I Consulted Leading Stylists on Achieving Luxurious-Looking Hair This Fall—Here Are 7 Essential Colors.

      In my opinion, fall is the ideal season to refresh your hairstyle. The time of year is filled with new beginnings, so why not channel that unmistakable back-to-school vibe with a fresh hairstyle? This doesn’t necessarily mean you have to go for a bold pixie cut or a fashionable French bob (although if you choose to, more power to you!); even a simple balayage or set of babylights can create that stunning effect with minimal upkeep. As for the most stylish colors to consider? I reached out to leading stylists for insights on the key hair color trends for fall 2025 and found some unexpected perspectives. "Instead of sticking to the traditional 'pumpkin spice' trend this year, hair color is shifting towards darker shades, and we’ll see a rise in rich and golden neutral tones," advises Cassie Cohen, a celebrity colorist at Chris McMillan Salon. (In other words? Goodbye, copper!) For more details on specific shades for fall, keep scrolling—you’re about to find your new luxurious hue.

      **Rooted Blonde**

      Rooted blonde, lived-in blonde, or "recession" blonde—whatever term you prefer, this low-maintenance hair color is definitely here to stay. "[It’s] basically about embracing the grow-out while choosing a hair color that matches the roots for a more seamless growth appearance," says celebrity hairstylist and Schwarzkopf global color expert Jonathan Colombini. By applying a different, lived-in shade at the roots, your colorist can effectively minimize harsh grow-out lines. "Tip from a colorist: Make sure to only apply color from the roots to the exact grow-out line of demarcation, so your blonde isn’t completely covered," he suggests. "In the last five minutes of your processing time, use a fine-toothed comb to lightly drag the hair color just a quarter inch beyond the grow-out. This technique will help create a perfect 'melt,' avoiding harsh roots."

      **Bordeaux**

      Copper, step aside—bordeaux is gaining attention. This intense, warm red shade with brown undertones is a bold yet elegant option for fall, according to Colombini. "Deep red signifies confidence, passion, and individuality. During these months that may feel muted, it offers a refreshing, uplifting vibe," he notes. "The richness of wine, burgundy, and crimson reflects fall and winter tones in fashion and nature, creating a harmonious look with darker clothing and seasonal colors." Essentially, bordeaux is set to emerge as a leading color trend for fall across various categories, including fashion, nails, and hair.

      **Golden Ribbons**

      Regardless of your base hair color, Cohen believes that adding some golden highlights will enhance your look. "Blondes will gain more depth through deeper lowlights, richer golden highlights, and increased use of the hair's natural root color for added contrast," she shares. Conversely, for brunettes, incorporating golden-brown highlights around the face and on the hair’s ends will look incredibly radiant. "Reds will exhibit more red/brown shades with a subtle golden undertone," she adds. "All these shades contribute to ‘expensive-looking’ hair."

      **Dark-to-Light Balance**

      As darker hair colors surge in popularity during the fall, Cohen explains that rather than a drastic 'all-or-nothing' change, blondes, brunettes, and redheads will opt for a balanced mix of light and dark. Think of subtle dark-to-light transitions—like a modern ombré—that, according to Cohen, always exudes elegance. "With this approach, all three hair colors will continue to shine in the sunlight," she adds. Using a shine-enhancing hair gloss every few washes is a bonus.

      **Cider Lights**

      Introduce a touch of warmth to your hair color with cider lights, which feature a warm, shiny balayage with various tones. "Imagine cozy shades of warm cinnamon, golden-amber, and spicy bronze," says colorist Diana Mildice of Chicago's Maxine Salon. "It enhances the face without overshadowing it, and genuinely adds sophisticated drama in the best way." Be sure to opt for a gloss to really lock in that shine.

      **Ethereal Blonde**

      Bella Hadid made waves this summer when she transitioned from her signature espresso color to a warm honey blonde, and recently, she unveiled another stunning transformation: a soft, ethereal blonde ideal for fall. Created by colorist Jacob Schwartz (who also crafted the supermodel's previous honey-blonde look), this style showcases creamy, luminous highlights blended seamlessly with lowlights for a dreamy halo effect. If you’re naturally blonde (like Hadid), using your childhood hue as a reference can be beneficial, as "hair in its most natural and angelic state radiates luxury," shares Cohen. "Every tone across the hair color spectrum delivers maximum shine and the perfect dimension."

      **Rich Mocha**

      For those with darker