Fall Hairstyle for Long Hairs 2025: Trendy Braids, Buns & Cozy Looks for the Season

The fresh air in fall is so crisp that it just makes me want to switch up the hair. Whether it is that change of light, or the optimism of the start-of-sweater-season, I don t know, but fall seems like the seasons of the year to offer things. A new braid, a deep chocolate sheen, possibly even something with layers that you have pinned on your social media wishlist four months ago.

So the big question is what will you do to your long hair this fall? Cozy and low-maintenance? Polished and pretty? A little edgy and undone?

Turn the pages with me on this image manual to fall hair style on long hairs 2025, where every style sings a different song- Boho-fairytale to modern romantic. Let’s dive in.

Twisted Crown With Warm Caramel Highlights

This style feels like the softest whisper of autumn. Beachy loose curls follow, and the crown – the half-up twist, crisscrossing and looping with just-right amount of structure – takes the center stage. The creamy brunette foundation is speckled with ribbons of honey-caramel which have a sun catching effect similar to autumn light in dry trees.

For upkeep, you’ll want a color-safe, curl-loving routine. To have my waves without weighting them I use Pureology Hydrate Sheer Shampoo & Conditioner. I also use IGK Offline 3-Minute Hydration Mask on the days when the highlights are a bit lackluster. A literal reset button.

This type of styling is between hardwork and coolness. I can recall almost wearing a picnic in an orchard last October I threw that up in the last minute the way it looked it had cost hours. It didn’t. Only a curling iron, two clear elastics and a couple minutes of finger-twisting.

I wouldn’t change a thing about this one. It is universally flattering, soft enough to wear every day but yet has something special to say–as though to say perhaps you do not play in the leaves before breakfast.

Interwoven Waterfall Braid with Defined Waves

This style says: I came prepared. The waterfall braid is an elaborate hairstyle that is more complicated than what you wear every day in a half-up style, but when you combine the style with heavy, messy curls, it does not seem so exaggerated. It has that classy vibrations of a story-book princess with her point of view. The darker brown shades are strangely appropriate to the fall, so are deep coffee with dimension.

If you’re going for longevity (think weddings, formal dinners, or even just windy autumn days), prep with a lightweight mousse like Oribe Grandiose Hair Plumping Mousse, and finish with a flexible-hold hairspray. My brush of choice is Kenra Volume Spray 25, by the way, because with this braid, a hair can not move.

In all honesty, I have worn something like this to a fall engagement party once and was giving hair lessons in the restroom. My tip? Braid first, curl second. and never forget to leave away two or three of the soft outside pieces to be placed against the face.

Would I recreate it this year? Absolutely—with maybe a burgundy lip and some velvet sleeves. Dreamy, right?

Loose Braid with a Lived-In Finish

That is where I go crazy: a traditional three-strand braid, but more untidy. Looser. Undone on purpose. The hair is plump and romantic and has lots of volume where it counts. It’s less about precision and more about vibe. It will be the best braid to wear to fall farmers markets, coffee shop meet-cutes, or when you really need to take a break with heating your hair.

In case your hair falls flat, then you can either get yourself Bumble and Bumble Pret-a-Powder, which is a dry shampoo cum a volumizer. Roots and crown should apply it before braiding to give that I wake up like this fullness.

I’ve worn versions of this look during the transition from humid late summer to crisp fall. It should not be precise and perfect, just have good texture and dare to explore the messy middle.

Sincerely speaking, a loose braid is the one thing I never leave the house without someone complimenting me about it in a way that makes me think they want to wish to have the same at the end of the day. And that’s the beauty—it’s casual, but captivating.

Textured Boho Braids with Romantic Volume

This is the one that the adventurous girls will go crazy about–the girls who understand that there is nothing excessive about the more branched-out the braids. Here we are talking about several tight braids that spread at the top and flow into some soft curls resulting in some Celtic-boho masterpiece. It’s powerful but still feminine, and very, very fall.

Maintenance-wise? Yes, this one needs a little commitment. Take care of braids using a fine-tooth comb and Ouai Matte Pomade to give ended looks. End by spraying a shine product such as Model Wow Dream Coat to provide light reflection but in a soft manner.

I am not kidding; when I put on this braid style, I was at least three times stopped at Trader Joe. Once by a guy, once by a grandma, and once by a teenage girl who wanted to know if I had a YouTube tutorial (I don’t, but now I’m tempted). There’s just something magnetic about this much detail.

This type of hair can sometimes be your whole accessory especially when the days turn colder and we resort to wearing darker colors and thicker materials, we start getting all bundled up. Let it.

