Fall Hair Trends to Love in 2023

Ah, the fall. Time to dig out our sweaters and cute boots, swap our bright summer colors for moodier hues, and yes, think about hair trends. Summer can be tough on hair – especially in the South between the heat, chlorine, salt water, and sun – and you might be thinking a refresh is due. Why not change when the leaves are doing the same, right?

For fall hair, it’s all about lower maintenance and warmer hues. Sun-bleached hair can be low-lighted and broken up to give it more dimension. Dump the high pony and try new silhouettes or bangs, or just start all over and cut that summer hair off.

Three rising stylists located in Lake Charles’ Revive Salon Studios weigh in on some of the biggest fall hair trends that will give you all the inspiration you need to make a beautiful change.

Balayage

What’s balayage you say? Pronounced BAH-LEE-AHGE, balayage is a French word meaning sweeping, as in to sweep on a hair lightener to create highlights. Balayage is the technique of free-hand painting highlights onto the hair, creating a soft and natural gradation of lightness towards the ends. This natural-looking highlighting technique is not just for blondes but is used on all shades of hair to add soft, sun kissed dimension.

“I am creating countless balayage options for clients, ranging from fashion colors to a nice caramel color to any type of blonde,” says Cierra Aguillard, stylist at CA Hair Studios. “It’s great way to introduce a new color into your hair without having a solid look.”

Blondes and Brondes

Not everyone is looking to warm their hair color totally up in those cool months. Blondes can try a more rooted look and add a few lowlights to break up heavy blonde tones and give their color dimension. “Blonde can be really fun in the fall,” says Cierra. “It’s also the perfect time for strawberry blonde to make an entrance.”

Then there are the brondes- a mix of brunette and blonde. This summer into fall trend favored by Jennifer Lopez is nearly the most universal shade out there—for brunettes who want to go brighter, blondes who want to look less summery, and first-timers who are a little skeptical about jumping in with both feet, Cierra says it’s a perfectly low-commitment color for anyone looking to switch things up.

Mushroom Brown

This craze has been spotted on celebrities including Kate Middleton and Angelina Jolie. Quite literally, the hue favors the ashy grey-brown tint of the popular portobello mushroom. Prettier than it sounds, this hairstyle is a step between brunette and blonde with various shades of silver highlights that complement a smoky, subtle, and understated brown that can easily be achieved via balayage with a toner.

“As an ashy brown color, mushroom brown hair complements skin types with warmer undertones,” says Cierra. “Mushroom brown can act as a neutral hue or lean towards the cooler side when combined with gray undertones.” Adjusting mushroom brown hair to include more highlights or earthy tones depends on your eye color and skin tone.

Layers and Fringe

Layering is one of the 2023 fall trends that industry leaders continue to stand by. “Layers are important as they can debulk a style without losing length,” says Courtney Andrepont of Revive. “I’m a visual cutter who loves adding texture while dry cutting in layers.” Growing up with two grandparents that were both artists, Courtney attributes her upbringing as the inspiration needed to creatively break the rules when she designs a layered cut.

The “butterfly cut” is currently high in demand.  This style produces face framing layers that create that 90s bombshell supermodel look rocked back in the day by both Cindy Crawford and Tyra Banks. A butterfly cut builds volume and seamlessly blends layers into an overall look that doesn’t compromise length. Also popular are internal layers that build volume throughout the interior and remove excess bulk. This undone look – otherwise casually cool – moves with an airy texture that looks great air-dried, waved or straight.

Last, but not least, there’s the fringe, or bangs. “It’s a great time of the year to entertain this look with the weather cooling down,” says Courtney.  “Bangs and a sweaty brow do not get along great in those sweltering summer months.” Among the most requested type of fringe stylists are currently seeing are curtain bangs. These long eye swept bangs are a style that every face shape and every hair texture can have.

Autumnal Hues

When people think of the word fall, they think of warm colors like brown, red, orange, yellow. It’s a good transition from spring and summer colors that are light and bright, to warmer shades for those autumn months.

“Clients are requesting warmer color changes to reflect any shade of brown, copper or gold that deepen the color they have on their hair now,” says Abby Hayes, stylist at Studio H. “For example, if they have brown hair, a warmer chocolate brown or even a copper or cinnamon are being asked for.”

While some of these color changes can be drastic, Abby suggests if you’re interested in trying one out, to go for a semi/demi permanent hair color first. This hair color only lasts 6-8 weeks, depending on how often you wash your hair. It’s great for clients wanting to test the waters without a permanent commitment.

As you can see from these experts, there are plenty of ways to integrate different trends into any hair style.  Fall is a fun time to try new things. After all, hair is the one accessory you can’t take off!