As the leaves begin to change and the crisp fall air sets in, it’s the perfect time to refresh your hairstyle. Whether you’re looking to embrace the latest trends or simply want a manageable look for the season, medium-length hair offers a world of possibilities. From effortless waves to sleek and polished styles, the versatility of medium-length hair makes it ideal for experimenting with new looks. Are you wondering how to style your hair for fall? Looking for inspiration that combines elegance with ease? This guide will walk you through 23 stunning medium-length fall hairstyles that are both trendy and practical, ensuring you look fabulous all season long.
Classic Shoulder-Length Layers
Layered cuts never go out of style, and this fall, shoulder-length layers are making a strong comeback. This timeless look adds volume and movement to your hair, making it ideal for those with fine to medium hair textures. The layers frame the face beautifully, enhancing your natural features while offering a relaxed, effortless vibe that suits any occasion. Whether you’re heading to work or enjoying a cozy fall weekend, this hairstyle strikes the perfect balance between casual and chic.
To maintain this look, consider using a volumizing shampoo and conditioner, such as the Living Proof Full Shampoo and Conditioner. These products add body without weighing your hair down. Finish with a light styling cream like the Ouai Finishing Crème to keep your layers defined and frizz-free throughout the day.
Textured Lob with Curtain Bangs
The textured lob, or long bob, paired with curtain bangs is one of the season’s most sought-after looks. This hairstyle adds dimension and texture, perfect for those who want a modern, stylish cut that doesn’t require much maintenance. The curtain bangs effortlessly blend into the layers, making it a versatile choice for anyone with medium-length hair. This look is ideal for those with straight to slightly wavy hair who want to add a bit of edge to their fall style.
To style this look, use a texturizing spray like Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray to add volume and separation. A round brush and blow dryer will help achieve the perfect swoop for the curtain bangs. Finish with a shine serum, such as Moroccanoil Treatment, to keep your hair glossy and frizz-free.
Wavy Blunt Cut
A wavy blunt cut is all about embracing natural texture while keeping the ends sharp and defined. This hairstyle is perfect for medium-length hair as it combines softness with structure, creating a look that’s both playful and polished. The waves add movement and bounce, while the blunt ends offer a chic, contemporary edge. This look is particularly flattering for those with thick hair, as it enhances volume without appearing too heavy.
To create soft, natural waves, use a curling iron with a wide barrel, like the Hot Tools Professional Curling Iron. For added hold and texture, spritz your hair with Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray before curling. Finish with a flexible hold hairspray to keep your waves intact without making them stiff.
Soft Curls with Side Part
Soft curls with a side part offer a romantic and feminine touch to medium-length hair, making it an excellent choice for the fall season. This hairstyle adds volume and body, creating a timeless look that’s perfect for both day and evening events. The side part gives it a modern twist, allowing the curls to cascade beautifully over one shoulder, making it ideal for those with naturally curly or wavy hair.
To achieve these soft curls, use a medium-sized curling wand like the GHD Curve Wand. Prep your hair with a heat protectant spray such as Tresemmé Thermal Creations Heat Tamer and finish with a lightweight hairspray like L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray to keep your curls bouncy and defined.
Sleek and Straight Mid-Length
A sleek and straight mid-length cut is a go-to look for those who prefer a polished and sophisticated style. This hairstyle is perfect for fall, as it complements the season’s structured and tailored fashion trends. The sleek finish adds a level of refinement that can be dressed up or down, making it suitable for any occasion. It’s especially flattering for those with naturally straight hair but can be achieved with the right tools for other hair types as well.
To maintain a sleek and straight look, use a high-quality flat iron like the Dyson Corrale Hair Straightener. Start by applying a smoothing serum, such as John Frieda Frizz Ease Extra Strength Serum, to damp hair. Finish with a shine spray, like CHI Shine Infusion, to add a glossy finish.
Choppy Ends with Subtle Waves
Choppy ends paired with subtle waves create a casual yet stylish look that’s perfect for fall. This hairstyle is ideal for those who want to add a bit of edge to their medium-length hair without going too dramatic. The choppy ends give the hair a textured, lived-in feel, while the subtle waves add a touch of softness, making it a versatile style that works for any occasion.
