29 Hair Colors for Fall That Will Brighten Your Look *and* Your Day
Image credit: @Beyonce/@GeorgiaMayJagger/@goldenbarbie/Instagram
After months of lockdown, salons have slowly re-opened in some states (though it’s hard to predict if or when this will change). “Because times are so uncertain, the longevity of color is key right now,” says Nikki Lee, a celebrity hair colorist and co-founder of Nine Zero One Salon in Los Angeles. “Since cool tones are very hard to upkeep, we’re going to see a lot of people embracing warmer tones and their natural roots.”
On the flip side, we’re also seeing a surge in bright colors like pink or teal, and, according to Lee, a return of those “dramatic money piece highlights in the front” that were all the rage in the 90s and 2000s. (Think: Ginger Spice during the height of Spice Girls fame.)
Though there’s much we can’t predict about what fall 2020 will look like, we can tell you this: The hair color will be fun.
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View this post on InstagramA post shared by Adir Abergel (@hairbyadir) on Dec 6, 2019 at 2:17pm PST
1. Heavy roots
“With all of us safely staying at home, you’ll start to notice more heavy rooted looks. Instead of hiding your roots, embrace them. Having a darker root and lighter ends adds dimension,” says Brian O’Connor, celebrity hairstylist and co-founder of Good Dye Young.
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2. Punches of color
“We’ll also see takes on Billie Eilish’s colorful roots, which is a fun way to experiment with color,” adds O’Connor.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Chris Appleton (@chrisappleton1) on Jul 5, 2020 at 1:57pm PDT
3. Red Velvet
“Kim Kardashian’s radiant red is the perfect warm and toasty shade for the fall. This particular shade of red would be best suited for olive and darker skin tones,” advises O’Connor.
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4. Fire Engine Red
Red hair is clearly having a major moment this year, and there are no limits to how bold you can go. Dua Lipa debuted this almost fluorescent red look on Instagram stating, “the brighter the hair the closer to god.”
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Daisy Edgar-Jones (@daisyedgarjones) on Jul 9, 2020 at 3:53am PDT
5. Classic Brown
On the other end of the spectrum, some people are returning to their childhood roots and going for more au naturel locks, like this clean brunette color seen on Daisy Edgar Jones.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Jessica Alba (@jessicaalba) on Nov 20, 2019 at 4:53pm PST
6. Bronde
Bronde, that is, a blend of brown and blonde colors, is still going strong. The low-maintenance hue is a go-to for celebs like Jessica Alba because it’s endlessly flattering and easy to grow out.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Lena Waithe (@lenawaithe) on May 25, 2020 at 11:35pm PDT
7. Multi-Colored Strands
Tie-dye is everywhere this year and we were elated to see Lena Waithe take the colorful trend to new heights with this rainbow buzzcut.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by ARIEL WINTER (@arielwinter) on Mar 10, 2020 at 8:49am PDT
8. Strawberry Blonde
Consider this a soft auburn hue an ideal transition shade to wear from the end of summer into the early months of fall.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Irinel de Leo?n | Hairstylist (@hairinel) on Feb 8, 2020 at 9:14am PST
9. Brack
Not quite jet black, this raven color has subtle, almost imperceptible hints of dark brown blended in to give the shade dimension and fullness.
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10. Glossy Black
For some, heavily highlighted colors are being replaced by classic, single-tone shades like black and brown. Darker hues tend to reflect light better as is, but you can bump up the glossiness with a shine serum or spray.
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11. Platinum Silver
Top model Janiece Alragracia Dilone makes a strong case for platinum curls. The contrasting shade is subtly brightening on all skin tones.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Rachel Brosnahan (@rachelbrosnahan) on Feb 6, 2020 at 9:57pm PST
12. Creamy Blonde
For low-maintenance color that still has plenty of dimension, try an all-over blonde with ashy roots. The soft shadowing at the base is especially flattering against fair skin.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by DASCHA POLANCO (@sheisdash) on Jul 11, 2020 at 10:03am PDT
13. Copper Brown
For brunettes, try adding warm copper tones to your chocolate base to brighten things up a notch like Dascha Polanco here.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Hilary Duff (@hilaryduff) on Apr 12, 2020 at 1:41pm PDT
14. Teal
When Hilary Duff made a splash with her bright blue and green locks, we were immediately convinced that boring color is so yesterday.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Georgia May Jagger (@georgiamayjagger) on May 8, 2020 at 11:35am PDT
15. Faded Turquoise
Another reason to try teal? It fades into this dreamy sea foam shade as it washes out.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Sarah Michelle (@sarahmgellar) on Apr 29, 2020 at 9:21am PDT
16. Soft Pink
Aka the trendiest color of quarantine. With indefinite plans to work from home, what better time than now to try a fun shade? In case you needed more convincing, here is Buffy slaying the rosy tint.
