Experts Agree: These 6 Hair Colors Will Be Trending This Fall

      With each new season comes a chance to refresh your look, and as a beauty editor, one of the most frequent changes I notice is hair color. While many individuals lean towards warm, vibrant hues during the summer (imagine "teddy bear blonde"), the arrival of autumn prompts a shift toward cooler, more complex shades. If you’re skeptical, just ask master colorist Tiffanie Richards from Louise O'Connor Salon. “People typically transition from bright, sun-kissed tones to deeper colors,” she explains. “Softer blondes become buttery, and brunettes take on richer, chocolatey dimensions. Autumn has a cozy feel, and many want their hair to reflect that sentiment.” Some may have a specific hairstyle in mind for their next salon visit, while others might be uncertain. If you were dreading the idea of spending hours searching for inspiration on social media, you’re in luck. I’ve saved you some time by consulting with Richards and Leslie Shores, a color expert at Eric Marshall Salon in Nashville, to find out which hair colors will be trending this fall. Check out the complete trend report.

      1. Bright Cinnamon

      Jessica Chastain's bright cinnamon hue is among the top shades for fall. "This color features warm, spicy brown tones with a hint of copper woven throughout," Richards states. "It’s ideal for fall as it truly embodies autumn in hair form." She adds this rich shade is flattering on most skin tones and recommends using a color-depositing conditioner in warm brown or copper to maintain its glossy, vibrant appearance.

      2. Soft Maple Blonde

      Sydney Sweeney wowed at the Euphoria premiere with this soft maple blonde shade. Richards describes it as "a creamy blonde with golden-beige undertones that feels more grounded compared to summer platinum." She notes its compatibility with autumn lighting, preventing it from appearing harsh as winter approaches. "A lightly used purple shampoo (not overdone) keeps it from turning brassy," she advises.

      3. Espresso Melt

      Zendaya recently showcased loose waves with significant volume at the Spider-Man: Brand New Day UK premiere. "This color is a deep, dark brown with subtle lighter babylights added for dimension, providing depth," explains Richards. "It's a great choice for fall because it exudes a moody vibe and requires little maintenance while still appearing intentional." To enhance this look, she suggests using a shine oil or gloss spray.

      4. Spiced Auburn

      Emma Stone has often sported rich auburn hair, which is indeed perfect for fall. "This is a red-brown blend that leans warm without being overly bold or bright," Richards comments. "It’s like the colors of fall leaves, but in hair form, and it photographs exceptionally well in natural light." For optimal results, she recommends a sulfate-free shampoo designed for color-treated hair. Additionally, following up with a hair mask to replenish moisture and maintain color, such as the Revlon ColorSilk After Color Mask, is beneficial.

      5. Velvet Brunette

      When fall comes to mind, materials like velvet, suede, and leather may surface, which is why Shores believes this brunette shade will be in high demand. "Deepening brunette tones and adding rich hues like this chocolate shade imparts a velvety texture to the hair," she remarks. "It reflects light beautifully."

      6. Golden-Hour Goddess

      Tate McRae dazzled at this year's Met Gala, and her radiant hair color likely contributed to that impression. "As natural sunlight transitions to warmer golden tones, I prefer hairstyles that adapt to the light," Shores notes. "Bold golden balayage highlights can really stand out on both blondes and brunettes."

      How to Maintain Your Hair Color This Fall

      To keep your hair looking its best after coloring, here are some essential tips from our experts:

      - Use a color-safe shampoo: "Color-treated or sulfate-free shampoos are ideal when you wash your hair one to three times a week," advises Shores. "If you have oily hair, consider a good dry shampoo or even a tinted dry shampoo."

      

      - Don't skip conditioner and masks: If you were contemplating skipping your conditioner or masks, reconsider. "Deep conditioning treatments are crucial," Shore states. "Healthy hair retains color longer."

      - Heat protectant is essential: In essence, less damage means better-looking hair. Shore explains, "Minimize heat styling, and whenever feasible, air drying is best for brittle hair. If you must blow-dry, ensure you use a heat protectant and set it to a low temperature."

      - Get a gloss: Although optional, Richards mentions that a quick gloss or toner refresh now and then will help keep hair looking vibrant instead of faded.