Autumn is officially here, and we’ve identified the hottest (and coziest!) fall hair color trends of the year! As the air gets crisper, the pumpkin spiced lattes start flowing, our favorite chunky sweaters come out of hibernation, and there’s a collective urge to refresh…what better way to start embracing the season than by adding some fall dimension to your hair.
This year’s Fall hair color trends are all about warmth, dimension, and rich tones inspired by everything we love about the season—from spiced desserts to orchard fruit. Forget single-process color; the trends are sophisticated and dynamic.
Here are the cozy, delicious-sounding shades you’ll be seeing everywhere this season.
Rich Browns: The Decadent Dessert Palette
Brown hair is getting a luxurious upgrade. These aren’t your average chestnut shades; they’re rich, multi-tonal, and utterly delicious.
Praline Brown
Imagine your favorite nutty, buttery confection—that’s Praline Brown. This shade is a stunning, dimensional take on brunette. It’s a medium to deep brown base infused with soft, subtle ribbons of caramel, honey, and a hint of gold.
The key to this look is its dimension. The lighter praline highlights are perfectly blended to catch the light, creating movement and preventing the color from looking flat or heavy. It’s universally flattering and a fantastic way to warm up a cool-toned brunette for the season.
Spiced Reds: Warmth and Fire
Red is always a hit in the Fall, but this year’s trend leans away from electric Cowboy Coppers and into cozier, spiced tones.
Cinnamon Swirl Reds
This is the ultimate autumnal red. Cinnamon Swirl Reds blend rich, deep copper with warmer, almost golden-red undertones. Think of the swirling layers in a freshly baked cinnamon bun—the color has a dynamic mixture of warm and cool red shades strategically placed throughout the hair.
This multi-faceted look is vibrant without being overwhelming and perfectly complements the changing leaves. Ask your stylist for a rich base with lighter cinnamon-toned balayage pieces woven throughout for that “swirl” effect.
Dimensional Blondes: Bright, But Not Too Bright
Blondes often struggle with the transition to Fall, worried about losing their bright summer tone. Enter the concept of a dimensional blonde, which keeps brightness while embracing warmer, more luxurious tones.
Cider Lights
The perfect marriage of brightness and warmth, Cider Lights are a brilliant take on dimensional blonde. This trend incorporates warmer, buttery blonde tones—think amber, honey, and the golden color of freshly pressed apple cider—through a few specific techniques:
- Lowlights: Introducing a few pieces of a darker, caramel or gold lowlight to add depth.
- Warming Up: Using toners to shift a frosty, icy blonde to a softer, more golden hue.
The result is a bright, beautiful blonde that looks intentional and expensive for the season. It’s a great option for people who want to keep their light hair but add depth and richness for the cooler months.
Fall Hair Color Trends: How to Prep
Ready to take the plunge? Don’t forget these steps for healthy, long-lasting color:
- Consultation is Key: Bring pictures to your stylist! Show them examples of the specific brown, red, or golden tones you are drawn to.
- Invest in Color-Safe Products: Fall is also a great time to switch to a sulfate-free, color-safe shampoo and conditioner to protect your new shade.
- Use a Glaze or Gloss: A professional or at-home glossing treatment is essential for sealing in the color and maximizing shine, which is crucial for making those dimensional shades really pop.
Which cozy, flavor-inspired shade will you be rocking this Fall? Share your color plan with your stylist, who can help make recommendations on which delicious trends you should consider embracing.
Enjoy Your Hair!!
Mickey