10 Hairstyles for the Fall Season
Whoโs ready to switch it up a little?
As we transition into Fall, it's the perfect time to refresh your look with a new hairstyle. In this article, Divina brings you 10 must-try hairstyles that will elevate your Fall style. Each look carries cultural significance and offers a unique way to express yourself. Whether you're looking for something low-maintenance or a show-stopping statement, Divina has curated the perfect blend of modern trends and timeless classics to help you step into the season with confidence. So letโs find your next hairstyle!
Editorโs Note: Divina is a participant in Fashion Talk's Summer 2024 Student Writing Program. Aligned with our mission to uplift young voices in the fashion industry, Iโm excited to share her fresh and insightful perspective with our community.
Happy reading,
Amarissa
Editor-in-Chief, Fashion Talk
Fall brings about new beginnings. Whether itโs the start of the fashion year, a new job marking the start of your โbig girlโ career, or for some, the dreadful start of a fresh school year. No matter how your life changes in autumn, thereโs one surefire way to jumpstart a developing style: a new hairstyle. Here are 10 must-try hairdos that will ensure you step into the new season the right way.
1. Ginger Greatnessย
No matter the shade of your complexion, Ginger pops on every skin tone. The contemporary rise of the redheads began on the runway in the Spring of 2023. Seyeon Lee sported wavy copper hair for Chanel in Paris, Toon Lobach showed off an amber-colored pixie cut for Burberry, and Madelyn Whitley rocked a beautiful burgundy hairstyle for Rodarte to accompany her dark styling. Redheads make up less than 2% of the population, which adds to the mystique of the look.ย
โRed hair gets you noticedโ, says London-based hair historian Rachel Gibson. Her Instagram explores the history of different hairstyles and how theyโve affected the beauty industry during different periods. She explains how red hair has even been a talking point centuries prior.ย โIt was desirable in the Elizabethan era and Italy after Titian...but otherwise itโs largely been seen as an outsider because of its scarcity.โ
Not only does ginger hair pair well with the Pumpkin Spice season, but itโs a classic that every Black girl should try once. You can opt for a lace front wig or braids, or even boldly decide to dye your natural hair this beautiful copper color. No matter what style you choose, nothing will dim the radiance of this color against your skin.ย
If you choose to do the dye job on your own, youโll need some necessary supplies. The Annie Dye Brush, Vinyl Gloves, and the Adore Semi Permanent Hair Color- 58 Cinnamon will be the ingredients to ensure the best results.
2. Americano or French Curls?
In late summer of 2023, you may have seen an influx of users posting about โFrench curlsโ. With the hashtag #frenchcurls amassing over 278.7 million views on TikTok, itโs unsurprising for some to think that the style is new. However, that couldn't be further from the case.ย
French curls have their origins tied to West Africa and the Nollywood industry. The travel time between American and West African media seems to have been a year of delay since the interest in the golden age of Nollywood (that being the 90s and 2000s) began in 2022 for West Africans.ย
For us, Y2K came back into the fashion sphere in 2021 but West Africans began reliving this era the following year. Their version of Y2k is Nollywood and its costuming. Many wore curls with pride and in distinct colors, paying homage to their idols on screen. โThe appeal [of French Curls] is the silky, bouncy look of the braids, not to mention they are lightweight,โ says Nigerian content creator, hair stylist, and owner of Chiโs Luxe Braiding hair Chinyere โChi-Chiโ Adogu.
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Track and field star Temi Ojora has been one of the many Black figures who have popularized this style in America. Gaining over 970k likes on TikTok, she debuted her own rendition of the curls, earning her place as a staple of salon reference photos. The beautiful bouncy curls are to die for and are perfect for making a statement, no matter what room you enter. You can go as long or as short as you please, but if you really want to make things interesting, you can even create a layered effect.ย
A personal favorite of mine is the Bobbi Boss Braids Pre-Stretched 3X French Curl 28โ, a luminescent honey blond color without breaking the bank. Getting this style done at a braiding salon can be pricey, so if youโre gifted (or have a nice friend), you can do it yourself at home. To make the process easier on yourself, you should invest in the LaFlare Sanitex Braid Rack 60 Spools to keep the hair separated andย detangled.
3. Un-Loc Your Potential
Formally known as dreadlocks, locs have been passed down through generations and have deep cultural significance. Although theyโre a look you canโt escape from when you search โblack hairstylesโ on Pinterest, their history is a bit duller than one would anticipate.ย ย
Due to slavery and colonialism, pinpointing the exact origin of locs in Africa is challenging. However, misconceptions about the style date back to the 19th century, when Europeans viewed locs as being formed by leaving hair twisted over time. They believed they were dirty, unkempt, and even "dreadful," giving rise to the term "dreadlocks."
