As the leaves begin to turn and a crisp chill fills the air, there’s no better way to embrace the autumn season than with a fresh, on-trend hair color. But here’s where it gets exciting: this year’s hottest shades aren’t just about following fashion—they’re about finding a look that feels modern, timeless, and uniquely you. From the velvety depths of Sombre Brunette to the warm, luminous glow of Caramel Silk, these trends are all about elevation, not just transformation. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about the color, but how it’s tailored to suit your skin tone, lifestyle, and personality.
Siobhan Haug, co-owner of Haug London salon and former British Colour Technician of the Year, spills the secrets to H! Fashion on the must-try shades and techniques for autumn. She emphasizes, “What excites me about these trends is their versatility. They’re not about following fashion for the sake of it, but about creating color that feels modern now and will still feel beautiful months down the line.”
Ecru Blonde
Think of this as the teddy bear blonde—soft, neutral, and luminous. Siobhan explains it’s all about interwoven tones of chocolate, beige, and cream for a subtle shimmer. “It’s a universally flattering hue,” she says, tailored to warm or cool skin tones with shades like buttercream, taupe, or mushroom. In the salon, ask for a tint with highlights or a balayage with a glossy brunette glaze. Upkeep? Low-maintenance—just refresh roots or use a toner.
Inspiration: Emily Ratajkowski for Gucci, Suki Waterhouse.
Sombre Brunette
This cool-toned, velvety brunette is deep, glossy, and almost black—a universally flattering shade that’s particularly striking on naturally dark hair. Siobhan recommends a gloss treatment for added depth and shine. “When it comes to upkeep, strengthen with protein treatments and finish with lightweight oil,” she advises.
Inspiration: Doja Cat for Marc Jacobs Pre-Fall 2025, Odessa A’zion for Stella McCartney.
Caramel Silk
Amal Clooney recently debuted this stunning shade, crafted by expert hairstylist Dimitris Giannetos. The key? Caramel and honey highlights peeking through a chocolate base. It’s similar to the cinder toffee brown trend, which sits in the “sweet spot between golden caramel and deep brunette,” according to Laura Elliott of Neäl & Wølf. “It offers warmth and shine with an expensive, chic appeal,” she adds.
Inspiration: Amal Clooney, Princess of Wales.
Hyper Pigment Hues
For those ready to make a bold statement, these saturated tones are built in two steps for chromatic depth and lasting vibrancy. Siobhan suggests asking for a double-process or ultra-pigmented service. Upkeep involves preserving brilliance with a color-depositing mask.
Inspiration: Chappell Roan, Lizzo, Serena Williams.
Griege
A graceful blend of grey, beige, and silver, this shade eases the transition from color to natural white. “It suits clients with significant silver tones who want softness without stark regrowth,” Siobhan reveals. In the salon, request a translucent grey with soft highlights. Upkeep is minimal—just use silver or purple shampoo weekly.
Inspiration: Cameron Diaz, Andie MacDowell.
Toasted Beige
Coined by Andreas Wilde, John Frieda’s Creative Stylist Ambassador, this Jennifer Lopez-inspired shade is a creamy, warm beige with subtle golden highlights. “It’s the ultimate warm and cosy shade for the season,” he says. Upkeep is key—reach for a honey blonde tone-perfecting treatment to intensify warmth without brassiness.
Inspiration: Jennifer Lopez, Gigi Hadid.
Satin Blonde
For true blondes, this quiet luxury hue features muted tones and a satin-like sheen. Siobhan says it’s perfect for those seeking a polished, brassy-free blonde. In the salon, request a golden toner softened with ash. For upkeep, use a weekly deep-repair mask and lightweight oil.
Inspiration: Julia Garner for Gucci, Kate Moss, Claudia Schiffer.
Aspect Lights
This precision highlight technique uses babylights to mimic natural sunlight and frame the face. “It suits those with heavy, flat color or overdone highlights,” Siobhan notes. Ask for face-framing or partial balayage with layered babylights and lowlights. Upkeep is simple—keep the tone fresh with a bespoke mask.
Inspiration: Chloë Sevigny for Jimmy Choo, Charlize Theron.
Controversial Question: With so many trends focusing on warmth and depth, is the era of icy blonde and platinum shades officially over? Or do you think they’ll make a comeback? Let us know in the comments—we’re curious to hear your take!
