The Coolest Fall Haircuts for 2021
’70s Flip
Over on TikTok, 1970s Farah Fawcett style hair is dominating as the coolest look of the season. To get it, ask your stylist for curtain bangs long enough to tuck behind your ears and long layers throughout. For retro volume, blow-dry with a round brush, and then use Velcro rollers or hot rollers for extra oomph.
fresh start. What better way to channel that than with the coolest fall haircuts for 2021? After a summer of chlorine, saltwater, and sweaty ponytails, your hair deserves a little extra attention.
Fall is a great time to make a change, whether you’re looking for something subtle that will be easy to upkeep or something dramatic because why the hell not. A few of our favorite suggestions? Go retro with the perfect ’70s shag haircut, or get an Insta-favorite French bob if you’re ready to go shorter. Whatever you’re in the market for, we talked to the experts and rounded up the coolest fall haircuts for every length and hair type. Read on for the biggest haircut trends for fall, and maybe take a risk or two.
All products featured on Glamour are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Instagram/@emmajeanclarke_1/29’70s Flip
Over on TikTok, 1970s Farah Fawcett style hair is dominating as the coolest look of the season. To get it, ask your stylist for curtain bangs long enough to tuck behind your ears and long layers throughout. For retro volume, blow-dry with a round brush, and then use Velcro rollers or hot rollers for extra oomph.
Getty Images2/29Long and Healthy
With limited social events over the past 18 months, it’s been the perfect time to work on really rehabbing your hair. Because of that, celebrity hairstylist Jen Atkin says super-long length is this fall’s biggest trend. The quickest way to healthy hair? Skip the dryer and curling iron, and lean into applying more masks for your longest, strongest hair ever.
Instagram/@markryansalon3/29Modern Diana
If the new Spencer trailer has you thinking about a Diana-inspired chop, you’re not alone. Ryan Trygstad, celebrity hairstylist and cofounder of New York’s Mark Ryan Salon, says he’s been giving his clients a modern take on the princess’s iconic cut. “It’s such a fresh look for 2021 and exudes confidence and style,” he says. “The cut itself is a mixture of a very short layered bob edging toward a pixie.”
Alex Brown4/29Curtain Bangs
Don’t want to cut off too much length but itching for a change? Vintage-inspired curtain bangs are the perfect way to go. They frame your face and add some retro flair, plus they look cool with the rest of your hair thrown up in a bun. “I love the way these bangs cave right into your cheekbones to accentuate your eyes—and they can add contour to round face shapes,” says celebrity hairstylist Alex Brown. “They are easy to style as long as your stylist cuts them short-to-long, to blend into the rest of your haircut. Explain that you want your bangs to be long enough to cave into your face and sweep to the side.”
.jpg)
Instagram/@chloehelenmiles5/29French Bob
Call it the Emily in Paris effect, but the French bob is officially fall’s coolest cut. “A French bob is typically shorter than your typical chin-length bob we’ve been seeing a lot of lately,” says Brown. “It has a bit of a wedge look to it and is so chic and stylish.” The cut looks amazing on all hair textures, but Brown particularly likes it with air-dried waves. Ask your stylist for a one-length blunt cut right at your chin, bangs optional.
Instagram / @selenagomez6/29Invisible Layers
“The most modern variation of layering is a slight angle around your face, usually starting around your chin and working its way down to the length,” says Brown. If you’ve ever looked at any It girl’s perfectly tousled cut and wondered how she gets all that movement without sacrificing length, invisible layers are to thank. The trick is to keep the layers long and seamless to take out weight, and add texture and volume without looking too obvious. “Blending the layers is very important—they have to be cut properly to look seamless,” says Brown. “Using a technique to remove weight from the ends will make the layers appear very soft and blended.” She also suggests using layers to subtly frame your face by asking for your shortest piece to hit right at your cheekbone.
.jpg)
Full and Curly
Bring out the definition in your curls with a cut that plays up their volume. Lauren Moser, founder of Hair Lab Detroit, says to ask for both external and internal layers to make hair less bulky and to create shape. When it comes to styling the cut, she says the key is to layer product and make sure your curls are 100% dry before touching them too much: “Then, and only then, you can work and open up your curls without the worry of frizz.” (P.S.: These products help.)
