Fall hair season is here and honestly? Thank god. No more humidity turning my hair into a science experiment. No more sweating out my style by 10am. Just crisp air and actual good hair days.
But here’s the thing – having long hair in autumn is like… great in theory but then you’re standing in front of the mirror like “okay now what?” Been there. So I spent way too much time figuring out what actually works for fall 2025. Here’s what I’ve got.
Loose Side Braid
Last but not least – the loose side braid. It’s giving “I woke up in a cabin in the woods looking naturally beautiful” and I’m here for it.
The messier, the better with this one. Perfection is overrated.
- Quick and easy
- Works on all textures
- Looks cute with beanies
Boho Scarf Braid
Take a cute fall scarf, weave it into your braid. Instant autumn vibes. Plus it hides any weird bumps or mistakes in your braid. Win-win.
Pick a scarf that matches your outfit. Or doesn’t. Clashing is cool now, right?
- Adds color and pattern
- Hides imperfections
- Very on-theme for fall
Sleek Middle Part
2025 is all about that sleek, glossy hair look. Middle part, super straight, shine for days. Very “I have my life together” energy.
Pro tip: invest in a good shine serum. Makes all the difference.
- Modern and clean
- Pretty easy if you’ve got a flat iron
- Works whether your hair’s naturally straight or not
Messy Bun with Face-Framing Pieces
The messy bun walked so this could run. Pull out a few pieces around your face and suddenly it’s not lazy, it’s “effortlessly chic.”
This is basically my uniform for coffee runs and grocery shopping. Judge me.
- Perfect for those “I can’t” days
- Makes your earrings pop
- Works on literally any hair texture
Bubble Ponytail
Remember when everyone was doing this on TikTok? Well it’s still cute. Just section your ponytail with clear elastics and puff each section out a bit.
Looks way more complicated than it actually is. Story of my life.
- Fun without being too much
- Keeps thick hair under control
- Actually stays put
Waterfall Braid
This one’s for when you need to look romantic. Date night, wedding, whatever. It’s like a regular braid but you drop pieces as you go? Hard to explain, easier to do than you’d think.
YouTube is your friend here. Trust me.
- Shows off any color or highlights
- Keeps hair out of your face prettily
- Photographs really well
High Ponytail with Volume
Ariana Grande made this her thing but we can borrow it. The key is getting that bump at the crown. Makes your cheekbones look amazing too.
Just don’t pull it too tight. Headaches are not the vibe.
- Instant facelift effect
- Goes from gym to dinner
- Works with straight or curled ends
Dutch Braids
These are like French braids but… backwards? They pop out instead of sitting flat. Great for when you actually need your hair to stay put.
I do these for hikes, farmers markets, anywhere I’ll be outside and active.
- Super secure
- Looks athletic but cute
- Can do one or two
Twisted Half-Updo
This is deceptively simple. Just twist two front sections back and pin. Done. Looks like you tried way harder than you did.
Perfect for when you want to wear your hair down but also… not in your face.
- Takes 30 seconds
- Dress it up or down
- Shows off earrings nicely
Classic French Braid
Sometimes you just need a classic. French braids never go out of style. They’re practical, pretty, and work for basically any situation.
Add a ribbon if you’re feeling extra. Or don’t. Still cute.
- Professional but not boring
- Works on all hair types
- Easy to jazz up with accessories
Side-Swept Curls
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Going somewhere fancy? This is it. All your curls swept dramatically to one side. Very old Hollywood but make it 2025.
Bobby pins are your best friend here. Use more than you think you need.
- Maximum drama and volume
- Perfect for events
- Shows off one earring really well
Loose Boho Waves
Starting with the obvious winner here. Boho waves just hit different in fall, you know? They go with literally everything – your oversized cardigan, that plaid scarf you bought three years ago, whatever.
The trick is making them look effortless when they’re… not. But we don’t talk about that part.
- Gives you that volume everyone pretends they wake up with
- Works morning to night
- Actually doable on most hair types
Low Twisted Ponytail
This is my go-to for “I need to look put together but I have 5 minutes.” Just twist your pony before securing it. Boom. Instant sophistication.
Throw on a velvet scrunchie if you’re feeling fancy. Or don’t. Still works.
- Takes literally 2 minutes
- Hides greasy roots (we’ve all been there)
- Looks way fancier than it is
Half-Up Fishtail Braid
Okay so fishtail braids look complicated but they’re really not? Once you get it, you get it. The half-up version is perfect because you still get to show off your length.
Plus it’s one of those styles that looks better a little messy. My kind of hairstyle.
- Adds texture without trying too hard
- Shows off any highlights you’ve got going on
- Stays put all day
Braided Crown
Feeling like a forest fairy? Same. Braid sections from each side and pin them across your head like a crown. Instant autumn goddess vibes.
Works especially well if you’re into the whole cottagecore thing. Which… who isn’t?
- Romantic and whimsical
- No hair in your face
- Looks amazing with fall accessories
Low Chignon
Fancy word for a low bun, basically. But it sounds more sophisticated, right? This is your go-to for anything where you need to look polished.
The messier version works too. Call it “undone” and suddenly it’s fashion.
- Classic and elegant
- Dress code appropriate for anything
- Works on straight or wavy hair
Rope Braid Ponytail
Take your regular ponytail, split it in two, twist each section, then twist them together. Sounds complicated, takes 2 minutes.
Great for when your hair’s a little dirty but you still need to look decent.
- Different but not too different
- Adds cool texture
- Hides day-two hair well
Half-Up Space Buns
Not gonna lie, these are fun. Like, actually fun. Split the top half of your hair and make two little buns. Instant personality.
Perfect for concerts, festivals, or just Saturday errands when you’re feeling yourself.
- Playful without being childish
- Keeps hair managed
- Works on any texture
Sleek Low Ponytail
Minimalism but make it hair. Super sleek, super low, super chic. This is what you wear when you want your outfit to do the talking.
Use a bit of gel or pomade for that extra sleek finish. Game changer.
- Ridiculously easy
- Always looks expensive
- Perfect for work or dates
Voluminous Blowout
Sometimes you just need to go full glam. Big, bouncy hair that moves when you walk. Very “I just left the salon” energy.
Round brush, some mousse, patience. That’s all you need. Oh, and maybe a YouTube tutorial.
- Major confidence boost
- Perfect for special occasions
- Makes any hair color pop
Infinity Braid
This one’s… a journey. It looks like your braid goes on forever (hence the name). Definitely requires some practice and probably a friend to help.
But when you nail it? Chef’s kiss. Worth the effort.
- Total showstopper
- Great for thick hair
- Perfect for when you want compliments
The Bottom Line
Look, autumn’s the best time to have long hair. The weather’s on your side, you’ve got all these cozy accessories to work with, and honestly? Fall just makes everything look better.
Pick a few styles that speak to you. Practice them when you’ve got time (aka when you’re procrastinating). Then when you need to look put together, you’ve got options.
Your long hair deserves better than a perpetual messy bun. Well, most of the time anyway. Sometimes a messy bun is exactly right. You know what I mean.
