Behind The Scenes: Everyone’s Favourite Fall Haircuts

Internationally acclaimed Belgian hair stylist and global creative director. As owner of the seminal boutique salon and academy, Pascal van Loenhout, travels the globe to share his signature style of bespoke minimal cutting on iconic stages from the Royal Albert Hall to Milan, Cape Town and Las Vegas. Appointed by Kevin Murphy, Pascal has held the position of ‘KEVIN.MURPHY Design Director’ since 2014.

A key part of the KEVIN.MURPHY team from session styling to education, Blackford is an internationally recognised editorial stylist both behind the scenes and on the mainstage. From founding The MIRRORBOX to winning the Australian Hair Fashion Awards “Avant Guard” category and mentoring other educators and stylists, Wade creates looks and textures that standout from set to street.

From the mid-lengths to bobs and the lived-in pixie—everywhere we look, individuals are looking to shed some length and play with their look. As many return to their natural roots, enhancing colours that play off their base shade, having fun with their length is the obvious way to get creative this season. And when it comes to adding a playful touch to your look, it all comes down to the personalisation.

Haircuts are no longer a one-size-fits-all option, and they haven’t been for a while. And while personalisation has always been key, this season stylists are pushing the envelope—creating statement looks with shapes tailored to each person. “Customising shapes with a contemporary feel is exactly what everyone is looking for now, and this stems from suitability. With the evolution of long and mid-length shapes, we notice a fresh direction towards square outline, contradicting seamless or multi-textured layers.” Says Van Loenhout.

A great example this season is Bob haircut coming back strong with a '90s-inspired feel. For even shorter lengths, Van Loenhout explains that trends are leaning into the lived-in pixie cut with even more natural texture and movement for an editorial-inspired wash-and-wear look. “By watching the movements and acknowledging the needs of the individual, we can create a style that reflects their personality and lifestyle.” Says Van Loenhout. "From here, how we successfully introduce a new wave of bobs or pixies depends on the length and the precision in technique, combined with a visual harmony of imperfection,” he adds.

And when it comes to needs, most clients today are looking for quick and easy styling options. Which is why Van Loenhout suggests adding NIGHT.SHIFT as part of any routine, especially with shorter lengths. With the power to work overnight and add 12 hours of hydration that works overtime*, this leave-in serum gives your hair the hydration and strength it needs to start the day with effortless shine.

Overall, movements seen today are shaped by both the stylist and what the client is craving. What we see around us is one of the biggest influences, and as Van Loenhout states, “I believe in general that contemporary hairstyles have an iconic, timeless statement with a nod to the rawness influenced by street culture.” This couldn’t be truer.

No one wants to look too undone or too done up. Everyone is looking for the goldilocks of hairstyles, which is shaped partially by the cut, but even more by the styling. By building in texture to each cut, you can easily accentuate that element with styling. The right technique, paired with the right texturisers are going to easily enhance texture exactly where you want it.

Similar to what we’re seeing with the lived-in pixie, Wade Blackford agrees that, “Lately, it’s all about easy texture and soft layers—nothing too set or too polished,” he says. “What I’m noticing is that clients want hair that feels like it just falls into place,” he adds.

Blackford's go-to products this season are BEDROOM.HAIR or DOO.OVER to achieve a touchable grit as well as NIGHT.SHIFT. “I’ve been leaning on NIGHT.SHIFT a lot for an effortless finish. It’s one of those products that does the work overnight so the hair feels healthy and ready to style in the morning without much effort.”

*Laboratory Study, 2025

Cover Image Credits:

Hair Pascal van Loenhout @the.aceofblades  

Hair assistant Daniela Amplatz @the_queenofblades

Make up Noel @noelinocenciomakeup

Styling Johanna @godtzila

Photography Frédéric Bastin @fredbastin

Model Meta @unitmodelmanagement

Products @kevin.murphy @kevin.murphy.education