As the seasons shift and wardrobes deepen into richer tones and heavier textures, hair follows suit.
This autumn/winter, it’s less about reinvention and more about refinement – elevating classic shapes, enhancing natural texture, and embracing colour with intention.
In collaboration with Auckland’s Anco Studio, we spoke to salon manager and senior stylist Thomas, who shared the standout trends set to define the cooler months ahead. The overarching mood? Polished, personalised, and quietly bold.
Bold Balance
This season’s most striking looks are rooted in contrast. “Bold Balance is about pairing softness with impact,” Thomas explains. Think flowing, layered silhouettes brought to life with saturated, statement colour.
Deep mahogany, vibrant ginger, and high-impact blonde tones take centre stage, offering a modern twist on otherwise classic shapes. The beauty of this trend lies in its bespoke nature – colour is carefully chosen to enhance movement and texture rather than overpower it.
For those not ready to commit fully, a rich gloss in an autumnal golden copper can achieve a similar effect, adding depth and dimension to face-framing layers. The result is hair that feels both effortless and considered – never flat, never predictable.
Glazed Hair
If there’s one universal hair goal this season, it’s shine. Enter Glazed Hair – a trend defined by smoothness, resilience, and that coveted mirror-like finish.
At Anco Studio, the secret lies in the Aura Smoothing Treatment from Lakmé, which infuses the hair with Hyaluronic Acid to deliver deep hydration and long-lasting smoothness. Beyond just aesthetics, it creates a humidity-resistant shield – ideal for unpredictable weather.
For a quicker fix, the 15-minute Aura Beauty blow wave offers a glossy refresh that lasts up to six washes, making it perfect for events or weekends away. For those ready to invest, longer-lasting smoothing treatments promise up to four to five months of effortlessly polished hair.
Not So Lived In
The era of deliberately “undone” colour is evolving. This season introduces Not So Lived In – a more refined take on low-maintenance blonde.
Rather than heavy root melts or shadowing, this technique focuses on ultra-fine, strategically placed highlights with a soft, staggered blend. The result is brighter, cleaner blonde that grows out seamlessly, without the obvious line of demarcation.
“It’s ideal for clients who love being blonde but don’t want the upkeep,” says Thomas. “You stay lighter for longer, with a much softer grow-out.”
Fringe Benefits
Sometimes, the smallest change makes the biggest impact. This season, that change is the fringe.
Whether it’s a sleek blunt cut, a soft curtain, a sweeping side fringe, or even a daring micro fringe, this detail instantly elevates any haircut into something more directional. It’s less about trend-following and more about proportion.
“A fringe is incredibly personal,” Thomas notes. “It’s about tailoring the shape to your face so it enhances your features rather than competing with them.”
Consider it the ultimate accessory – one that can transform your entire look without sacrificing length.
Oh Honey!
When it comes to colour, warmth reigns supreme. The standout shade of the season? Honey.
This multi-dimensional golden blonde brings instant brightness and a sense of health to the hair, with tones that can be tailored to suit virtually everyone. Richer, deeper honey hues complement darker bases and warmer complexions, while lighter, more luminous variations flatter cooler skin tones.
The effect is soft yet luxurious – what Thomas describes as “liquid gold.” It’s a colour that catches the light beautifully, adding depth without heaviness.
The Takeaway
This autumn/winter, hair is all about balance – between softness and structure, ease and polish, subtlety and statement. The trends aren’t prescriptive; they’re adaptable, designed to work with your natural texture, your lifestyle, and your personal aesthetic.
As Thomas puts it, “The goal is always the same: hair that looks considered, but never overdone.”
And this season, that couldn’t feel more relevant.
