18 Low-Maintenance Hairstyles That Are Perfect for Autumn

Some call it low-maintenance. Others might say lazy. But when it comes to my hair, I am unashamedly laid-back when I style it. Not only are over-the-top updos and fancy plaits not my thing, but I've never been able to master them even when I try. However, there's something about the arrival of autumn that has me wanting to step outside my comfort zone and embrace something a little more adventurous with my daily hairstyling. But I'm also incredibly realistic about the amount of time and effort I'm willing to spend on cajoling my hair into any kind of autumn hairstyle in the morning. We're all busy people, and honestly, who has more than 10 minutes to dedicate to their strands on a normal day?

So when it came to seeking out autumn hairstyle inspiration for this piece, there was only vibe on my agenda: easy. Yes, I took to Instagram for hours to round up an array of the best effortlessly chic hairstyles for the month ahead. Most of them can be tweaked and adjusted depending on your hair prowess, but there's more than enough inspiration ahead to encourage a little more experimentation.

Ahead, see 18 stylish yet easy autumn hairstyles that I can't wait to try. and take a look at the products I'd use to re-create them at home.

1. Hair-Wrapped Ponytail

Ponytails are probably as simple as they come, right? But you can elevate even the most basic of ponies by wrapping a strand of hair around your hairband to cover it up. There's something about this little detail that makes the finished style look so much more polished. This is a timeless style that we see time and time again at backstage fashion week.

2. Simple Plait

There is something so timeless about a simple plait, and I love how versatile this slicked-back style is for autumn. 

3. Claw Clips

It's by far this year's biggest breakout hair accessory. For autumn, I'm really gravitating towards claw clips to keep my hair looking pulled-together when we're battling wind, rain and whatever else the British weather wants to throw at us.

4. Half-Up, Half-Down

You'll get instant points for looking like you've made an effort by separating the top half of your hair and securing it in place with a hairband or claw clip. The half-up-half-down is the easiest autumn hairstyle, and I adore it.

5. Ballerina Bun

Simple but undeniably chic, a slicked-back mid-height bun always looks good.

6. Flicked Ends

If you use a hair dryer or hot tools to style your hair in the morning, then take an extra minute to flick out the ends of your style for an unexpected yet simple style switch-up. I love how retro it looks.

7. Looped Pony

If your hair's a bit too short to pull into a full top-knot or ballerina bun, then try this looped ponytail trick: Pull your hair into a ponytail and start to tie it up as normal, but rather than pulling all of your hair through on the last loop of your hairband, leave the ends to catch in the band. You're left with a cool, twisted hair loop.

8. '90s Ponytail

This combination of a high ponytail, feathery fringe and loose tendrils looks effortlessly cool and is giving me major Saved by the Bell vibes.

9. Mini Ponytail

Ponytails don't have to be the reserve of people with long hair. This low pony looks so cute with slightly shorter strands.

10. Double-Scrunchie Bun

A messy bun is the fast-track route to low-maintenance cool, but keeping it in place with two colour-clashing scrunchies rather than one adds extra interest.

11. Pigtail Plaits

I haven't worn my hair in pigtails since I was at school, but suddenly, it's the only way I want to wear my hair for autumn. I love this look.

12. Doubled-Up Accessories

If there's one way to an easy autumn hairstyle, it has to be adding a hair accessory, and in this case, the more the merrier. Play with contrasting colours and styles to keep your look fresh throughout the season. 

13. Windswept Waves

Autumn's take on summer's classic beach wave style is less uniform and mermaid-like and a little more wispy and lived-in. Perfect if, like me, you don't want to spend longer than a few minutes with your heat tools.

14. Tonal Head Scarves

A stylish headscarf looks chic all year round, but opting for one in warm oranges and coppers looks so good for autumn. Plus, it has the added benefit of protecting your style during the day.

15. Micro Plaits

These teeny-tiny micro plaits emerged as an unexpected throwback hair trend in late summer, and their popularity looks set to grow as we head into autumn. 

16. Bucket Hats

Okay, hear me out: Popping on a bucket hat isn't exactly a hairstyle, but there's no denying that it's a fail-safe way to make it look like you're making a conscious style choice for autumn when you've actually just forgotten to wash your hair.

17. Ponytail Extension

I'm obsessed with these XL lengths. A clip-in ponytail hair extension will give your ponytail extra pizazz.

18. All Slicked Back 

Whether it's for a bun or a ponytail, slicking back all of your hair into a centre-parted style like this one oozes sophistication.