“Wealthy Umber,” “Vampy Espresso Brunette,” and 14 Other Hair Colors to Rock This Fall

Fall is synonymous with darker hair colors, so it only makes sense that ‘Cherry Cola’ will continue its reign as the most-requested shade of the season. From Dua Lipa to Dove Cameron, Kimble says this rich burgundy color is going to be huge for fall. “It offers a deep, wine-like hue that blends the intensity of red with a subtle, cool undertone for a striking look,” she explains. Since it’s a bold hue, Kimble recommends using a color-safe shampoo and conditioner to maintain the color’s vibrancy and shine. 

Kimble also predicts this rich brown will be a favorite fall color. “It’s a luxurious and classic shade that adds depth and shine—making hair appear exceptionally healthy and full of life,” she says. If you have naturally brown hair, Kim says you can achieve this color at home using a mocha brown hair dye to give it that rich dimension. 

You’ve heard of ‘Expensive Brunette,’ so welcome it’s older (and trendier) aunt: ‘Wealthy Umber.’ As Bermudez shares, “This shade of brunette isn’t just rich, it’s wealthy. Its shiny depths are chocolatey and captivating, with a touch of warmth that’s both effortless and elegant.” Just look at Kiera Knightly above, who shows that this trendy shade is a great option for brunettes.

It’s no secret that any variation of red is a great choice for fall and Bermudez wants those with blonde hair to have a little fun with the hue, too. To add a splash of color to lighter locks, the stylist says ‘Strawberry Blonde’ is a solid choice. Look to Jessica Chastain for inspiration, as the actress has been sporting the shade for years. Once you have your new hair color, Bermudez recommends using a nourishing leave-in conditioner and color-safe conditioner to minimize brassiness and neutralize yellow tones. 

According to Bermudez, this bold hue will become the apple of our eyes this fall. “When I think of ‘Candy Apple Red,’ I immediately think of that bold, juicy red that Linda Evangelista essentially trademarked in fashion history,” he shares. “Since this is a bolder color application, it’s suitable for many base hair colors but would require different processes to get there and maintain it.” Due to frequent trips to the salon it requires, the stylist suggests sticking to your color care routine to prevent color from fading in-between touch ups. 

I’m well aware of traditional balayage, but this buzzy shade is taking things to an entirely new level. “I’ve been seeing a lot of people asking for a soft beachy balayage. This soft dimensional warm to neutral beachy blonde color looks like you’ve spent hours relaxing and catching some sun at the beach,” says Stuke. “This color is a great transitional shade for someone who’s been much blonder for summer and wants to try something that’s lower maintenance for fall.” While this shade is best for golden (or neutral) blondes, Stuke says those with darker hair can get the look by going for caramel or honey highlights instead. 

Alexa, play “Espresso” by Sabrina Carpenter. If you want to channel the coolest Gen-Zer right now, you should ask for this rich brunette color. “The ‘Vampy Espresso Brunette’ is a sultry deep shade with lots of dimension. As we come into fall, I’m seeing many of us transition away from summer’s warmer tones to deeper, cooler shades instead. This hair color can work for everyone, but the level of how deep or cool might change depending on your skin tone and/or natural coloring,” says Stuke. 

The ‘Hazelnut Brunette’ is a low-maintenance hair color that’s perfect for the season. As Kim explains, “It’s a warm and rich shade of brown with subtle golden undertones that create depth and dimension. It’s a versatile color that flatters a wide range of skin tones and gives a natural, yet luxurious appearance.” According to the stylist, natural brunettes can implement warm blonde highlights to enhance their base color like Jessica Alba above. For blonde hair, you’ll need to go darker by adding lowlights for the multidimensional effect. One more thing: Kim recommends applying a hair mask once a week to prevent color from fading, strengthen strands and improve softness overtime.

Copper continues to be a popular hair color for fall and this latest variation has clients flocking to Kim’s salon chair. “Copper Brunette is a stunning blend of deep brown and fiery copper tones. It combines the richness of brunette with the warmth and vibrancy of copper, which creates a striking and unique color,” she says. In order to maintain the hue, Kim suggests a leave-in conditioner that offers color protection and shine.

The ‘expensive’ craze is back and it’s getting a much sweeter name for autumn. “‘Expensive Honey’ is a warm, golden blonde with a honey-brown tone. It exudes a high-end glossy finish that looks effortlessly chic and sophisticated, which is perfect for those seeking a polished, sun-kissed look for fall,” says Kim. Your stylist will perform a honey-toned balayage or highlights to really lift and warm up your natural color, followed by a toning gloss to get the ‘expensive’ look. On wash day, Kim recommends using a smoothing cream to improve shine and glossiness. 

It was a staple color last winter and Burns believes it's making the rounds again as the weather gets colder. “Who says you have to be in the South to look like you come from old money? You can achieve a tone like the blondes you see straight from films like The Great Gatsby,” remarks Burns. Here’s how to get Zendaya’s look: Ask your stylist to apply a buttery neutral tone to your locks before adding fine highlights along the hairline to create a subtle glow around your face. 

Forget reds and browns, this color is a classic for fall. “A soft black color is the ideal choice for a drastic new change. It shows sophistication without being harsh,” says Burns. While you can get it done by a professional, the stylist assures you can also get the look using a hair dye right at home. “The best part is that it helps cover grays 100 percent and promises an even color from root to tip for extreme shine,” she adds. 

Although we’re leaving beachy blonde hair behind in August, Dorram believes there’s still room for a brighter blonde hues in the upcoming fall season. “This shade transitions well into fall, offering warmth, while still retaining the brightness that’s often associated with summer,” says Dorram. “It’s a bright blonde with soft golden undertones that’s reminiscent of creamy vanilla. It’s a step up from platinum with a warmer, more natural-looking glow.” The key to keep it vanilla is to use a purple shampoo to correct brassiness and a hydrating hair mask to lock in moisture. 

Additional Experts

• Min Kim is a master colorist at Butterfly Studio Salon in New York City. She’s also a global brand ambassador for L’Oréal Professionnel and premier balayage educator. She specializes in hair trends, styling techniques and color services, specifically French balayage.
• Nicole Gache is the color director at Valery Joseph Madison Avenue. She has over 22 years of experience in the industry. As a color director, she recruits and educates aspiring stylists. She specializes in balayage services, highlights and more. 
• Wendy Burns is a hairstylist and a commercial stylist for Henkel North America. She has over 30 years of experience in coloring, cutting and styling. Her specialities include keratin treatments, hair extensions and Goldwell/Majirel coloring techniques.
• Sharon Dorram is a celebrity colorist and owner of Sharon Dorram Color at Sally Hershberger Salon with over three decades of experience in the field. She is also a color director and brand ambassador for Virtue. Her previous clients include Barbara Streisand, Kate Hudson, Meg Ryan and Priyanka Chopra.