Summer isn't over quite yet, but L.A.'s fall hair trends have already fully arrived. Some seasons, our city's most trendsetting looks are as varied as they are cool, while other years have been dominated by one single style. This time, it's a mix of both — a range of styles all anchored by one idea: The shag has taken L.A.
Sure, you'll find back-grazing blunt cuts, choppy bobs, short pixies, and soft mid-length chops ahead, but the bulk of what we're seeing from L.A.'s top stylists has been heavily influenced by the shag. But don't be nervous: There are tons of options to choose from that work just as well on models and rock stars as they do on people who, well, aren't models or rock stars. From fringe-free options, to classic renditions, to those accentuated with baby bangs, there are styles to suit every hair texture and type.
Ahead, find 15 of the coolest fall cuts to come out of L.A.'s raddest salons. Plus, check out the tips and tricks for styling, and exactly what to ask for, all from the five stylists that created the chops. (And all of whom just so happen to be the ones to watch right now.) Bookmark this page, schedule your next haircut, and welcome fall with one of L.A.'s freshest new looks.
This story was originally published on September 1, 2016.
Stylist:Sal Salcedo
Salon:Salon Benjamin, Arts District
What to ask for: A mid-length cut with choppy layers.
Easy, breezy, and super simple to style, this mid-length cut is as versatile as it is cool — and works for any hair texture. To cop the look, follow Salcedo's advice: "The layers should be on the longer side, and the length should be right above the chest," he says. "Bringing out the texture is key," so make sure your stylist considers how your hair falls and air-dries, he says. The layers should be soft, but still choppy enough to create a voluminous flip (seen here).
If you don't have a natural curl or wave, he recommends braiding damp hair in three big sections (left, right, and the back) and allowing it to dry naturally.
Photo: Courtesy of Sal Salcedo.
What to ask for: A mid-length cut with subtle, soft layers.
This cut is very similar to the last, but with a slightly more polished finish. To achieve this look, opt for a length just below the collarbone and "add soft layers for movement," Salcedo explains. He adds: "This haircut is great for someone that's growing their bob or lob out." It's also an ideal mid-length chop for fine hair types, as the blunter length helps to make hair look fuller. Those with thick hair should request invisible layers to help cut down style time.
To style, add curls or bends in alternating directions, then shake the hair loose. "This adds a bit of texture and makes the haircut come alive," he says.
Photo: Courtesy of Sal Salcedo.
What to ask for: A short cut with rounded layers.
"This is great for those with extremely curly hair that want more bounce in their style," Salcedo says. Those with curly locks can achieve this soft chop by asking for a bob with rounded layers and a light fringe. Naturally, it's best to air-dry this cut — or use a diffuser if you must get out the door quickly.
Arm yourself with a curl cream for easy definition on wet, damp, or dry hair, or try Salcedo's clever hack in a pinch. "A trick to obtain perfect curls is to add hand lotion to the hair while damp; this gives the hair enough moisture that curly hair needs and also mild hold — all without leaving hair crunchy. And it gets rid of frizz!"
Photo: Courtesy of Sal Salcedo.
What to ask for: A classic undercut that's longer on the top and sides.
Looking for a fresh take on a shorter cut? "This is an interpretation of the '80s pixie," Salcedo says. "The hair is left long enough so that it can be slicked back." He notes that it's also a great transition option for those growing out a pixie or for someone who wants short hair, but isn't quite ready to take the full plunge. Ask for a classic undercut, Salcedo says, but make sure your stylist leaves the sides longer than they would ordinarily be and thins the ends as necessary, based on your hair texture. Tip: Bring in a picture!
When it comes to styling, Salcedo says this is a very versatile chop. "With this look, it's important to have fun; you can let it all fall forward, slick it back with a stronger pomade, or split hair down the middle for a '90s look," he says. "It's all possible."
Photo: Courtesy of Sal Salcedo.
What to ask for: A shag with wispy bangs.
