The Fall 2024 Guide to Long Hair: Red Carpet Glamour Meets Runway Innovation
As the chill of fall descends and the rich hues of autumn leaves cascade down city streets, one thing is clear: long hair is having a major moment. From the runways of Paris to the star-studded red carpets of New York, long locks are being elevated to new levels of elegance and sophistication this season. Whether sleek and straight or voluminous and romantic, long hair is officially the must-have accessory for Fall 2024. Here’s how to embrace the season’s most glamorous trends for your tresses.
The Sleek Power Pony: The Red Carpet Darling
The high ponytail has transcended its sporty origins, evolving into a symbol of high fashion and power. This fall, the sleek ponytail is dominating red carpets and runways alike, with celebrities such as Zendaya and Gigi Hadid proving that simplicity can be the ultimate statement.
How to Style: Start by smoothing your hair with a flat iron for a high-gloss finish. Use a serum or oil to tame flyaways and add shine. Gather your hair at the crown of your head, securing it with an invisible elastic for a clean look. For a modern twist, wrap a small section of hair around the base to conceal the band, and spritz with a light-hold hairspray for long-lasting polish.
Styling Tip: For added drama, try weaving in a velvet ribbon or hair accessory at the base—a nod to the rich textures of fall fashion.
The Loose Bohemian Wave: Romantic and Effortless
Channeling the free-spirited energy of the ’70s, loose, undone waves are making a strong comeback this season. Seen on runways from Milan to New York, this effortless style evokes a sense of carefree romance, ideal for transitioning from a crisp fall day to an evening out.
How to Style: Begin by applying a heat protectant to your hair, then use a large-barrel curling iron to create soft waves. The trick is to leave the ends out of the curling iron to keep the look relaxed and unpolished. Once your waves have cooled, gently run your fingers through your hair to separate the curls. For a touch of modernity, add a bit of texture spray to create that lived-in, beachy vibe even in colder months.
Styling Tip: This look pairs beautifully with hats—think wide-brim fedoras or wool berets for a Parisian flair.
Retro Glam: Volume with a Vintage Twist
Volume is back in a big way this fall, taking inspiration from the bombshell icons of the ‘60s. Think Brigitte Bardot’s bouffant, but with a modern twist. Voluminous curls and waves, teased at the crown, exude an air of vintage glamour that feels right at home against the backdrop of fall’s darker, moodier fashion palettes.
How to Style: To achieve this look, start with a volumizing mousse applied to damp hair, then blow-dry your hair with a round brush to create lift at the roots. Next, use hot rollers or a large-barrel curling iron to create loose, voluminous curls. Once set, backcomb the crown section of your hair for extra volume, and gently smooth the top layer to maintain the teased look without losing the height.
Styling Tip: A satin headband or embellished hair clip adds a modern update to this retro style, perfect for elevating any evening ensemble.
The Ultra-Straight Blowout: Sleek, Chic, and Effortless
For those who prefer a more streamlined look, the ultra-straight blowout is a go-to for Fall 2024. Sleek, silky, and impossibly chic, this minimalist style lets your long locks do all the talking. On the red carpet, stars like Hailey Bieber and Lily Collins have embraced this refined aesthetic, proving that straight hair can still be a showstopper.
How to Style: Begin with a smoothing serum and blow-dry your hair in sections using a paddle brush for a sleek finish. Follow with a flat iron for extra smoothness, ensuring your ends are perfectly polished. To keep your look fresh all day (and night), finish with an anti-humidity spray.
Styling Tip: For a high-fashion twist, tuck your hair behind one ear and secure with a sleek metal barrette, adding a touch of sophistication.
The Wet Look: Straight Off the Runway
Taking a cue from Fall/Winter 2024 fashion week, the “wet look” is dominating the season. High-gloss, slicked-back strands offer a daring, futuristic approach to hairstyling, and it’s a look that’s been spotted on everyone from Bella Hadid to Rihanna.
How to Style: To achieve the wet look, apply a generous amount of gel or styling cream to damp hair, combing it back for that just-out-of-the-shower effect. The key here is shine—opt for high-shine products that leave your hair looking sleek and glossy. For added drama, tuck the hair behind your ears and finish with a strong-hold spray.
Styling Tip: Pair this edgy style with bold brows and minimal makeup for a high-impact, runway-ready look.
The Fall Accessory Game: From Barrettes to Velvet Bows
Accessories are having their own moment this fall, and when it comes to long hair, the possibilities are endless. From oversized velvet bows seen at Tory Burch to gem-encrusted barrettes at Chanel, adding a little sparkle or texture to your hair is an easy way to elevate any look.
How to Style: For a more casual day look, opt for a pearl or gold barrette to pull back one side of your hair, keeping it sleek and polished. If you’re feeling romantic, go for a velvet ribbon tied loosely at the end of a ponytail or braid for a chic, feminine touch. The key is to keep the rest of your look simple, letting the accessory shine.
Final Thoughts: Owning Your Look This Fall
Whether you’re channeling Old Hollywood glamour, embracing modern minimalism, or exuding bohemian chic, Fall 2024 is the season to let your long locks take center stage. Experiment with texture, play with volume, and never shy away from adding a touch of elegance with hair accessories. As the temperature drops, long hair offers the perfect canvas for luxurious, runway-inspired styles that make you feel glamorous and cozy all season long.