Instagram/@kimkardashian8/29Rounded Bob
You really can’t go wrong with a bob, which is an eternal classic. While a choppier cut is definitely having a moment, a more rounded shape has a throwback feel that’s a little more sophisticated. “A rounded bob is fantastic because it flatters nearly every face shape,” says Andrew Fitzsimons, celebrity hairstylist and NatureLab Tokyo brand ambassador. The best length, he says, depends on which features you want to highlight (so go for a lob, like Kim K.’s here, if you want the emphasis on your jawline, or go shorter if you want to draw attention to your cheekbones).
Tony Barson/ Getty Images9/29Close Crop
While the Big Chop is hardly a trend, it’s been a particularly big year for women transitioning from relaxed to natural hair. “The big chop is definitely a cut that isn’t going away anytime soon,” says Jamila Powell, owner of Miami’s Maggie Rose Salon. “This short, cropped look frames your face and is low-maintenance.” Start fresh with a cropped cut—or even a buzz cut—so your curls grow in with all their natural glory.
David M. Benett/Getty Images10/29’70s Shag
If effortlessly cool is your vibe, a shag is the perfect cut for you because it looks great with minimal styling and has a rocker feel, with or without bangs. To get the lived-in look, Sebastian’s lead international stylist Anthony Cole says to ask for internal or shattered layers. (Check out some of our other favorite shag haircut ideas as well.)
Instagram/@salsalhair11/29’90s Crop Bob
The coolest place to find hair inspo this season is in the past, like this ’90s-inspired sharp bob. The blunt ends and super-short length give a classic bob a cool edge that will look right at home with a pair of Doc Martens. Ask your stylist for a one-length cut that skims your chin (or cheekbones if you’re really daring) and air-dry for an effortless vibe
Instagram/@kourtneykardashian12/29Classic Mid-Length
While it’s easy to discount shoulder-length hair as boring, it’s a classic for a reason. It’s feminine, flattering, and easy to style—plus, it’s a great way to get rid of summer damage without losing too much length. Brown prefers minimal layering for a more modern look and likes to style it with a loose bend using a curling iron or by air-drying with some Ouai Wave Spray. To get the proper length, she recommends reminding your stylist it should be long enough to put up in a ponytail.
Getty Images13/29Breezy Bangs
If you want a boho look but are sick of the shag, classic ’70s bangs are the ticket. Pair longer shaggy layers with loose, brow-skimming bangs. Celeb hairstylist Laura Polko loves this style because it’s so low-maintenance. All you need is a little wave spray and a rough dry, and you’re good to go.
Getty Images14/29Curly Shag
Curly girls looking to embrace a shag will be happy to know that the cut will enhance your texture. “This cut is perfect for the fall season, especially for those wanting to maintain length but still make a change,” says Powell. She notes that the beauty of this style is that it works well with all hair lengths and can be changed up to fit anyone’s facial features. Because of that, she recommends talking to your stylist about what length would look best on you, as well as being clear on how much length you’re willing to lose. “Take into account your lifestyle and how you normally wear your hair,” says Powell. “This look can make it hard for full high ponytails and buns.”
Instagram/@mechesalonla15/29Chandelier Layers
Not sure what to do with your hair? Add bangs, says Alan Vuong, owner of Salon Blanc in Honolulu, who says they are popular on all lengths right now, especially when paired with long layers. “Together they flow seamlessly alongside the contour of your face, with the bangs bringing out your eyes,” he says. He notes that soft sideswept bangs, curtain bangs, and middle-part bangs are all trending, but he especially likes middle-part bangs paired with his signature chandelier layer cut (the long, soft layers you see in the photo here). To get the same look, he says to ask for “long layers at the back and smooth, graduated layers to frame your face.
Courtesy of Jamila Powell16/29Sideswept Bangs
Yes, side bangs can be done in a modern way, especially when you have curls. “A long bang is definitely the perfect option if you’re looking for a change but aren’t ready for a full-fledged bang,” says Powell. “This cut also allows for a deep side part, or a middle part, without that awkward uneven look.” She suggests asking your stylist to dry-cut your curls to get the right shape, and asking them to cut long bangs on the side your natural part falls.
Instagram/@lucyhale17/29Blunt Bob
If you’re ready for a big change, go for a superchic blunt bob. Brown loves it for autumn since it pairs well with turtlenecks and sweaters, and it’s an excellent way to get rid of dry summer ends. To get a really sleek silhouette, she recommends asking for a blunt line with no layers. If you have really thick hair, your stylist may need to take a little take out of the ends to add movement.
