Glamour

Hair

The Coolest Fall Hair Colors to Try This Season

 

From ginger spice to muted blonde, here’s what to show your colorist.

Somehow it’s already almost autumn, meaning it’s time to start your search for the best fall hair colors. So far, this year has seen the rise of quiet luxury hair and the subsequent fall of balayage and highlights, which, according to stylists, will likely continue into the cooler seasons.

“This fall we will be seeing many enriching adjustments to hair color,” Lauren Mildice, hair colorist at Chicago’s Maxine Salon, tells Glamour. “Barbie blondes will find balance and depth through the addition of caramel, honey, and pumpkin spice ribbons added throughout the hair, and strawberry blondes will now transition into rich deep copper shades like auburn.”

And of course, natural brunettes are sure to have fun too. “Brunettes have choices—they can go from neutral to spectacular including exciting combinations of mahogany, plum and caramel-chocolate browns,” Mildice continues. “This season it’s time to rev up our leftover summer hair!”

As for redheads? “This will be the season for reds; both warm cool and primary. Think of it like lipstick, everyone has a shade of red they prefer best,” says Maxine Salon colorist Rex Jimieson. “Whether it’s warm and orangey, primary and vibrant, or cool and moody with violet notes, for fall it’s time to start putting pigment back in your hair after bleaching it out all summer.”

Feeling inspired but don’t know where to start? You’re in the right place. Ahead, top hairstylists share their takes on the coolest fall hair trends to try—from pumpkin spice reds to low-key blondes to bold brunettes. Read on for experts’ best fall hair ideas, and get ready to screenshot.

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Rich Chocolate Brown

Rich chocolate brown is the epitome of expensive luxury hair, so it’s no surprise that it’s predicted to trend this fall.

“This is a timeless color that offers warmth and depth. It’s versatile, making it suitable for a wide range of skin tones,” says Chase Kusero, cofounder of IGK Hair Care. “Although a chocolate brown is often best for someone with warm undertones, it can be customized to suit cool undertones as well. A great way to achieve this look is by using the IGK Color Depositing Mask in Brown Bella, which allows you to transition from a lighter brown to a rich brown.”

Muted Blonde

Bye-bye, bright blonde! According to Jennifer Korab, celebrity hairstylist and colorist and founder of Renaissance Salon & Spa, muted takes on blonde are the next big thing.

“Muted blonde hair color is a sophisticated and subtle shade that blends warm and cool tones to create a natural, understated look,” she tells Glamour. “This shade often features a sun-kissed appearance with hints of beige, taupe, or honey, making the hair look effortlessly chic and low maintenance. Its versatility allows it to be adapted to various skin tones by adjusting the balance of undertones, adding warmth with golden hues or cooling it down with ashier tones."

Honeycomb Red

Copper who? According to Richy Kandasamy, vice president of color development and R+Color Collective Member at R+Co, honeycomb red is the trending tint’s autumnal successor.

“This trend can come in many different shades and offers warm, rich colors that are perfect for the fall season,” says Kandasamy. “It is a great transition color for anyone looking to add a bit of summer warmth into their hair before the colder months. When going to the salon, be sure to ask for bright copper hues to softer, brownish-ginger tones, which will add warmth to your hair and keep the inner warmth of the summer ending.”

Sun-Kissed Merengue

Kandasamy also cites merengue blonde as an up-and-coming color trend. “This sun-kissed blonde mimics natural highlights you would get from spending time in the sun,” he explains. “It’s a light blonde that features a mix of buttery, golden tones blended throughout, creating a look that balances delicate warm tones. The atmosphere will naturally filter out blue light when the sun is closer to the horizon.”

Kusero says the same, adding that this look is “perfect for anyone looking to add a sun-kissed warmth to their hair as the weather cools down, keeping that summer glow all year round.” At the salon, Kusero suggests asking for a honey blonde balayage for a natural, sun-kissed effect.

