Fall Came and Went in Australia—Here Are the Hair Trends the Pros Say We Can Expect
Our take
The cyclical nature of trends, particularly in beauty, can feel almost like time travel, a phenomenon expertly observed by Who What Wear in their recent piece on upcoming Australian hair trends. Their editors, privy to runway insights and celebrity stylist consultations, are often ahead of the curve, predicting what will soon capture the collective aesthetic imagination. We’ve long appreciated their ability to anticipate shifts; for example, their early prediction of lilac eyeshadow Lilac eye shadow proved remarkably accurate, and the ongoing fascination with bedazzled nails Bedazzled nails is another testament to their discerning eye. This current focus on hair trends, specifically, speaks to a broader cultural desire for accessible transformation – a yearning to refresh one’s image without necessarily committing to drastic changes. It’s a quiet rebellion against the often-overwhelming pace of fast fashion, allowing individuals to express their evolving style through subtle, yet impactful, adjustments to their appearance. The Australian context is particularly interesting; the country’s climate and laid-back lifestyle often influence beauty trends towards a more natural and effortless aesthetic, which undoubtedly shapes the specific styles gaining traction.
The significance of these predictions extends beyond mere hairstyle suggestions. It reveals a broader shift within the beauty industry, moving away from overtly manufactured or performative looks towards a more individualized and nuanced expression. This resonates with the growing emphasis on self-care and mindful consumption, where beauty becomes less about adhering to rigid standards and more about enhancing one’s natural features and feeling confident in one’s own skin. Consider the recent focus on versatile wardrobe staples and considered colour palettes – trends we’ve also explored, like the preference for thoughtful bag colours this autumn I’ve Consulted the Runways—Tasteful Dressers Will Be Wearing These Bag Colours This Autumn. The beauty space mirrors this broader movement, emphasizing quality over quantity and encouraging individuals to curate a look that authentically reflects their personal style. Furthermore, the article highlights the influence of celebrity stylists and runway shows, demonstrating how these platforms continue to shape and disseminate beauty trends, albeit with a greater emphasis on adaptability and personal interpretation. The curated outfit formulas shared by editors 4 Editor-In-Chief Approved Outfit Formulas to Carry You Through Fashion Month are a prime example of this accessible and inspiring trend.
This emphasis on attainable trends, driven by expert observation rather than aggressive marketing, aligns perfectly with the quiet luxury aesthetic gaining prominence. It’s about subtle enhancements, understated elegance, and a sense of effortless chic. The predicted hair trends – likely to involve variations on texture, colour, and styling techniques – are not about radical transformations but rather about refining existing looks and embracing natural movement. This resonates with the core values of self-awareness and intentionality that underpin the modern muse. The beauty industry is increasingly understanding that consumers are seeking not just products, but a feeling – a sense of confidence and self-assuredness that stems from feeling authentically themselves. The shift towards personalized beauty routines and adaptable trends underscores this desire for genuine self-expression, rejecting the pressure to conform to fleeting, often unattainable, ideals.
Looking ahead, it will be fascinating to observe how these Australian hair trends translate globally and how they evolve as influenced by individual interpretations and cultural nuances. Will the emphasis on natural textures and effortless styling continue to dominate, or will we see a resurgence of more structured and high-maintenance looks? Perhaps the most compelling question is whether the beauty industry can maintain this delicate balance between trendsetting and inclusivity, ensuring that everyone feels empowered to embrace their unique beauty, regardless of their background or style preferences. The continued focus on expert-led predictions, rather than manufactured hype, suggests a promising future for a beauty landscape rooted in authenticity and mindful self-expression.
With access to runway shows and a roster of celebrity artists to consult, we Who What Wear editors have a pretty good idea what trends beauty fans will fawn over before they become super buzzy. Lilac eye shadow? We predicted that back in March. Bedazzled nails? We've been eyeing the manicure for months, way before Kylie Jenner made us nostalgic for stick-on rhinestones. (Just wait until more fine jewelry brands get involved. Watch this space!) That said, our proverbial crystal ball does have its limits—we're only human!
Until time travel becomes run-of-the-mill, I can't physically jump a few seasons ahead to jot down imminent hair trends, but I can do the next best thing: connect with Australian stylists. As autumn already wrapped down under (May marks the end of their fall season), these experts already know what cuts, colors, and styles became super popular once the weather started to cool—similar to how Australian tastemakers can tell you what seasonal fashion items are poised to sell out immediately.
"I think the biggest shift we saw in Australia was toward hair that feels more effortless and lived-in," shares hairstylist Joey Scandizzo, founder of Joey Scandizzo Salon in South Yarra (a suburb just outside of Melbourne). "People are moving away from overly polished, heavily styled hair." Sydney-based stylist Renya Xydis agrees, noting that "nothing too stiff or staged" is the name of the game for fall 2026. "Just beautiful, healthy hair that feels youthful, effortless and cool," she adds. Below, find the four biggest trends that align with that direction, from modern wolf cuts to monochromatic highlights. Chances are you'll see them hit the U.S. trend cycle in a few short weeks.
'90s Influences
You heard it here first: '90s-inspired styles are on the horizon (thought I'd argue they never even left the chat!). "We saw a lot of '90s influence coming through [in Australia], but with a modern interpretation—think fuller shapes, soft layers, and hair that has movement rather than looking overly 'done,'" Scandizzo says. "I think that’s something we’ll see a lot more of in the U.S. as the season progresses." Haircuts are looking increasingly '90s-coded too, he adds, as "shorter, layered shapes with a little more attitude" reign supreme. (Think: a modern version of "the Rachel.") TL;DR? If you've been on the fence about face-framing layers or curtain bangs, now is the perfect time to commit.
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Piece-y Waves
That being said, it's not all about the bouncy, '90s blowouts this season. According to Xydis, tousled, grungy styles will also skyrocket this fall. "The OG bouncy blowout will always have a place, but I’m currently loving the '90s Kate Moss-inspired, natural gritty wave," she says. It's not a full-on beach wave, but it's also not crimped—more of a "crinkle," as celebrity colorist Jenna Perry once described it. Face framing and lived-in layers are essential, Xydis adds, as they allow for soft, effortless movement.
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Modern Wolf Cuts
Don't worry, bobs are still going strong (especially textured bobs with tons of movement, as depicted in the '90s style above!), but "we’re also seeing long layers, soft wolf cuts, mullets, and beautiful fringes," Xydis notes. For those who may be growing out their shorter crop, might we suggest a modern wolf cut? Half shag half mullet, the 'do features tons of tousled layers that can't help but look incredibly cool. To make yours appear even more modern, soften those layers and make them a tad longer. "It’s a sexy fringe with long, flowing hair," Xydis says of the trending look. It's also practically made for curly cuts, which naturally have tons of dimension already.
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Monochromatic Highlights
As for color, both Xydis and Scandizzo agree that less is more this season. "The big thing with color is that it’s becoming less about dramatic transformation and more about richness and shine," Scandizzo shares. "A beautiful, dimensional brunette with a really glossy finish can feel just as impactful as a major color change." For those itching for a fall zhuzh, opt for monochromatic highlights that rely on slightly lighter shades within the same color family, as opposed to highlights with a higher contrast. According to Xydis, these subtle tonal tweaks will create "beautiful yet natural dimension."
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Why Trust Who What Wear
At Who What Wear, trend reporting is our bread and butter. Our editors have a knack for spotting the latest in-demand beauty looks—often before they hit the mainstream—while also working closely with trusted experts, like renowned manicurists, celebrity makeup artists, and other leading industry insiders for their personal takes. Together, this ensures every trend report is well-researched, inclusive, and relevant to you.
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