Fall Hair Color Ideas 2025: 20 Trendy Shades for Brunettes and Blondes to Try This Season

Who says sweater weather has to read predictable? What would happen if the cool weather, pumpkin-spice lattes and new season playlists were the reason you needed to change your shade? In my next few scrolls I am unpacking five new fall hair color ideas that have been popping up on my feed- and answering the big questions; which shades feel truly 2025-ready, how do we keep them glossy once the chilly winds blow, and why are professional colorists calling these looks the next big thing? Let’s dive in, latte in hand.

Cinnamon Cappuccino Layers

This rich cinnamon tone melts from burnished copper at the crown to a soft, spiced-latte finish through the ends, lending natural-looking warmth to brunette bases without tipping into neon territory—perfect for anyone hesitating between classic red and bold auburn (fall hair colors never looked so cozy).

I alternate my regular shampoo with K Kerastase Chroma Absolu Sulfate-Free Shampoo twice a week to maintain the glow even after the pumpkin-patch season is over, and when the color needs a bit of a boost, I top it off with a color-depositing mask in Copper.

To be honest, I have flirted with lighter gingers in the past, but this toned down cinnamon is lux and wearable, I have lost count of the amount of times I have been asked What shade is that? DMs since trying it out at my local salon. Colorist Tracey Cunningham refers to these less intense reds as pumpkin-adjacent and says they are gentler on once brunette hair, no bleach marathon necessary.

One last touch I adore: face-skimming, loosely draping layers that poke out of a heather-gray knit. They allow the spicey dimension to be seen in all directions-chef kiss.

Mocha-Latte Vanity Waves

Consider cappuccino froth swirling through a thick mocha-rich-creamy ribbons enhanced by shiny, S-curve waves. The outcome is flattering to brunettes who want something softer than blonde highlights but lighter than their normal dark chocolate.

When clients query celebrity colorist Matt Rez on how to keep these subtle lights, he vows by Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Leave-In to keep the brunette canvas healthy and silky, particularly after the indoor heating is turned on.

I embrace wearing this color with creamy makeup shades: relaxed taupe eyelids, a hint of a rouge, and, indeed, that sloppy sky-blue jacket loosely slipping off the shoulder to have some casual flair. Talk about easy inspo for your next salon visit.

Salon-Gloss Copper Selfie

With or without studio lights, this is a copper that glows in every selfie, with low-lights that give the illusion of fullness and a money piece that is practically invisible, but lights up the face frame. The vibe? Blazing but sophisticated, fitting into the emerging trends of the rising fall hair color that brunettes are ready to play with red without abandoning their brown origins.

The only after-care advice I would offer would be to spray Color Wow Dream Coat on before each blow-dry. The frizz-proof technology maintains that glassy shine–no halo effect when you run out of the salon, to the subway.

Confession: I made the reservation of this very color after seeing it on my explore page (and later when I zipped up a blush-pink tracksuit to match) I had an unreal confidence boost.

Velvet Espresso Glam

Dark espresso roots melt into velvet, candle-lit ends, the sort of fall hair color that brunettes can wear that looks pricey even in air-dried waves. No loss of that indefinable depth, however, in the silky texture and layered mid-lengths.

Since closer pigments are prone to go flat, stylist Jennifer Yepez suggests glossing every seven days with a product, such as Kristin Ess Signature Hair Gloss in Warm Espresso to light up the undertones. Neither does a satin pillowcase hurt- trust me, it is a small switch that saves shine.

I can never resist this seductive brown with a slick of cherry lipstick; it looks runway but is still Zoom Monday office-friendly. Unexpected? Totally—and that’s half the thrill.

Midnight Mocha Sweep

Here is the autumn color solution of the minimalist: a nearly-black mocha with gentle, chestnut smoke wafting through the mid-lengths. It is discreet, classy, and fits perfectly into the trends of brunettes dark brown straight, only in this case, the layers of the curtain make the long strands look elegant.

I skip heavy oils (they can dull dimensional browns) and lean on a lightweight shine spray like Oribe Côte d’Azur Hair Refresher—one mist and any end-of-day scent plus static disappears.