To style choppy ends, use a sea salt spray like Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe Texturizing Sea Salt Spray to enhance the natural texture of your hair. Lightly twist sections of your hair while blow-drying to create loose waves. Finish with a light pomade, such as Aveda Control Paste, to define the ends and add separation.
Face-Framing Highlights
Face-framing highlights are a fantastic way to brighten up your look for fall. This hairstyle involves strategically placing lighter shades around the face to enhance your features and add dimension to your medium-length hair. It’s a subtle yet effective way to refresh your hair color without a full commitment to dyeing all of your hair. This style is particularly flattering for those with layered cuts, as the highlights accentuate the movement and depth of the layers.
To maintain the vibrancy of your highlights, use a color-protecting shampoo and conditioner, such as Pureology Hydrate Shampoo and Conditioner. A weekly deep conditioning treatment like Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector will help keep your hair healthy and hydrated, ensuring your highlights stay bright and beautiful.
Voluminous Curls with Deep Side Part
Voluminous curls combined with a deep side part create a bold and glamorous look that’s perfect for making a statement this fall. This hairstyle adds height and body, giving medium-length hair an elegant and sophisticated vibe. The deep side part adds a touch of drama, allowing the curls to sweep across the face, making it a perfect choice for special occasions or a night out.
To achieve voluminous curls, use hot rollers or a large curling iron like the Conair Xtreme Big Curls Rollers. Apply a volumizing mousse such as Kenra Volume Mousse Extra 17 to damp hair before styling. Finish with a strong hold hairspray like Sebastian Shaper Plus Hairspray to keep your curls in place all day or night.
Messy Beach Waves
Messy beach waves are a perfect way to carry a bit of summer into your fall look. This hairstyle offers a relaxed, effortless vibe, making it ideal for those who prefer a more laid-back style. The tousled waves add texture and volume to medium-length hair, creating a look that’s both chic and carefree. It’s an excellent choice for those with naturally wavy or curly hair, as it enhances the natural texture while adding a bit of structure.
To create messy beach waves, use a wave-enhancing spray like Ouai Wave Spray on damp hair. Scrunch your hair with your hands while blow-drying or let it air dry for a more natural look. For added texture, finish with a dry texturizing spray like Amika Un.Done Volume and Matte Texture Spray.
Layered Bob with Tapered Ends
A layered bob with tapered ends offers a sleek and polished look for fall. This hairstyle combines the classic appeal of a bob with the modern touch of tapered ends, creating a sophisticated style that’s perfect for medium-length hair. The layers add movement and volume, while the tapered ends give the hair a sharp, clean finish. This look is ideal for those who want a low-maintenance yet stylish haircut that can easily transition from day to night.
To style this look, use a smoothing balm like Redken Frizz Dismiss Rebel Tame to control flyaways and keep your hair sleek. Blow-dry your hair with a round brush to add volume to the roots and create a smooth finish at the ends. Finish with a lightweight shine spray like Paul Mitchell Soft Style The Shine for added gloss.
Retro-Inspired Flip
The retro-inspired flip is a playful and nostalgic hairstyle making a comeback this fall. This look is characterized by flipped-out ends that give medium-length hair a fun and flirty vibe. It’s a great option for those who want to add a bit of vintage flair to their fall style. The flip can be styled in various ways, from subtle to dramatic, depending on your preference. This hairstyle works well for those with straight or slightly wavy hair.
To create a retro flip, use a large round brush while blow-drying to flip the ends outward. A flat iron can also be used for a more defined flip. Apply a heat protectant spray like CHI 44 Iron Guard Thermal Protection Spray before styling, and finish with a strong hold hairspray like Bed Head by TIGI Hard Head Hair Spray to keep the flip in place.
Wispy Bangs with Medium Length
Wispy bangs paired with medium-length hair create a soft, romantic look that’s perfect for fall. These bangs are light and feathered, adding a touch of femininity without overwhelming the face. They seamlessly blend with the rest of the hair, making them a great choice for those who want to try bangs without committing to a heavy, blunt fringe. This hairstyle is particularly flattering for those with oval or heart-shaped faces.
