As the weather transitions, it’s not just our closets that undergo a makeover. Along with swapping out chunky knits and boots for the season, many people feel the urge to update their hair color as well. After a summer of sun exposure and vacations, hair can appear faded and damaged, prompting a desire for a fresh look by September.
Siobhan Haug, a renowned British Color Technician and co-owner of Haug London Haus, notes that autumn is a bustling time at the salon. She explains that post-summer, hair tends to become dry and reveal undertones, such as increased yellowness for blondes or heightened red tones for brunettes. This natural shift leads individuals to seek a new hair tone after sun exposure has altered their hair.
This year’s autumn/winter hair trends focus on subtle tonal adjustments and sophisticated shades that complement the season. From radiant blondes to deep brunettes and elegant greys, these are the colors making waves in the hair world.
Blondes have two prominent trends to explore this season. The first is “Saturn blonde,” a luminous and sheer blonde tone that exudes luxury and wearability. This warm blonde shade, sported by celebrities like Pamela Anderson and Claudia Schiffer, offers a glossy finish and helps neutralize any unwanted yellow tones in the hair. The high-maintenance aspect of Saturn blonde requires regular salon visits and proper at-home care, but the result is a radiant and refined appearance.
The second trend, “Aspect lights,” deviates from subtle highlights to create more pronounced color placements that enhance facial features. This technique, likened to contouring with color, provides a sculpted and intentional look, as seen on celebrities like Charlize Theron. It works particularly well on curly hair, using caramel tones for a flattering effect.
For those who prefer a blend of blonde and brunette, the popular “Teddy bronde” offers a soft and natural finish. This technique involves applying a single toner over blonde hair to achieve a seamless look, as demonstrated by celebrities like Taylor Swift and Hailey Bieber. Another option is “Ecru bronde,” which strikes a balance between blonde and brunette while adding depth with clever color layering tailored to individual skin tones.
On the brunette side, the trend leans towards darker, richer, and cooler tones this season. “Sombre,” a cool and soft brunette shade, is in demand for its ability to counteract warm, sun-faded tones from summer. This all-over gloss with a cendre tone results in a chic dark brown hue, reminiscent of icons like Doja Cat and Jenna Ortega.
At the more daring end of the spectrum are “high pigmented shades” for brunettes, offering vibrant red hues that make a bold statement. Popular among celebrities like Lizzo and Serena Williams, this look requires a meticulous two-step application process to achieve glossy and dimensional color.
Lastly, individuals embracing their natural silver hair can opt for “Griege,” a sophisticated blend of grey, beige, and silver tones for a contemporary finish. This approach balances and enhances grey hair, making the transition more graceful and polished for those embracing their natural greys without compromising on style.