Has a look ever felt so effortlessly polished? The response is all over that satisfied, closed-eyes grin–evidence that the most subtle color change can be the most dramatic style statement. 🖤

Caramel-Ribboned Brunette Luxe

It is somehow so luxurious, brunettes with money piece highlights in cool caramel that melt down into dark, velvety waves. It is a color palette that adds brightness and contrast to the face but remains earthy in the moody energy of fall. It is one of those fall hair colors that are on the border of being glamorous and low-maintenance. And with that middle part and clean shape? It’s screaming timeless.

If your base shade is naturally dark, this one’s a keeper. I would suggest to use color-protecting conditioner such as Pureology Hydrate sheer to retain that money piece brightness without making your ends dry. Heat styling? Make it minimal- these tones adore a light wave as opposed to complete curl.

I’ve been watching this trend pop up in stylist reels for months, and the appeal hasn’t worn off. It is the dimension that does it to me, rich, shiny, not too gaudy, but gaudy enough that your mirror selfie now wants to be noticed.

Whether you’re running errands in sweats or heading out in a silk dress, this shade adds just enough polish. It’s like lip liner for your hair—structured but subtle.

Hollywood Siren Red

This is not your shy-girl red. It is shamelessly dramatic, intensely pigmented, and super glossy, a color that exudes the phrase, main character, wherever you go. These shiny waves reflect all the light and the fire-kissed auburn base is inclined to old-Hollywood vibes with a 2025 reboot. It is the appearance when you want to find the fall hair color ideas that can be used as an accessory.

With reds, it’s all about locking in the tone. Once a week, I dye my hair with dpHUE Gloss+ in the shade Copper to retain that richness when I can no longer make it to the color appointment. And yes—switch to a silk pillowcase. It’s not just influencer fluff, it makes a difference.

Personally, this red gives me total confidence fantasy. It reminds me of a TikTok I saw where a girl said she felt “untouchable” in copper waves—and honestly, same.

Not ready to go full red? Even this as a shadow root on top of your natural brunette can provide that seasonal wallop without the complete jump.

Golden Sand Bronde Blend

This bronde style could be the most multifunctional one on this list. By mixing ash, beige and buttery shades into the mid-lengths and ends, it creates an illusion of thicker and fuller hair and brightens the face. It is a power play of brunettes who want to move towards blondes and a perfect compromise in the fall when the sun begins to set.

You should have a violet-based shampoo ready, so use Amika Bust Your Brass Cool Blonde Shampoo once a week to prevent brassiness sneaking in as the weeks go by. It’s a small investment with big payoff.

I am not a big fan of being full blonde, so this is a combo that I can wear. It is high, but not shouting to be heard–and how it goes with snug knits and over-sized outerwear!

This one’s a classic for a reason. It’s like trench coat hair: chic, flexible, and always in.

Smoky Root Melt for Blondes

This is a blonde hair color trend that is a dream come true to anyone who is already light. It begins with an ultra-dark shadow root and fades into frosty, smoky lengths, and it is dramatic and wearable. The dimension gives otherwise soft waves some edge, and it gives blondes that small seasonal reset they desire after summer is over.

You will certainly want to incorporate a bond-building treatment such as Olaplex No.3 into your routine on a weekly basis. Even healthy blondes require that protection, particularly as deeper roots produce contrast.

The color takes me back to a cool night bonfire or the time when you switch your iced lattes with something hot- it is seasonal but not kitschy. I have witnessed it become a big trend in NYC salons.

Bonus: the regrowth is lenient, so in case you are not into frequent root touch-ups, this is your favorite.

Soft Roast Espresso Shine

Simple never means boring. This rich dark brown color with a hint of shine at the mid shaft is the epitome of fall hair. No dramatic streaks, no dramatic contrasts, just a gentle swath of gloss that puts the cut and the health of the hair into the forefront. It is ideal to anyone who is attracted to minimalism or wants to adopt fall hair colors on brunettes in a vintage, carefree manner.

I would recommend a gloss top up in the salon every 5-6 weeks using a tone matched demi-permanent gloss. In case it is impossible, apply the Kristin Ess Signature Gloss Warm Brunette at home, it is beginner friendly.

