New for autumn 2021

13 Fresh Autumn Haircut Trends By London’s Top Stylists

JACQUELINE KILIKITA

SEPTEMBER 22, 2021 7:15 AM

Spring and summer brought us a wealth of Instagram-worthy haircut trends. Curtain bangs reigned supreme, blunt bobs came back in a big way and the shag cut was absolutely everywhere. But London's top stylists are vowing to switch things up for autumn.

As the weather gets cooler, it seems hair predictions are following suit. Ethereal waves and wispy fringes reminiscent of carefree summer days are making way for sharp cuts and heavy layering. There's also a focus on protection and hair health (a must when the temperature drops).

Ahead, a handful of the city's most creative hair experts unveil the cuts and styles which are set to become our go-tos as we head into the next season.

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The Invisible Cut

Otherwise coined "barely there hair" by celebrity hairstylist George Northwood (the man behind Alexa Chung and Phoebe Dynevor's lengths) this quick and simple cut is the antithesis of the big, bouncy '70s-inspired waves all over TikTok.

"Natural, effortless looking hair has become the new glamour hair," says George. "It's like no-makeup makeup, but for hair. An invisible cut involves simply dusting off any split ends. I'll give every single strand of hair a trim, but it will literally be the tiniest trim ever. This may seem incredibly simple, however, it will make a huge difference to the overall look and health of your hair."
This is especially true for the top layer, says George, which sees the most sun and gets the most damaged. "Simply style it with a subtle wave using a tong or straightener," he says. You can even let your hair air dry naturally if you like. "This gives the illusion of having just rolled out of bed. It's perfectly undone hair."

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The Retro Feather

"The '70s continue to inspire, but imagine the look with soft, blow-dried volume and a grown out curtain fringe, like Sienna Miller at the MET Gala," explains editorial hairstylist Neil Moodie. "The centre-parted fringes are like '70s side wings," says Neil. "Think a softer Farrah Fawcett from the original Charlie's Angels TV Series," much like this style on Toni Haswell. Neil explains that the lengthier hairstyle has some long layers to enhance volume, movement and texture. "It's a good way to change up hair that's all one length."

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Structured Volume

"Taking inspiration from Lisa Bonet in the mid '80s, we have noticed the trend for natural hair to be cut in a rounded shape, with a structured perimeter," say Sean Paul Nother and Nick Latham, AKA The Hair Bros, who created this look on the beautiful Bea Grant. It's all about having a strong outline, and the frizzy texture is intentional. "The hair is cut slightly shorter towards the front corners," say Nick and Sean Paul, "and when dried, the hair will jump into that shape, opening up the face."

A curly fringe and some layers is the cherry on top of the look. "A few well-placed, subtle, shorter curls provide the foundation for your natural hair to do the talking," say Nick and Sean Paul, who recommend using the Aveeno Frizz Calming+ Almond Oil Shampoo, £8.99, on natural hair, to hydrate and keep thick curls under control.ADVERTISEMENT

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The Sharp Cut

Celebrity hairdresser Lorraine Dublin hints at leaving layers (even the invisible kind) for another day. "For those with long curls, a great way to update your look is to opt for a sharp, one length cut," she says, pointing to this style by award winning afro and textured hair specialist Michelle Thompson on Instagram.

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Unseen Layers

The obvious, heavy layering popularised by the mullet and shag cuts are being toned down for autumn, according to The Hair Bros' Sean-Paul and Nick. "Reminiscent of Carré Otis, Julia Roberts and Michaela Bercu, this timeless haircut is built around long, invisible layers that are cut into the hair visually in order to bring the most out of the hair’s true texture," they say. "Invisible layers that give you the foundation for a really beautiful shape."

Nick and Sean Paul explain that the front corners of the hair are cut slightly shorter to emphasise fluidity. "This being key, we carefully cut in the length without inflicting a sharp, straight line to the hair." Why? "With no shape and just blunt ends, long, curly hair can look triangular. Our layers allow intricate details of hair to form around the face. The result is a hairstyle that is totally versatile. It's a cut that works in any parting — air dried, scrunched or diffused."

Their top tip? Embrace the frizz. "The Aveeno Daily Moisture+ Oat Milk Blend Shampoo, £8.99, is perfect for this cut, as the oat formula will help to moisturise your curls, leaving that soft, frizz looking shiny and healthy," rather than dry.

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The Natural Fringe

Lorraine says bangs are going nowhere, and they can be adapted for natural hair. "Your hair doesn't have to be bone straight to rock a fringe," she explains. "I think the styles we'll be seeing a lot of this autumn on afro hair are low maintenance. A quick way to change your look and frame the face is something like this." Take inspiration from Lorraine's Instagram (this full fringe is incredible), as well as Vernon François' recent look on Tinashe or this side fringe by Charlotte Mensah.

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Short Back & Sides

"We'll be seeing a lot of the classic short back and sides," says Lorraine. "People want a fresh start when it comes to their hair and are getting rid of relaxers. The short back and sides is a way to cut off all the chemicals and start a brand new look. It's also a great opportunity to introduce colour to your hair without too long a commitment, as it'll grow out quickly." Lorraine suggests taking inspiration from this incredible blonde look, created by Althea Williams.

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Grown Out Fringes

"Grown-out '70 inspired fringes are huge this autumn and going into winter," says Sharley Butcher at Blue Tit's Brixton salon. "They are versatile, easy to manage and make a statement." We love this heavily layered style on FYI ROBIN by The Hair Bros, as the bangs blend into the rest of the lengths, lending a nonchalantly perfect feel.ADVERTISEMENT

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The Sculptural Afro

Alicia McLaughlin, creative director at Bad Apple Hair says, "We're seeing this trend all over the red carpet, with Lupita Nyong'o embracing her beautiful coily hair." So how do you nail the look? "With plenty of brushing out and hairspray, the style creates strong movement and voluminous texture." Look to this style by Charlotte Mensah for influence.

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The Textured Bob

"Recently we've been seeing a lot of variations of layered haircuts, all coming from the mullet and shag trends," says Ben Rossiter, stylist at Blue Tit's Clapton salon. "I believe we are stepping out of an era where everyone wants blunt cuts. People are ready to add texture and movement into hair to enhance natural texture, add body and volume." Ben cites the textured bob, like this style by Blue Tit's Sharley.

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Aana BoweringSeptember 23, 2021Comment