Baby Balayage

The balayage boom is still going strong, despite what some critics may think. In fact, Korab points to baby balayage as a fall hair color trend to look out for.

“This refined version of traditional balayage features finer, more delicate highlights, typically placed softly throughout the hair,” she says. “This creates a naturally dimensional, effortless look that is both chic and subtle. The emphasis on understated elegance makes baby balayage a perfect choice for those seeking a sophisticated yet low-maintenance hairstyle this season.”

Bronzed Brunette

“Brunettes are done being washed out from summer heat,” Diana Mildice, a colorist at Maxine Salon, tells Glamour. “This fall we’re warming things up and bringing back shine by adding rich honey-amber hues to create our modern brunettes.”

According to Mildice, this luxurious color is created by intertwining variations of amber, golden brown, and deeper, rich mid-brown tones throughout the hair. “The most important step to this color is a high-shine gloss to enrich, seal, and protect the hair,” she says, pointing to Hailee Steinfeld’s hair as a prime example of the look.

Cool Platinum

“While this is a bold and edgy look, it’s a look that’s always in style,” Kusero says of platinum blonde (and that it is; Beyoncé’s been wearing it as of late).

“A striking, cool-toned color that beautifully contrasts with fall fashion. For someone going into the salon, it’s important to ask for platinum blonde with an ashy toner to keep the look cool,” he says.

Cajun Copper

For another elevated take on the copper trend, Mildice suggests Cajun copper.

“Cajun copper is ultraspicy! A bit more bold than summer coppers, this Cajun blend has plenty of depth to create stability to last the entire season,” she says, citing Isla Fisher’s hair as a perfect example of the shade. “A mid- to deep-toned copper, ruby, and auburn can be custom-blended to create this blazing, high-impact color.”

Beachy Brunette

Summer may be ending, but beach hair is forever—and this high-dimensional take on beachy brunette is is the perfect transition from summer into autumn.

“Natural yet vibrant, this blend of colors captures the essence of that end-of-summer feeling, but ensures that your hair retains a sun-kissed appearance despite the season change,” Kandasamy says of the look. “When asking your stylists for this color, they will need to add golden or copper glosses to brunette hair, creating a sun-touched, lighter effect that remains rich and warm.”

Black Cherry

Don’t worry, brunettes: As noted above, all types of red hair are trending for fall, but one the best shades for naturally dark hair is black cherry red. “This is primarily a deep red with brown chocolate undertones with a soft hue of mahogany,” says Maxine Salon colorist Lauren Mildice. “You will need to get your roots colored about every six weeks due to outgrowth and refresh your ends with gloss or toner to bring back the vibrancy.”

You’ve likely already seen the look on Dove Cameron, Dua Lipa, Cardi B, and more. “The momentum is still growing as many others try cola red,” Mildice says. “This color works on all skin types, from fair to deeper complexions, from straight hair to coily—this color is made for everyone.”

Biscotti Blonde

“Fall blondes are all about recovering our summer hair and being reflective, and just a touch of natural butterscotch and creamed honey highlights can build back dimension and depth while still presenting as a blonde,” Mildice says, describing biscotti blonde. “Be sure to top-coat our blend by sealing the hair with a soft champagne gloss to encourage manageability and protection. Bring your summer blonde back to life and improve the look and feel of your hair. Let’s glow!”

Copper Balayage

Combining the biggest red and brunette hair trends is one of Korab’s fall predictions: copper balayage.

“This hair color trend is characterized by copper and mahogany tones to bring warmth and depth to the hair,” she says. “Fiery ombré or balayage techniques add dynamic dimension, while bright, contrasting highlights enhance the overall vibrancy. A glossy finish gives the hair a polished touch and makes the color stand out even more.”

Spiced Ginger

For a warm and vibrant red hair color that works well on light to medium natural hair, Jimieson and Kusero suggest the spicy orange shade of ginger spice.

“It’s a fun, vibrant color that mirrors the fall leaves, making it seasonally appropriate and eye-catching,” says Kusero. “This trend looks exceptional on those with fair to medium skin tones, especially with green or blue eyes.”

