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    1. Beauty
    2. Hair

    18 Fall Hairstyles Perfect for Crisp Weather

    It's all about muted tones and high gloss.

    By Taylore Glynn
    Published 29 September 2021 In Features

    When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

    Faill Hairstyles
    (Image credit: Getty Images)
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    Whether you're a current student or hung up your graduation cap years ago, September always brings a sense of renewal. Maybe it's the act of whipping out your flannels from the back of the closet, heading home from a summer abroad, or relishing in the welcome drop in temperature—but for whatever reason, it feels like time for a reset, at least for me. I find that as I archive my tank tops, bathing suits, and Rowing Blazers shorts in favor of boyfriend jeans and fisherman sweaters, I also crave a change when it comes to my hair. My summer hairstyles usually end up looking devil-may-care thanks to sweltering heat and miscellaneous water sports, so by the time Labor Day rolls around, I'm ready to bring some polish back to my look. I always see fall as a chance to up my hair game. Think braids, buns, and curls of every size. Hats. Headbands. Silk scrunchies. The works.

    Luckily, I have inspo to spare thanks to MC's favorite celebs. And sure, they've got pro stylists around to perfect their coifs, but copying their looks at home easier than it looks. 'Tis the season to be ambitious, after all. That's why we've rounded up the best hairstyles to try this fall for all lengths and textures, inspired by the prettiest strands we've seen this year, and offer a little insight into how to get their looks. Hey, thirty days hath September, right?

    Bangs & Bands
    (Image credit: John Shearer)

    Bangs & Bands

    Megan's Met Gala fringe was faux, which means you can try out the look for a night, too. Secure some clip-in bangs, then wrap skinny hair ties around your ponytail about an inch apart get the look.

    A Modern Mullet
    (Image credit: James Devaney)

    A Modern Mullet

    Don't let the M word scare you—Miley is the a prime example of how to make the rocker chic cut accessible. Brish the front down like bangs, then add subtle bends to the back. Sunglasses are optional, but encouraged.

    Long and Lucious
    (Image credit: Kevin Mazur)

    Long and Lucious

    Anyone can have waist length locks with the right extensions. Clip in some faux strands and you, too, can be Rihanna for a night.

    A Trendy Tendril
    (Image credit: David Crotty)

    A Trendy Tendril

    Ari's famous for her high ponies, and this chunky tendril adds an layer of drama. Slick down the top to polish your ponytail, or leave the style looser for a more breezy vibe.

    An Off-Kilter Top Knot
    (Image credit: Daniele Venturelli)

    An Off-Kilter Top Knot

    This style is all about the details: an imperfect angle, a tiny braid, and some hair sticking out at the ends makes for a more memorable bun.

    Brushed-Out Curls
    (Image credit: Frazer Harrison)

    Brushed-Out Curls

    Use a medium-barrel curling iron to wind the hair into spirals, then brush them through for a glamorous look.

    Waves and A Barrette
    (Image credit: George Pimentel)

    Waves and A Barrette

    Something sparkly ups the formality alongside some simple waves.

    The Side Slick
    (Image credit: James Devaney)

    The Side Slick

    Side part your hair and secure the front sections from each side at the nape of your neck with a clear band for an alternative to the standard half-up, half-down look.

    A Scrunched Pony
    (Image credit: Karwai Tang)

    A Scrunched Pony

    If you've got shorter strands, secure them into a tiny pony at the nape of your neck and scrunch the hair left up front.

    One Long Plait
    (Image credit: Jacopo Raule)

    One Long Plait

    A braid this major is the ultimate excuse to try those clip-in extensions you've been thinking about.

    An Edgy, Wet Slick
    (Image credit: Edward Berthelot)

    An Edgy, Wet Slick

    Rake some gel through your roots with a brush, and voila.

    Strategically-Placed Cornrows
    (Image credit: Jacopo Raule)

    Strategically-Placed Cornrows

    Micro cornrows joined by bantu knots above one ear complement a side-swept bounty of curls.

    Bombshell Curls
    (Image credit: Dia Dipasupil)

    Bombshell Curls

    If you've got curls for days, just add some volume and embrace your natural texture.

    The 50/50
    (Image credit: Pascal Le Segretain)

    The 50/50

    This style is all about contrast. Slick your strands tightly against your scalp with gel, then wind up what's left into a loose twist.

    A Sexy Chignon
    (Image credit: Mike Marsland)

    A Sexy Chignon

    An updo doesn't have to be difficult. Add some bends to your strands with a curling wand, then wind your hair into a loose twist and secure with bobby pins.

    An Elegant Braided Bun
    (Image credit: Jamie McCarthy)

    An Elegant Braided Bun

    Braids wound up into an architectural bun is as regal as it gets.

    A Wrapped High Pony
    (Image credit: John Phillips)

    A Wrapped High Pony

    Some loose tendrils around the face and a band of hair wrapped around the base keeps a high ponytail from looking too severe.

    A Proper Headband
    (Image credit: Max Mumby/Indigo)

    A Proper Headband

    Keep your strands out of your fave with a velvet band for a sophisticated touch.

    For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter (subscribe here).

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    Hairstyles
    Marie Claire Newsletter

    Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!

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    Taylore Glynn

    Taylore Glynn is a former beauty and wellness editor for Allure. Previously, she served as beauty and health editor at Marie Claire and Harper’s Bazaar, and her work has appeared in Refinery29, Town & Country, Compound Butter, and RealSelf. She holds a master's degree in English and Creative Writing from Monmouth University. If you need her, she’s probably at the movies, braising a chicken, or evening out her cat eyeliner.

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