Fall 2016 Preview: The Season's Hottest Hair Trends

Labor Day weekend is quickly approaching, with fall riding its coattails. As the weather cools, it's time to segue from beachswept locks and go for crisp and colorful styles to usher in a fresh (and fun!) start. Here's what's trending in tresses for Fall 2016.

From Laverne Cox to Rose Byrne to Kim Kardashian, The Lob, short for long bob, continues to dominate the celebrity hair trend for 2016. 

According to Drea Richard Baldini, owner of Andre Richard Salon in Philadelphia, this versatile style is popular choice among customers. “Everyone loves [the lob] because it can be swept up in knot, or worn sleek,” she said.  “All hair types and styles can wear it beautifully.” But, be sure to hone in on the kind of lob that works best for you before going under the shears. “Make sure you bring a picture of what you want so your stylist knows exactly what you are looking for,” Baldini said. “Sometimes a client uses different terminology and the result can be disastrous.”

You can easily pull off retro finger waves, which will be a major trend for Fall 2016. “To make the look ready for every-day wear, mist your entire head with a product like White Sands Liquid Texture Firm Thermal Styling Spray, brush through, and use the heat of your blow dryer to set this spray for extra hold, shine, and heat protection," says Fernando Salas, creator of White Sands Haircare. "Then, create a deep side part and section hair into three [parts]: two sections on the side, and one in back. Use a ¾-inch curling iron, and starting at the bottom of your hair and working your way up, curl the hair in alternating directions of under and over, which, when brushed, will mimic a soft S of a finger wave.” 

This fall, brunette hues with subtle highlights a la Salma Hayek, Jennifer Garner, and Natalie Portman are on trend. “Natural warm dimension in a more neutral tone, without brassiness, provides a sexy, discrete nuance of color in whiskey or brandy tones," says George Alderete, Keune North American Creative Ambassador for Keune Haircosmetics, North America.  "Hand painting the color creates a more dimensional effect that can be worn smooth or silky.”

Rose gold is already big. “Clients are already seeing this trend and because of its fresh and unique nature, everyone is asking for it," says Lorean Cairns, founder of Fox and Jane Salons. "Rose gold is wonderful because it's complimentary to so many skin type and hair colors. I also love Rose gold because it has so many different variations.” Also hot in the pastels area? Shades like smoky lilac. It seems the only rule is to have fun this year!

Another top contender for hottest fall hair trend is Framelayage. This is a technique where balayage is placed primarily around the frame of the face, and the fringe.  “The back sections of the hair get darker as they move away from the face. It’s something like an ombre for just the face frame," says Cairns. "This way we can achieve the darker hues that we covet for fall, while keeping a brightness near our face."

If you are not ready for a big change, a small move like going up or down a shade in your color can make a big difference. (Halsey just debuted darker tresses at the VMAs!) “Coloring hair a darker shade is one of the quickest ways to hit the refresh button post-summer,” says Amy Errett founder and CEO of Madison Reed. “Rich, dark shades are not only seasonally appropriate for the cooler weather; they instantly add a touch of sophistication.” Rest assured, going darker isn’t something to be afraid of.  

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