Bubble Braids with Braided Crown Accents

Okay, this one is bold—but so, so fun. Bubble braids and particularly in pairs are young without being childish. they throw in this piece of sculpture you can not get your eyes off. The combination of the darker roots and the featured loops gives lots of action to it, as if the bubbles have their personalities. And that crown braid woven into the top? Genius layering.

Here’s my tip: clear elastic bands (get the snag-free kind!) and a touch of shine balm, like Kristin Ess Weightless Shine Working Serum, will keep this look glossy but controlled. But also, do not omit the part in the middle- it makes the style more solid and more contemporary.

It is perfect as beach bonfire, after brunching of yoga, or a weekend flea market wearing hoop earrings and a cropped knit. It’s sporty, flirty, and just a little bit futuristic.

Is it for every day? Maybe not. Isn†tack the fall the time to do something that makes you feel that girl? Exactly.

Side Braids and Sleek Lengths with a Varsity Edge

No one could look cooler than this, too bad you are not leaving a fall football fields photo shoot. The hair is kept largely straight and smooth with its length speaking itself where the one fine braid winds the side-part like an understatement. It adds texture without drama. Paired with glowing skin and a retro varsity jacket? It’s giving ‘clean-girl aesthetic’ with an edge.

This style is minimalistic in nature and therefore your extremities must appear to be healthy and fresh. I have sworn by Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil, which smoothes frizz, makes the hair all shiny and gives an appearance of newly cut hair even when it was not. Bonus: it smells divine.

I have adopted this style on the road trips and leisure time when I feel like putting on something that looks nice, but represents a minimum effort requirement. Simply straighten your strands, French plait on the side, and pin it behind the ear so that you get that face-framing elevation.

It’s low-effort, high-payoff. Especially in days when the fall wind begins ripping around and you need something that would cling to the scalp, yet have a little motion.

Blonde Half-Up Bow with Soft Glam Waves

This hair is the visual equivalent of pumpkin spice the hairs are soft, sweet and a bit nostalgic. The hair is half-updo and tied with a big ribbon in the form of a bow, and her curly hair is brushed up. It is uber-girly but not into princessy and the pale shades are just so autumnal-friendly.

This season, if you want to curl your hair, then do not forget the heat protection. Gisou Prop polis Heat protecting spray is my favorite- it is not heavy, not crunchy and it holds the waves without weighing down. Plus, it’s cute enough to leave on your vanity.

I have another of almost the same style to a harvest meal with a chunky cardigan and a pair of suede boots, and it was perfect with the same feeling of being soft, purposeful-but-not-overdone.

Would I add anything? and perhaps a couple of little pearl pins thrust into the crown to add a little adult glammed-ness.

Chunky Curls in a High Pony with Golden Ribbons

This one has energy. The altitude, the bounce, the shimmering golden blonde touches-it is Brahmin high ponytail that knows how to get attention, without screaming. The curls are substantial and clearly shaped, and the roots are set up on in a manner flattery to almost any face shape. It is rich girl without trying hard.

Voluminous styles like this need hold without stiffness. Pre-blow-drying use Moroccanoil Root Boost and then apply Color Wow Raise the Root spray when you are about to apply the style. It literally raises, it stays and it smells warm and fall-ish.

It is not the style that I would wear on these dates, it is one of those styles, which I would save until I am having dinner or one of those days when I wish to have a bit of extra sparkle. One is that you can turn it around your shoulder or you can swing it behind you, it is enjoyable either way.

To be truthful, this ponytail brings me 10 percent greater and 30 percent more confident. You can’t tell me otherwise.

Loose Crown Braid and Face-Framing Waves

This is the definition of casual romance. A side crown braid provides definition to the dishevelled wavy hair. The waves are soft, slightly brushed out, and the entire style leans into that barely-there, “I just tossed this together” vibe. It is the perfect middle ground during fall days, when you are looking to be pulled together, without being dressed up.

I apply Not Your Mother Beach Babe Soft Waves Spray to my waves at the time when I need to revive them. It adds texture without that crunchy sea salt feeling. A couple of twists with a medium wand and you’re good.

It is that type of the style I would choose when I am having a Sunday coffee run, or even when I am working at home, but still feel like being…cute. It’s low pressure, high charm.

it also improves during the day the braid becomes looser, the waves get softer and you get give me lived in glam. Can’t lose.