There’s something so grounding about this look. It is like sitting in a corner of the cafe and reading a thick book with a velvet scrunchie. It does not demand attention but never goes into the background either.

So if you’re craving a return to rich simplicity, this is your signal.

Toasted Hazelnut Bob

This bob that grazes the chin is in a warm hazelnut brown, the sort of quiet-luxury hair color that does not shout out to be noticed, but never goes unnoticed. The shade is a perfect combination of cooler mushroom tones and golden softness, which makes it very versatile. Combined with the blunt cut and a slight undercurve, it is sharp but feminine, which is precisely the vibe that many fall hair color ideas are going this year.

To maintain, I go into lightweight conditioning using R+Co Television Perfect Hair Conditioner. It is moisturizing yet does not make fine strands look weighed down- this is a necessity with this type of precision cut. The hazelnut finish is kept out of the flatness by a shine spray on the ends.

I have to say this is my go-to when I need a reset. There’s something about chopping off summer’s leftover layers and stepping into autumn with a clean, modern color that just hits right.

The only thing I’d tweak? A couple of other lowlights beneath the layers to give that just-there drama as you move. But even as-is, it’s fall-chic perfection.

Silvered Blonde Glamour Waves

This cool-toned, fall hair color on blondes is quite magical in a way, it is the early morning fog and soft candlelight combined in one wearable palette. The shadow of the roots blends into the blonde ends that are silvered and the glamour curls add to the entire vibe. This color is adding high-contrast depth without taking it all the way to platinum, which is, quite frankly, perfect during the colder months.

To prevent brassiness, use a blue-tone, sulfate-free shampoo, such as Redken Blondage, once a week, or in a place with hard water. Combine that with a weekly Olaplex mask and you are golden, well silver.

I adore this tone with metallic make up or layered pearl accessories. It feels rich without effort. And that smooth money bit by the front gives it a slight light frame to elevate the whole.

If I were styling it? I would put in a middle part and pull one side behind the ear and put on a chunky earring to go out at night.

Chocolate Mushroom Crop

This shoulder sweeping cut with softly defined waves is a complete mood. The brown chocolate color with a hint of mushroom-gray undertones is one of the sleeper fall hair color trends among brunettes, and I mean it in the best possible way. It is subtly beautiful and the light tone of the color makes it highly wearable in any season.

This tone is sensitive to buildup, so I go in with a gentle clarifying shampoo every two weeks (try Ouai Detox) followed by a glossing conditioner like Virtue Recovery.

It is the natural texture that makes this cut work and I adore how it reflects that post-vacation kind of vibe. It’s casual but not careless. Sort of like your best over-sized blazer–just fitted enough to be trendy.

This is the color to go minimalist this fall.

Dark Roast with Blonde Veins

This one is all about contrast. Dark, nearly black hair with bright light blonde ribbons pinned around the face- a real brunettes with money piece work of art. It all comes down to the color placement: it is dramatic, yet not so dramatic that it cannot be worn in real life. And the center part? Iconic.

As high-lift accents on dark foundations can dry out quickly, I always have a bonding oil at hand, and my favorite is the K18 Molecular Repair Hair Oil, particularly on wet hair after showering. Skip the heavy heat tools if you can. Let those waves form naturally.

Whenever I come across this look, I always say to myself: Why can I not have this? It simply gives so much life to naturally dark hair without losing the depth to make it dramatic.

It is certainly the one that the girl who likes a bit of edge, but still needs something that can be worn on a date or to Monday meetings.

Dimensional Ashy Chestnut Luxe

A combination of ash, mocha and cool beige tones in this rich wave pattern makes this fall hair color trend a showstopper among brunettes. There’s depth, there’s brightness, and most of all, there’s serious polish. The outfit would be equally gorgeous with a cashmere turtleneck and gold hoops as it would be in a cocktail dress. It’s that flexible.

In order to maintain the tones in balance, apply a neutralizing gloss treatment 3-4 weeks apart, such as dpHUE Color Fresh in Cool Brunette. It assists in keeping those soft ash highlights bright rather than turning brassy or muddy.

