Apologies, but I'm already predicting fall hair color trends—these expert suggestions will appear vibrant both now and in the future.
Like many others, I’m a strong advocate for saving money whenever possible. However, I don't want to forgo those little beauty indulgences, such as a flattering seasonal hair color. Fortunately, while dyeing your hair can be pricey, experts suggest there are numerous transitional colors that can carry you from summer to fall without a hefty expense. It may seem a bit premature to consider this, but in my opinion, it’s never too early. Fall will arrive before we know it, and maintaining our color to stay on-trend is vital. Choosing the right transitional hue for your skin tone is important, but so is taking care of your hair at home to keep your color vibrant—even if it's been a few months since your last salon visit. Kasper Heemskerk, the international education director and colorist for Balmain Hair Couture, confirms this. He states, "This season, we are focusing on tones that ease the brightness of summer without requiring significant maintenance." For some expert recommendations on the best summer-to-fall hair colors and the products to keep your color looking fresh, continue reading. Here are their smart suggestions and favorites.
**Honey Glacé**
Heemskerk appreciates this particular shade for a smooth transition from summer blonde to fall. It beautifully combines softer brunette and blonde shades with minimal upkeep. "This color balances out faded summer blondes with added richness and depth. A low-commitment gloss also provides high shine with little root contrast," he shares.
**Smoked Caramel**
Heemskerk notes that a soft balayage is an excellent way to shift your summer color into fall. One of his favored methods is to choose a dimensional brunette shade complemented by a soft golden-caramel balayage for added warmth. "It grows out seamlessly and enhances natural brunettes looking for a subtle seasonal lift," he explains.
**Golden Blonde**
For natural blondes or anyone wanting to maintain a fresher blonde into fall without overspending, celebrity colorist Naomi Knights suggests scheduling a golden gloss or doing it yourself at home. This will inject more dimension and depth into an otherwise flat blonde look.
**Golden Copper Veil**
While copper might not be the easiest color for everyone to maintain, if your hair is naturally near this shade, golden copper could be an ideal transitional choice. Heemskerk values this color for its gentle introduction to warmer tones. "It's flattering in autumn light without the commitment of a full red color," he describes.
**Amber Bronze**
For textured hair types, Heemskerk favors shades like amber bronze, which is a rich, warm brunette with golden undertones. "Tone and technique work together to enhance natural patterns and prevent harsh regrowth lines," he notes.
**Rich Tobacco**
Knights recommends rich tobacco for anyone with naturally dark hair. This color may not be suitable for natural blondes but is perfect for enriching and warming up darker hair and can be done with an at-home gloss. "You can also play with color at home without commitment using Davines's Alchemic shampoos and conditioners," she suggests.
**Deep Chocolate**
This shade is another excellent option Knights endorses for individuals with darker hair. Heemskerk also favors a similar shade he refers to as iced espresso, which is a cool brunette with mushroom undertones. "It’s elegant, softly cool, and resists warmth, working beautifully on both straight and textured hair," he adds.
**Essential Hair Color Products Suggested by Colorists**
- **Balmain Hair Couture Overnight Repair Serum**
Heemskerk always has this Balmain serum on hand for any hair type, as it particularly enhances color-treated hair. He describes it as "[lightweight, deeply nourishing, and it gives a luminous finish. Bonus: It smells fantastic.]"
- **Balmain Hair Couture Couleurs Couture Illuminating Mask**
A quality color-boosting mask is just what you need to extend your summer color. Heemskerk notes, "[This] keeps the tone rich and the hair soft, especially between color appointments."
- **Rōz Leave-In Serum**
Knights favors this leave-in serum for its hydrating and color-safe properties, which also help with detangling and frizz management.
- **K18 Biomimetic Hairscience Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask**
Knights also swears by this highly regarded repair treatment from K18, ideal for bleach damage and other color processes, helping to keep hair exceptionally healthy.
- **La Tierra Sagrada Repair Masque**
Knights calls this rich, hydrating repair mask a lifesaver for damaged and color-treated hair. It's designed to reconstruct and replenish medium to coarse hair textures, making it great for type 3 and 4 curls.
- **Cult and King Superwater Spray**
Knights says this super-hydrating spray from Cult and King is always in her toolkit for added hydration, especially beneficial for color-treated
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Apologies, but I'm already predicting fall hair color trends—these expert suggestions will appear vibrant both now and in the future.
In my opinion, it's never too early.
