The hair apparent
What to do with your crowning glory this fall
Fashion fans who are fearful of change can rest easy: This season, your fringe is fairly safe.
The hottest autumn hair trends are ones we’ve all seen before — and in many cases, are already sporting.
“The lob — a cut ending around the collarbone — will always be a popular hair choice because it’s extremely versatile,” Phuong Tran, a Vancouver stylist at Suki’s Salon says of the already in-style cut. The length, which is a slightly longer version of the always-popular bob (more on this later), is fun and playful.
“It is still long enough to brush over the shoulders slightly, and looks great sleek and smooth, with a slight wave, or tousled and beachy,” Tran explains.
Those who opted for the big chop a few seasons ago, but weren’t ready to grow out their traditional clipped style once the lob was announced as the it-length last year, will likely breathe a sigh of relief when they hear the shorter style is coming back in vogue.
“Thanks to stars like Selena Gomez, Bella Hadid and Lucy Hale — as well as Instagram-famous bloggers such as Aimee Song and Pia Muehlenbeck — above-theshoulder cuts ... are definitely making a comeback,” Tran says. With a bit of a twist, though.
“These modern bobs have a clean perimeter and textured interior layers, making the styling options endless,” she says.
The idea of same-but-different trends continues when it comes to colour too, says Tran.
“Balayage (the hand-painting of highlights onto strands), is definitely still the go-to technique because of the natural blended look it produces,” she says.
“Incorporating this technique with ‘babylights’ — superfine weaves of colour — will help achieve maximum lightness, while maintaining the natural look.”
As the temperature begins to dip, Trans says we can expect to see hair colours go in the opposite direction: Warmer.
“The bright, warm tones of the autumn leaves definitely lend a hand in inspiring warmer, richer tones in hair,” she says. “For the upcoming fall season, warm blondes, smokey browns and icy platinum are all the rage.”
Tran says most colourists will be moving away from metallic-grey tones, instead favouring a “more pure” snow-white hue.
When it comes to styles, there’s a similar push for simplicity that has been happening in the fashion realm at large.
“Fall is also the biggest season for fashion, so we also look toward the runways and highly anticipated September issue of Vogue as well,” Tran says. “A ready-to-wear style that’s straight from the runway — seen on Gigi and Bella Hadid — is the super-straight sleek look parted in the middle.”
While the go-to sleek style is simple to recreate — all it takes is a little quality time with your favourite flatiron — Tran admits it’s not without a few minor maintenance requirements.
“Make sure to get regular hair cuts for this style, as it looks best with healthy shiny hair,” she says. “And a serum or oil will help keep hair looking smooth.”
Easy, breezy waves will also continue to reign, according to Tran, but in fall we can expect to see them looking less beachy, and softer.
“Elongated waves have also been very popular on fall runways, and are a romantic style that looks effortless and works with all face shapes,” she says.
As for everyone’s favourite lazy weekend look — yes, I’m talking about the topknot — Tran says it’s as popular as ever.
“The topknot is still going strong, especially on the West Coast, where everyone is running from work to yoga to night outs,” she says. “You can dress up this easy style by braiding your hair first and pulling it apart for a soft romantic look.”