Autumn is the season for a hair reset. After months of sun, salt and summer styling, it’s all about restoring health, refining colour and embracing more intentional cuts. Salt caught up with Ellen Keane, owner of Elle Studio in Buderim to talk personalised trends, modern fringes and why “quiet luxury” hair is defining the season.
What are the biggest hair trends you’re seeingthis autumn?
What’s really shifted in recent years is that hair isn’t trending in a strict seasonal way anymore. Instead, we’re seeing a move toward truly personalised hair. Clients aren’t asking, “What’s in?” as much as they’re asking, “What suits me?”. That said, as we move out of summer, colours naturally soften. Living in a coastal region means our clients spend a lot of time in the sun, ocean and outdoors. Autumn becomes about bringing the hair back to balance, adding softness, dimension and restoring moisture so it feels healthy and refined again.
Are there particular cuts making a comebackthis season?
We’re definitely seeing a return to bold but intentional cuts. After months of long, beachy summer hair, many clients feel ready for a change. Structured bobs, collarbone chops and fresh fringes are becoming more popular, but always tailored to suit the individual. Autumn feels like a reset. It’s often when clients are willing to remove dry ends and embrace a more defined shape. A great cut can completely transform how healthy and polished the hair looks, without needing a dramatic colour change.
What colour tones are clients gravitating towardsas the weather cools?
We’re seeing tones soften rather than dramatically darken. After summer’s brightness, clients are gravitating toward lived-in blondes, creamy brunettes and subtle lowlights that create depth and dimension. It’s less about going darker and more about refining tone, so it feels balanced and expensive-looking. The goal is always harmony – hair that complements skin tone and grows out beautifully.
How does the change in season affect hair health and what should clients be mindful of?
Summer can leave hair feeling depleted. UV exposure, salt water, chlorine and extra heat styling all draw moisture out of the hair. Autumn is when we focus on replenishment. That might mean restorative treatments, bond-building services, or simply committing to a healthy trim and a more nourishing home-care routine. Even though the air cools, hydration is still essential. Healthy hair will always look more on-trend than any specific colour or cut.
What fringe or face-framing trends are popular right now?
Fringes are definitely having a moment again, but in a softer way. We’re seeing curtain fringes, longer face-framing layers and airy, textured bangs that blend seamlessly into the rest of the cut. The key is designing them around the client’s natural texture and daily routine so they feel effortless rather than high-maintenance. A well-designed fringe can be the simplest way to refresh a look without losing length.
For clients wanting a subtle seasonal update, what’s one easy change you recommend?
Add dimension. That might be soft lowlights, a gloss to refine tone, or reshaping the front sections of the hair. Even a small adjustment around the face can feel transformative. Seasonal updates don’t need to be dramatic. Often, the most beautiful changes are subtle and intentional.
What products or treatments are essential for keeping hair healthy through autumn?
A high-quality, moisturising shampoo and conditioner are foundational coming out of summer. I also recommend a weekly treatment mask and a lightweight leave-in to maintain hydration and protect the hair. In-salon bond-repair and keratin-based treatments are incredibly supportive at this time of year, especially for hair that’s been exposed to sun and salt. When the integrity of the hair is strong, every cut and colour looks better.
Are there any trends you’re surprised to see returning this year?
I’m always interested in how certain trends resurface in softer forms. Fringes are a great example. They’re back, but far more wearable and personalised than before. More broadly, I love seeing the shift away from over-processed, high-maintenance colour toward longevity and craftsmanship. Clients are valuing quality and sustainability in their hair choices.
What autumn hair trend do you love and why?
I love what I would call ‘quiet luxury’ hair. Soft, dimensional brunettes. Creamy blondes that grow out seamlessly. Cuts that move naturally and feel effortless. It aligns so strongly with our studio ethos: bespoke, supportive and empowering. Hair should enhance a woman’s confidence without ever overpowering her.
Extensions are popular – what trends are you seeing?
Extensions have evolved significantly. It’s no longer just about adding dramatic length – it’s about enhancing fullness, balance and overall hair health. We’re seeing more clients use keratin bond extensions to create subtle density and refine shape, particularly for finer hair types or women over 35. After age 35, our hair density experiences a shift due to hormones and other factors. When installed correctly by a professional, they should be completely seamless. That philosophy is what led us to create our own extension brand, Elle Effect. It came from a genuine desire to design premium quality keratin bond extensions at a more accessible price point, without compromising on craftsmanship or ethics.