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Every year, the first cool morning of fall sends me straight to my bathroom mirror, hair tie in hand, ready to stop fighting my hair and start having fun with it. I keep a short list of easy fall hairstyles I can actually do at home before my coffee gets cold, and I’ve finally gotten that list down to nine favorites.
None of them need a salon visit, a stack of hot tools, or an hour of practice. Most take ten minutes or less once you’ve done them a couple of times.
I picked these because they hold up to wind, scarves, and sweater collars. They also look a little more put together than my usual summer ponytail.
Below you’ll find nine easy hairstyles you can do at home this fall, with what each one needs, why it works, and simple steps to get it done.
1. Low Messy Bun with a Silk Scarf
If I could only wear one style all season, it would be this one. A low messy bun sits right at the nape of your neck, and a silk scarf tied around it adds color without any extra work.
It’s the kind of look that seems planned even when you rolled out of bed ten minutes ago.
Why It Works for Fall
A low bun stays comfortable under a hood or a beanie, and it doesn’t get crushed when you lean back in a car seat. The silk scarf is kind to your hair, too, since smooth fabric causes less friction than a rough cotton tie.
Scarves are also the easiest way to bring fall colors into your hair. Rust, mustard, olive green, and deep burgundy all look lovely against brown, black, red, or blonde hair.
How to Do It
- Brush your hair back loosely with your fingers. Skip the brush if you want it softer.
- Gather it at the nape of your neck and secure it with a soft hair tie.
- Twist the ponytail, wrap it around the base, and pin it with three or four bobby pins.
- Gently tug a few pieces loose around your face and at the back of the bun.
- Fold a 27-inch (70 cm) square silk scarf into a long strip, wrap it around the bun, and tie a small knot or bow underneath.
If your scarf keeps slipping, slide one bobby pin through the knot and into the bun. That one pin will keep it in place all day.
This bun pairs really well with a camel coat and a cream sweater, the kind of look I shared in my post on old money fall outfits. The scarf pulls the whole outfit together.
Key takeaway: A low bun plus a scarf in a fall color gives you a polished look in about five minutes.
2. Half-Up Claw Clip Twist
The claw clip came back a few years ago, and I’m so glad it stayed. This half-up twist keeps hair off your face while still letting the length show, which makes it perfect for days when you want your hair down but can’t stand it in your eyes.
Why It Works for Fall
Fall weather swings a lot. One minute it’s chilly, and you want your hair down to keep your neck warm; the next minute you’re indoors and too hot.
A half-up style gives you both. Your neck stays covered, and the front of your hair stays out of the way while you work, cook, or drive.
It also works on almost every hair type. Straight hair gets a little lift at the crown, and curly hair keeps its shape because you’re not pulling the whole head tight.
How to Do It
- Take the top section of your hair, from the top of your ears up, and gather it at the back of your head.
- Twist that section a couple of times in one direction until it feels firm.
- Fold the twisted section up against your head so the ends point toward the crown.
- Open a medium claw clip and clamp it over the twist, teeth facing down.
- Let the ends fan out over the top of the clip for a softer look, or tuck them in for a neater one.
Pick a clip that matches the size of your hair section. A tiny clip won’t hold thick hair, and a huge one will slide right off fine hair.
Clip Colors That Feel Like Fall
- Tortoiseshell, which goes with almost everything
- Matte brown or caramel
- Deep green or burgundy
- Cream, if your hair is dark and you want contrast
Key takeaway: Twist, fold up, and clip. It takes under two minutes and looks great with both casual and dressy clothes.
3. Sleek Low Ponytail Wrapped in Hair
This is my go-to when I have a meeting, a dinner out, or any day I want to look a bit sharper. It’s just a low ponytail, but wrapping a small piece of your own hair around the hair tie makes it look much more finished.
Why It Works for Fall
A sleek ponytail looks neat with turtlenecks, blazers, and long coats. It doesn’t fight with high collars the way a high ponytail does, and it stays smooth under a hat.
Wrapping hair around the tie hides the elastic. That one small step is what makes people ask if you got your hair done.
How to Do It
- Start with dry hair and a small amount of smoothing cream or hair gel on your palms.
- Brush your hair back toward the nape of your neck. A boar bristle brush gives the smoothest finish.
- Secure the ponytail tightly enough to stay, but not so tight that it pulls on your scalp.
- Take a 1-inch (2.5 cm) piece from the underside of the ponytail.
- Wrap that piece around the hair tie until it’s covered, then pin the end underneath with a bobby pin.
- Smooth down any flyaways with a little more cream or a clean spoolie brush sprayed with hairspray.
Be gentle with how tight you go, especially if you wear this often. The American Academy of Dermatology notes that hairstyles that pull hard on the scalp, worn again and again, can lead to hair loss over time.
A good rule: if your scalp feels sore or you see small bumps along your hairline, loosen it up. Switch your part or the height of the ponytail on different days, too.
