Say goodbye to sun-kissed summer glam and hello to bold yet cosy vibes because this 2025 autumn season, we’re talking glossy strands, moonlit shades and hair that screams effortless drama. Whether you’re into soft goth or 90s revival, allow me to present the hair trends that are here to slay, with the expert help of hairstylist Samantha Cusick. Get ready to serve looks hotter than your pumpkin spice latte.
Sign up to our free Beauty Lab: Unlocked newsletter for your access-all-areas peek inside the Cosmopolitan beauty cupboard – from the inside scoop on the products our Beauty Team actually rate, to the latest launch reveals and unboxings, and even tickets to the best upcoming beauty events. Get it all direct to your inbox!
Riviera blonde
Buttery meets Champagne in this ‘summer in the south of France’ hue. Riviera blonde, as Cusick coins it, is the perfect way to brighten up the gloomier seasons, as it skews warm and creamy – picture the soft gold of your favourite glass of bubbly. "It’s an “I woke up wealthy” vibe," Cusick explains – aka, elegant, not brassy!
Pro tip
Ask for a diffused, natural root for soft regrowth, especially if your base colour is a deep brunette – this avoids stark contrast. And when it comes to the lengths, maintaining the expensive-looking blonde colour means toning and TLC. Use a shower filter to make sure hard water doesn’t strip your tone and send you into the brassy camp.
Birkin bangs
While the trend has been around for a few years, we predict a full-on revival of Birkin bangs this season. This style is all about wispy, brow-grazing bangs that often part slightly in the middle, and as its namesake would suggest, is inspired by the effortlessly cool Jane Birkin. Bonus: they grow out into curtain bangs, so can be a super wearable option if you’re after a change but don’t want anything too high-maintenance.
Pro tip
These bangs are meant to feel lived-in and relaxed, not overly perfect. A light mist of texture spray helps add that little bit of grit and separation.
Moonlit onyx
Glossy black hair is back (not that it ever really went away)! And for this, we’re dialling drama all the way up. "Moonlit onyx is the inky, high-shine shade bringing goth-glam into the spotlight. Think Megan Fox-level gloss with a hint of mystery," Cusick tells Cosmo.
Pro tip
For this look, shine is everything. Keep it luxe with a sulphate-free glossing shampoo, a monthly gloss treatment and a few drops of hair oil to finish. The goal? A reflective, rich colour that shines even in the moonlight.
The shag revival
Autumn called, and it’s saying the shag is one to watch. Drawing inspiration from 70s icons such as Stevie Nicks, today’s version is choppy, layered and full of movement. The cut is often paired with a fringe and a devil-may-care vibe.
Pro tip
Let your natural texture shine. For this, Cusick recommends scrunching in sea-salt spray or mousse (air-dry or diffuse) and finishing with a little pomade on the ends to piece it out. Straight hair? Add random bends with a tong, rake it through and go.
Haute bedhead
Messy hair? Very much in. AW25 runways proved that fluffy, slept-in texture is fashion’s new favourite (brands including Zimmermann and Mithridate, we’re looking @ you). Frizz, flyaways and volume are all intentional characteristics of the look.
Pro tip
Cusick says, "Start with clean hair (yes, really), then add a bit of ghd’s Curls Gone Wild spray and use the ghd Hair Waver for loose bends." The more undone, the better!
Old-money espresso
"Brunettes are having a major moment with expensive espresso hues," Cusick says. Think deep, glossy, chocolate brown, so rich it looks straight out of a Parisian cafe. This trend is all about clever placement for dimension and shine, so a flat box-dye job may not cut it. Even though it may take a trip to the salon, this sophisticated colour will be low-maintenance and scream old-money glam.
Pro tip
Ask your colourist for a neutral or cool-toned dark brown gloss. Cusick recommends the Redken Acidic Color Gloss Activated Glass Gloss Treatment.
Balletcore bun
Ballerinacore is still everywhere and, as a result, so is the snatched bun. It’s polished, sleek and… the total opposite of the bedhead hair trend (see above). There’s a vibe for everyone this season, but what’s yours?
Pro tip
Smooth damp hair with a leave-in conditioner, brush it back with tension and twist into a bun. Lock it down with pins and hairspray, then finish with a shine mist for that glossed-up, stage-ready finish.
Follow Lia on Instagram.
Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK, with over four years of experience reporting across the brand's print, social, video and digital platforms. Lia covers everything from emerging trend analysis to viral celebrity hair and makeup moments, making her an expert at spotting the season’s next big beauty look (before it takes over social media feeds).
In 2025, she was named The Rising Media Star at the Love Perfume Awards with The Perfume Shop, recognised for her outstanding digital fragrance content and for building genuine authority within the space. She is passionate about challenging outdated beauty stereotypes, championing inclusive representation in beauty, and educating readers on the trends, products and conversations shaping the industry today. Follow her on Instagram or find her on LinkedIn.
