As a brunette, here are the six autumn hair colors I'm thinking about trying next.
As a brunette, I've tried various shades of brown hair during my decade-long journey as a beauty journalist. Autumn is perhaps my favorite season to experiment with hair color trends. As we refresh our wardrobes, makeup collections, and swap summer scents for autumn fragrances, many of us also feel the urge for a hair makeover during this time. The back-to-school vibe is palpable, and for 2025, hair trends are decidedly favoring brunettes. With Pantone naming mocha mousse as the Colour of the Year, brown has been a dominant shade in beauty trends this year, from nails to hair and makeup. I might be a bit biased, but I truly love being brunette as well.
If you're thinking about updating your hair soon, what should you consider for autumn hair colors for brunettes? I recently spoke with Luke Hersheson, a celebrity hairstylist and the founder of Hershesons, to explore the current hair color trends for brunettes and how to find a shade that feels authentic to you. Instead of just following trends, he suggests there are key factors to consider for achieving your ideal brunette hue.
"I see color as a subtle enhancement that makes you look better without being overly noticeable," says Hersheson. Good hair color should be undetectable while complementing your style and personality. Your haircut and preferred styling also play a role. "A solid brunette color tends to lend itself to a glass-like finish," he explains. Consider structured hairstyles like bobs or straight and sleek looks to accentuate the glossiness of deep brunette. Conversely, if you style your hair in curls or loose waves, these styles can highlight lighter tones and add depth achieved through techniques like balayage. "Your hair color should align with your overall look," he adds. Keeping this in mind, I've been browsing through some of the most fashionable autumn hair colors for brunettes I've seen online. Below awaits some inspiration, so prepare to save images and schedule that salon appointment.
**Autumn Hair Colors for Brunettes**
1. **Chestnut**
Warm shades like chestnut or cinnamon can be a great way to subtly alter your current brunette hue for something a bit warmer. When I recently saw this rich color on Lily James, it truly caught my attention. It has a chocolaty quality with a hint of warmth, making it a perfect option if transitioning to copper or red feels too drastic. It definitely leans toward brunette while still capturing an autumn vibe.
**Shop the Trend:**
- *Josh Wood Colour Gloss in Chestnut Brunette*
This gloss adds a semi-permanent chestnut sheen to your lengths.
- *Wella Professionals Care Color Fresh Semi-Permanent Colour Mask in Chocolate Touch*
I love Wella's Color Fresh Masks, which deposit color that gradually washes out after a few shampoos.
2. **Caramel**
Caramel tones are an excellent choice for brunettes looking to add brightness without going blonde. Techniques like balayage and highlights or lowlights enable your colorist to blend tones throughout your lengths, adding dimension and depth. Depending on the lightness or darkness of your current brunette shade, your stylist can customize the best tones for you. Additionally, introducing lighter shades can give your hair a fuller appearance, and incorporating lighter colors in curls or softly styled waves enhances the richness and dimension of the color.
**Shop the Trend:**
- *Glaze Super Gloss Caramel Lights*
I rely on Glaze's Supergloss to keep my balayage looking fresh between appointments.
- *Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector Pre-Shampoo Treatment*
If you're using bleach, it's worth having Olaplex's No.3 bond repairing treatment to help minimize damage.
- *L'Oreal Professionnel Vitamino Color Spectrum Blue Tinted Shampoo*
Blue shampoos and conditioners help maintain luxe caramel highlights and prevent brassiness.
3. **Tobacco Brunette**
I've noticed a rise in cool-toned, smoky brunette shades this year, which influenced me to switch from caramel balayage to an iced chocolate hair gloss for a darker, shinier look. Embracing a deeper color typically enhances shine, making your hair appear lustrous and glossy. If you're hesitant about permanent color, consider using a color-depositing mask to deepen your hue with semi-permanent color that gradually washes out.
**Shop the Trend:**
- *Josh Wood Colour Hair Gloss in Smoky Brunette*
This gloss adds a smoky veil to your natural brunette.
- *Wella Professionals Color Fresh Semi-Permanent Colour Mask in Cool Espresso*
My go-to for darker, cooler tones, leaving my hair deep, sleek, and shiny.
- *L'Oréal Paris Elvive Glycolic Gloss 5 Minute Lamination Treatment*
A glossing treatment like this one helps enhance shine.
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As a brunette, here are the six autumn hair colors I'm thinking about trying next.
Choices, choices.