To style wispy bangs, use a small round brush while blow-drying to create a gentle curve. A light styling cream like Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Primer will help control frizz and add a soft texture. Finish with a light mist of hairspray, such as Dove Style+Care Flexible Hold Hairspray, to keep the bangs in place without making them stiff.
Tousled Bedhead Look
The tousled bedhead look is all about embracing the natural texture and movement of your hair. This effortlessly chic hairstyle is perfect for fall, offering a relaxed and carefree vibe that’s ideal for everyday wear. The key to this look is to create a messy, lived-in texture that looks stylish without being overly styled. It’s a great option for those with naturally wavy or curly hair, but can also be achieved with straight hair using the right products.
To create the tousled bedhead look, start by applying a texturizing mousse like Garnier Fructis Style Curl Construct Mousse to damp hair. Scrunch your hair with your hands while blow-drying or let it air dry for a more natural finish. For added volume and texture, use a dry shampoo like Batiste Dry Shampoo to give your hair that perfect “just rolled out of bed” look.
Half-Up Half-Down Knot
The half-up half-down knot is a versatile and stylish option for medium-length hair, perfect for fall outings or casual events. This hairstyle combines the best of both worlds, allowing you to keep your hair out of your face while still showing off your natural length and texture. The knot adds a touch of elegance, making it a great option for those who want a polished yet relaxed look.
To create this style, gather the top section of your hair and twist it into a knot at the crown of your head. Secure it with bobby pins or a small elastic band. For added volume, tease the hair at the crown before creating the knot. Finish with a light hold hairspray like Herbal Essences Set Me Up Hairspray to keep the knot in place while allowing the rest of your hair to flow naturally.
Boho Braids with Loose Waves
Boho braids combined with loose waves create a romantic and whimsical look that’s perfect for the fall season. This hairstyle is ideal for medium-length hair, offering a blend of texture and style that suits any occasion. The braids add an intricate detail, while the loose waves give the hair a soft and natural feel. It’s a great choice for those who love a bohemian-inspired look that’s both trendy and timeless.
To achieve this look, start by creating loose waves with a curling wand. Then, take small sections of hair from each side and braid them, securing the ends with small elastics. You can also incorporate decorative hairpins or beads for an added boho touch. Finish with a flexible hold hairspray like L’Oreal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray to keep the braids and waves in place.
Glossy Straight Layers
Glossy straight layers are a sleek and sophisticated option for medium-length hair this fall. This hairstyle emphasizes shine and smoothness, creating a polished and refined look that’s perfect for both professional and casual settings. The layers add dimension and movement, while the glossy finish makes the hair look healthy and vibrant. It’s a great option for those with straight hair, but can also be achieved with the right styling tools for other hair types.
To achieve glossy straight layers, start by applying a smoothing serum like Kérastase Elixir Ultime Oil Serum to damp hair. Blow-dry your hair with a paddle brush to create a smooth finish, and then use a flat iron for added sleekness. Finish with a shine spray like Kenra Shine Spray to give your hair that extra glossy finish.
Effortless Low Ponytail
The effortless low ponytail is a classic and timeless hairstyle that’s perfect for medium-length hair. This look is all about simplicity and elegance, making it a great choice for busy fall days when you need a quick and easy hairstyle. The low ponytail can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion, and works well with both straight and wavy hair. It’s a versatile option that can easily transition from day to night.
To create an effortless low ponytail, start by brushing your hair back to smooth out any tangles. Gather your hair at the nape of your neck and secure it with an elastic band. For a more polished look, wrap a small section of hair around the elastic to conceal it. Finish with a light hold hairspray like Pantene Pro-V Airspray to keep your ponytail in place without making it stiff.
Layered Shag with Fringe
The layered shag with fringe is a trendy and edgy hairstyle that’s perfect for fall. This look combines the classic shag haircut with a modern twist, featuring choppy layers and a fringe that frames the face. The layers add volume and texture, while the fringe gives the hairstyle a cool, laid-back vibe. It’s a great choice for those with medium-length hair who want a bold and stylish look that’s easy to maintain.
