Autumn is just around the corner, bringing crisp air, vibrant foliage, and cozy vibes. It’s the perfect season to embrace a new look, starting with your hair color. The rich, earthy tones of fall set the stage for warm and dramatic transformations, with golden blondes, deep brunettes, and fiery reds leading the way.
According to celebrity hairstylist Ashley Gomila, “Fall is all about transformation. Shades like golden honey, chestnut brown, and bold auburn are always popular because they create an instant makeover.” Whether you’re looking to refresh your summer balayage or try a bold new hue, the season’s trends offer plenty of inspiration. From old-money blonde to burnt auburn, there’s a shade for every vibe. Let’s explore the top hair colors trending this fall.
Old-Money Blonde
This blonde shade exudes vintage glamour with a refined, polished finish. Ideal for warmer skin tones, old-money blonde delivers a balanced look that feels both classic and luxurious. Think ’60s bombshell energy, perfect for anyone channeling a coquette aesthetic.
Honeysuckle Blonde
Soft blondes with creamy, golden undertones are perfect for fall. Shades like honey and latte blonde radiate warmth, creating a natural, sunlit glow even as the temperatures drop. This look adds brightness while staying understated, making it a go-to choice for effortless beauty.
Beachy Brunette
Not ready to leave summer behind? Beachy brunette offers the perfect balance of sleekness and season-spanning versatility. This rich yet soft shade, inspired by Hailee Steinfeld’s effortless style, transitions seamlessly from late summer to cozy autumn days.
Bronde
For those who can’t decide between blonde and brunette, bronde is the perfect middle ground. This stunning fusion creates a natural, dimensional look with just the right amount of contrast. It’s no wonder trendsetter Hailey Bieber is a fan—this style is effortlessly chic and universally flattering.
Burnt Auburn
A perennial fall favorite, burnt auburn is rich, fiery, and full of drama. Its deep red undertones make it a striking choice for those looking to stand out. To keep the color vibrant, seal your hair with argan oil after every wash to lock in shine and extend the life of the red tones.
Neon
Bright, neon hair is taking over this fall as we transition from summer pastels to eye-catching shades. Peachy cinnamon hues, like Ice Spice’s bold look, are the standout trend for those wanting to make a statement. This vivid color requires maintenance but fades more gracefully than darker reds, making it a daring yet manageable choice.
French Vanilla Blonde
Buttery and creamy blonde hues, inspired by icons like Julia Garner and Beyoncé, are making a bold return. With bright golden undertones, the color balances vintage bombshell vibes with modern sophistication. Ideal for anyone aiming to radiate elegance while maintaining a playful edge.
Bombshell Black
Deep, glossy black shades, perfect for transitioning from summer to fall, are in high demand. Maintaining a high-shine finish is key to achieving this polished look, with gloss treatments helping to prevent fading and enhance depth for a radiant, sleek appearance.
Icy Blonde
Bright, cool-toned blonde hair remains a go-to choice for those seeking an edgy, fashion-forward style. Ashy undertones give this color a modern twist, offering a chic alternative to traditional blonde hues and a standout option for fall.
Carrot Cake
The vibrant hues of autumn foliage inspire carrot cake red, a bold and fiery shade perfect for the season. This color delivers a dramatic, eye-catching look, reminiscent of Ginger Spice’s iconic red locks, making it ideal for anyone ready to make a seasonal statement.
Lion’s Mane
For natural brunettes craving volume and drama, the lion’s mane look channels bold energy with voluminous waves and rich, earthy tones. Inspired by Khloé Kardashian, this style breathes life into end-of-summer locks, creating a show-stopping transformation.
Soft Caramel Highlights
Sunlit caramel highlights provide a seamless blend of warmth and depth, making them a great choice for brunettes looking to refresh their look. The natural transition between darker roots and lighter ends ensures a soft, flattering effect that’s easy to maintain.
Brown Bunny Brunette
Kaia Gerber’s deep brunette shade highlights the elegance and sophistication of this look. The rich tone enhances dimension while maintaining a polished, radiant appearance, offering an effortless way to elevate any style.
