After a long, hot summer, there's something so refreshing about unpacking the cozy sweaters from the back of your closet, moving all of the vampy, moody lipstick shades [1] to the front of your vanity, and planning your next hair color [2].
So, what can you expect to see everywhere this upcoming fall season? According to experts, it will be a mix of bold and low-key hair colors. "This fall, we will see people taking more risks while embracing their natural hair shades," Parvin Klein [3], creative director of color at Salon Yoshiko, tells Popsugar. "This is because of new techniques being developed and offered by colorists and a higher demand for mostly lower maintenance options that blend the natural hair shade into the process."
We spoke with the pros about the hottest fall hair colors to help you achieve your new look at your local salon and rounded them up ahead. From "Barbie Blond," inspired by, of course, the blockbuster film starring Margot Robbie, to the "bropper [4]" trend, which combines brunette and copper [5] for a fresh vibe, there's a little something for everyone [6] this season.
Some of the colors require a touch of boldness to pull them off, while others are more mellow. Whatever dye you land on, be ready for an onslaught of compliments over your new hue.
Experts Featured in This Article
Parvin Klein [7] is the creative director of color at Salon Yoshiko.
Joel Warren is the founder of The Salon Project [8].
Brian O'Connor [9] is the co-founder and chief innovation officer of Good Dye Young. [10]
[14]Jayne Castiglia [15] is a master colorist at Warren Tricomi Salon [16].
Cass Kaeding [17] is a colorist and co-owner of Crane Los Angeles. [18]
Michelle Hong [19] is the founder of NYC The Team [20].
"Cider Lights"
"Cider lights" are fall's answer to sun-faded hair — a rich, dimensional refresh inspired by the cozy tones of the season. "The name captures everything about fall: warmth, richness, and comfort," says Joel Warren of The Salon Project [21]. Think golden leaves, cinnamon hues, and that soft cider glow. Unlike traditional brunette or auburn shades, cider lights focus on layering espresso, bronze, and amber tones to create depth and reflection rather than heaviness. The result? Hair that feels polished yet effortless, glowing with the same creamy warmth that defines autumn itself.
Mushroom Brown
In search of fall hair colors for brunettes? We've got you. "Mushroom brown [22] is trending this season," Klein says. "It's versatile and can be worn by different skin tones, and is a nice segue to mute previously highlighted [hair]." Michelle Hong [23], founder of NYC The Team [24], agrees, saying that rich brown bases can add dimension to their color with ribbons of soft balayage. The result is "the perfect balance of muted warmth, no orangey brassiness, and a touch of smokiness."
Just keep in mind you might be able to get this color in one go. "You may need a few visits with your colorist to get it just right, but it is an excellent option for cooler-toned brunettes," Klein says.
Cherry Cola
"Cherry cola is the perfect blend of warm and cool tones, making it a great shade for almost all skin tones," says colorist Brian O'Connor [25], who loves how the color wears over time. "The fade-out is one of my personal faves, because it always ends up becoming the perfect brown once faded."
Strawberry Blond
For blonds, in the summer, cool tones rule, but in the fall, it's all about being warm and cozy. The easiest way to make the transition is by adding a strawberry or honey-gold tint to it. "This trend allows blonds to still feel blonder," Jayne Castiglia [26], a master colorist at Warren Tricomi Salon [27], says. "A warmer root melt is a nice transition too on someone who is heavily highlighted and wants more warmth but does not want to commit to too much gold throughout."
"Bropper"
Red has been a popular autumn hair color choice in recent years, and it's not predicted to go out of style any time soon. "From vibrant coppers to warm, rich auburn shades, reds are an ultimate head turner," Hong says. "Bropper" is a buzzy new variety that's perfect for brunette and redhead beauties alike. It combines the two popular hues into one ultra-warm and glossy shade.
Champagne-Beige Blond
Champagne blonde is quickly becoming a go-to shade for fall thanks to its soft, flattering finish. "This blond is a mix of gold, beige, and neutral undertones, which pairs well with every skin tone," says celebrity colorist Cass Kaeding [28]. "It's soft, smooth, and still has plenty of dimension for movement," making it a versatile blond that feels fresh without stepping too far outside your comfort zone.
Tone-on-Tone
Experts agree: the "tone-on-tone" look will be everywhere this fall. The name refers to a twist on the ever-popular balayage technique on brunettes. It involves adding dimension with chestnut highlights on a rich chocolate base. "This tone-on-tone technique creates a soft variation of color while still drawing the focus to the warm-toned face frame," Castiglia says. "This color combination allows women to still have the look of balayage but a deeper variation of it."
Hong calls this "the perfect fall brunette hue," adding lightness to your typical flat brown color.
Jessica Harrington [29] (she/her) is the section lead of Popsugar Beauty, where she oversees coverage around makeup, skin care, hair, tattoos, and more. With more than nine years of industry experience, she has interviewed countless celebrities, reported on hundreds of beauty trends, and swatched more lipsticks than she can count. Prior to PS, Jessica worked for publications such as Makeup.com, Skincare.com, and The Zoe Report.