Intricate Braided Bun with French Crown Details

Now this one? She’s refined. Regal even. A classy bun made with tight braids which then wrapped around and tightened in such a way as to form a neat tucked up bun at the back of the neck. It has got a feel of meet the parents or autumn wedding guest. but yet there is something soft about it, in spite of its finish–in the slightly untidy locks, and the feel of the plaits.

That having been said, I have learned this: in the event that you are going to do a bun like this then this is what you have to do, you have to anchor it using Bumble and Bumble Strong Finish Firm Hold Hairspray. It’ll stay all night without flaking or freezing. Grab a texturizing spray in advance- Amika Un.Done Volume and Matt Texture spray is an excellent one.

I even wore a very close style during one of the gallery openings in fall. It got more compliments than the actual art (no shade to the artists). The bun of that caliber is so main character.

Chances are you are a person who would normally give your hair down a chance with this. It changes how you carry yourself.

Blonde Braided Chignon with Soft Tendrils

A braided chignon is rather magical: it is sleek, yet not snobbish, sexy, yet not cheesy. This one is rounded and swathed in a weaved thick braid put in a low bun only above the nape. The face-framing tendrils? Absolute game-changer. They maintain it young and casual as you had simply flung it up and headed off to a candlelit dinner party.

This style definitely benefits from prep. Apply Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Heat Styling Spray to give touchable hold and give the braid texture by lightly spraying Ouai Texturizing Hair Spray to provide a braid with body and hold, and not rigid.

I sported something to the effect of a fall cocktail last year, but it was formal yet not fussy and it would go really well with a low-back dress and demure jewelry. Every time I reached up to adjust a tendril, I felt like I was living in a Jane Austen reboot (the stylish kind).

One tweak I love? You can add in a pearl pin or minimalist clip for a little sparkle if you’re feeling extra. Honestly, it elevates any outfit.

Half-Up Hair Tie with Natural Fall Texture

This appearance is runway but wearable in real life altogether. Half-up style is tightened slightly so that the crown would be raised, whereas the rest of hair loosely falls in soft and natural curls. The lines are clean, the volume is modest, there is a silky shine that yells at you, the garment is cool but does not overdo things. This is your mid-October happy hour go-to.

This kind of texture loves a good base. I would prep with the KErastase discipline blow-dry cream to battle frizz, and seal up the shine. When the weather is air drying, grab a handful of Maui Moisture Curl Milk and scrunch into hair, and twisting a couple of parts to create those almost-non existent bends.

My most used styles are sometimes the most simple ones. It can be worn with practically any autumn ensemble, whether it is a trench coat, a leather mini-dress or an oversize sweater.

And yes, you can re-style it the next day. Just dampen the top end and leave the rest fall as it pleases. Effortless.

Classic Fall Waves with a Middle Part

This is the style which never gets out of fashion. Dark brown hair done in sleek natural waves with a neat part in the middle–it is traditional because it looks good. The color is rich and warm, so it suits fall. It is also the type of look that will flatter literally every single person and combine with strong and minimal makeup.

For that mirror-shine finish, I’m a huge fan of Redken’s Frizz Dismiss Rebel Tame Leave-In Cream—especially as the weather cools down. Next, curl outward, with 1.25Delete静 Need- plates and then brush out with either a wide-toothed or pick or a ball comb.

This appearance makes me think of LA in late October- it is supposed to be fall weather, but still in October 70 degrees and sunshine. It is what I wore to a wine night on the rooftop of a house of a friend, and every single person commented on my hair. It’s that dependable kind of glam.

If you’re new to heat styling, this is a great starting point. It is simple to repair, tolerant and it can always be stylish.

High Pony with Loose Curls and Volume

It’s giving model-off-duty. This tall ponytail is tightened over the crown, and there is enough of volume and swing in the lengths. The curls are enormous, the tone is light-hearted and it is flirtatious, but not drama queen. Add a cozy off-the-shoulder sweater and you’ve got your perfect crisp-weather coffee run outfit.

To do it, here is the trick: back-comb that before you put it into place and calm it down with R+Co Dallas Thickening Spray to have it stay that way all day long. Some curl-enhancing living TRESemme Volume Mist will make the curls voluminous with no stiffness.

My personal use of this is when I am in the mood to look like I made an effort but do not want my hair to be down on my neck. It works at brunch, at the gym (minus the curls), and even at casual date nights.

Would I wear it two days in a row? Yes–all you need to do is just replenish by means of dry conditioner and curl a strand around the notch to conceal the knot. Chic and quick.