Vanilla Chai Highlights
Warm blonde tones paired with a natural base create the luminous effect of vanilla chai highlights. Perfect for both blondes and brunettes, this balayage-inspired look adds a radiant glow while remaining subtle and easy to grow out.
Vintage Wood
For brunettes seeking a low-maintenance option, vintage wood tones offer the perfect balance. Dark roots provide depth, while lighter, toffee-like ends create a soft, natural effect. This style delivers brightness with minimal upkeep.
Creamy Latte
The creamy latte trend blends dark brown with lighter, peachy tones for a stunning, sunlit effect. Amanda Seyfried’s take on this look shows how warm, soft hues can add dimension and vibrancy, making it an excellent choice for fall.
Soft Strawberry Blonde
Soft strawberry blonde blends a light golden base with delicate reddish undertones, creating a hue that mirrors the soft pink tint of a strawberry. This multi-dimensional shade gives hair a natural, sun-kissed glow, making it perfect for those seeking a fresh yet understated look. It’s a versatile color that flatters a variety of skin tones while evoking a warm, luminous vibe.
Baked Peach
The baked peach shade is a soft, pastel hue that artfully combines pale orange with subtle pink undertones. Inspired by the delicate tones of the fruit, this warm and inviting color sits perfectly between nude and orange. Its light, dreamy quality makes it ideal for anyone looking to add a touch of whimsy to their fall hair color palette.
Mulled Wine
Mulled wine hair color channels the cozy vibes of autumn with its deep, warm tones. This sophisticated red shade is enriched with hints of brown, creating a subdued yet striking look. Celebrities like Sophie Turner showcase how this bold hue adds richness and depth to any hairstyle, making it a seasonal favorite for those ready to embrace dramatic, warm colors.
Parisian Brunette
Parisian brunette captures the chic sophistication of French style with its rich brown base and cool undertones. Made popular by icons like Lily Collins, this refined hue exudes understated elegance. Perfect for brunettes seeking a polished, timeless look, the subtle depth and coolness of this color deliver a modern twist on a classic shade.
Charred Chestnut
Charred chestnut is the ultimate fall-inspired brunette shade, blending warm, rich tones with a subtle, smoky depth. This color captures the cozy essence of the season, delivering a luxurious and intoxicating look. Perfect for brunettes who want a natural yet bold transformation, charred chestnut adds a layer of richness that complements autumn’s moody aesthetic.
Ashy Brown
Ashy brown is a go-to choice for natural brunettes looking to transition into a softer, seasonally-appropriate tone. A balayage technique, incorporating a mix of cool and warm browns, creates depth and dimension while maintaining a natural look. This shade is ideal for those seeking understated elegance with a low-maintenance approach.
Smoke & Mirrors
The smoke & mirrors trend redefines classic dark hair with its rich chocolatey base and subtle warmth. Lighter streaks woven throughout the hair add dimension and luminosity, creating a multi-faceted, radiant effect. This style balances boldness and sophistication, making it a standout choice for anyone wanting to elevate their fall look.
Cherry Cola
Cherry cola hair brings a deep, sultry twist to traditional red tones. Popularized by Dua Lipa, this shade combines dark cherry and cola hues, offering a vibrant yet accessible red for brunettes. The rich undertones make it a striking choice for those looking to add a touch of boldness without venturing too far from darker, natural shades.
Y2K Chunky Highlights
Chunky highlights, inspired by Y2K beauty icons like Christina Aguilera, are making a bold comeback this season. These high-contrast streaks add an edgy, nostalgic vibe that aligns perfectly with fall’s moody and playful energy. Ideal for those craving a retro-inspired look, these highlights are a daring way to embrace change.
FAQs
1. How can I preserve vibrant shades like carrot cake or icy blonde?
Use color-safe shampoos, deep-conditioning treatments, and minimize heat styling to maintain bold hues.
2. Are soft caramel highlights suitable for all hair types?
Yes, this versatile style works well for various textures and colors, with a skilled stylist ensuring the highlights blend seamlessly.
3. What’s the best way to brighten dark hair for styles like vanilla chai highlights?
Dark hair often requires lightening before applying highlights. Consulting with a professional ensures the process achieves the desired tone without compromising hair health.