The Six Autumn Hair Trends To Bookmark, According To Kendall Jenner's Hairstylist
There's nothing quite like the promise of a new season to instil a sense of experimentation in all of us. It could be found in a new suede jacket and embracing the sheer dressing trend. Or the spritz of a scent far from your usual, and failsafe olfactive category. Or even, for some, now is the perfect opportunity to add fresh appeal to a once go-to hairstyle.
Whether it's a soft seasonal shake-up or a dramatic, five-inch cut, there are myriad ways to freshen up your hair for autumn. Below, celebrity hairdresser Sam McKnight - the man behind the tresses of Kendall Jenner, Sienna Miller and Kate Moss - outlines some of his favourite looks taking shape this season.
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The Autumn Hair Trends For 2024
Full Fringes
'I'm really loving long fringes right now,' says McKnight. Whether on the runway (see: Dries Van Noten's extra-long fringes which skimmed past models' eyes and were styled poker-straight for the AW24 show) or on the red carpet (see: Dakota Johnson's fringe), they have become the ultimate accessory to add interest to any and every hairstyle.
This season, McKnight says fringes are becoming heavier, replacing the wispy bangs that dominated our algorithms over summer. 'It's more full than classic curtain bangs. Think of a fringe that's turned under and layers down the side,' he notes. 'These fringes are inspired by French actors from the Fifties and Sixties and have a soft, subtle flick.'
Burgundy Reds
If you're growing tired of your same-old highlights and the 'just a trim' you now have memorised at your local hair salon, now could be just the time to reinvigorate your colour and cut. Whether it's a subtle black cherry tone or bold burgundy balayage, there's been an uptick in intrigue for deep red tones, thanks to Dua Lipa's current cherry cola hair.
'In the summer, it’s all about the lightness with many of us choosing to experiment with blonde hair. But I think in autumn and winter you definitely can go a bit bolder because you're not in the sun and your colour won't get bleached or tarnished as easily,' shares McKnight.
Plait Nostalgia
A plait once held cutesy, saccharine connotations. Reimagined on the runway at Chopova Lowena and seen on every street style rotation, plaits have had a major rebrand of late - they're messier; revamped with brighter colour combinations and bold accessories. 'I think people are using them at the moment and having more fun with them than previously - they're a little more punky as opposed to romantic,' shares McKnight.
Velcro Roller Volume
'There's definitely a move towards hair that looks more "done" and polished,' McKnight explains. Moving away from our brat summer, a sense of glamour took over the runway, with velcro rollers - and XXL volume - enjoying a moment in the spotlight.
Velcro rollers aren't always foolproof, but there are a few simple tricks to master the art. 'Spray your hair with hairspray and then roll it up, and clip it, to allow the hair to set,' he shares. 'Or if you want even more volume, spray some Sam McKnight Super Lift through the roots, or employ an old school mousse to amp up the drama.'
The Platinum Shag Haircut
'I love that people are bleaching their hair again and and having a really bold Debbie Harry moment that's reminiscent of her iconic shag haircut,' says McKnight.
Edgier than its 1970s counterpart, the beauty of this hairstyle is that after the intricate cut, it's extremely low-maintenance, as the layers help frame the face and add instant texture and volume. The modern iteration works for every face shape, hair type and texture and can be completed personalised to you - speak to your hairstylist about your desired length and your natural curl or coil pattern.
Bob Mania And Buzzcuts
Short hair - namely the bob - is undoubtedly the most covetable move hair-wise now. Whether a bold buzzcut or one of the endless bob trends (choppy bob, blunt bob; the list never ends), we're all in the mood to embrace shorter, sharper hair.
One for the new-season hair mood board, butterfly bobs are now piquing the interest of TikTokers, which sees a winged finish (like the wings of a butterfly) and lots of natural movement.
'It's great to see the return to short hair, but regardless of TikTok trends, it should be something you do for you - your hair should be about individuality,' McKnight concludes.
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