Effortless Low Pony with Soft Blonde Waves

This is so low-key you almost laugh at the genius of it. Off center ponytail, leaning towards the low, held together by a plain elastic of brown. And the highlights are done right and then there is that post-salon soft-blow out kind of wave. It has all that I need in a weekday look: it is stylish, low maintenance, but not overeager.

To keep this look feeling luxe, focus on hydration. Amika’s Hydro Rush Leave-In Conditioner is perfect for keeping those blonde pieces soft and silky through fall’s dry air. Flyaways could be made better with the help of a drop or two of Verb Ghost Oil.

When I am ready to go into a full day of back-to-back Zooms, this is my source. It is not too much, looks deliberate and it goes well with thick sweaters, leggings and robust coffee.

Plus, it’s super easy to dress up—just add a claw clip or satin ribbon and you’re out the door.

Voluminous Textured Bun with Elegant Loops

This is what would be the official updo of fall. The large bun propped down at the back with a loopy grip, the delicate shaping of twists and texturised strands, framing the face. It is romantic but in a very old-Hollywood apart, and then in a relaxed weekend party. The loops have the tone of chestnuts which provide it with a depth and a warmth something that autumn needs.

To keep everything in place, I’d recommend L’Oréal Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hairspray—it locks things in without crunch. To prep the hair, it gets a little Color Wow Style Steroid Texture + Finishing Spray to get a grip and so the strands can fall in the right places.

Last year, I wore this to an autumn wedding with a dress that was off-the-shoulder with no accessories and makeup. It was one of those styles which survived dancing, hugging, and outdoor photos in a wind-true test passed.

It’s also incredibly photogenic, so if you’re planning any events or family shoots this season—this bun’s your girl.

Wrapped Low Ponytail with Soft Waves and Headband

There’s something super nostalgic about this one. It is providing feel of fall walk in Central Park and a cup of latte. The hairstyle is a nice blend of contemporary delicacy and retro feel just enough: a low ponytail elasticized by a broad hair-wrapped band with a fluffy pink headband to complement the entire effect. The lengths of the locks are airy and tangled and the blonde color is warm and fresh.

Curls like this thrive with moisture. I would apply SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie on ends that are a bit wet to seal in softness. In the case of blonde hair, dpHUE Cool Blonde Shampoo maintains that creamy color and prevents going brass–even in cool lights.

This style makes me feel like I am back in college because I would put any old headband and turtleneck and instantly be put together. It is the type of the style that is appropriate to fine layers, gold electric basses, and unblemished skin.

Low effort, high impact. It is my rotating one all through the season.

Layered Top Knot with Delicate Face Framing Pieces

The high bun—but elevated. This one’s not about clean perfection—it’s about effortless structure. The bun is tangled in such a way and consists of layers too, and some parts are left to be loose, to create an effect of softness and motion. It receives light in all the right places accompanied by highlights, which are spot on. The loose strands at the front? A tender touch that makes it wearable and feminine.

My volume-and-hold prep is Big Sexy Hair Powder Play Volumizing Powder, at the roots of my hair–it adds see-through unbelievable lift without teasing. And to curb flyaways I apply Garnier Sleek & Shine Anti-Frizz Serum across the edges of the bun, especially.

This has been my go-to for “I need to look chic in 5 minutes” days. I sling it over a slouchy sweater, sunglasses, and it appears that I had some form of a plan.

It also transitions beautifully from day to night. Just add some statement earrings and a bright lip and you are out the door.

Twist-Wrapped Ponytail with Cinnamon Brown Tones

It’s all in the details. We have here a piece of hair art that is chic beyond belief with the low pony tail dubbed with the twist of the hair around entering at the bottom giving it an added beauty and yet without having to make it out to be too much. The color? a cozy cinnamon brown with little golden filaments–just what fall of the year needs. It’s giving “polished with a pulse.”

When the twist is supposed to remain, apply Invisibobble thin elastics and seal the look with Verb Ghost Hairspray. It holds and yet allows an impression of the natural texture of the waves to show through.

I did it simply on a normal Monday last fall just because, and I had three people say to me, did I have a job interview or a date? That’s how put-together it looks. It’s sneaky powerful like that.

It is also an ideal surface to creep a statement earring, and look great with an off-the-shoulder knit or a more structured coat.

Half-Up Claw Clip with Glossy Auburn Layers

A classic claw clip moment—reimagined for 2025. This half up style is taking as little hair as possible off the face to just add lift, and letting the glossy auburn waves hang out. It’s timeless, practical, and so on trend again. The slight curve at the top makes it a little bit more form than the regular style of claw clip.

