Autumn chop ideas: The coolest haircuts for a post-summer upgrade
Clients have been flocking to the salon recently, ready for a new season restyle.
Our stylists are always incredibly busy in September, because it’s one of the most popular times of the year to get a significant chop, whether that be losing some length or trying a new style.
Why now? “Because it’s the perfect reset as our routines kick back in after summer,” says director Tasha.
Senior Director Matilda Collins agrees, saying there’s a shift in the overarching aesthetic as we transition from one season to another. “People want longer, more mermaid-y, beachy hair in summer, then when it comes to autumnal fashion and styling, hair is all very much more structured, the same way your clothing becomes more structured.”
That’s particularly true this year, when shorter styles are dominating on social media and the red carpet. Matilda adds, “If people cut their hair now, it gives it a good amount of time to grow ready for next summer.”
Here, our stylists explain why it’s a good idea to try a restyle in early autumn and talk through three gorgeous haircut trends they’re loving now…
THE BENEFITS OF AN AUTUMN CUT
If your strands aren’t in the best condition at the moment, don’t fret. There are a variety of factors that can cause damage and dryness during the warmer months.
“Sun, sea, chlorine,” are three big culprits, Matilda says. “People generally don’t do as much hair maintenance throughout the summer as well, especially if they’re away and don't have their usual routine.”
That’s why a September chop – even if it’s just a trim – is a good idea. Matilda continues, “It’s best to cut all the dry ends so the hair feels thicker and fuller, and it gives a bit better foundation to stay healthier for longer. Plus, if your hair is cut into more of a shape and a style, you're essentially having to style it less because it's holding that shape better.”
For thicker hair types, Tasha says, “Adding layers makes the hair look healthier and fuller. Light layers remove weight but keep bounce, and they also reduce snagging on scarves and high collars, which means less breakage.”
Whatever your chosen style, to give your hair health a boost, now is also a great time to indulge in a nourishing treatment, Matilda says. “It's all about putting the shine back into the hair after summer, so you could do a clear gloss treatment, or the Collagen Infusion Treatment adds moisture and hydration.”
THE BOUNCY BOB
“Short hair will remain popular into 2026,” Tasha says. “Bobs are still a huge trend – whether blunt, inverted or stacked – and they work well with winter coats and scarves.”
Matilda says French bobs, which are bouncy and textured, are her tip for autumn/winter 2025. “People still very much want volume and thickness.”
Case in point? Singer and British Vogue September issue cover star Raye’s signature bob is shiny, wavy and gorgeously glamorous, while influencer Nara Smith likes to switch it up, sometimes going for an effortlessly undone look and at others styling her sleek and flicked out.
To style a bob, Matilda says, “Shu Uemura Night Essence Absolue Overnight Serum will help because it's a creamy base, so it's not going to weigh the hair down, you'll still get fullness. You want to add body and fluffiness. Davines mousse is nice cos it's not too sticky, so it creates a bouncy look.”
THE MODERN RACHEL CUT
Made famous by Jennifer Aniston in Friends, ‘The Rachel’ has made a comeback recently, but with a modern twist.
“The ’90s Rachel style – with soft layers that reduce bulk but retain body – is still relevant,” Tasha says. The emphasis is on a soft shape, with ends that flick out and length that falls below the shoulders rather than the very curved-under shape of the original Rachel.
“This year, blow dries aren’t as big and curly, they’re just full and flicky with a slight kick on the ends,” Matilda says, citing influencer Molly-Mae Hague’s layered look as a chic example of a 90s-inspired look. “Her hair is always on trend. It's got that flick full, it looks glossy but full – it's the perfect ‘Rachel’ vibe for someone who doesn't want to go too short.”
To get that glossy finish, she recommends Oribe Crème for Style for blow drying. “It’s really nice because it helps to hold the bounce on the ends, but it's a cream, so it's not oily. Oribe also has Straight Away, which helps to smooth out the hair or Shu Uemura Netsu Design styling cream helps with anti-frizz and hold as well.”
JAW-LENGTH BANGS
If you don’t want to go for a major chop or add lots of layers, cutting in jaw-length bangs is a trendy way to try a new look without a big overhaul.
“I had a client in this week who’s got long hair. I’d cut shorter fringe pieces before, and she's actually liking them below jaw length now, so I just did lots of shape at the front to connect those pieces in,” Matilda says. “This is a great look for people who have let their hair grow out for the summer but want more shape.”
Jaw-length bangs are flattering for most people, but Matilda adds, “If someone's wearing the hair up a lot, I do take them a little bit shorter, because you don't want them to be in that midpoint where it looks like a grown-out fringe.”
Bangs can be tricky if your hair tends to go frizzy when damp autumn weather arrives, so you might want to switch to an anti-frizz shampoo and conditioner such as Oribe Moisture & Control or Kevin Murphy Smooth Again.
Finish by using a hydrating styling cream such as Davines This is a Relaxing Moisturising Fluid
or Oi Oil on wet or dry hair, Matilda says. “You basically want to control the frizz. For wavy hair you want a cream formula so that your hair still feels full, as opposed to oil-based formulas which are great for straight hair.”
New season, new style
There’s nothing better than a fresh haircut to make you feel amazing, and September is the perfect time to snip off summer damage and embrace a new look.
This autumn, take your pick from a trendy bob, a modern spin on the iconic Rachel cut or subtle, face-framing bangs.
Ready for the chop? Book your next appointment at Paul Edmonds London.
