
Micro-story moment: I went to an outdoor movie night when it was windy, and my bangs were half-dancing and still looked adorable in this. That’s all the endorsement it needs.
Textured Bob with Crown Braid Accent
It is a sweet-and-sassy twist on the classic tousled bob, which is made more exciting by a simple crown braid, which wraps around the temple. It has a short cut, raw undone texture and the braid adds a form which does not dominate the flow. The ideal solution to the in between weather when your hair is still clinging to a little bit of summer humidity but you need that new season refresh. Bookmark this, in case you are looking for fall hairstyles on women over 40 or anyone who wants to embrace the low-effort chic.
The trick to this look is separation. Apply a salt spray such as Ouai Wave Spray and scrunch with your fingers as it air dries or diffuses. On the braid, a small amount of dry wax provides some grip and keeps those ends hidden so they do not poke out.
I have always adored this style to go out with friends or out to run an errand in a bookstore. It’s low-maintenance but never boring. That is likely to be the reason why it works across the ages- particularly to those women in their 40s and 50s who desire some shape but not the stiffness.
And we can not forget that this type of loose texture also applies to black women hairstyles for fall when re-done with a twist-out base and braid detailing- super chic with little to no heat.
Chunky Braided Crown Ponytail with Curtain Bangs
This braid-meets-ponytail moment is giving structured yet soft. There is a thick crown braid that pulls out of one of the temples and is wrapped around the top of the head, securing a big ponytail at the back with those lived-in curtain bangs left hanging over the opposite side to be balanced. It is the type of a look that works with motion- the braid adds sculpted flair and the ponytail is like, I am not trying that hard. Super wearable and to be honest a life saver on those days when you want hair off your face but still romantic.
When you are wearing this out all day, preparation is a must. I suggest blow drying using a round brush and spraying Oribe Maximista Thickening Spray to the roots. It provides that lift that prevents the braid to lie flat particularly on thinner hair. Also, smooth any flyaways with a bit of pomade balm on your fingertips, it makes a difference.
I like this look because it can be worn both to a work meeting and a fall photoshoot at the orchard, it has a crossover appeal. That is why it is an A-level fall 2025 women hairstyle. And yes I have worn this with a cable-knit sweater and hoop earrings more than once by now.
Admittedly, this style is a good choice in case you want to achieve simple, carefree elegance without involving hot tools. And it is an excellent method to bring attention to layered cuts or even new-grown-out bangs of the summer.
Laidback Low Pony with Effortless Texture
Do you know that I have just thrown this together look that somehow turns heads? This is it. A low ponytail, loosely tied with the strands of the same hair and combined with light waves, is the type of fall hairstyle women can have that is entirely contemporary yet pleasingly low-key. The trick is with the texture, it is not straight stick, nor is it too curly, but instead it is just that right in between.
To keep this vibe I prefer to spray IGK Beach Club Texture Spray on the mid-lengths and ends and then tie the pony. To have a little more hold, I take a small piece of hair and tie it around the elastic and pin it with a bobby pin on the inside. It’s that barely-there detail that polishes the whole thing.
I have worn this when I needed to be present but did not feel like fussing and each time, someone will ask me how I made it look so clean. It will be perfect on women over 40 or 50 as well, since it provides length and grace without being overdone or stiff.
There is no need to be scared of taking a couple of face-framing pieces out, particularly when your hair is slightly wavy. The entire idea is to make yourself chic without it being obvious that you have been trying for 45 minutes. It is one of these new fall favs that I keep going back to.
Halo-Inspired Braid on Shoulder-Length Waves
This hairstyle would be on the cover art of the soundtrack of fall. An informally tied braid right under the crownline provides an immediate structure to the medium-long waves that are messy. This is an updated halo look—less rigid, more whimsical. The undulating texture beneath provides warmth and softness and this combination is a winner during cozy weather days when you still need something visually interesting at the top.
I never curl with the same direction, so I always curl with a 1/4 inch barrel wand but change directions. When I complete the braid, I pull at the loops to give it volume and secure it using Bumble and Bumble Spray de Mode which provides flexible hold and is non-sticky.
This style is used to balance the heart shaped and oval faces particularly when combined with a central part or a slight side sweep. To be honest, I believe it is one of the most fashionable styles of the season- it looks like woodsy fairy meets Pinterest inspo board.
Want to take it up a notch? Put a gold hair pin or barrette at the joining of the braids. It transforms casual into cocktail with minimal effort. Yes, please.
Classic Farm-Girl Side Braid with Cozy Energy
It almost feels like home just to have a good old-fashioned braid slung over the shoulder. This side braid is thick and long, and it is the fall hair plan when you do not want to style but you still want to be intentional. It is a wink to minimalism- it has a slightly messy finish and a soft part that allows your natural form to appear. I particularly adore this style with a chunky knit or denim, it is timeless, after all.
In case your hair is slippery or clean, brush it with Batiste Volume Dry Shampoo then braid it. It does not only help to provide grip, but it also provides the plait that additional bit of fullness. Invisible bobby pins tucked under the surface will hold the flyaways on those with layers or shorter front pieces.
This is the plait that I put on to go to the pumpkin patch, the farmer market or when I have a whole afternoon to spend baking banana bread. It also suits thick hair which becomes cumbersome when left untied. Doesn t take much effort, looks good on any age and it is gorgeous with brunette, caramel or curly hair.
Too not ready to invest in a bun or an updo? This plait allows you to retain the length, yet to introduce order. It is a no-brainer when it comes to fall hairstyles of the year 2025 women, who prefer functionality and design.
Textured High Ponytail with Barrel Curls
This ponytail isn’t just perky—it’s powerful. The best in easy glam fall hairstyles is a high, voluminous pony with thick, well-defined curls that are on the go with women. There is bounce, there is motion and there is root structure. It is the type of hair that will make heads turn when you are walking in the city having your matcha. And it looks just as good from the front as it does from behind (a rare feat, right?).
To keep this all day, I apply Kenra Volume Mousse Extra 17 to wet hair, and then blow dry it upside down to get the maximum lift. I curl the ponytail and then with a wide-tooth comb I fluff out the ends to make it have that romantic shape but still have definition.
It is one of those styles that can be worn during brunch and event nights. And I have applied it to second day hair, just add dry shampoo to the roots and tease a bit underneath.
It is also a sneaky way to have a mini facelift- great on the women over 40 or anyone who wants to lift up the cheekbones slightly. Then combine it with hoop earrings or a warm-colored lipstick, and you are basically unstoppable.
Blunt Wavy Bob with Rooty Contrast
This is where the short hairstyles of women fall really shine. A wavy bob, chin-length, with visible roots and choppy ends is the dose of the so-called cool-girl energy that is both bold and relaxed. The waves are gentle, and yet the ends are sharp-and that dark root fading into icy blonde? It’s unapologetically 2025. Suitable to a round or square face, this cut has a balance between edge and wearability.
This length adores volume, so I tend to blow dry using a diffuser and end off with Verb Volume Dry Texture Spray. It creates lift without stickiness, and causes the waves to remain separated and not clog together.
This look is so L.A. fall in Brooklyn sweater, booties, big sunglasses. It is easy to care and yet classy, particularly to someone who is growing out a pixie or wanted a new chop before the holidays.
And the best part? It looks incredible on women over 50. The wave pattern is softening the jaw, the neckline is lengthened and the root contrast adds that youthful spark without having to use bold color.
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