Even if you haven't been back to school shopping in quite some time, there's something about the fall that always feels like a fresh start. What better way to channel that feeling than a fresh haircut? After a summer of chlorine, salt water, and sweaty ponytails, your hair deserves a little TLC. Whether you're looking to make a drastic change (buzz cut anyone?) or add some subtle layers, fall 2019 has brought with it a selection of amazing haircuts. Go retro with the perfect '70s shag. Or follow the likes of Kim Kardashian and go for sleek blunt bob. Whatever you're in the market for, we talked to the experts and rounded up the coolest haircuts for all lengths and hair types. Read on for the best haircuts of the fall, and maybe take a risk or two.
Bardot Bangs
If you don't want to cut off too much length, but are itching for a change, vintage-inspired Bardot bangs are the perfect way to go. They frame your face and add some retro flair, and they look cool with the rest of your hair thrown up in a bun. To get it right, "explain that you want the bangs to be long enough to cave into your face and sweep to the side," says celebrity hairstylist Alex Brown. "Ask to have them blend into the rest of your haircut."
Long and Beachy
Just because summer's coming to an end doesn't mean you have to give up your beach waves. If your hair is already long, just go for a trim and add long layers for a little movement. To get the sexy texture, celebrity hairstylist and T3 Micro ambassador Laura Polko swears by drying hair with the T3 Soft Curl Diffuser.
Full and Curly
Natural curls are finally having their moment, and to celebrate that go for a cut that shows off their volume. Lauren Moser, founder of Hair Lab Detroit, says to ask for both external and internal layers to make hair less bulky and create shape. When it comes to styling the cut, she says the key is to layer product and make sure curls are 100 percent 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.)
Vintage Bob
You really can't go wrong with a bob, which has been trending for years now. While the choppy bob is definitely having a moment, a more rounded shape has a retro 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.
Long 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 a long bang to get that feel.
Blunt Bob
If you're ready for a big chop, spring for a super chic 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.
Classic 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. Brown prefers the length with minimal layering for a more modern look, and likes to style it with a loose bend with 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.
Breezy Bangs
If you want a boho look but are sick of the shag, a classic '70s bang is the ticket. Pair longer shaggy layers with loose, brow skimming bangs. 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.
Blunt 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 the statement cut of the season, the style looks equally as good in collarbone-grazing lob.
Curly 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.
Curly Fringe
While you might think bangs are only for straight hair, allow Natasha Lyonne 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 told us. "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."
Buzz Cut
Off with your hair! “A short, tight cut shows people that you’re confident,” says Tresemmé celebrity stylist John D.
'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.