I’ve always felt that my brown hair seemed dull—here are five ways I’d add chocolate highlights this fall.

      The first chill in the air always makes me hopeful for fall. Just spotting a single tawny leaf on the sidewalk prompts thoughts of the funnel-neck jacket waiting in one of my many open tabs and inspires plans for my next Gilmore Girls binge. But as a beauty editor, one question inevitably arises during this season when I see my flat brown hair in the mirror: Should I go darker? It's a common notion that people lighten their hair in the summer and darken it in the winter, though it holds some truth. Sun exposure often lightens hair, creating an opportunity to embrace brighter, sun-kissed shades. However, as the warm summer fades into a cooler fall breeze, the focus shifts from golden tones to deep chocolate, warm brown, and rich espresso—prompting the age-old question of whether brunettes enjoy more fun.

      "Dramatic, cool-toned, deep browns that offer a sleek and polished appearance are ideal for transitioning into the colder months," says celebrity hairstylist and master colorist Dimitris Giannetos. Similarly, celeb hairstylist Marc Ballance notes that changes in the environment and a heightened awareness of hair health are influencing this shift. "After a summer filled with travel, sun, salt water, and chlorine, many clients mention their hair feels dry and damaged," he states. "Deepening the color with a rich brunette shade and enhancing shine instantly creates a healthier look and feel, which is precisely what people seek as they enter fall." From Anok Yai's burnished balayage to Hailey Bieber's enchanting honey-brown bob, there's no shortage of sleek brunette hairstyles trending online. Keep reading to discover fall brunette trends recommended by the experts, spanning from dimensional layers to sleek single tones.

      **Five Brunette Trends for Fall 2026**

      **Glacé Chocolate**

      I hate to break it to you, but you might have missed the buzz surrounding Zendaya's stunning chocolate braid at the New York City premiere of Christopher Nolan's *The Odyssey*. Not only were her extraordinarily long locks styled by celebrity hairstylist Coree Moreno impressive, but her glossy brunette hair also caught the light in a caramel glow. "I believe we are moving towards a season where healthy, shiny hair is the primary trend," remarks Ballance. "There's less emphasis on stark contrasts, and richer, more polished brunettes that exude an expensive appearance due to their health are becoming popular." Ballance also points out Zendaya's co-star Anne Hathaway, who sports uniform iced-chocolate waves: "It’s no longer about obvious highlights; it’s about achieving a luxurious, shiny finish that conveys incredible health."

      **Inky Espresso**

      Brunette hues encompass a range of umber tones and golden highlights, but one captivating shade to consider this fall is inky espresso. Giannetos describes this color as "romantic and timeless," highlighting how stunning it appears worn down or styled in an elegant knot, as seen in Demi Moore's recent look. Whether you choose a nearly black brunette like Moore’s or opt for the contrast featured in Yai's supermodel balayage (though I might not pull off her chocolate-brown ombré into glossy espresso), it's evident that the darkest browns should be on your radar this season. Giannetos recommends using a gloss at home to enhance the color whenever touch-ups are needed.

      **Caramel Glaze**

      Not every brunette prefers their hair dark. If you’re a blonde seeking a transitional brunette shade for fall or a deep brunette wanting to brighten up without losing that autumn feel, look to the styles of Jordyn Woods and Bieber. Woods has consistently served up hair goals with her caramel-streaked brown locks as we move into fall, while Bieber has also embraced a cool-toned rendition of her dirty blonde adorned with golden face-framing highlights.

      **Feathery Highlights**

      If you desire subtle dimension without fully committing to highlights, consider these barely-there streaks I noticed on supermodel Jasmine Tookes. "This is where subtlety can make all the difference," praises Ballance. "Rather than introducing significant brightness, I love the idea of adding just a few delicate highlights while maintaining similar shades. Your eye still perceives movement and depth, but nothing appears overtly lighter." To achieve Tookes's feathery highlights, request two to three shades lighter than your natural color in small sections. "The final result is a brunette that radiates depth, softness, and shine while appearing completely natural," Ballance explains.

      **Golden Threads**

      While we have focused a lot on low-contrast hair colors, it doesn’t mean highlights are out. “Highlights that complement a person's skin tone will always enhance hair," states Giannetos. He illustrates how "deep cocoa with golden, feathery highlights" imbues warmth into a darker hue, while those with neutral undertones may prefer "a cooler brown." One stunning example is Penélope Cruz's gilded highlights, perfectly timed for fall