4 Best Autumn Haircut Ideas and Trends to Try in 2021

The Buzziest Haircut Trends For Autumn, According to the Experts

Jul 30 2021 by Tori Crowther

We hate to admit it, but autumn is approaching faster than we can say "Aperol spritz." Although the weather will start to get colder and the nights shorter, it does mean we can make ourselves a hot chocolate and scroll through the buzziest haircut trends to get some inspiration.

According to top stylists we spoke to, there are three dominant styles for autumn 2021. They're all about that low-maintenance, undone look with plenty of '70s inspiration — but with a modern take, of course. Many of the experts we spoke to noted that their clients are daring to be a little braver when it comes to cuts and opting for more than just a trim on the ends. Having said that, they still don't want to spend too long on styling, so low-maintenance is key.

"I've been seeing a lot of women being braver when it comes to their haircuts; I think the pandemic has that to answer for as people are not as attached to their hair due to the fact that they have a 'life's short' approach after what we have all been through," hairstylist Dom Seeley said. Hairstylist Dionne Smith echoed this: "I think our more laid-back attitude to styling is a byproduct of being in lockdown and not travelling and socialising as much as we used to." The result? Choppy layers, textured fringes, and all of the '70s vibes — and we're absolutely loving it.

Read on for more of the best haircut trends that the experts are loving for autumn 2021.

Image Source: Getty

Autumn 2021 Haircut Trend: Modern Mullet

The modern mullet is by no means new, but it's still going strong and proving to be a popular style for autumn. Seeley particularly loves the "wolf" version of the cut, which "features a super-short layer choppy shag mixed with longer layers through and into the back, which becomes the hybrid 'wolf' haircut," he said.

Hairstylist Sophie Sugarman also predicts this style to be a huge hit for the season. "We'll see a lot more people with the shorter mullet-y, choppy hairstyles, and detail around the face is really in," she said. If you're looking to try something striking yet undone, this is a great style. "The grown-out layers [of a mullet style] create a very lived-in look," said Camille Friend, hairstylist and Hask ambassador.

Autumn 2021 Haircut Trend: Modern Mullet

Autumn 2021 Haircut Trend: Textured Fringe

Getting creative with a fringe is another way of playing around with your cut without doing anything dramatic if you aren't ready. "Fringes are huge at the minute, and we're seeing a lot more textured fringes," Sugarman said. Friend also noted that curtain bangs are having a real moment still. "I love curtain bangs because it works for all face shapes and is soft and frames the face," she said.

"A lot of people will be adding a fringe to long and medium hair lengths," hairstylist Ashley Streicher told POPSUGAR. "I love the textured, Bardot-looking bang for staying on trend with the shag. Adding a fringe for autumn is much easier as the weather starts to cool down, because when it's hot, it's hard having hair in your face."

Image Source: Courtesy of Camille Friend

Autumn 2021 Haircut Trend: Textured Fringe

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Autumn 2021 Haircut Trend: '70s Shag

We told you it was all about the '70s this season, and if you can't quite brave a mullet yet, you can always try the shag cut. Pretty much all of the experts we spoke to referenced the modern shag, which incorporates heavy layers, feathered at the top and sides, with choppy fringe and lots of volume. "The wispy full fringes with the ends flicked away from the face, super textured, and layered wispy movement is key to this style," Seeley said. "It's more wearable and longer than the mullet and perfect for think midlength (shoulder length) hair."

George Northwood and his team have perfected their version of the shag that incorporates sophisticated chopped-in layers that are super easy to maintain. "For autumn/winter, we want something that goes well with chunky knits and that you can just rough dry before leaving the house," Northwood said.

Autumn 2021 Haircut Trend: '70s Shag

Autumn 2021 Haircut Trend: Farrah Fawcett Layers

We can't not include Farrah Fawcett layers; after taking TikTok by storm earlier this year, we've seen this style evolve into something truly special. "A Farrah Fawcett and very retro look plays into the drama that I think will take over this fall," hairstylist Anabel Santos of Sally Hershberger NoMad told POPSUGAR. "Lots of volume and layers in bold, warm tones keeps the look feeling seasonal but with a twist. I especially see this look working on longer hair, with face-framing pieces and long layers blown out to their extremes to create effortless movement and bounce."

Autumn 2021 Haircut Trend: Farrah Fawcett Layers

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