View this post on InstagramThe smile of a girl who just did at home hot pink highlights because what else can I do right now! Thanks @limecrimemakeup these hair conditioners are easy and so fun! @nikkilee901 don’t be mad lol. I really miss you! Hey @911onfox new look for Maddie?!A post shared by Jennifer Love Hewitt (@jenniferlovehewitt) on Apr 1, 2020 at 1:37pm PDT
17. Bold Pink
And here is Jennifer Love Hewitt, another 90s icon, rocking a brighter shade of pink (which will show up better on brunette strands).
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Kylie ?? (@kyliejenner) on Jun 12, 2020 at 2:02pm PDT
18. Chunky Highlights
“As far as big trends go this fall, the dramatic money piece highlight in the front (as seen on Kylie Jenner here) is a solid choice for those who are looking to add a little fun in their lives,” says Lee.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Nikki Lee | Hairstylist (@nikkilee901) on Jul 13, 2020 at 10:51am PDT
19. Rich Brunette
Lee is also predicting a rise in “rich brunette shades with a flicker of light,” as seen on Mandy Moore here (who is a client). “A great way to keep these colors looking fresh between salon visits, which might be far and few between this fall, is to use a color reviving mask once a week.”
View this post on InstagramA post shared by @margotrobbie on Jan 25, 2020 at 3:14pm PST
20. Honey Blonde
Brighten up your sunny shade with some honey tones blended throughout. Again, embrace those natural roots and keep the overall color from turning brassy by swapping in a purple shampoo every few washes.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Nikki Lee | Hairstylist (@nikkilee901) on Jun 25, 2020 at 10:20am PDT
21. Honey Brunette
A honey brown hue is especially flattering against olive and darker skin tones. Plus, it’s the type of color that will last months without upkeep.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Guy Tang® (@guy_tang) on May 21, 2020 at 8:29am PDT
22. Mulled Wine
We said it once and we’ll say it again: Red hair is hot this year. This rich garnet hue is the ideal fall shade. Just make sure to keep your color bright with a sulfate-free shampoo, as the only downside to this fiery hue is that it tends to fade easily.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Guy Tang® (@guy_tang) on Jun 13, 2020 at 8:26am PDT
23. Chocolate Brownie
Rich and decadent, a chocolate brown color is best served with a heavy dose of shine. We recommend an at-home gloss for the job.
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24. Lilac
There’s a reason why soccer champ Megan Rapinoe continues to dye her hair lavender: The pretty purple is fun and fresh and surprisingly flattering. (Tip: Ask your stylist to create a tinted conditioning treatment to refresh your color between visits.)
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Jesus Guerrero (@jesushair) on Jul 21, 2020 at 1:58pm PDT
25. Copper Highlights
Jesus Guerrero may as well be the brunette whisperer, having worked on a bevy of brunettes from Jessica Alba to Chrissy Teigen and Shay Mitchell. The LA-based stylist is a go-to for creating the sort of copper-toned highlights that blend seamlessly with darker hair.
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26. 90s Highlights
Remember what we said earlier about chunky highlights making their return? Before you scoff at the idea, consider that Queen Bey has already given the throwback ‘do her stamp of approval.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Sarah Hyland (@sarahhyland) on May 19, 2020 at 9:44am PDT
27. Poppy Red
Another day, another celeb who decided to DIY their color during quarantine. Actress Sarah Hyland proudly showed off her poppy red strands that are especially bright to start but will soften to a faded cherry as it washes out.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Jasmine Sanders (@goldenbarbie) on Mar 12, 2020 at 3:19pm PDT
28. Wheat Blonde
A slightly toned-down shade of wheat blonde is a great way to keep your summer color going strong into the fall (while covertly camouflaging sun-damaged strands). Add a mineral-removing treatment to your routine to remove any color-dulling buildup.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Guy Tang® (@guy_tang) on Jun 10, 2020 at 10:36pm PDT
29. Emerald Green
If you’re bored with balayage or conventional color, why not try an emerald green? Hey, anything goes in 2020.