Autumn always feels like the best time for a beauty overhaul. With Christmas fast approaching, you have a few months to test out a new style before the flurry of festive events you’ll want to look glam for. Not only that, but a mini makeover will brighten up what can admittedly be a dreary few months.
But which hair trends should we be eyeing up this autumn? To find out, we spoke to Antoinette Beenders, hair artistry director at luxe hair brand Aveda, for some advice on autumn/winter 2024’s hottest cuts and colours. From fringe advice to a hack for flawless party hair, here’s all the intel you need…
What are this season’s trendiest haircuts?
‘On autumn-winter catwalks, we’ve seen the real return of power dressing,’ Antoinette says. ‘We’re seeing lots more sharp lines and shoulder pads from designers like Stella McCartney, Victoria Beckham and Schiaparelli.
‘You need a similarly strong hair look to compliment this,’ she advises. ‘Long hair is gradually being replaced by shorter and shorter cuts – first we had the lob, but for winter I think people will be going for an even shorter crop. Like with fashion more generally, it’s a gender-fluid way of thinking about hair. I’d suggest wearing it in a really cool, androgynous way for festive events: a little cropped cut with an oversized suit, for example.
‘If you prefer a longer, more feminine style, give your cut a refresh with a fringe,’ Antoinette suggests. ‘Rather than the curtain bangs that dominated last season, fuller fringes are back in. If you want to go even further, both micro fringes and curly fringes are having a moment. My top tip is that your fringe shouldn’t finish any wider than the end of your eyebrow, to avoid it looking blocky or making your face look wider.’
What are this season’s must-try hair colours?
Autumn brings to mind golds, oranges and browns, and Antoinette says this season’s hottest hair shades will follow suit. ‘The ultimate trend this autumn is a strong copper, which is basically pumpkin-spice hair.’
‘I’m also seeing a lot of blondes who want to go brown,’ Antoinette continues. ‘Bronze shades are great for this winter, but I’d opt for cooler hues rather than something brassy and warm. Basically, you want a colour that reflects the weather outside, rather than something richer that would be better suited to summer.’
What’s your favourite quick hair hack?
Plenty of us will be opting for chic slicked-back looks through winter (let’s be honest, they’re a godsend for non-hair wash days). Antoinette has a simple hack she uses backstage at fashion week to finish and set these styles, and avoid the dreaded flyaways that are so common when hair frizzes in the cold winter weather.
‘I take a kabuki make-up brush,’ she says, ‘the little, short stump one, and I spray Aveda’s Control Force Hairspray on it. Then I stroke it over the top of the head, and it gets rid of all the flyways and adds a perfect shine. It works every time, and gives that beautiful, expensive finish we’re all after.’
What one product couldn’t you live without for winter?
Just like your skin, your hair often needs a bit of extra love in the winter to stop it from drying out in the bad weather. ‘That’s even more important for women who are colouring their hair,’ Antoinette adds.
‘For that reason, I love Aveda’s Botanical Repair Strengthening Leave-In Treatment. It’s made with plant extracts which repair and protect the bonds in damaged hair, and it’s a must-use for anyone that’s blow-drying, straightening or curling their locks regularly though winter.’
