Low-Maintenance, High-Impact: Hair Trends for Autumn/Winter 2025

The autumn/winter season is the perfect time for a hair refresh, whether you’re opting for a bold new colour for the party season or a low-maintenance style to save time during the cold mornings. Choosing a new style can feel overwhelming, so to help inspire you, we’ve looked into the upcoming trends and styles that we expect to see this season, using Pinterest insights and search data to guide our predictions.

Read on to find a range of options to refresh your cut, colour, or style this season!

Trending haircuts for autumn/winter 2025

According to our research, autumn/winter 2025 will be the season of nostalgia – nineties cuts and layered styles are expected to lead the way with nods to the seventies and even the twenties! Here are some of the haircuts we expect to be popular this season:

The butterfly effect 

The modern take on the layered cut, which was big in the 1990s (think ‘The Rachel’), is expected to make a comeback this season, with a 133% increase in Google searches and a rise in Pinterest searches in the past three months.

The butterfly cut features face-framing feathered layers, usually consisting of chin or shoulder-length top layers and longer bottom layers to keep length while adding movement.

This style is extremely versatile! It's easy to dress up for party season, while being practical for everyday wear. Also, the layered cut peeking out from scarves and coats can make a simple look stylish.

The ‘bixie’ balance

This hybrid of the ‘pixie’ and ‘bob’ cut is also climbing in popularity, with an 83% growth in Google searches. Often described as a ‘sweet spot’ between short and mid-length hair, the bixie is ideal for those who want short hair without fully committing.

This style features short, choppy layers that add movement and texture. Typically, it’s slightly longer in length than a pixie cut, falling at or just below the jawline and works well with sleek styling or a messy tousled finish for a more edgy look. Like the butterfly cut, the bixie was also popular in the 90s, with celebrities like Winona Ryder and Meg Ryan cementing the trend. Yet, it’s a style that remains timelessly chic, with Emma Stone recently showcasing the style at this year’s Venice Film Festival.

Perfect for autumn/winter, this cut is low-maintenance, as the choppy texture produces a purposely undone look that requires minimal styling in the cold, dark mornings.

The shaggy wolf cut

Wolf cuts have been popular for a while, and the trend shows no signs of slowing down, with ‘shaggy wolf cut’ growing 110% in the past quarter, according to Google Trends.

Like the other trending cuts, the shaggy wolf cut is low-maintenance and versatile. This softer, layered version of the typical wolf cut features choppy layers that start high at the crown and taper down, giving height and body while keeping the ends light and framing the face. Combining a shag and a mullet, the wolf cut offers a more textured and edgy style to the similar but softer butterfly cut.

While the previous styles emulate the elegance of the 1990s, this cut embodies the 1970s rebellious fashion, which is consistently a staple of the autumn aesthetic.

The chic French bob

Bob's have been everywhere in 2025, with celebrities such as Kendall Jenner, Gracie Abrams, and Lily Collins showcasing the short style. With many types of bobs remaining popular for over a century, from blunt to long cuts and asymmetrical variations, we can’t see this style going anywhere anytime soon.

However, we predict one bob style in particular being popular in autumn/winter, with Google searches up 50% in the past quarter.

The French bob is typically a blunt, chin-length cut with a centre parting, inspired by the roaring 1920s hairstyles. Unlike the other trending haircuts, it features minimal layering, giving a clean and classic shape that encapsulates Parisian cool. Traditionally, French bobs were sleek and straight, but modern versions are often more tousled and paired with wispy, brow-skimming bangs, which is a bonus as fringes are a trend all on their own!

While this look garnered attention in summer with ‘It girls’ like Sofia Richie Grainge making the chop, we expect the French Bob to reign supreme through Autumn/Winter as a perfect addition to the season’s staple tailored and layered clothing.

Bobs can be a scary cut, with many not wanting to commit to short hair, but hair extensions allow this to be a low-commitment style. 

Trending hairstyles for autumn/winter 2025

This season is going to be all about effortless, carefree looks! Here is a selection of hairstyles that we expect to dominate this autumn/winter, suitable for a range of personal tastes and hair types.

Perfectly imperfect: messy updos

Effortless, practical updos are expected to be a major trend this season, with a 30% increase in Google searches in the past three months. These styles are convenient for the colder months, but they can also easily be transformed into a chic day-to-night look. Celebrities such as Zendaya and Emma Watson have been spotted on red carpets with tousled buns, twisted updos, and relaxed ponytails.

Variations range from tousled ponytails to low buns and braided chignons. Typically, these styles gather hair in a relaxed way, often leaving strands to frame the face, which is another popular trend. This style works well for the autumn/winter months, keeping hair out of the way of coats and scarves.

Messy updos embrace imperfections, giving the hair a lived-in, natural look. Most are easy to recreate, but if your hair isn't the right length or thickness, a clip-in ponytail can help to achieve the look with minimal effort.

Carefree curls and waves

Curly and wavy hair remains popular this season, with searches for ‘curly wavy hair’ up 51% in the past three months. Unsurprisingly, this look is a go-to for the Christmas party season. More specifically, soft, undone waves are set to rise in popularity, with a 60% increase in Google searches for ‘soft waves’ in the past quarter, and Pinterest predicting a surge in loose, natural curls.

Echoing other trends, soft waves offer an effortless, versatile look that can transition perfectly from day to night. Depending on your hair type and methods, this style can last days, which is ideal for simplifying your morning routine in the colder months, especially if prepared the night before. Unlike other curly styles, such as tight ringlets, this look offers a more relaxed and natural aesthetic.