Chestnut Brown

Prepare to see lots of elevated yet low-maintenance hair colors this fall, such as chestnut brown. “Chestnut brunette is a natural brown with hints of caramel and golden undertones, and loads of rich shine. No matter where you are, the season’s best shade of brunette seamlessly fits into the perfect autumn aesthetic; plucked right out of a scene from Gilmore Girls!” Shvonne Perkins, master colorist and lead educator at home hair color maker Madison Reed, tells Glamour. What’s more, she adds, this color is especially luminous and reflective. “It’s a departure from the subdued, ash tones featured in the trends from seasons past.”

To create the look, use Madison Reed Radiant Hair Color in Lucca Light Brown or Tuscany Brown at home or in a Madison Reed Hair Color Bar, says Perkins.

Honeycomb Blonde

As some beauty buffs bid adieu to balayage, blonde color enthusiasts are now embracing honeycomb blonde. “An ode to a beautiful honeycomb, this blonde maintains the hair’s beautiful and natural golden undertones instead of being lightened all the way to white,” Perkins says. “Maintaining a sense of dimension, by maintaining a darker blonde shade with natural undertones, will keep this look effortlessly chic.”

To get the look, Perkins recommends resisting the urge to go as light as your highlighting service will allow. “The purpose is to have blonde (either all over or with highlighted pieces of this color) that still has some natural pigment to it so that it appears as a deep, rich blonde with complex tones,” she says. “Tell your hairdresser you want to be a dark to medium blonde, not ultralight.”

To maintain this color at home, use the Madison Reed Color Therapy Mask in Prosecco or the Palmi Warm Honey Hair Toning Glaze. “These will enhance your tone and keep your color vibrant,” Perkins says.

Pumpkin Copper

Mildice also points to pumpkin spice “bropper,” which is brown hair with copper color, as another shade to watch for the fall.

“This is a great option for the cozy months when you feel the urge to richen your color but do not want a dramatic change,” she says. “Everyone can embrace hair color warmth, especially when cozying up to a nice, warm fire. Since copper and deep brunette color are in high demand during the colder months, combining the two just makes sense.”

The best part about this color, Mildice says, is that it’s so customizable. “This color keeps everyone guessing since this color reflects differently in the light, like an amber gemstone, and you can keep it solid or add dimension,” she says. “Customize it with your colorist for you!”

Honey Melt Blonde

Much like cozy blonde, honey melt blonde is an ideal option for blondes looking for a more low-key and less high-maintenance take on blonde for fall. “Honey melt is adding honey tones and lowlights in a pirouette pattern around the shape of the haircut,” says Mildice. “This is a time when everyone feels a bit washed out, so adding warm tones to your color creates a soft glow around you. By having a warmer blonde color, you won’t find yourself at the salon as often since warmth lives in the hair.”

Adding depth and warmth back into the hair also minimizes the visibility of the grow-out phase, Mildice says. “This technique can be utilized to replenish depth and dimension while creating structure to an empty monotone summer blond.”

Apple Cider Copper

Madison Reed’s Perkins says apple cider copper will be one of the top colors to watch for autumn. “It’s a mix of a warm, light auburn hue with subtle hints of gold and copper,” she says. “Think apple cider.”

To get the look, Perkins suggests asking for a golden, copper toner without a brown base. “This shade looks best when it’s allowed to build off your natural dimension and just act as a tinted topcoat for the hair,” she says. “Color Reviving Gloss in Cannella and Color Therapy Mask in Zucca  are both excellent for at-home upkeep of this tone.”

Brunette Swirl

Brunettes don’t have to be boring, and chocolate brunette swirl proves it. “Indulging in the sweet and rich tones of this new trendy color will enhance your natural beauty,” says Mildice. “Picture rich brunettes layered with tones of milk chocolate to bittersweet to dark cocoa. This technique is a merging of them all in a perfect blend. These versatile shades are reminiscent of layers of swirling chocolate creating a captivating look.”

