Foggy mornings, sweater sleeves, and that very first cinnamon latte fall is the season my mid-length hair is all of a sudden feeling the need of a twist. But which looks really flatter shoulder-skimming cuts without hours in front of the mirror? What can we do to maintain shine as the air dries out? And which styles are nice enough to wear to work, sexy enough to wear on a date night, and yet Easy enough to wear on a Tuesday? So we will answer all that–practically, playfully, and with a pus to do something new this week. Ready?
Velvet Half-Up Knot with Glossy Ribbon Curls
I can not stop thinking about this romantic half up: a knotted loop that sits at the mid-crown, and feeds into the curls that are soft and ribbon-like on Curly hair that is at the shoulder-length. It is that fall hairstyle which medium length lovers keep returning to year after year because it frames the cheekbones and still shows off your collar. The knot is a miniature bow of hair on Length brunette with mocha or chestnut hues–festive, but not fussy. I match it with gold hoops and a creamy knit so the texture is the focal point-hello, cozy polish.
Care-wise, I prep damp Hair with a heat protectant and a light hold mousse and then curl away from the face with a 1-inch iron. A flexible hairspray (I love Oribe Superfine) keeps movement; a drop of Color Wow Dream Coat adds that reflective “glass” finish even on Thin hair—dry air, who?
Me to you: this is my I want compliments zero small talk style. It is a medium-hair fall hairstyle that also saves second-day waves; the knot conceals flat roots and the curls look special. Want more hold? Work a pea of hair paste on the knot and it will hold without pins all over. Little luxury, big payoff.
Toss a mini claw clip in your bag in case your day runs long. Towards the end of the afternoon I raise the knot a bit to give it volume and allow a few tendrils to fall. The power flows desk to dinner-soft and whispery yet Simple.
Sleek Low Pony Wrap with Soft Waves
Low, simple, and absurdly cool: a neat pony with a single strand looping around the elastic. On Blonde hair color with airy S-waves, it is the right proportions between slickness at the roots and movement throughout the ends. It is my medium length hair fall back hairstyle that women wear when I am in a turtleneck or a ribbed tee and I need hair that behaves, quickly.
I straighten Length hair by running a flat iron over it a couple of times, and bend the ends to a soft wave. A bit of Living Proof No Frizz Vanishing Oil at the hairline will tame flyaways; seal everything with a spritz of workable spray. To add volume to your Thin hair, blow-dry inverted and then pony-tail–instant volume without teasing.
I am a fan of the wrapped detail as it is couture without trying, in person. It’s boardroom-friendly but totally date-night. And when the wind blows, the pony is tidy–no tussling with locks in the course of carrying a coat and a latte. Cozy-girl efficiency.
This is the bridge style in case you are growing out Short hair. Add a thin extension weft in mid-back to make it full, or leave it out on weekends and make the wave less tight. Either way, it reads intentionally polished.
Side Braid into Low Pony with Face-Framing Ribbons
This one braids a loose Dutch braid of the part line into a low pony, leaving loose strands to flutter across the jaw. It flatter Length hair curly or softly waved ends and it is a sweet version of a fall hairstyle medium hair when you want something feminine yet wearable with lace, knits or a wrap dress. The braid is a kind of built-in headband; fringe remains romantic, not in your mascara.
I use texturizing powder to dust roots and then braid so it does not slip. Ponytail the last three inches and pinch and pancake the braid so it has that undone, airy volume. Some Kristin Ess Soft Shine Pomade on fingertips smooths out flyaways and leaves the braid fluffy-chef kiss.
My take? It is the choice at brunches, office parties, even casual weddings. The stitch pattern is illuminated at the golden hour of caramel balayage. And when you have a cap-and-scarf person, the braid will lie flat under accessories-cute, useful.
Short on time? Avoid the complete braid and twist the front part back and then pony. It is Easy, still pretty and completely a medium length moment on busy mornings.
