As a brunette, here are six autumn hair colors I'm thinking about for my next look.
As a brunette, I've tried various shades of brown over my decade-long career as a beauty journalist. Autumn is perhaps my favorite season to experiment with hair color trends. As we start refreshing our wardrobes, makeup collections, and transitioning from summer to autumn fragrances, it’s natural for many of us to seek a hair update during this time. The back-to-school vibe is in the air, and 2025 is set to be a great year for brunettes. With Pantone declaring mocha mousse as the Colour of the Year, brown has taken the lead in beauty trends this year, impacting nails, hair, and makeup. I may be biased, but I truly enjoy being a brunette as well.
If you're thinking about a hair update soon, there are a few things to keep in mind regarding autumn hair colors for brunettes. I recently chatted with Luke Hersheson, a celebrity hairstylist and the founder of Hershesons, to discuss not only the current hair color trends for brunettes but also how to choose a brunette shade that feels authentic to you. Instead of merely following trends, he suggests considering specific factors to achieve your ideal brunette hair color.
"I see color as a subtle way to enhance your appearance without it looking overtly colored," Hersheson explains. The hallmark of a good hair color is that it appears seamless while still enhancing your style and personality. Additionally, your haircut and styling preferences play a crucial role. "I believe that a solid brunette color works well with glass-like finishes," says Hersheson. Consider structured haircuts, such as bobs or straight sleek styles, to amplify the shine of deep brunette shades. In contrast, if you prefer curls or loose waves, they can bring out lighter tones and depth, especially with techniques like balayage. "Your hair color should align with your overall look," he says. With this perspective, I've been browsing some of the trendiest autumn hair colors for brunettes that I've encountered. Get ready to gather inspiration and schedule that salon visit.
**Autumn Hair Colours for Brunettes**
1. **Chestnut**
Warm shades like chestnut or cinnamon offer a subtle way to refresh your brunette hue with a touch of warmth. I was captivated by this deep color on Lily James recently. It has a chocolaty essence with a warm undertone, making it an excellent option if transitioning to copper or red feels too drastic. It firmly remains within the brunette spectrum while still embracing an autumnal vibe.
**Shop the Trend:**
- **Josh Wood Colour** Gloss in Chestnut Brunette: This hair gloss gives a semi-permanent chestnut shine to your locks.
- **Wella Professionals Care** Color Fresh Semi-Permanent Colour Mask in Chocolate Touch: I adore Wella's Color Fresh Masks, which add color to your hair and gradually wash out after a few shampoos. This gloss is another fantastic way to experiment with warmer brunette shades without needing a salon appointment.
2. **Caramel**
Caramel shades are a fantastic choice for brunettes looking to introduce brightness without going blonde. Techniques like balayage or highlights enable colorists to weave in lighter ribbons throughout your hair, enhancing dimension and depth. Depending on your current brunette shade, your colorist can customize the perfect tones for your hair. Additionally, adding lighter hues can create the illusion of thicker hair, particularly when paired with curls or soft waves that make the color appear richer and more dimensional.
**Shop the Trend:**
- **Glaze** Super Gloss Caramel Lights: I rely on Glaze's Supergloss to keep my balayage looking fresh between salon visits.
- **Olaplex** No. 3 Hair Perfector Pre-Shampoo Treatment: If you’re lightening your hair, it's wise to have Olaplex’s famed No.3 bond-repairing treatment to help minimize damage, especially with heat styling.
- **L'Oreal Professionnel** Vitamino Color Spectrum Blue Tinted Shampoo: Blue shampoos and conditioners help maintain the luxe look of caramel highlights while preventing brassiness.
3. **Tobacco Brunette**
I've noticed a rise in cool-toned, smoky brunette shades in my feeds this year, which even inspired me to shift from my usual caramel balayage to an iced chocolate gloss for a darker, shinier hue. Opting for an all-over deeper shade enhances shine, giving your hair a lustrous appearance. If you’re not ready for a permanent change, consider a color-depositing mask that gradually fades over a few washes.
**Shop the Trend:**
- **Josh Wood Colour** Hair Gloss in Smoky Brunette: This gloss adds a smoky layer to your natural brunette shade.
- **Wella Professionals** Color Fresh Semi-Permanent Colour Mask in Cool Espresso: My choice for a darker, cooler look, it gives my hair a sleek and shiny finish.
- **L'Oréal Paris** Elvive Gly
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As a brunette, here are six autumn hair colors I'm thinking about for my next look.
Choices, choices.