4 quick and easy ways to update your hairstyle for autumn

Get ready for the new season with a hairstyle transformation that won’t break the bank…

Hairstyles from the catwalk often fall into one of two camps: beautiful and game changing or wildly experimental. The latter of which can be so elaborate and fanciful that while you may be in awe of the work that has gone into creating them, they are destined to remain admired from a distance. And, they certainly aren’t the type you’ll be trying at home anytime soon. It’s the first group of styles we’re looking to this autumn – the ones that shake us out of our styling rut, the ones that inspire us to try something new or remind us of a long forgotten look.

The changing of the seasons is the perfect excuse to try something new and what better place to look for inspiration than the AW17 catwalks. Here’s our pick of 4 quick and easy ways to update your hairstyle for autumn without going for a full-on cut and colour…

1: Rock a ribbon

Time is right up at the top of our priority list when it comes to hairstyling. Yes, we know it looks best freshly washed, blow dried and tonged to within an inch of it’s life. But we also know that would take the best part of an hour and would require sufficiently more effort than most of us mortals are prepared for come 6.30am when the alarm goes off. Which is why we are especially grateful to one of AW17’s most popular hair trends for reminding us of the power of a good accessory. The friend of the time-savvy everywhere, it’s purse-friendly and won’t induce curling wand related arm-ache. The accessory du-jour this autumn is the humble ribbon. Spotted everywhere from Temperly (worn thick velvet and in a bow) to Emilia Wickstead (free falling crossgrain) and Tory Burch (the finishing touch to a low-slung pony) to Marchesa (lime green with a bun), with so many ways to rock a ribbon the question isn’t if to wear one, it’s how.

2. Get braided

From hairline plait to double dutch, rope, crown and fishtail; the effortless braid is here to stay for another season. The perennial appeal of the plait is testament to it’s many plus points: it’s longevity as a style (it can last up to 3 days if carefully looked after), it’s ease to create and its suitability for so many occasions. Whatever the look you’re going for – boho, structured or festival chic it’s one of the most versatile styles out there. Our favourite looks from the shows were the trio of braids at Balmain and the tousled interwoven spotted at Antonio Berardi. If you’re not nimble fingered but fancy giving it a go book into the braid bar at Hershesons, £15, and you’ll be transformed in less than 15 minutes.

3. Try a hair up

The mention of an up-do is a usually met with a weary (yet wholly understandable) scepticism. Which is why we were particularly excited by the Ellery AW17 show look. Forget the associations with ballet class and your Grandma, with a modern twist traditional hair up’s can be cool, youthful and wearable. Eugene Souleiman for Wella Professionals proved it at the Ellery show by revolutionising a classic French pleat. The result? Hair that looked like you’d made an effort but didn’t look too ‘done’ thanks to the contrasting textures. Seen from the front hair looked ‘elegant’ says Souleiman, but from the sides and back it was ‘roughed up for an edgier finish.’ If you want to have a go arm yourself with Wella's Ocean Spritz spray (great for 'giving your hair some guts'), plenty of kirby grips and gently tease strands out for a deliberately 'imperfect finish,' advises Souleiman.

4. Perfect a quiff

Let AW17 be remembered as the return of the quiff. The style famously associated with Amy Whinehouse and Elvis Presley popped up everywhere at the shows from the big bouffant at Chanel to the rolled quiffs at Bottega Veneta. Our favourite look of them all was the sleek but retro version at House of Holland. While it may not be suitable for everyday it is a fun way to jazz up your regular blow out and is easy to re-create at home. Combine with a pony for a 90’s throwback or team with a statement headband a la Chanel for some serious style points.