Lived-In Crown Braid Half-Up with Soft Waves
Imagine crown-braid energy but just on the back half and allow mid-length waves to be free. It gives the face some shape and a little lift without losing that “I woke up like this” effect and works especially well when the Length hair lands somewhere between the collarbone and the shoulder. The braid looks like autumn light on rich brunettes with toffee threads. Cozy meet-cute.
I prime using Ouai Wave Spray and diffuse until it is 80 percent dry to allow natural texture to take charge. Braid temple to temple with a little clear elastic, and then cover it with a strand wrap. Frizz is locked down with a pass of Amika Top Gloss shine spray–the humidity of the shoulder season has no chance.
This is why I go back to this medium hair fall hairstyle again and again: it adds volume to the crown but without teasing, thus the hairstyle is not crushed by hat and hood. And it’s friendly to Curly hair or blown-out texture. Mood-proof.
In case you want more drama, put on a few clip-in highlights slightly below the crown before you tie a braid. The stitch pattern is popping, the waves are full, and all of a sudden, your Tuesday is main-character energy–quietly Simple, delightfully extra.
Braided Crown to Low Pony Glow-Up
A full, raised braid that runs along the hairline and leads into a low pony with curled ends is my favorite style to go out at night. It is sophisticated and not too formal and on honey-to-butter Blonde hair color, each twist reflects the light. Whatever you want to call it, it is glam on shoulder-grazers or the adult response to festival hair. In any case, it is a classic medium hairstyle that turns heads of women.
I place the pony in first to ensure that tension is even then braid to it and secure using grips. Wrap the tail with a 1-inch iron; spray Kenra 25 to hold up until late dinners. In case frizz creeps in, rub a pea of K18 Molecular Repair Hair Oil between palms then gloss mid-shaft to ends- shine at will.
Personally, this style makes me stand taller. Pearls, black top, perhaps a red lip–the braid does the heavy work and the pony keeps it wearable. And when your tips are weak in the summer, cut off a dusting; the curl will spring up once more. Seasonal reset.
Want to switch lanes fast? Untwist the braid end and twist into a low chignon. It is Simple, yet Easy, and does not lose the softness that mid-Length hair does best when the evenings get chilly.
Soft Crown Braid with Face-Framing Curls
This is my favorite hybrid: a finely woven crown twist that fades into smooth, mid-Length hair curly waves with two airy wisps through the front. It is feminine yet not precious and it looks good on any neckline- denim to silk. The silhouette keeps volume high around the temples (so good for Thin hair) while the curls sit in that sweet spot of fall hairstyle for medium hair—structured but airy. Cozy, a little flirty, perfect for apple-cider nights.
For care, I set the shape with a heat protectant on damp hair (Color Wow Dream Coat for Curly works even on soft waves), then curl with a 1″ iron and clip to cool. Just a pea-size of Kerrastase Elixir Ultime on the ends gives shine without crushing volume- Simple.
When I run this out, I forgo heavy makeup and rely on flushed cheeks; the texture itself is already doing the talking. Chris Appleton reminds clients often that it is the shine that makes braids feel modern-so I use a micro-mist gloss spray, not a stiff hold. Night-out proof, sweater-friendly.
When you are a Length brunette, and desire a bit of added dimension, request micro-babylights solely around the hairline. The small brightness causes the tendrils to pop in fall low light- subtle, but magic.
Half-Up Waves with Statement Barrette
My finer version of a meet-the-parents meal is the soft shoulder-skimming waves with the top layer swept back and pinched by a jeweled clip. Half-up style exposes the cheekbones and opens the face, but the length is not rigid, which is peak medium hairstyle women fall energy. It is admittedly romantic but Easy to come up with five minutes before you go out.
Upkeep is easy: I re-spray second-day waves with Living Proof Flex Hairspray and re-curl a couple of front sections–it feels like a brushable hold that can not crackle against a sweater. A little Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray at the crown prevents the slipping of the top, particularly on Length hair straight.
Personal rule: when the accessory is additional, the ensemble is simple–cream top, clear collar, and allow the clip to shine. Tracey Cunningham and other colorists tend to recommend a sheer gloss in between salon appointments; it keeps Blonde hair color and brunette depths reflective enough that the accessory appears luxe rather than loud. That little touch makes it feel editorial.
