The Ultimate Back to School Hair Guide: Expert Loved Hairstyles, Hair Colors and Beyond

August 18, 2023

By: Alexis Gaskin | Makeup.com by L'Oréal

As the summer months come to an end, there's anticipation in the air for many reasons: There’s the excitement of pumpkin spice season, a new school year and, of course, Halloween. Even if you’re not ready for studying and exams, there’s always the fun of seeing friends again, new clothes and a fresh hairdo. When it comes to the “fresh hairdo” part, we challenge you to step out of your comfort zone and try a new haircut, hair color or hairstyle this fall.

Of course, we’re not going to make you scour social media for a new style by yourself – we did that work for you. Below, discover seven trending hairstyles for fall with insight from a roster of hair experts including Raven Hurtado, Stylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago, Edward Tricomi, Master Stylist & Co-Founder of Warren Tricomi Salons and George Papanikolas, Global Brand Ambassador for Matrix and L’Oréal.

The 7 Best Back-to-School Hairdos

Bubble Bob

“The [Bubble Bob] haircut looks good on any hair type from thin, thick to curly hair. It’s layered, which gives it a round look, and it’s voluminous, stylish and chic,” says Hurtado. This haircut allows you to eliminate inches of hair that have probably been sun-soaked all summer long and could use a fresh start.

As the temperature drops you may not have to deal with as much humidity, but it can still linger in the air resulting in frizzy strands. If you prefer a smooth hair look, use the Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Anti-Humidity Aerosol Hairspray to create a 24-hour hold that protects against frizz.

Blunt Bob With Bangs

There’s something about the fall time that has us wanting to cut our hair short and play around with bangs. Many of Tricomi’s hair clients are asking for short to medium-length haircuts to add more movement to strands. One popular fall-time haircut to try this school year is the classic blunt bob with bangs. Personalize this trending haircut with curtain bangs to frame your face, sharp straight-across bangs for a sleek ‘do or bangs cut somewhere in between to fit your style.

When you’re ready to style your blunt bob, use the Matrix Over Achiever 3-in-1 Cream Paste to add texture to your hair for a more manageable style with a soft hold. This product works for all hair types to help your bangs stay put and keep your bob polished.

Bouncy Layers

“My favorite haircut now is bouncy layers,” says Hurtado. “The cut gives a ton of body and volume and allows [hair] to have movement and bounce.” Elevate this haircut with a blowout that you can recreate at home using a round brush like the Trademark Beauty Easy Blo, recommends Hurtado. When you’re rushing to get ready for school or getting out of gym class, revitalize greasy roots with the Garnier Fructis Deep Cleansing Invisible Dry Shampoo, Aloe Clean to keep your layers swingy.

Long Curly Layers

Attention curly-haired folks: This is your sign to try long, sweeping layers. Layers are another trending hair look that Tricomi is expecting to see all over this fall. It’s a staple hairstyle that adds crisp movement and rids curly hair of the dreaded pyramid head look (a.k.a. flat roots and puffy ends). Truly, no matter your hair length, consider adding layers to lighten hair weight for more defined curls and coils. The type of layered hairstyle you get will ultimately depend on your preference. After your cut, refresh the shape of curls and coils at home with the Carol's Daughter Wash Day Delight Hair Gel to Foam Styler Aloe. This styling product can be used on wet or damp hair for 48 hours of frizz control and a natural-looking hold without any crunchy feeling or buildup.

Tone on Tone

Both Papanikolas and Tricomi are all about the “Tone on Tone” balayage that embraces a natural hair color for a perfectly blended look. “This tone-on-tone technique creates a soft variation of color while still drawing the focus to the warm-toned face frame,” says Tricomi. Papanikolas recommends asking your stylist to use a toner like the Matrix Tonal Control to adjust the warm or cool tone of your hair to find the most flattering hue. “Using a toner like Tonal Control gives a whisper of elegance by acting like pantyhose over the highlights for a beautiful sheer finish,” he says.

This twist on the beloved balayage creates a glamorous style that looks as though your hair grew that way naturally. Upkeep your color at home with the L’Oréal Paris Le Color Gloss One Step In-Shower Toning Gloss. Available in 16 shades (including a universal clear gloss) to match your current hue, this gloss leaves hair conditioned, brass free and shiny — perfect for picture day.

Honey Gold/Strawberry Blonde

Start the year off right with a fresh color that brings warmth to blonde and brunette hair. Tricomi says blondes can still enjoy their light hair lifestyle with a fall time revamp: “A warmer root melt is a nice transition on someone who is heavily highlighted and wants more warmth but does not want to commit to too much gold throughout,” he says.

Protect your hair color during wash day with a sulfate-free shampoo to keep your color looking as good as day one. We recommend the Carol's Daughter Born To Repair Sulfate-Free Nourishing Shampoo which is made for all hair types and is gentle on color-treated hair. Anyone can use and enjoy this shampoo, especially those with damaged hair that will appreciate the formulation of shea butter, Babassu oil and Amazonian nut oil for added moisture.

Color Blocking

Tricomi says color blocking is going to be one of the most popular trends this school year. “Color blocking is fun and trendy when it is done in the interior of the hair, having a chocolate base cascading over a peek-a-boo pop of color underneath,” he says. It’s a fully customizable look with endless color options and blocking pieces. You can get creative with this hairstyle by using vibrant fall-inspired colors like orange, red and purple. Or you can try something more natural by sticking with your natural hair and adding intentional patches of warm caramel, golden blonde or deep brunette shades. “The hidden pop of color is fun but can be hidden when wanted so there is functionality and versatility behind it.” Replace your usual conditioner and hair mask for the Maria Nila Head & Hair Heal Booster Masque which softens and nourishes strands while protecting hair color from fading.

Photo: styledbyraviee; Design: Juliana Campisi