This rich color adds a touch of sophistication and dimension to your overall appearance in the light by using similar tones and varying lightness. Whether you opt for light milk chocolate shades, dark chocolate browns, or a blend, this trend will keep heads turning.  Chocolate colors effortlessly flatter a wide range of skin tones and eye colors and can be customized to suit the salon guest.

Champagne Shades

“Blondes are going darker for fall,” Jason Lee, hairstylist, colorist, and founder of Mela & Kera tells Glamour, pointing to champagne blonde as an especially popular option for the shade. “Champagne blonde tends to be a mixture between warmer and cooler tones throughout the hair, creating more of a champagne tone,” he says. “The slightest pearl tone also helps to accentuate the champagne feel of the hair, and the pearl tone can be done using a gloss color.”

Natural Brown

“More natural hair is still in for fall, meaning people are avoiding overprocessing,” Jaclyn Curti, hair colorist and extensions specialist at Eva Scrivo Salon, says. “Think Olivia Rodrigo’s rich chocolate brown with subtle amber highlights towards the bottom.”

Golden Normcore Highlights

Another trend on the horizon, according to Salon SCK colorist Heather Lee, is what she calls golden normcore highlights. “They can be chunky ’90s or Y2K highlights, or just barely noticeable babylights,” she says. “But expect to see some beautiful golden normcore tones.”

Sandy Beige

Curti also points out that blondes are leaning more beige this autumn. “We are seeing more beige blondes, as opposed to those bright, buttery tones,” she explains. “Think Amanda Seyfried and Jennifer Aniston, who are the epitome of that sandy, beige blonde.”

Carnelian Copper

“A beautiful auburn color with a copper cast has been here for the summer and will continue to be one of the most desired through the fall,” Lorena M. Valdes, colorist at Chicago’s Maxine Salon, says. “This can be achieved with an allover color, highlights, or balayage depending on the style and vibrancy desired.”

Chocolate Cherry

Lee also predicts a rise in chocolate cherry brown. “An alternative to auburn, but still in the warm, reddish family, is adding a red undertone throughout brunette,” he says. “Another example of how red is extremely popular right now, but for those of us who aren’t ready to take the full plunge into red, chocolate cherry seems to be a great way to update your look and make it modern but still live in the brunette world.” 

Rosy Beige

Rose and beige hybrids are also expected to blow up this season, says Lee. “We’ll see a lot of beige with a pink undertone, and when the pink tone washes out, it will become a beautiful beige blonde.”

Honey Red

According to Kevin Kelly, owner of Kevin Kelly Salon, the surge in warm tones will also inspire lots of honey reds this season.

Warm Creamy Blonde

“Warm is the best tonal direction to go for fall,” says Matt Rez, a celebrity colorist at LA’s Meche Salon. “If you’re a blonde that’s been more on the creamy or even the beige side and have wanted to try a warmer allover feel, adding midlights that will lift warm and/or warmer highlights to your existing color will ease your way to super warm down the road. Fall is the best time to try this trend—not to mention, intentional warmer colors have a softer fade over time.” To ease into the shade, start by asking for a warm golden gloss on top of your existing summer blonde.

Deep Auburn 

Red and copper popped up as It shades last year, and red fall hair colors aren’t slowing down anytime soon. “I’m in love with this shade of red hair for the fall,” says Rez. “It’s the perfect marriage of warmth and depth that makes this color so special.” For a red with tons of depth, he says to ask your colorist for an auburn shade that doesn't read purple: “The perfect auburn has a brown background with a deep copper reflect.” 

Espresso Brunette 

“Brunettes are finally getting their moment,” says Katie Cartwright, colorist at LA’s Nine Zero One salon. “After years of balayage and blonde being on trend, many brunettes are turning back to the simplicity and beauty of a deep, rich, espresso brown.” She loves a rich shade like Meghan Markle’s since it flatters pretty much all skin tones and eye colors, but says you can play around with how dark you go depending on your natural color.

