Unlock These Fall Hair Color Secrets Experts Won’t Tell You—Level Up Your Look Before Everyone Else!

Celebrity colorist Rita Hazan predicts high-shine deep noir browns and glossy espresso-hued brunette shades, like those seen on Nicole Scherzinger, will make a notable presence this fall. “It’s the ultimate expensive-looking brunette and works especially well on either very long or very short hair for a bold yet natural effect,” she says.

Celebrity colorist George Papanikolas has a similar prediction for fall brunette shades. “Brunettes are going glossy with espresso and chocolate tones, often paired with a subtle ‘money-piece’ highlights for brightness around the face,” he says. “Tone-on-tone effects are key here to keep it looking sophisticated.”

Buttery blonde hair colors (think Sabrina Carpenter and Margot Robbie) had an undeniable moment this summer, and, according to experts, the sunny, radiance-boosting hue will likely be a fall favorite too.

Hazan calls going butter blonde a “gorgeous way to stay super blonde while adding golden tones that bring warmth and glow to your skin.”

“Warmth is making a huge comeback, especially for fall when people gravitate toward cozy, seasonal tones,” says New Jersey-based colorist Jennifer Korab, adding that rich, cinnamon brunette shades will likely replace cooler, flat ash brown hair color hues this season.

Actress and producer Keke Palmer has also been seen elevating the color trend in a striking pixie cut. Paglionico says that red hues are the hardest to keep vibrant, so you’ll need to be meticulous about rinsing your hair with cool water in order to help prevent color fade.

Take a cue from Hailey Bieber by introducing warm, caramel-colored highlights into your look. Hazan says they’re an “easy way to add richness to your hair color without making it too dark.” The result is a tortoiseshell brown hue that complements every hairstyle, from slicked-back buns to soft waves. Just look at the Rhode founder for proof.

Regarding upkeep, Hazan says using a shampoo and conditioner made specifically for color-treated hair is key. She also recommends applying a deep-conditioning mask one to two times per week.

Colorist Carlos Rojas agrees that tortoiseshell brunette will take off this fall. “It’s a dimensional brunette but with more of a punch,” he says. “You can lean into more of the darkness or depth, or you can lean more into the warmth.”

Looking to embrace your natural gray this fall? Celebrity colorist Kadi Lee says incorporating a client’s gray hair into a no-fuss, dimensional balayaged blonde lengthens the time between colorist appointments. Take a look at actress Sarah Jessica Parker for inspiration. “After the cuticle is opened up via the balayage, I always follow with a gentle soft toner, not too cool or too gold, landing in an area that is more of a wheat beige,” she says.

Professional stylist Shelby George has seen an uptick in clients embracing their natural gray hair by blending their roots with babylights and ashier tones. “I think this trend is blowing up because we don’t want to be at the mercy of our regrowth, but we still want to look polished,” she says.

While taking Julia Roberts’s hair back to a classic red copper, Lee added in larger highlights and lowlights to give it a glowy yet vibrant golden undertone. Reminiscent of the season, she says it mimics the color spectrum of autumn leaves. To ward off color warping, no matter your hair color, Lee suggests investing in a color-safe, sulfate-free shampoo, keeping your hair adequately hydrated, minimizing heat styling, and always using heat protection when you do heat style.

“Dark, moody shades are pairing perfectly with fall fashion’s gothic, romantic aesthetic,” predicts Korab. Celebrities like Megan Fox and Dua Lipa exemplify the color trend. She says colors like “raven noir” serve the intensity of classic black while providing updated undertones that catch the light. “It’s replacing flat, one-dimensional blacks with something more luxe and high-shine.”

Kate Middleton’s new hair color debut cemented bronde (AKA, a hair color shade that lies between brunette and blonde) as one of fall’s top beauty trends. “The goal of bronde highlights is to seamlessly blend the two shades, making it look as though the hair has naturally lightened from the sun without looking overpowering,” says colorist Michelle Hong.

To care for bronde hair, Paglionico suggests shampooing with a gentle formula that also imparts hydration. “This will help keep your color from looking dull and preserve the dimension that makes bronde so beautiful,” she says.

Can’t decide between blonde and red? Strawberry blonde (as seen on celebrities like Jessica Chastain or Sophie Turner) is your answer. “Strawberry blonde is a delicate mix of golden blonde and copper,” says Korab. “It’s romantic and playful, offering just enough warmth to stand out without being overwhelming.”

Dimensional brunette shades can go by many names, which is why colorists recommend bringing in pictures to speak for the look you want. Across the board, though, colorists expect dimensional brunette shades touched with warm caramel, honey, chestnut, and toffee highlights to dominate.

“Brunettes should focus on brown on brown highlights, keeping the shade variance to three shades at most,” advises Lee. “Honey, chestnut, and rich, espresso chocolate browns all make versatile choices and keep brunettes interesting.”

• Rita Hazan is a celebrity colorist and the founder of Rita Hazan Salon.
• Lauren Paglionico is a master colorist and the founder of Lrn Beauty.
• Kadi Lee is a celebrity hair colorist and the co-founder of Highbrow Hippie Haircare and Wellness.
• George Papanikolas is a celebrity colorist and a Matrix brand ambassador.
• Carlos Rojas is a colorist and Matrix global brand ambassador.
• Michelle Hong is a colorist and the founder and creative director of NYC The Team.
• Jennifer Korab is a colorist and the owner of Renaissance Salon and Spa in Hillsborough, NJ.
• Shelby George is a stylist and milk_shake educator based in Florida.