Honey-Balayage Lob with Airy Curtain Bangs
This lob swings straight to the collarbone with blurred layers and curtain bangs that are drippy, toned warm honey that translates to late-afternoon sunlight. It creates natural bulk at the cheeks and is magic on medium hair that does not want a hard part in the fall. On curvy surfaces it is beach-city, on Length hair straight it is sleek and a gentle curve. Basically, an everyday heroine.
Care-wise, I treat the color like a baby using Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate shampoo/conditioner and a weekly K18 mask- fall can be drying with indoor heat. I rough-dry, and then with a large round brush I push the bangs off the face. One pass with a 1.25″ iron through the mid-lengths gives that effortless “swish.”
Curtain bangs feel scary? I get it. I started slowly, requesting to my stylist long, cheekbone-grazing pieces. The tip I adore by Jen Atkin: Mid-length cuts: keep your layers longer at the back so that you do not have the ends flipping awkwardly into your jacket collars. Practical glamour.
When you want to toy with Short hair and are not quite ready, this lob is the hold-me-over cut. It is still bound up to exercise, but reads new and current-a very fall medium length hair style mood, no?
Twisted Half-Up with Dimensional Highlights
The center of two rope twists come together and the remaining part of the rope curls into soft, choppy waves–so pretty on shoulder length. The contrast of deeper roots and latte ribbons gives a movement even when you are hardly styling it. I use this when I want a non-fussy polish and it is the quiet coolest thing; it works well with knit dresses, or a racer tank.
For upkeep, mist a leave-in (Pureology Color Fanatic) and twist while the hair is still slightly damp; release after your commute and the texture is set. And in the event your strands run on the fine side, mist the roots with R+Co Balloon Dry Volume Spray. It’s a no-crunch lift that loves cardigans.
My micro-hack: turn the twists a little bit up, rather than back. That micro-lift lengthens the face and puts the highlights in the spotlight-perfect on Thin hair and on any woman who is growing out brighter Blonde hair color in the warmth of summer to autumn.
Side Braid into Low Pony with Melted Ends
A big side braid slants downwards into a low ponytail with the ends appearing soft and sun-melted- sporty, tidy and surprisingly feminine. The braid tames flyaways under scarves and hoodies and the low pony smoothes out collars. And, should you be changing your summer balayage, the darker on top, lighter on the tips maximizes that lived-in blend-hello, smooth fall hairstyle on medium hair.
The trick to styling fast is to use Moroccanoil Treatment Light as a slip, braid loosely, and use a satin scrunchie to seal the ponytail and avoid dents. Ends can be made to look purposeful by a swift run of a curling iron through the tail. Vernon Francois never fails to mention hydration when it comes to braided styles-hydrated hair will help you to braid your hair with less product and later, when you do take out your braids, the hair will come out prettier and easier.
And in the event that you have naturally Curly hair, twist the ponytail, rather than curl it; you will maintain the definition, but have the soft bend. This is my Simple go-to–practical but pretty–for gym days or errands.
Soft Waterfall Braid with Melted Honey Waves
That, is that soft, crown-hugging waterfall braid that makes the face open and allows mid-length waves to do the flirting. The stitch pattern on dimensional blonde is glowing and delivers weightless volume at the hairline, which is ideal when you want a medium length hair that still feels lightweight even in the fall. I leave the wave a bit loose at the mid-shaft down to keep the finish soft and easy to wear on day dates, coffee walks, all of it. It is accommodating to Length hair straight or lightly wavy hair styles, and is particularly accommodating to Thin hair due to the added volume.
For care, I mist a lightweight texture spray (Davines This Is A Dry Texturizer) before braiding so it grips without stiffness, then finish the ends with a pea of Kérastase Elixir Ultime for shine. When I have Just washed my Hair, I dry roughly enough to prevent the braid sliding. Easy rhythm, zero crunch.