Key takeaway: A low ponytail with the hair tie hidden looks clean and grown-up, and it only adds about a minute.
4. Loose Side Braid
There’s something about a soft side braid that just feels like fall to me. It makes me think of apple picking, long walks, and big knit sweaters.
It’s also one of the most forgiving hair ideas out there, because it’s supposed to look a little undone.
Why It Works for Fall
A side braid keeps your hair together on windy days while still looking soft and romantic. It lies flat against your shoulder, so it won’t get tangled in a scarf or bag strap.
It also works on hair that’s a day or two past wash day. A bit of grit actually helps the braid hold.
How to Do It
- Brush all your hair over to one shoulder.
- Split it into three equal sections.
- Braid loosely, crossing the right section over the middle, then the left over the middle, and repeat.
- Stop about 2 inches (5 cm) from the ends and tie it off with a small clear elastic.
- Gently pull on the outer loops of the braid to make it look fuller.
- Tug out a few short pieces around your face.
If your hair is fine, a little texturizing spray before you start will give the braid more body. If your hair is thick, braid a bit tighter at the top so it doesn’t fall apart by lunchtime.
What to Wear It With
This braid looks lovely with an oversized sweater, straight-leg jeans, and ankle boots. I put together a bunch of outfits like that in my roundup of cute fall outfits for women, and this braid goes with nearly all of them.
Key takeaway: Keep the braid loose, pull the loops out, and let a few pieces fall. Messy is the point.
5. Two Dutch Braids
Two Dutch braids are a weekend favorite of mine. They’re sporty, they last for days, and they keep my hair out of the way whether I’m raking leaves or heading to a football game.
Why It Works for Fall
Fall is busy, and this style saves time. Braid once, and you can wear it for two or three days with only a little touch-up.
Dutch braids also leave you with soft waves when you take them out. So you get two looks out of one style.
The braids sit close to your head, so they fit well under a beanie or a baseball cap. They’re one of the most practical cute hairstyles for cold, windy days.
How to Do It
- Part your hair down the middle from your forehead to the nape of your neck.
- Clip one side out of the way.
- Take a small section at your hairline and split it into three pieces.
- Cross the outer pieces under the middle piece instead of over it. That’s what makes it a Dutch braid and not a French braid.
- Each time you cross a piece under, add a little more hair from that side.
- Once you reach the nape of your neck, keep braiding normally to the ends and tie it off.
- Repeat on the other side, trying to match the height and size.
Don’t worry if the two braids don’t match perfectly. Nobody is going to stand behind you with a ruler.
Tips for Beginners
- Practice on slightly damp hair, since it grips better.
- Use a tail comb to make a clean center part.
- Keep your elbows up and hands close to your head for tighter braids.
- If your arms get tired, take a short break. Everyone does.
Key takeaway: Cross the pieces under, not over, and you’ll have a style that lasts all weekend.
6. Heatless Headband Waves
If you want waves but hate the thought of a curling iron, this one is for you. You wrap your hair around a soft fabric headband at night and wake up with bouncy waves.
Why It Works for Fall
Indoor heating and cold air outside can leave hair feeling dry. Giving your hair a break from hot tools is one easy way to help, and the American Academy of Dermatology suggests using heat styling tools less often to cut down on damage.
It also saves you time in the morning. You just unwrap, shake, and go.
What You’ll Need
- A soft, stretchy fabric headband or a long heatless curling rod
- A light leave-in conditioner or curl cream
- Two small scrunchies
- A silk scrunchie or a satin pillowcase, if you have one
How to Do It
- Start with hair that’s about 80 percent dry. Soaking wet hair won’t dry overnight.
- Rub a small amount of leave-in conditioner through your lengths.
- Place the headband on top of your head like a crown, with the ends hanging by your ears.
- Take a small section of hair from the front and wrap it around the headband, away from your face.
- Grab the next section, add it to the leftover hair, and wrap again, like a French braid around a tube.
- Keep going until all the hair on that side is wrapped, then secure the end with a scrunchie.
- Repeat on the other side and sleep on it.
- In the morning, take out the scrunchies, unwrap gently, and break up the waves with your fingers.
Smaller sections give you tighter, more defined waves. Bigger sections give you looser, beachier ones.
Key takeaway: Wrap damp hair at night, sleep, and wake up with waves and zero heat.
7. Twisted Low Chignon
The twisted chignon is the style I reach for on special nights. Think Thanksgiving dinner, a wedding, or a nice date.
It looks fancy, but it’s really just two twists pinned together at the back of your head.
Why It Works for Fall
This style shows off earrings and a pretty neckline, so it’s great for dressier events. It also stays put through hours of eating, chatting, and hugging relatives.
A low chignon looks lovely with warm makeup, too. If you like a bronzy, glowy face, my post on soft brown fall makeup has a few looks that go beautifully with this updo.
How to Do It
- Make a side part or center part, whichever you like.
- Split your hair into two halves, left and right, like you’re making pigtails.