This look really benefits from shine and definition. I would apply Kerastase Elixir Ultime L Huile Original Hair Oil to get a delicate gloss and I would use Pattern Beauty Curl Gel to emphasize the tips in the case of wavy hair types.

I have been recreating variations of this look since high school but it simply feels different in fall. It is the combination of natural shades and the moment of the so-called it girl clip that makes it so much up to date.

Come on, we all have a hairstyle we can use when the hair is on day two, but make it fashion. This one’s mine.

Golden Blonde Twisted Bun with Soft Highlights

This is a type of bun that does not talk in low tones, it sings. This up-do is constructed layered, dimensional and almost floral looking, with a wow factor but not OTT in any way. The highlights of golden blonde twist into the form and add lightness to a strict image. It’s like ballet-core meets golden hour.

When I apply this form of style, I begin by applying Drybar Southern Belle Volumizing Mousse, aiming that every twist would be plump. After that, I seal it up with Shu Uemura Essence Absolue to be soft and a hold that does not harden up.

This style looks perfect in fall weddings, dinners or even in a gallery night out as it looks sophisticated yet contemporary. And this is your glam glow-up, if you are the type of person that tends to prefer down styles. And imagine this with a square neck line and earrings that drip.

Braided Ponytail with Caramel Ribbon Highlights

So much texture. So much movement. This style has a thick braid which is bound into a ponytail but I order the strands to fall in soft waves. The combination of tones, chocolate base with caramel highlights creates richness which is so fall sensation. It has a sporty streak, is romantic, even wild-child, depending upon the way that it is worn.

As the best way to give the best texture, I recommend to use Amika The Wizard Detangling Primer and to dry with a round brush to give it volume and then braid. The IGK beach club texture spray provides that natural second-day hold, but it is not stiff.

This outfit rescue on a long weekend trip–this outfit went through a hike, a brunch, and a wine tasting. It is that style that you can perfect and forget all about that still leave you feeling fabulous.

Bonus: it is barrette-able or even a loud lip-able. It does the rest.

Retro Tucked-In Waves with Platinum Blonde Finish

Talk about timeless. These side parted, glossy waves are like someone has just stepped out of vintage Vogue shoot. The ends are rounded slightly inwards, that vintage fifties glamour look, yet cleaner, sharper, due to the platinum blonde color. It’s vintage meets modern.

Platinum tones require a lot of love, my favorite duo is using Olaplex No. 4P Blonde Enhancer Toning Shampoo followed with a cool-toned gloss every 2-3 weeks. The most essential tools in terms of styling are a round brush and a ceramic blow-dryer. Then I also place Gisou Hair Oil to create shine and movement.

It is not a look I everyday but when I am feeling femme-fatale? Nothing beats it. It goes very well with red lipstick, a tailored coat and a cold breeze.

There is something so casual about this style–it tells you that you planned to come in.

Voluminous Curly Ponytail with Crown Lift

This ponytail is big. It’s bouncy. It’s joyful. Defined curls that are pulled up high with slight crown lift makes it have that playful touch but classy touch. This is your excursion on those days you couldn t be bothered to have your hair do anything-without the effort.

Before any curl, I suggest that the hair is prepped using Mielle Organics Pomegranate & Honey Leave-In Conditioner and topped off with Definition and Design Essential Curl Enhancing Mousse to achieve bounciness and curl.

I have had this out on lazy Sundays when I needed to feel dressed up but cozy. It is somehow the height and frame that makes it appear chic in sweats. If you’re headed out later? Just pop on hoops and swipe on mascara.

Some styles are instant mood-lifters. This is one of them.

Sleek High Ponytail with Neutral Gloss

And now, for the minimalist. This hairy high ponytail is focused on line, shine, and self-esteem. It lacks frizz, fuzz, all that, and is simply an artificially-pulled back elegance and provides neutral-hued glaze capable of catching all light. Think ballet-core, but make it fall.

Secrete weapon to achieve this sleek finish: Color Wow Dream Coat spray- Words cannot describe the awesomeness of this product as it repels humidity and seals the glass-like effect. All perfected edges with Ebin New York 24 Hour Edge Tamer, so you know you look good in that line.

Every time I wear this, I feel instantly powerful. It is as you step along the city streets in collar and coat in your boots with some mighty walk on the pavements.

It’s easy, it’s wearable, and it makes a statement without even raising its voice.

