Fall Hair Color Trends: The Best Shades and How to Choose Based on Skin Tone

As the leaves turn to warm hues of red, orange, and yellow, it’s the perfect time to freshen up your look with one of the season’s hottest hair color trends. Fall is all about richer, deeper shades that add warmth, contrast, and sophistication, making it a popular time to switch up hair color. From bold reds to warm blondes and velvety browns, there’s a fall hair color for everyone. In this blog, we’ll dive into the reasons these trends shift with the seasons, and how to find the perfect shade based on your skin tone. 

Why Hair Color Trends Change in Fall 

As we shift from summer to fall, we see a move toward deeper, more saturated colors. This seasonal change isn’t just a trend; it’s rooted in both aesthetic and practical reasons: 

1. Aesthetic Harmony: Fall clothing and accessories usually feature warmer tones, and hair color trends often follow suit, creating a harmonious, cozy look for the season. Richer hair colors pair well with fall fashion, enhancing the warm, earthy tones often found in fall wardrobes. 
2. Sun Exposure: Hair exposed to summer sun and chlorine may fade or develop brassy tones, making fall the perfect time for a refresh. Darker, warmer colors help cover damage and renew vibrancy. 
3. Seasonal Mood: Fall brings a cozy, grounded feel that many people want to reflect in their appearance. Lighter summer shades are often traded for the depth and richness of fall colors, adding warmth as temperatures cool. 

Top Hair Color Trends for Fall and Best Choices for Skin Tones 

Now that we know why hair color trends shift with the season, let’s look at the top hair colors for fall and how to choose the best shade based on your skin tone. 

1. Warm Chestnut Brown

A timeless classic, chestnut brown is a rich, warm shade that combines brown with subtle hints of red or auburn. This color adds depth and warmth, making it ideal for fall. 

• Best for Skin Tones: Chestnut brown suits a wide range of skin tones. For fair skin with cool undertones, chestnut brown adds contrast without being too harsh. Medium to olive skin tones benefit from the warm undertones that accentuate natural warmth in the skin. Darker skin tones can also rock this color, as the warmth complements darker complexions beautifully. 

• Maintenance Tip: Use color-protecting shampoo to maintain the richness of chestnut brown as it can fade over time. 

2. Rich Chocolate Brown

Chocolate brown is a luscious, dark shade with warm undertones, perfect for adding depth to any hairstyle. This versatile color complements various hair textures and adds a luxurious, glossy effect. 

• Best for Skin Tones: This color works especially well for those with medium to dark skin tones. For fairer complexions, chocolate brown can be made more dynamic with highlights. For cool undertones, chocolate brown with subtle red highlights adds warmth without overwhelming. 

• Maintenance Tip: To keep your color looking fresh, apply a weekly hair mask for hydration, which helps maintain the glossy effect. 

3. Auburn and Dark Copper

Auburn and copper tones bring a fiery, autumn-inspired vibrancy that is perfect for those looking to make a bold statement. Auburn is a mix of brown and red, while copper leans more orange-red, both ideal for creating an impactful fall look. 

• Best for Skin Tones: Auburn complements fair to medium skin tones with cool undertones, as it brings out natural blush and warmth. Olive skin tones can also look stunning in auburn, as the warm undertones balance out the green in olive complexions. Copper, on the other hand, is beautiful on fair skin with warm undertones, adding a lively glow. 

• Maintenance Tip: Red shades tend to fade faster, so use sulfate-free products and apply a color-depositing conditioner weekly to keep the hue vibrant. 

4. Golden Caramel Highlights

If you’re not ready for a full-color change, caramel highlights are a great way to add warmth and dimension without committing to a new base color. Caramel highlights blend well with brunette shades, creating a sun-kissed effect that transitions beautifully into fall. 

• Best for Skin Tones: Caramel highlights are ideal for medium to dark skin tones with warm undertones, enhancing natural warmth. For fair skin with cool undertones, a cooler caramel tone adds subtle warmth without appearing too brassy. 

• Maintenance Tip: Highlights can become dull without proper care, so use a gloss treatment every few weeks to keep them looking fresh and shiny. 

5. Honey Blonde

Honey blonde is a warmer, richer alternative to the brighter blonde shades of summer, adding a golden glow that complements fall’s earthy tones. This shade creates a natural, soft look that’s perfect for those who prefer a lighter color but still want warmth. 

• Best for Skin Tones: Honey blonde suits fair to medium skin tones with warm undertones, as it enhances the warmth in the skin. Those with cool undertones can still pull off honey blonde by opting for a slightly cooler, beige undertone to avoid clashing with the skin. 

• Maintenance Tip: Blonde colors require more upkeep, so use a purple shampoo to prevent brassiness and keep the color looking fresh. 

6. Mahogany and Burgundy

Deep reds like mahogany and burgundy offer a sophisticated yet edgy look that’s perfect for fall. These shades add a hint of purple or red undertone to dark hair, making them both unique and versatile. 

• Best for Skin Tones: Mahogany suits medium to dark skin tones with warm undertones, as it brings out the richness in the skin. Fair skin tones with cool undertones can also wear burgundy beautifully, adding a pop of color that doesn’t overwhelm. 

• Maintenance Tip: Keep the richness of mahogany and burgundy with color-safe products and avoid frequent washing, which can dull the intensity of these shades. 

7. Jet Black with a Glossy Finish

For a bold, classic look, jet black with a high-gloss finish is timeless and chic. It’s a low-maintenance option that adds drama and sophistication to any style. 

• Best for Skin Tones: Jet black complements medium to dark skin tones perfectly, as it enhances natural depth and shine. For fair skin, jet black can make a statement but works best with warmer undertones to avoid looking too stark. 

• Maintenance Tip: A gloss treatment every few weeks can help keep the color intense and the finish glossy. 

Choosing the Right Fall Hair Color for You 

When choosing a new hair color for fall, consider your natural skin tone and undertones. Warm colors like chestnut, auburn, and caramel look great on warm undertones, while cooler colors like chocolate brown or jet black are beautiful on those with cool undertones. Always consult with a stylist if you’re unsure which shade will suit you best. 

At Beautyvice, we know that a new hair color can be transformative. Whether you’re looking for subtle highlights or a bold new hue, we hope these fall hair color trends inspire you to refresh your look with confidence. Remember, the best color is the one that makes you feel your best!