Pros in the U.S. (think Jen Atkin) often say to “pancake” a braid to widen it—pull each loop slightly for that plush, cloudlike effect. I promise you by that trick here; it makes an idea into a statement, quick.
Depending on whether you are more of a side-part girl, you can move the braid off-center and leave one face-framing ribbon. It looks romantic without making any efforts–It is simple and pretty to fit any medium hairstyle women fall moment.
Twisted Half-Up with Toffee Ribbon Highlights
Two fine twists come together in the back and dissolve into soft S-waves, a finished but casual fall hairstyle on medium hair I go to when I need a neat hairline and some swing through the ends. On Length brunette with toffee ribbons, the twist reveals all of the warm tones as a latte under cafe lights-Hello, autumn vibe.
It is gloriously Easy to maintain: I prime with Color Wow Dream Coat to combat humidity, then tong the ends using a 1-inch iron, and twist and pin with two U-pins. A mist of Oribe Superfine makes the set not sticky. Hair that tilts toward Length hair curly can be left to air-dry without ironing or diffusing; the twist will take care of the curl.
I adore it on blouses and soft knits–it is sophisticated without being stiff. I like Chris Appleton tip: brush the hairline with a toothbrush, and a flexible hairspray, so that the wisps are not frazzled, but intentional. Micro-detail, major payoff.
Double Dutch Braids into Cozy Low Bun
When temps dip, I’m all about tuck-away styles. Two Dutch braids trail back and liquefy into a low, plush bun- secure, stylish and scarf-friendly. It is a medium-length hair stylish fall haircut that maintains the layers in their place and highlights the dimension down the ridge of the braid. Plays well with the weekend flannels and long walks and works on Length hair at the shoulders.
I put some Schwarzkopf Osis Dust It at the roots to add grip, braid with a medium tension and then curl the ends into a bun and pin. To tame frizz, one drop of K18 Molecular Repair Hair Oil on the bun itself- shine without slip. With Short hair layers in the nape, pin them down using an invisible net or 2 bobby pins crossed.
My take: this is errand-to-evening hair. Take the bun out at night and you have soft bends next day–two styles, one effort. Efficient and Simple.
Braided Headband Topknot with Face-Framing Tendrils
An elevated braid runs the entire front hairline to a high and fluffy topknot with two wispy ribbons brushing the cheeks-high impact, low fuss. On caramel-threaded brunette, the contrast makes the braid glow. Its my dress-up fall hair medium length when I need some cheekbones, sweater and earrings to play the leading roles in the same picture.
Notes to care: pull the pony to tension, then braid towards it, then wrap and pin the knot. I use a 3/4-inch iron to curl the tendrils and mist with Kenra 25 so they stay in chilly air. A donut mesh under the knot will help Thin hair to be full without feeling heavy.
I have heard Tracey Cunningham say that glossy color makes all updos more expensive-co-sign. A gloss or at-home glaze between appointments maintains that shiny finish even in sweater season.
Undone French Updo with Curtain Fringe
Soft, airy, and perfectly imperfect—the kind of updo that looks like you didn’t try (but you did). The silhouette is mid-back on the head with bits and pieces dipping the temples and a sweepy fringe; a very pretty medium length hairstyle fall that is still modern. The shadows and curves are so lovely on deep brunette.
I pre-texturize with bumble and bumble Thickening Dryspun to get airy volume, then twist up loosely and pin with French pins–then I pull at the top to lift. A mist of Living Proof Flex keeps touchability. When your Length hair straight refuses to stay, rough-curl parts of it first; when your Length hair curly, curl some of the tendrils with cream and see them romp.
That is my turtleneck-in-the-dinner hair- polished, smooth, and Easy. And when you grow out bangs, you should have the shorter pieces frame the face, it makes the entire thing seem effortless. Hello, chic weeknight.
Low Ribbon Bun with Soft Blonde Sweep
My vibe is a low, slightly messy bun with a navy ribbon to run early-fall errands with–the sort you wear with a chunky turtleneck and hoops and say it is chic. The silhouette is placed at the nape which allows jackets to slip over it, and the highlights make the Blonde hair color shine in the creamy knits. It is the most comfortable fall hair medium length movement: safe, smooth and quietly refined no fuss, lots of romance.