Soft Blonde Twist-Back with Loose Curls

It is the best fall hair, breezy glamorous, elegant, and yet unfussy. A twist at mid-height flows down the neck toward the back, in a ribbon-like soft grip against a loose cascade of dimensional curls. The hues vary between sandy blonde and golden beige and it has a flow and a gentleness to it that is sun-kissed though the sun is setting earlier each day.

To maintain that wild-child look plump (but not hard) I would curl first with Davines This is a Curl Moisturizing Mousse and then spray with Ouai Wave spray. In case you like your ends highlighted, you should definitely have a moisture mask that you apply every week, K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Mask is a miracle that makes lightened strands come to life again.

I recently wore this type on a girls trip to the Berkshires last October- styled it up with a wool shacket and wine stained lips. The twist remained there even when it was late in the afternoon after apple cider and hayrides. It is casual yet fashionable, ideal to wear during transitional weather and multi-layered clothing.

There is no need to reinvent a wheel sometimes; the matter is simply getting everything right. And this one nails it.

Cross-Braided Half-Up with Rustic Volume

This one is autumn festival vibes laid, back, pretty, and slightly mischievous. The braids are voluminous and intertwined, posing as a frame of the head and retied into fluffy waves that hang freely. It is not so complex, but the creation of the detail, which is a double braid, makes it look fancy and dressed. The dark brown with the amber coloration of espresso provides it with that finishing effect of glowing within.

My secret to these kinds of thick braids is Aussie Instant Volume Spray prior to styling, and Eva NYC Bounce Curl Reviving Mist to maintain the waves. Not to over-brush is the secret–separate with finger, and allow the pieces to fall as they may.

I adore such styles to attend outdoor occasions: craft show, fall market, or even dinner with friends in a vineyard. It has a variety of braid, with curling in it that makes it last long, yet soft and natural.

It suits scarves and large sweaters, too, which, you know, is absolutely on point in autumn.

Simple Ponytail with Chestnut Tones and Casual Layers

Let’s talk simplicity. This big pony does not even make the effort to be different than it is and that is why it so works. Straight chestnut hair with sunlight texture is hoisted with no fuss, and texture is casual, nearly dishevelled. It’s the kind of look that says, “I just threw this up,” even though it’s clearly giving soft intention.

To add some substance and form, I would spray some Briogeo Blossom & Bloom Ginseng + Biotin Volumizing Spray into roots and then would start to collect the hair with the help of a large silk scrunchie, so it will not break. In the event that you have short pieces around your face then leave a few out to provide balance.

Sometimes this is all I want. An intimate hairstyle that speaks to me- even when I am in leggings and t-shirt. But add a few dainty hoops, or a deep berry lip? Suddenly it feels like a whole look.

This one makes me think of the fact that simple can be beautiful too. Sometimes the season calls for softness—and this nails it.

Chunky French Braid with Lived-In Blonde Contrast

Confident and safe, this thick French braid is all that I adore about fall styling: amazing, yet functional. The high braid is cleanly woven down the length of the back permitting the warm honey blonde and darker lowlights to show through as marbled texture. It’s protective, stylish, and seriously photogenic. Think weekend city walks or cozy-coat commutes.

Prep wise, I would begin with IGK Good Behavior Spirulina Protein Smoothing Spray to smooth frizz and humidity as well as flyaways. Apply Kenra Curl Defining Crme on waves before braiding, it will make the style more soft but will keep it stiff throughout the day.

It is my favorite type of braid to wear when I travel because it does not move around under scarves, is adorable at all angles and helps my hair not to feel tangled when active on the road. I have spent an entire weekend in Paris in this (rain, wind, the lot) and it stood up.

Plus, it gets even better as it loosens. Kind of like the best fall plans.

Half-Twist Crown with Chestnut Caramel Highlights

Neatly, yet not cloyingly, this half-up crown twist has the perfect amount of swooping out squared away to present luscious caramel highlights on a chestnut base. The water waves thereafter gently roll in form of S-curves enough to provide volume and activity. It feels quietly luxurious—like something you’d wear to a casual dinner and still feel like the best-dressed person in the room.

I can keep this degree of slice-able, hands-on shininess by treating once a week with Amika Soulfood Nourishing Mask and a few drops of Kristin Ess Weightless Shine Leave-In Conditioner, before I style. The waves I use are on a large barrel curling iron and I finger comb them to make them soft.

A version of this was experimented on at a harvest dinner party, last year. It was lace dress, red wine and I swear this hair tied the whole flawless. It’s not showy—but it’s unforgettable.

It’s also surprisingly easy to DIY. All you require is five minutes and couple of bobby pins.