From the hot new colour to have, the cut we're all going to be asking our stylist for, the accessory you won't be without and the fringe that is easy to style
We know summer isn’t over yet, but if you're anything like us and you're already dreaming about a new season (hello chunky knits and cosy nights in) then chances are you may have also given some thought to how you want to refresh your hair too. Because a new season means finding a hair look that will transform you from your favourite summer hair trends to something fresh, new and exciting for autumn. Which is exactly why we sat down with celebrity hair stylist, Syd Hayes (he regularly styles Kate Moss and Bella Hadid’s hair don't cha know) to get his predictions of the hair cuts, styles and colours we’re all going to be asking for and creating this autumn. They range from the new easy-to-style fringe to the hair accessory that goes with every new outfit you've got planned. And the great news is, there’s something to suit everyone regardless of hair length and hair type.
The Autumn 2022 haircuts
Face framing fringe
Unlike micro fringes - aka the Joan of Arc fringe - or heavy choppy fringes a la Marianne from Normal People which led us all to frantically searching ‘how to cut your own fringe’, this season’s fringe is everything you hope a fringe is going to be; low maintenance, easy to style yourself and suits all hair types. We're so confident in the 2022 fringe that we think it will convert even the most rigid non-fringe-believers. As the name suggests it sits just above the cheekbones and frames your face rather than cutting across it - look to the new Mrs Beckham, Nicola Peltz Beckham - for inspo. “This type of fringe is a great way to update your look and cut away any dead ends,” says Syd. “What makes it really versatile is that it still leaves the length so it’s much easier to style and will work on all face shapes.”
The Sachel
Imagine morphing together the iconic ‘Rachel' cut and ‘the shag’ aka the more stylish version of a mullet and that’s how you create The Sachel. It has the layers of The Rachel with the more relaxed look of The Shag . It’s also the perfect style if you’re currently sporting a shag and want to grow it out as it will almost naturally morph into The Sachel. It works on all hair textures but you do need a certain amount of length to create the different layers so if you’re currently sporting a sleek bob, you will have to grow your hair out a bit. Supermodel and Cindy Crawford’s daughter, Kaia Gerber rocks it perfectly. “ If you’ve been growing your shag this is the perfect moment to rock the modern Rachel,” says Syd. “Give it a modern twist by keeping the shape around the face a little longer but still featuring those sliced layers.” He also recommends using a texture spray through the roots and mid-lengths to give the hair some extra volume. Syd loves R+Co’s Zig Zag Root Teasing and Texture Spray, £30.
The Autumn 2022 hair colours
High Gloss Autumn
Syd describes this colour as “a rich, warm chestnut that has a subtle flash of that perfect golden hour at sunset.” Think of those perfect hazy autumnal colours and this is that in hair hue form. It’s definitely one to head to your salon for because it requires combining a couple of tones together to create the perfect colour that works with your skin tone, but it's a great choice for natural brunettes who want to add some lightness to their hair in the darker months. Looking for a celebrity pic to take to the salon with you to show your colourist? JLo’s wedding hair colour is high gloss autumn perfection.
Copper Fire Nights
Sticking with the autumnal feels, this hair colour is a gorgeously deep copper tone just like Bridgerton's Phoebe Dynevor. The complexity of this colour is definitely best left to the professionals and whilst all hair colours can give it a go, although lighter colours will take less processing to achieve it, there is one universal truth with this colour. “This colour is hard to keep as it fades quickly making it a slightly high maintenance choice, but it's worth it because it always looks so beautiful,” says Syd. His advice? “Ask your colourist if they can give you a top-up gloss to use at home for when you want to add a little more intensity. Failing that pop back into the salon for a little touch-up gloss treatment every few weeks.”
The Autumn 2022 hairstyles
The return of the headband
Whether you call them Alice bands or headbands, just know they are back this autumn and we’re all going to be wearing one. And this is a trend that very much came from the catwalk. At Dior models were sporting gold beaded bands that were placed just behind reverse French plaits. At Roksanda, it was a slightly more understated look, with black fabric being tied around the model’s heads and teamed with a messy bun. And at Fashion East, black leather headbands were paired with ponytails that were looped around the back of the band. “Headbands are not only look really strong but have a great problem-solving purpose in that they’re brilliant at disguising greasy roots,” says Syd. “Wear one with a high-top knot, a braided pony or a beehive if you can do one, they look brilliant.”
Botticelli Waves
This look is the antithesis of easy summer waves. These are structured, glamorous and set waves inspired by the gorgeous muses of Italian painter, Botticelli. Think old-school Hollywood glamour, the type of look that is sported on every red carpet by Megan Fox. Lizzo is also partial to a gorgeous Botticelli wave and Stacey Solomon is a pro at doing them herself. This is a look that takes time and requires some good prep products sprayed onto the hair to help it retain the style - we love L’Oréal Professional Tecni Art Pli, £13.72 as does nearly every professional hairdresser. Syd recommends investing in the BaByliss 9000 Cordless Waver, £180. Not only does the lack of cord make it easier to style yourself, but you can always take it with you if you are worried your hair is going to drop and put a bit more of a bend back into your hair. This style really does work on all hair lengths as even if you have a short bob you can still create a few waves.