- Take the left side and twist it away from your face, all the way to the ends.
- Do the same on the right side.
- Bring both twists to the nape of your neck and cross them over each other.
- Wind them together into a low, flat bun and pin it in place with six to eight bobby pins.
- Finish with a light mist of hairspray.
For the bobby pins to hold better, slide them in against the direction of the twist. Push each pin in, turn it slightly, then push it the rest of the way.
Make It Your Own
- Tuck a small gold hair pin or pearl clip into the side.
- Leave a few face-framing pieces out and curl them loosely.
- Add a thin velvet ribbon around the bun for a holiday touch.
Key takeaway: Two twists, crossed and pinned, give you an updo that looks like it took way longer than it did.
8. Pull-Through Braid Ponytail
This one looks like a complicated braid, but it’s really just a row of small ponytails. If you’ve never been able to braid well, this style is a game changer.
Why It Works for Fall
It’s fun, a little playful, and very sturdy. The elastics hold everything in place, so it won’t unravel on a windy day.
It’s also one of the best autumn hair choices for long hair that tangles easily. Everything stays locked in sections.
What You’ll Need
- About 6 to 10 small clear elastics, depending on your hair length
- One regular hair tie
- A comb
- A little texture spray or dry shampoo for grip
How to Do It
- Make a high or mid ponytail with the regular hair tie.
- Split the ponytail into two sections, one on top and one underneath.
- Tie a small elastic around the top section about 1 inch (2.5 cm) below the hair tie.
- Split that top section in half, open it up, and pull the bottom section up through the gap.
- Bring the top section down so it’s now underneath, and tie a small elastic around the new top section.
- Keep repeating: split the top, pull the bottom through, tie off.
- When you reach the ends, tie the last elastic and gently pull on each “bubble” to make it fuller.
Take your time on the first few rounds. Once you get the rhythm, it goes quickly.
When you take it out, cut the small elastics with tiny scissors instead of pulling them. That saves your hair from snapping.
Key takeaway: If braiding frustrates you, this style gives you the look of a big braid using only hair ties.
9. Twist-Out with a Knit Headband
For anyone with natural, coily, or curly hair, a twist-out is such a cozy fall option. Add a chunky knit headband, and you’ve got a look that’s warm, cute, and easy to wear all week.
Why It Works for Fall
A twist-out gives you defined curls without heat. The knit headband keeps your ears warm and protects your edges from cold wind.
It also stretches your wash day. Many people get four or five days out of one twist-out with a little care at night.
How to Do It
- Start on clean, damp hair. Apply a leave-in conditioner, then a curl cream or twisting butter.
- Split your hair into sections. Fewer, larger twists give a fluffy look, while more, smaller twists give tighter definition.
- Take a section, split it into two strands, and twist them around each other from root to tip.
- Twist the very ends around your finger so they curl instead of frizz.
- Let your hair dry completely. This can take overnight, or a few hours under a hooded dryer on low.
- Rub a drop of oil on your fingertips and gently unravel each twist.
- Separate the curls a little and fluff at the roots with a pick.
- Slide on a knit headband just behind your hairline.
The biggest mistake is unraveling too soon. If your hair is even slightly damp, the curls will frizz and lose their shape.
Keeping It Fresh
- Sleep with a satin bonnet or on a satin pillowcase.
- Pineapple your hair, which means loosely gathering it on top of your head, before bed.
- Refresh in the morning with a light mist of water and a dab of curl cream.
- Re-twist just the front pieces if they start to look fuzzy.
Key takeaway: Let the twists dry all the way, unravel gently, and top it off with a knit headband for a warm, easy fall look.
Final Thoughts
I hope these give you a few fresh hairstyle ideas for the cooler months ahead. When I first started, I could barely manage a ponytail, so trust me when I say practice really does make these feel easy.
Here’s a quick look back to help you pick where to start.
| Hairstyle | Time Needed | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Low Messy Bun with a Silk Scarf | 5 minutes | Busy mornings, all hair types |
| Half-Up Claw Clip Twist | 2 minutes | Medium to long hair |
| Sleek Low Ponytail Wrapped in Hair | 5 minutes | Work days and dinners out |
| Loose Side Braid | 5 minutes | Second-day hair |
| Two Dutch Braids | 15 minutes | Active weekends |
| Heatless Headband Waves | 10 minutes plus overnight | Giving hair a break from heat |
| Twisted Low Chignon | 10 minutes | Holidays and special events |
| Pull-Through Braid Ponytail | 15 minutes | Long hair, non-braiders |
| Twist-Out with a Knit Headband | 30 minutes plus drying | Natural and curly hair |
My advice is to pick one or two fall hairstyles and try them this week. Once those feel easy, add another.
Your hair doesn’t have to be perfect to look good. A few loose pieces and a slightly crooked part usually make a style look more like you.
Which one are you trying first? Leave a comment and tell me, because I’d love to hear how it turns out.