The belief that locs are unkempt or rebellious has been passed down by older generations of Africans and Caribbeans, discouraging many from trying the style. However, locs are beautiful, and itโs time to challenge this narrative and embrace their true beauty.
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In 2021, #locs reached 2 million views on TikTok, showcasing the growing appreciation for this style. As of late, the spotlight has been cast upon the men, creating the idea that as a man, if you wear locs, your attractiveness rises tenfold.ย
If youโre considering locs, faux locs or butterfly locs are great ways to get started while you grow your natural hair. A wonderful choice is the Janet Collection Nala Tress Premium Edition Butterfly Locs 24โ. If thatโs too long for you, the Bobbi Boss: Nu Locs would be up your alley with the two options being 14 and 18 inches.
4. Bubbles and Barrettes for Every Dayย
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In our quest for mature adulthood, we tend to forget where we came from: bubbles and berets. Despite the different names we called them, we all shared the same experienceโthe clanking of the bubbles, the way the clips snapped perfectly into place, and the mix-matching when we lost one. These accessories havenโt gone out of style but have become less common, turning into nostalgic relics.
In the digital age, it is becoming more and more apparent that children are sharing the same internet as adults. They are constantly aging themselves and are quick to skip over the fundamentals of their youth. Not only have these decisions stunted their growth but they also have missed out on the memories we as adults are able to look back on.ย
As a new generation of young girls discovers their fashion sensibilities, it's time to pass on the joy of childhood. Bubbles and berets are also ideal for fans of โKidcoreโ, โJuminocoreโ, or โHeisei Retroโ. Kidcore surged in popularity during the 2020 pandemic, when people embraced the colorful nostalgia of late 2000s and early 2010s cartoons. Vibrant colors and extremely saturated photos were all the rave and the point was to act as though you were the main character in your own show.
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While some may shrivel at the memories of these styling choices, many have rebranded the look under the Heisei Retro aesthetic, more commonly known as Juminocore. In 2021, the studyinspo community had delved into their own subgroup of bullet journalers who specifically had a love for anime and K-pop. From then on, it wasnโt just their journals that they were decorating but also their desks and rooms. Think pastel trinkets, organizational mess, and maximalism galore. Coupled with early 90s graphics that were popular amongst children, itโs no wonder the style changed.ย
The name Juminocore emerged thanks to Instagram and TikTok creator Jumino Jewels, who sells clay trinkets and plush animals, inspired by a mix-up of the Junimos from Stardew Valley. The rest is history!
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As far as styling goes, The Dairy Barrettes 20CT - Rainbow and the Ballies 10CT - Mixed Colors are a terrific way to begin the hair accessories treasure trove.ย
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5. To be Demure is to Have Dolly Braids
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Demure. Modest. Mindful. Thatโs all the rave these days. If youโre someone who wants to follow suit, or better yet, just experiment with a shorter style, then this oneโs for you.ย
Born out of the rise of โBalletcoreโ and โCoquettecoreโ, this style offers a softer, more romantic look. The beauty of Dolly Braids lies in their curled tips, which give them a unique, feminine flair, making you look like the irresistible main character in a romcom.ย
Tiktoker @chocolatemilqq is one of the creatorโs of the style, first debuting it on Pinterest with a pink bow. As someone who loves curlier braids and wants to appeal more to my feminine side, this style is on my must try list.ย
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This trend challenges the stereotype that Black women canโt be โcuteโ or โfeminine.โ How does skin tone have anything to do with being perceived as feminine? Dolly Braids prove that femininity knows no bounds, and theyโre an ideal style for anyone wanting to channel their inner leading lady.
With this style, people canโt help but say, โThat looks adorable on youโ. Itโs a guarantee that youโll have heads turning and people wondering, โWhoโs that girl?โย
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The technique for this style is the same as box braids, the core difference being a bumped curl at the tips. The Annie Cold Wave Rods Long 12CT and the Annie Soft Twist Rollers (thickness of your choosing) are great tools to help you achieve this look.
6. Silk Scarves
Silk scarves are a stylish way to combat frizzy hair or manage busy days, while also carrying a rich history. In the 19th century, Africans living in European territories, despite having limited resources for their hair, used silk scarves to create beautiful, creative styles.
Jealous of their creativity, Europeans began enforcing bans, even mandating that women cover their hair in some areas. However, this didnโt stop Black women. They embraced silk fabrics, using them to wrap their hair, preserving moisture while turning the scarves into a beautiful, stylish accessory.