To achieve this look, waves are typically created using a curling wand or straightener, wrapping sections loosely and alternating direction for a tousled effect. Once cool, gently separate the curls with your fingers or a wide-toothed comb. Finally, apply a flexible-hold hairspray and lightweight serum to help keep the waves intact.

Boho braided bliss

Relaxed, textured braids have been popular through 2025, and are set to continue into autumn/winter, thanks to their low-maintenance and versatile nature.

Variations of ‘boho braids’ range from twisted goddess braids to loose textured box braids. In particular, ‘curly box braids’ have seen a 53% increase in Google searches over the past three months. This style combines the structure of traditional braids with a softer, more natural finish.

Typically, boho braids blend traditional braiding techniques with natural curls or waves, creating textured, voluminous hair and an effortless appearance. Their versatility and ease make them ideal for the colder mornings, while also being perfect for festive occasions.

The wet hair look revival

According to Pinterest Predicts, the wet look is set to surge in popularity this autumn/winter, making a major comeback.

While sleeker than some of the other trending styles, the wet look is a low-effort way to achieve a put-together and sophisticated aesthetic in the day or evening.

To achieve this look, use a gel that best suits your hair type and apply a generous amount to damp hair from the roots to ends. Prep wavy hair with mousse to maintain definition without frizz, and for curly hair, combine the gel with pomade or leave-in conditioner for extra hydration. Then, apply a shine serum on top and set the look with hairspray.

There are many ways to wear this look, from slick-backed styles and low ponytails to side-parted, glossy strands and textured wet waves. This style is a great addition to the dramatic and structured autumn/winter fashion, but it’s also practical. The product keeps the hair in place in damp weather and acts as a barrier against dry indoor heating.

Trending hair colours for autumn/winter 2025

As the seasons get colder, low-maintenance shades that add warmth and depth are likely to become more popular. From cosy brondes and rich brunette tones to warm reds that brighten pale winter skin, and bold statement colours for those looking to experiment, there's a shade for everybody this season.

Dark desire: rich brunette shades

Darker colours, like chocolate brown and jet black, always make a comeback in autumn/winter. Their rich, warm tones complement the moody, dramatic feel of these months, as well as the fashion and colours, with chocolate brown a key colour of the season. 

A primary reason many people tend to dye their hair darker during these months is simply practicality. For those without naturally light hair, darker shades require less upkeep than brighter colours such as blonde, which require regular touch-ups for visible roots. With the bad weather, busy schedules, and tighter wallets, a low-maintenance hair colour is key for many.

Popular shades expected this season include chestnut brown hair (up 23% in searches this past quarter) and espresso brown hair (up 24%). Natural black and dark brown have also been the top-selling shades at Milk & Blush in the last 90 days, confirming that darker, richer shades will remain prominent.

Warm up with fiery reds

Red tones have gained popularity for years, with stars like Chappell Roan, Emma Roberts and Keke Palmer flaunting the colour, and it’s expected to peak this autumn/winter. Like brunette shades, reds add warmth, complement paler skin, and bring vibrancy to the darker, moodier months.

The variety of red shades makes it a very versatile colour. Warm shades such as copper, strawberry blonde, and auburn complement olive or warm skin tones, whereas cooler shades, like cherry red, burgundy, and plum, enhance cooler-toned skin.

Based on Pinterest trends and search data, the red shades expected to be popular include cherry red, black cherry hair (up 14% in Google searches in the last quarter), and copper hair (with a sharp rise on Pinterest trends). Auburn and burgundy shades are also predicted to see significant growth in the coming months.

Low-maintenance brondes

Just because brunette hair is trending this autumn/winter doesn’t mean you have to give up blonde! Switching from blonde to brunette can be daunting, especially after putting so much effort into reaching your perfect shade.

Bronde, a blend between brown and blonde, is set to be a major trend this season. This shade balances lighter blonde tones with the warmth of brunette, and can lean more towards the lighter or darker shades if preferred. It is also much more low-maintenance and easier to upkeep, and gives a soft glow to complexions during the darker, colder months.

If you’re apprehensive about going a darker shade after spending a lot of time and effort achieving the perfect blonde, adding lowlights allows for a more subtle transition to bronde. If this idea is still intimidating, but you want to try a new look, consider using hair extensions for a less permanent option.

This trend is already popular with celebrities, such as Chloe Grace Moretz’s lived-in bronde look, and Khloe Kardashian’s and Kate Middleton’s more mocha, honey tones. Specific shades we expect to rise in popularity, based on search data and Pinterest trends, include caramel, ashy, and honey bronde.

Bold hues, no rules

For those looking to make a statement and refuse to accept that the darker months are upon us, bright and colourful hair is set to shine this autumn/winter. Vibrant shades add energy to the often gloomy weather while creating a key focal point in any outfit.

Of course, there are many different options to choose from, from vivid pinks to bright blues, or channelling this fashion season’s pastel hues trend. You can also go all-in with a full head of bold colour, or keep it understated with peekaboo highlights or colourful ends.

Based on our research, popular statement shades this season are jewel tones such as emerald green and amethyst, blue shades like black-blue, and red hues including cherry red.

Judging by data on trending cuts, styles, and colours, low-maintenance, versatile hair will be a key focus for autumn/winter 2025. From textured, layered cuts and sleek wet-look styles to rich, warm colours, there are options to suit every style this season! These trends make it easy to keep your hair manageable during the colder months, without compromising style.