Subtle Face Frame 

For a softer take on last year’s chunky highlights, go for a subtle face frame. A brighter shade right around your face will bring all the attention to your eyes without any harsh lines. “A super-effortless face frame with bright endlights and a base drop is a more evolved ombré that’s less contrived and sexier,” says colorist and Matrix ambassador Rachel Bodt. “It’s great way to add dimensions and not take away from the depth you may love.” To get the look, she suggests asking for a face frame with some color melting, and asking to leave the ends out to keep the brightness.

Deep Sea Black 

Get in the mood for cool weather with a dramatic dark black. “It’s smart to transition into this dramatic color during the cooler months to prevent fading due to sun exposure,” says Karissa Schaudt, colorist at Maxine Salon in Chicago. For maximum impact, go with a black so dark it has an underlying shade of blue and not a hint of warmth. 

Milk Chocolate Brown

For those looking to keep things low-key but who just want to give their brunette a little sparkle, milk chocolate is the coolest brown fall hair color. “This is the perfect shade of brunette for the fall,” says Rez. “Golden reflects off a rich brown base is brunette goals in the autumn months. Ask your colorist for a medium brown base color with fine wisps of dark golden bronde highlights for a warm sparkle. Just make sure the highlights don’t overpower the base color.”

Cinnamon Chocolate

The trick to nailing this perfect fall color is the contrast created between a warm auburn tint and a dark brunette base. The layering is super subtle and looks amazing on every length and texture.

Cinnamon Swirl

Look at that: another red shade. “This is one of my favorite picks for fall,” says Lauren Grummel, a colorist in New York. “It works for so many people. In some lighting the color looks blonder; sometimes it’s more strawberry.” Ask for some balayage highlights with a little warmth.

Champagne Pop 

Bored with blonde but not quite ready to plunge into pink? A pale champagne color is right in the middle and has almost an ethereal fairy-tale vibe. “Blush tones can be added to light blonde or used all over to give a twist to your signature look,” says Maxine Salon’s Jimieson. “It’s both warm and cool, so it looks good on any skin tone, even without your summer tan.”

Caramel Ribbons 

“I love a good brunette that doesn’t read red but has elements of warmth throughout,” says Rez. “It gives a really balanced result.” If you’re a natural brunette, ask your stylist for midlights one or two levels lighter than your base, and neutral-warm highlights. “The combo of the two will pick up so beautifully without unwanted warmth taking over and reading as a red,” he says. “Done right, warmth on brunettes is unbeatable.”

Natural Black 

“This color is timelessly chic,” says celebrity colorist Jeremy Tardo. “Natural black tones are not overly pigmented, so they don’t look too inky, and they give a strong appearance without looking too aggressive.” Unlike deep sea black, natural black doesn’t have much blue added in. If you want to try this at home, Tardo recommends Clairol Nice’N Easy in 2 Black or 2.5 Soft Black.

Warm Brunette 

“We’ve been infusing brunettes with dimensions ranging from shades of honey, chestnut, peanut butter taupes, and tawny tones,” says Mark DeBolt, colorist and co-owner of New York’s Mark Ryan Salon. “Warmth in hair color reflects more light, which makes your hair look brighter and healthier.” Subtler swirls of color look great on straight hair, while bolder highlights make curls pop.

Amber Brown 

If you want a simple fall change, DeBolt recommends asking your stylist for a blushy, warm gloss on brown hair. “If you have faded highlights from summer, a simple gloss would do the trick, and will add shine and warmth for the autumnal months ahead,” he says. “If your hair is one single color, you will need to add some delicate, hand-painted highlights around your face and throughout the crown.”

Pearl Blonde

“I love this look because it gives a slight tonal shift and iridescence on the platinum-blonde trend,” says Tardo, who recommends it for anyone who’s getting bored with true platinum but still loves a superlight shade. Ask your stylist for an extra-light blonde with pale yellow undertones, and make sure to stress you don’t want anything too gray-toned.