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Presently, we have access to countless hair styles and maintenance options, but silk scarves remain timeless. This accessory has always been available at your local hair stores. Thanks to the rise of the "earth tones girls" in 2021, who unironically listen to Erykah Badu, headwrapsโespecially silk scarvesโhave surged in popularity, allowing us to fully appreciate and immerse ourselves in their timeless beauty.
Choose any color that compliments your outfit of the day! If youโre looking for something with a burst of assorted colors, try the B2G Silky Satin Scarf. It's perfect for adding a playful touch to your look while keeping your style cohesive.
7. Fulani Braidsย
Fulani Braids, also known as "feed-in braids," are a traditional style from the Fulani (Fula) people of West Africa and the Sahel region. The nomadic group has passed down all types of cultural styles from generation to generation for their women. They may not be as mainstream as the other styles, but they deserve their time in the spotlight too!ย
For those who are not familiar with them, this intricate style involves braiding the front of the hair tightly, with looser braids at the back, allowing for creative variations and a unique editorial look.
All you really need is the Outre X-Pression 3X Ultra Pre-Stretched Braid 32โ or if you require a shorter option, you can go for the Dosso Beauty Hypoallergenic Braiding Hair 28โ.
8. Kamala Hair-ris
Kamala Harris has inspired many young Black women not just with her leadership but also with her polished, effortless hairstyle. Harrisโ round-brushed look is a practical yet sleek option for anyone in need of a low-maintenance style.
Many have criticized the attention that some have brought to the candidateโs hair, but what they fail to realize is the significance that our hair holds in the Black and African American community. Itโs no wonder that when we talk about our idols within the community, one of the first points of admiration is the way that personโs hair looks. For young girls looking to emulate the women they admire on TV, the easiest and most attainable way to start is by replicating their hairstyle.ย
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Harris admitted that she doesnโt use a curling iron but instead opts for a round brush to avoid excessive heat. However, if that doesnโt work for your hair, the former might be your best bet. To protect your hair from the hot temperatures, a heat protectant like the Fantasia IC Hair Polisher Heat Protector Straight Spray is a great choice to get the best of both worlds: healthy hair and an amazing style.
9. Wash & Go, Go, Goย
When in doubt, nothing beats the simplicity and beauty of a Wash & Go style. While protective styles are great, embracing your natural texture is just as important, especially during fall when hair may need extra moisture and care.
For too long, our natural hair has been deemed โinappropriateโ or โtoo unrulyโ for school and the workplace. Itโs time we take back the power that comes with our crowns and give them the outward love that they deserve. If youโve been thinking about giving your crown some extra attention and TLC, there is no better time than the present to begin your journey. As someone who is also on this journey, it can be a bit of a process. Thereโs no one one-size fits-all type of solution and it does take time to figure out what your perfect formula is.
One product that I strongly recommend is the Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay Deep Pore Cleansing Face & Body Mask. Itโs not only good for cleaning your scalp but can also be used on the face and body as well, leaving a refreshed sensation after.ย
10. Box Braidsย
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Theyโre timeless. Theyโre chic. And they get the job done.ย
I remember starting every school year with a fresh set of box braids, proudly paired with a perfectly curated outfit for the occasion. The beauty of box braids is their versatilityโthey're clean, easy to maintain, and work for any age, making them a timeless choice for both young girls and adults alike.
I started wearing box braids when I was 9 years old. I remember twisting and turning in the salon chair, crying from being a tender-headed child. Yet when I looked in the mirror, I marveled at the finished product. Although my head throbbed in pain, women would compliment me on the street (which would honestly help the tears dry faster). This is a memory that many can relate to. Besides the emotional significance, the cultural significance is not one to be overlooked either.ย
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Box braids originated in South Africa and date back to 3500 B.C., where they symbolized wealth due to the high cost of the style at the time. While I love the look, like many others, I struggle with a dry scalp that shortens the lifespan of my braids. The Difeel Hair Oil 2.5 OZ and the Mielle Rosemary Mint Growth Oil 2 OZ not only kept my scalp moisturized but would also help encourage growth.
Exploring different hairstyles for fall is not just about looking goodโitโs about honoring the cultural significance behind the styles and recognizing the women who paved the way. These styles are in fact protective yes, but they also hold stories and memories that just canโt be bought at a trip to the salon. Whether you try a fresh new look or stick with a classic, remember that every style tells a story.
Contributing edits by our summer โ24 program volunteer Lauren Corcoran, with final oversight & edits by Amarissa Imoukhuede, Founder & Editor-in-Chief of Fashion Talk.
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