I rake a little dab of OUAI Matte Pomade through mid-lengths, twist and pin; then I pull back a few face pieces to frame the cheekbones. On Length hair straight, a spritz of Living Proof Flex tames flyaways without the helmet effect–Easy and sweater-friendly.
My view: when ribbons are too sweet, use dark, inky color or velvet finish. Celebrity stylist Chris Appleton is always saying shine sells the style so I smooth a tear of Moroccanoil on the ends before tying the bow. Easy-breezy, but intentional—fall hairstyle for medium hair perfection.
Curly Shag with Halo Fringe and Toasty Ribbons
And should your texture reside in ringlets, this rounded shag and its airy, halo fringe are the epitome of Length hair curvy vitality. The layers keep it buoyant around the cheeks but caramel ribbons are woven through to add depth, it looks so good on mid-lengths and is perfect as a medium hair refresh hairstyle for fall. When combined with a basic blouse, it comes out as glowing and easy.
Notes to care by: Use Pattern Styling Cream on soaking-wet curls and diffuse low and slow with a root lift. A little Color Wow Dream Coat for Curly seals the shine without crunch. With Thin hair, the inner layers of the shag add air without giving up volume–smart volume, not big hair.
One tip I love: when diffusing, stretch the crown so as not to create mushroom width. A whip at the salon makes the ribbons shiny throughout the season. Cozy night, big curls, bigger smile—Curly hair, but controlled.
High Wrap Pony with Face-Framing Bangs
When I am in need of immediate lift I turn directly to a high, wrapped pony, with soft curtain pieces brushing the jawline. It chisels cheekbones, leaves the neck unobstructed by collars and does dimensional Blonde hair color splendidly. The ass smacks on the shoulder- sweet spot of fall hairstyle medium length and a no-brainer with a clean v-neck or a tee.
My fast one: mist heat protectant, a puff of Schwarzkopf OSiS+ Dust It on the crown to give it some lift, and wrap a strand around the elastic. A few bends in the tail with a 1″ iron make it look styled—not school-run. It Easy, it Smooth and it adores Length hair straight.
The pony rule of Chris Appleton never fails me: the base of the pony is always on the top of the ear line and that gives the most flattering angle. Then Oribe Superfine is applied to lock it in place without stiffness with a veil of Oribe- fall hairstyle medium hair with movement.
Cinnamon Layers with Feathered Bangs
It is a mid-length cut that is cut below the collarbone with face layers feathered out and an airy fringe in a cinnamon color–autumn in a haircut. The movement is soft, the edges are weightless and the warm shade flatter most complexions in cooler light. It is my daily medium length haircut that women go to when I need polish but no drama.
I make the color glossy using Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate and book a Shades EQ glaze after every six weeks-Tracey Cunningham favorite to add reflective warmth on Length brunette tones. Blow dry using a medium round brush, and then turn ends up a little to prevent coat-collar pandemonium. Sophisticated, comfy, very coffee-date.
Are you nervous about bangs? Then begin cheekbone-length and go shorter at two appointments. Control > commitment—Hair sanity preserved.
Braided Half-Up with Caramel Wave Ends
Two side braids are loosely plaited to a knot at the back to create a subdued crown with strands of caramel-kissed waves. It is casual and feminine and it is particularly pretty with midi dresses and cardigans. The style creates structure on top but maintains movement on the bottom that is what I desire in a fall hairstyle on medium hair when plans go from market mornings to dinner.
Apply Prep with Pureology Color Fanatic leave-in, braid loosely and set with Bumble and bumble Spray de Mode to keep it touchable. To soften by the lengths, scrunch a drop of KErastase elixir ultimate- Simple and sweater-proof.
Personal adjustment: tilt the braids up a bit to fill out the profile a bit–a small move that makes the face look brighter and demonstrates depth on Length brunette. With a texture that tends to be Curly, leave the ends to dry out in the air so that that ribbon-wave look is maintained.
Save Pin