We know what you're thinking: another shag? But they don't call it the coolest cut in L.A. for nothing. "This is a very sexy look that adds a certain sense of rock-and-roll — but a beachy vibe," says Salcedo. Ask for a layered shag with wispy bangs that are tapered and thicker on the sides.
This look works best on straight or wavy hair, or loose curls (those with very curly locks should add layers at the crown; see slide three). To style it, load up with salt spray. "An ocean mist will bring out the natural texture of the haircut," Salcedo says. "Spray hair while damp or dry, flip hair upside-down, and scrunch. This gives the hair lots of body and texture."
Photo: Courtesy of Sal Salcedo.
What to ask for: A Jean Seberg-inspired pixie cut.
Salon Benjamin just opened its first Downtown location, and it's already churning out some of the coolest cuts in L.A. — thanks, in part, to Salcedo. This chop is "good for the modern woman who is daring and not attached to long hair. This haircut allows your face and features to be seen, while bringing a mix of masculinity to your feminine look," he says.
Ask for a classic pixie inspired by actress Jean Seberg — and bring in this picture — then pick up a light wax or pomade to style. Simply work a touch through damp hair, using your fingers to separate hairs for a piece-y look, Salcedo says.
Photo: Courtesy of Sal Salcedo.
What to ask for: A textured shag with short, blunt bangs.
For anyone looking for a quick way to add drama — but not sacrifice length — consider this chop from Salcedo. "This is great for someone that wants a bit more edge to their look," he says. Ask for a long shag cut with layers throughout, then punctuate the style with short, blunt baby bangs. The secret to making the cut look fresh and modern? The bangs should be completely straight, not tapered.
Then, to style, Salcedo suggests air-drying the lengths of hair and wrap-drying bangs, which will ensure they fall straight down but are still volumized. "To make your bangs fall in the right place, I recommend you wet them and then dry them using your fingers by pulling to your left and then to your right [as you blowdry]," he explains.
Photo: Courtesy of Sal Salcedo.
Stylist:Shai Amiel
Salon:Capella Salon
What to ask for: Long length with strategic layering.
"This haircut is ideal for someone that has a lot of hair," Amiel says, noting that it's a great way to create serious volume on curly hair while still maintaining length. However, the denser the hair, the more strategic the layering should be.
Ask your stylist for an even outline, with long pieces around the face and short layers throughout to add volume, with the shortest pieces concentrated along the crown of the head to create height and additional volume. "We wanted her crown to be very full," Amiel says.
To style, Amiel suggests washing and air-drying with your usual product cocktail of a styling cream or leave-in conditioner. To refresh curls on day two or three, simply mist with a little water (or allow the steam from your shower to do the work), then scrunch in a few drops of the same leave-in conditioner or curl cream.
Photo: Courtesy of Shan Boodram.
What to ask for: A square, layered bob with light fringe.
Amiel notes that this cut works well on every curl type, thanks to an overall balanced shape. "Ask your stylist for a square, layered bob with a few random pieces that create a fringe. I also gave her lots of short pieces all over, especially on her crown, for volume." When it comes to the bangs, Amiel advises to cut up into the hair: "They are not cut straight across, which allows them to flow with the rest of the hair," he says.
Then, to style, "apply leave-in conditioner or a curl cream to very wet hair, shake to create movement, and allow to air dry," Amiel says. "You can also speed up the process by using a diffuser." When your hair is completely dry, then you can scrunch to soften the texture. Craving even more volume? Grab a hair pick and break up the curls at the crown, he says.
Photo: Courtesy of Shai Amiel.
Stylist:Anh Co Tran
Salon:Ramirez | Tran
What to ask for: A mid-length shag cut with lots of layers.
Looking for an on-trend shag but not so sure about bangs? Tran is consistently on the forefront of L.A. hair trends — and this fringe-free version of the cool cut is no exception. He describes it as a "modern shag" and notes it was "inspired by a '70s rocker's cut."