This color has the vibes of major influencer hair, in the best way possible. The type you would find with shiny lips, thick lashes, and a blazer that makes a statement, and can take on anything.

Would I suggest this to a first time darkener? Absolutely. It is dimensional to be interesting and not heavy to overpower your features.

Mulled Cherry Midlength

This bright cherry red is that perfect spot between spicy and warm- it is dark enough to be moody in the fall, but rich enough to be poppy. The waves are soft and the layered cut assists the color to attract light in all the right spots. It is a real fall hair color moment to any person who does not want to be too far out of the classic fall tones.

Red colors are the ones that fade the quickest, hence apply color-safe shampoo and opt to have glossing treatments once a week. My favorite non-committal tonal refresher is the Moroccanoil Color Depositing Mask in Hibiscus.

This one gives me the feeling of apple cider and crushed velvet dresses. It is fun yet sophisticated, which is an ideal combination with a daring lipstick and a large sweater.

Would I go full cherry in one sitting? Maybe. However, to soften the introduction, a couple of cherry-coloured lowlights on a dark ground may be the trick.

Midnight Jet With Glass Finish

This long jet-black hair with a perfect glassy finish provides energy to the main character. It’s minimal, sure—but never boring. The darkness has depth and the cut gives it the type of flow that turns heads. It is one of those fall hair color trends on brunettes that never really goes away, but it seems especially strong when combined with cool weather and dramatic coats.

Gloss is non-negotiable here. After blow drying I apply IGK Expensive Amla Oil Topcoat to add to that glassy texture. A middle section is also important, it allows the shine to evenly distribute on both sides.

There’s something nostalgic about jet black in fall. It reminds me of late 2000s icons with ridiculously long layers and glossy, dramatic looks.

Not something to be taken lightly- but definitely something to be taken glamorously.

Walnut Cream Ribbon Brunette

If you’re a soft neutral girly, this is the one. A dimensional deep brunette base with creamy walnut ribbons adds softness and lift without ever going into the harsh contrast. It is warm, complimentary, and completely in line with the autumnal hair color trends we are currently seeing everywhere on Pinterest boards.

Due to the delicate ribbons, I would be careful with the care, but a hydrating leave-in, such as the Briogeo Farewell Frizz Milk, would be enough to keep everything soft and fluffy. You want this to feel lived-in, not over-styled.

I adore the combination of this appearance with simple makeup, only mascara and a little blush are enough. It is relaxed, but not slack, and I simply cannot tear my eyes off it.

When you are prepared to have something sophisticated and unpretentious yet volumetric, this is the one that is calling.

Bronde Layers with Soft Bangs

Alright, blondes and brunettes, you can both rejoice in this bronde masterpiece because you really can have it all. The waves are so soft, and layered so perfectly, but it is the fringe and cool-neutral ribbons that make it editorial. The retro softness here is so fresh in 2025 and it goes so well with the warmer light and deeper wardrobe tones of fall.

To maintain this dimensional and voluminous, I attest to thickening foam such as the Kenra Volume Mousse prior to blow-drying using a round brush. Set with a spray of flexible hold spray to give a soft bounce.

This one is like warm coffee dates and big scarves. It has a movement, texture and personality without having to be overly bright.

It is also an excellent in-between shade in case you are attempting to grow out a blonde or de-emphasize highlights without losing that sun-kissed light.

Golden Maple Soft Blend

This is a fall hair color brunette short or long, something about this golden maple brunette is comforting in nature. The tones blend so smoothly into one another as leaves turn green, then auburn, then caramel in a slow motion. And the smooth, nourishing finish makes the entire appearance look like it just came out of a blow out salon.

Maintenance-wise, this is a low-stress dream. Stick with a gentle, shine-boosting shampoo (I love the Colorproof Smooth shampoo) and finish with an oil mist on ends to enhance that radiant finish.

This style looks so well with natural light, it photographs well. Whether you’re standing under a tree or by a café window, the glow hits right.

It has that timeless, yet rich feel to it, so it makes a good idea when you want something that feels a bit more elegant, but not too refined and formal.