To style a layered shag with fringe, use a texturizing spray like Not Your Mother’s Double Take Dry Finish Texture Spray to enhance the natural texture of your hair. Blow-dry your hair with a diffuser to add volume and movement, and finish with a light hold hairspray like Tresemmé Compressed Micro Mist Hairspray to keep your style in place.
Soft Ombre on Medium Hair
Soft ombre is a beautiful way to add a touch of color to your medium-length hair this fall. This hairstyle features a gradual transition from darker roots to lighter ends, creating a subtle yet striking effect. The soft ombre look is perfect for those who want to experiment with color without making a drastic change. It’s a great option for all hair types and textures, and it can be customized to suit your personal style.
To maintain the vibrancy of your ombre, use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner like Matrix Biolage Colorlast Shampoo and Conditioner. A weekly deep conditioning treatment like Amika Soulfood Nourishing Mask will help keep your hair healthy and hydrated, ensuring your ombre stays soft and shiny.
Medium Length with Bold Color Streaks
Bold color streaks are a fun and daring way to add some personality to your medium-length hair this fall. This hairstyle features vibrant streaks of color that stand out against your natural hair color, creating a striking contrast. Whether you opt for bold reds, blues, or purples, color streaks are a great way to express your individuality and make a statement with your hair. This look is perfect for those who want to experiment with color without committing to a full dye job.
To maintain the vibrancy of your color streaks, use a color-protecting shampoo and conditioner like Joico Color Infuse Red Shampoo and Conditioner. A weekly gloss treatment like Kristin Ess Signature Gloss will help keep your color streaks bright and shiny.
Textured Lob with Blunt Bangs
The textured lob with blunt bangs is a bold and stylish choice for fall. This hairstyle combines the popular lob haircut with straight, blunt bangs that make a statement. The textured ends add movement and dimension, while the blunt bangs create a strong, defined look. This style is perfect for those with medium-length hair who want a trendy and modern look that’s easy to maintain.
To style a textured lob with blunt bangs, use a volumizing mousse like L’Oreal Paris Advanced Hairstyle BOOST IT Volume Inject Mousse to add body and texture. Blow-dry your bangs straight with a round brush, and use a flat iron to smooth out any kinks. Finish with a shine spray like Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Anti-Frizz Serum to keep your hair looking polished and sleek.
Center Parted Sleek Look
The center-parted sleek look is a timeless and elegant hairstyle that’s perfect for fall. This style features a sharp center part with sleek, straight hair that frames the face beautifully. It’s a great option for those with medium-length hair who want a polished and sophisticated look that’s easy to achieve. This hairstyle is particularly flattering for those with oval or round faces, as it creates a balanced and symmetrical appearance.
To create a center-parted sleek look, start by applying a smoothing serum like Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum to damp hair. Blow-dry your hair with a paddle brush to create a smooth finish, and use a flat iron for added sleekness. Finish with a shine spray like Moroccanoil Glimmer Shine to give your hair a glossy finish.
Medium Length with Deep Waves
Deep waves are a glamorous and eye-catching option for medium-length hair this fall. This hairstyle features large, defined waves that add volume and texture, creating a luxurious and sophisticated look. The deep waves are perfect for special occasions or a night out, but can also be dressed down for a more casual, everyday style. This look is particularly flattering for those with thick hair, as the waves add movement without weighing the hair down.
To create deep waves, use a large barrel curling iron like the Hot Tools Professional 24K Gold Curling Iron. Apply a heat protectant spray like Tresemmé Thermal Creations Heat Tamer before styling, and finish with a flexible hold hairspray like Kenra Professional Volume Spray 25 to keep your waves in place.
Conclusion
This fall, medium-length hair offers endless possibilities for stylish and versatile looks. From sleek and straight styles to textured waves and bold color choices, there’s something for everyone. As you experiment with these trends, remember to choose a style that not only suits your personality but also complements your lifestyle. Whether you’re heading to the office, enjoying a cozy weekend, or attending a special event, these medium-length hairstyles will ensure you look your best all season long. Feel free to leave a comment below with your favorite fall hairstyle or any tips you have for maintaining these looks!
