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As the temperature drops and pumpkin-spiced everything takes over, it’s the perfect excuse to retire your summer hair habits and treat your strands to something fresh. After a summer of quick ponytails and claw clips, it’s time to hit refresh—starting with your hair. Fall calls for richer tones and shades that feel warm, polished, and made for the season.
This is the moment to get bold without going overboard. Rich caramel, deep chocolate and jewel-toned reds catch the softer autumn light, giving hair instant depth, movement, and that subtle wow factor that can elevate any fall outfit. The moody season isn’t just about piling on layers of sweaters—it’s about letting your hair add warmth, dimension and personality to every look, turning even the simplest jeans and a flannel pairing into something as striking as it is seasonal.
Long story short, whether you want a bold refresh or a subtle tweak, there are tons of stunning variations you can experiment with this fall. If you're seeking a little inspiration, consider taking your cue from these colors that experts predict will take the lead this season.
Cider Lights
First up for fall 2026? Cider lights. This transitional blonde color pairs deep, rich tones—think espresso, wine or black cherry—with a creamy or satin finish, giving hair softness and movement without feeling flat. The "cozy tones of warm cinnamon, golden-amber and spicy bronze" mixed within help to refresh hollow summer hues, says Diana Mildice, colorist at Maxine Salon in Chicago. Perfect for transitioning into autumn, cider lights revives washed-out hair and adds a depth and warmth that's a perfect match for the season's moody undertones. To achieve the look, opt for a balayage with multiple tones throughout and finish with a gloss to seal in shine—and thank us later.
Chestnut Brunette
Another cozy option to consider is chestnut brunette—a warm, inviting shade that brings the richness of autumn leaves to your hair. Rogerio Cavalcante, master stylist and founder of Brazil Edition, describes it as a "mix of chestnut with auburn [that] brings warmth and depth." To achieve the look, ask your stylist for a rich chestnut base with subtle auburn lowlights hand-painted or blended through the mid-lengths and ends. The color pairs beautifully with long layers or soft waves, allowing movement in the cut to highlight the contrast between brunette and auburn tones. It’s an ideal choice for anyone looking to refresh their base with a subtle, seasonal glow without making a drastic change.
Honey Blonde
If you’re drawn to lighter tones, honey blonde offers the perfect blend of warmth and softness. Cavalcante explains that while copper is a classic fall favorite, "the honey infusion adds softness and golden warmth, making it more wearable across skin tones." All you need to do to achieve this style is opt for a copper base with honey-blonde highlights balayaged in to create a subtle "sunset" effect. This shade shines on mid-length bobs, where the highlights have room to catch the light and pop. Cavalcante warns that copper-based shades need a bit of TLC, so be sure to maintain the vibrancy with a color-safe shampoo and consider a gloss between salon visits to keep the warmth glowing.
Smoky Espresso
There’s something undeniably magnetic about a smoky espresso hue. "This shade blends dark espresso tones with subtle smoky undertones, creating a soft, satin-like finish that feels sophisticated without being flat," says Cavalcante. And unlike lighter fall colors, this deep brown doesn’t rely on brightness to make an impact—it’s all about depth and dimension. Best worn on long layers, sleek bobs or tousled waves, it lets hair movement reveal hints of warmth and multidimensional color. "It’s perfect for anyone who wants a grounded, polished look that still feels modern and approachable," Cavalcante adds.
Maple Syrup Brown
For a rich, cozy update that still feels natural, maple syrup brown is a go-to for the season. Celebrity colorist Cassie Cohen of Chris McMillan Salon describes it as a shade that "can feature natural-looking highlights or stay rich and deep overall." To mimic the style, ask your colorist for subtle highlights—lighter golden brown around your face frame and through the ends—so it feels like your summer highlights gracefully grew out. And if you want some extra dimension with low upkeep, "weave golden or caramel tones through the ends,” recommends Cohen. This shade shines on long, layered haircuts styled with waves, letting the movement in the hair beautifully showcase the interplay of tones while keeping the overall effect warm and ultra flattering.
Cherry Cola
Cherry cola hair has quickly become a fall favorite—and it's easy to see why. This deep, moody shade has "just enough burgundy-red undertone to catch the light," says Christine Bellemare, co-founder of Maven A Collect. "If you love brunette but want a little extra vibrance, this is it." To achieve the look, ask your stylist for a dark brunette base with melted burgundy tones, ensuring the color appears glossy and multidimensional rather than flat. "It pairs beautifully with sleek, straight styles that highlight the shine, or soft waves that bring out the red undertones in motion," Bellemare adds, making it a versatile and fun choice for a seasonal refresh.
Silver Blonde
For a striking contrast to fall’s warm, cozy wardrobe, silvery blonde brings a fresh, icy edge to the season. The vibrant hue "is perfect for fall because it contrasts beautifully against the season’s warmer clothing palettes and textures," Bellemare notes. Plus, the cool undertones echo the crispness of colder weather, making the shade feel both modern and seasonally appropriate. To get the look, ask your stylist to lift your hair just light enough, then tone with silver or violet shades to cancel any brassiness and achieve that icy finish. It's a luminous, head-turning color that feels both sophisticated and stunningly contemporary—what more could you want?
Syrup Blonde
Feeling sweet this fall? You can stay warm when temps drop—syrup blonde is a radiant and rich tone that adds depth for those with blonde hair. For those with brunette hair, this tone will add warmth and reflection. “To keep this stunning shade from looking brassy, incorporate a clarifying shampoo into your routine to remove any buildup to maintain the richness of your tone,” says celebrity hairstylist Sunnie Brook.
Licorice Black
If you want to take a step into the dark side, licorice black is a deep dimensional color with a brilliant shine that screams sophistication and mystery. To optimize your strands, start by repairing your hair from the inside out to build a strong foundation.
Strawberry Brown
The versatility of this hue means you can easily adapt it to different complexions, go darker or lighter, or even go extra warm or a little cooler depending on what look you’re going for. “Strawberry brown hair is a delicious blend of warm brown tones with hints of red, resembling the color of chocolate-dipped strawberries,” says Jack Luckhurst, celebrity hairstylist and ambassador for Glaze. “While it primarily leans towards a reddish-brown spectrum, the exact shade can vary, ranging from lighter strawberry blondes to deeper, richer browns with subtle red undertones.”
Copper Hair
Copper hair can be the perfect option for autumn, with its shades echoing the hues of orange sunsets and that perfect lighting of golden hour. "Even though it's a brighter hue, it can be tailored and made to work for any skin tone and undertone," says the experts at Hey Discount.
Dusty Rose
Consider this hazy rose the moody, sexy version of the bright summer pink we've been seeing everywhere. Although you can go with a single process all over, for platinum blondes looking to have a little more fun, Gibson recommends trying a dusty rose shadow root.
Mushroom Tones
Mushroom tones are a perennial fall classic, and it's not hard to see why. This multi-dimensional shade gives off the same earthy-neutral brown as a Portobello mushroom, hence the name. "It keeps the hair healthy versus over-lightening, which can result in more damage," adds Gibson. To achieve this look, start with an ashy brown base and add dimension with beige blonde lowlights.