What makes it modern? "Pronounced face-framing layers that bring texture and movement to the cut," he says. Tran notes this style is great for any hair type, but those with very curly hair should make sure the cut is tailored for their individual texture. This is where additional invisible layering comes into play.
To style, Tran suggests scrunching with beach spray (his favorite is L'Oreal's Crêpage de Chignon) and allowing hair to air-dry.
Photo: Courtesy of Anh Co Tran.
Stylist:Buddy Porter
Salon: Méche
What to ask for: A long, blunt cut with no layering.
Long hair gets a fresh update this season with a blunt, one-length look. Porter notes that this style is very low maintenance and can work on any texture, however those with very thick or curly hair will benefit from removing some weight with invisible layers. However, heed his advice: "Reserve the weight removal if necessary, but keep the length as blunt as possible." He also notes that a dry cutting technique will yield the best results, and to remind your stylist not to add any layers — even a few changes the modern look.
To style, simply run a curling iron or flat iron over strands to define your natural texture and, if desired, add more dramatic bends. "This gives the hair some shape and makes it look effortless," he says.
Photo: Courtesy of Buddy Porter.
What to ask for: A mid-length shag with long bangs and seamless layers.
Another variation on the shag: long, messy bangs "that that taper out and rest over the eyes, and a length [that's] a couple inches below the collarbone," Porter says.
Porter notes that this cut is best for hair with a soft, natural wave or a light curl."Having bangs like this can be tricky to style at home if your hair is too straight or too curly," he explains. When styling, Porter suggests drying the bangs into place (you can use a round brush or diffuser), then spraying the lengths with Oribe's Apres Beach Spray, scrunching, and air-drying.
Photo: Courtesy of Buddy Porter.
What to ask for: A one-length bob with tons of well-blended layering.
Looking for the freshest way to wear a bob this fall? Look no further. "This is a box bob with texturized layers," Porter told us."The trick here is that the layers are cut with deep notching to create movement and a nice blend." This sounds really technical, but say it to your stylist, and he'll know what to do. (If he or she doesn't, run.) Above all else, "make sure they don't use a razor or thinning scissors," Porter says, which will disrupt the one-length ends.
This style works on straight to wavy hair, and is best styled by creating light bends with a curling or flat iron. Wave the hair in opposite directions, Porter says, then shake it all out and finish with Leonor Greyl's Eclat Naturel styling cream to break it up.
Photo: Courtesy of Buddy Porter.
Stylist:Lindsay Victoria
Salon:Spoke & Weal
What to ask for: A blunt, asymmetrical cut that's longer in the front.
Consider this longer-in-the-front cut the next generation of the A-line lob. Victoria offers your stylist this guidance: "The ends are heavier; the perimeter is strong, and I point-cut just the ends to get movement, while maintaining a strong line," she says.
"This cut is for someone who wants a lot of versatility," Victoria says. "It can be styled into a number of different looks. Playful, cool, trendy..." Her only rule? To show off the bluntness of the ends, avoid curling or waving the last inch or so.
Photo: Courtesy of @michelletakeaim.
What to ask for: A chin-length bob with fringe.
This sharp bob gets a lived-in feel thanks to an even length and imperfect, heavy bangs. To score this style, ask your stylist to cut your hair to your chin, and your fringe to your eyebrows, Victoria says, noting that it is not a version of the popular A-line: "The back is not graduated, this is all one length," she explains. Those with fine hair can opt for no layers, but get some weight removed if you have medium to thick hair: "Bobs can get mushroom-y and heavy — this is de-bulked and textured," she explains.
"With this short, choppy bob, the cut is the style." Meaning, if you like to pull your hair back, move along. When it comes to styling, less is more, she says. "Rough dry; don’t use a round brush. Don’t over-work or over-finish the hair — the dirtier the better."
Photo: Courtesy of Spoke & Weal.
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