Courtesy of Alex Brown18/29Layered Mid-Length
If you’re not looking for a major transformation, some well-placed long layers can make you feel brand new. “I love this haircut for girls wanting movement in their natural texture,” says Brown. “This is great for adding shape and style to thick hair.”
Getty Images19/29Curly Lob
Size does matter—and when it comes to curly hair, stylists agree that bigger is better. “Together, the length and shape of the cut help to build really stunning volume for natural girls,” says Mizani global artistic director and celebrity stylist César Deleön Ramirêz. On Yara Shahidi, her hair’s soft, rounded shape sets this apart from your average lob.
Instagram/@anthonyholguin20/29Long Shag
A shag doesn’t have to mean short. Get the same choppy, lived-in look without sacrificing length. Anthony Holguin, a stylist at celebrity-favorite Nine Zero One Salon, says to ask for shattered layers and long bangs to get that feel.
Courtesy of Jamila Powell21/29Curly Bob
“This cut is trendy but also has a softness to it,” says Powell. “It’s not your traditional blunt bob but is still fashion-forward.” She adds that it’s perfect for someone who definitely wants a change, but it will grow out easily if you decide it’s a one-time thing. She suggests asking your stylist for a chin-length cut with soft layers.
Instagram/@anthonyholguin22/29Blunt Lob
Hulguin notes that more of his clients are asking for blunt cuts, since they’re bold and make your hair look fuller. While a blunt bob is definitely a statement cut, the style looks equally good in a collarbone-grazing lob.
.png)
Instagram/@riawna23/29Polished Lob
“I think 2021 will be all about structure: Out with the messy texture; in comes the polished structure,” says Riawna Capri, co-owner of Nine Zero One in L.A. She says that fuzzy, bedhead hair is being traded in for sleeker styles of all lengths, and you can expect to see “more blunt, thick lines in haircuts instead of shattered, piecey texture.” The polished trend comes at all lengths, like this longer bob. To get the look, Capri says to ask for a blunt, heavy line, with no texture, and trade in your matte texturizers for shine sprays.
.png)
.jpg)
Getty Images24/29Curly Fringe
While you might think bangs are only for straight hair, allow Sandra Oh to convince you otherwise. The secret to getting it right is working with someone who specializes in dry cutting. “Because curls are unpredictable, a trained stylist will want to see what your curls are doing in their natural state,” celebrity hairstylist and Dove curl expert Cynthia Alvarez says. “This will help determine where they’re going to fall, how to frame your face, and how to work with the different textures throughout your head.”
Courtesy of Jamila Powell25/29Blended Layers
One of the biggest color trends for fall 2021 is a transition to gray, but what you might not realize is the switch can be made even smoother with the right cut that enhances your texture and makes your hair look super healthy. “This curl cut allows for a seamless transition to her natural gray while providing optimal shape for her curls,” says Powell. “Ask your stylist to blend your natural hair color and the remaining colored hair. Also, make sure they are familiar with cutting and styling curls to ensure your curls remain full and voluminous.”
Instagram/@thisisjessicatorres26/29Blunt Bangs
Take this photo as a promise that blunt doesn’t have to mean stiff. Ask your stylist for straight-across bangs with a bit of feathering and movement for a retro vibe. Add a little salt spray and you’re good to go. (You should also read our advice on the best bangs tips, straight from the women whose bangs we obsess over.)
Taylor Hill/Getty27/29Cropped Cut
“Considering the current climate, a lot of women are doing their hair at home, therefore easy, effortless looks will be the go-to,” says Naeemah LaFond, Amika’s global artistic director. “Women may take the opportunity to embrace their natural texture more than ever.” A short, cropped cut like Lupita Nyong’o’s is a beautiful way to embrace your texture.
Instagram/@makeupvincent28/29Layered Curls
When it comes to curls, it’s all about layering. “Curly bobs can easily become too wide if a light, long layer isn’t created within the bob line,” says Brown. Have your stylist take some weight out of the main bob line to help it lie effortlessly while still maintaining the overall shape.
.png)
29/29Soft Shag
“Clients are really loving all versions of shaggy bangs and lots of shaggy layers,” says Trygstad. “This style really helps add movement and softness to any haircut.” Since this cut is so versatile, he says to be sure to bring in plenty of visual references to your appointment so you’re on the same page as your stylis
.png)
