Hair Color Trends That Will Define Fall 2026

We've identified plenty of haircuts everyone will be asking for in fall 2026 as of late, but now we need to turn our attention to the color trends that are about to take the season by storm. For some extra insight, we asked expert hair colorist Julie Fortiz at Jenna Perry Hair for the full rundown. This fall, she says it's all about shades that make your life easier. "Think a lot more effortless and working with what you have and enhancing that," she explains exclusively. "Healthy, shiny hair always looks a lot better than dry, over-processed hair. Coming in for glosses in between your appointments is [also] key to [maintaining your color]." 

Additionally, Fortiz says hot tools are out — sorry! "We are also going to be seeing a lot more working with your natural texture, and air-drying is going to be in. Less is more!" she added. This is proof that trying a new look doesn't have to equal high maintenance. Embrace a more laid-back vibe by checking out the hair color trends that are about to be huge this fall.

Rich shades of brunette are trending this fall, and it's no mystery why. Julie Fortiz says that this season is the perfect time to be a natural brunette — fall is simply their moment to shine. "Their hair changes with the seasons, and it's fun to see them go through the stages of either warm or rich hues of brown," she shares exclusively with Glam. Overall, Fortiz says that bold chestnut brown is the way to go as we head into fall. There are so many subtle undertones you can add to it to make it look unique yet effortless. You can also tailor it to your specific skin tone. "This tone of brunette can vary and can have different nuances [that are] not too far off from one another," she says. "Think [celebrities like] Salma Hayek and Penelope Cruz." 

While you can certainly opt for more of a subtle mix of deep brown hues here, Fortiz also says that highlights can really make this shade pop. "[Hayek and Cruz] both have very lived-in tone-on-tone highlights that just add the softest dimension to their luscious locks [and] make [the look] effortless," she continues. "[The highlights also] work with their natural color, keeping it healthy and glossy." For something a little brighter on a brunette shade, Amal Clooney's golden highlights at the Venice Film Festival are also the ultimate fall 2026 hair inspo.

Anyone looking to go lighter this fall will love what Julie Fortiz calls "New York City Blond." This particular shade features sparkly golden highlights. Fortiz stresses that you can keep those highlights to a minimum without the style losing strength, adding a bit more to the look without making it crazy high maintenance. "The richness in less highlights can really go such a long way, and it works because [you] can stretch salon visits up to six months," she shares exclusively with Glam. 

The expert gave us some tips to ensure the look works on us when at the salon. "Ask for very soft, hand-painted highlights just to add the right amount of sparkle and finish with a warm, buttery gloss. You really can't go wrong with this." We also love that this color can work on a variety of hair textures. In fact, we'd count it as one of the best curly hair trends to try in 2026.

If you're already blond and looking to try something a little different this season, Julie Fortiz says you're in luck. She has just the color for you that really warms up the hair. "[Strawberry blond is] one of my favorite colors for the fall for my blondes because it means giving their hair a break and transitioning into a fall shade," she told Glam exclusively. "Almost like a pumpkin spice latte for your hair. Achieving this tone only takes warming up their blond slightly with a gloss and [it] makes such a difference. It almost makes their complexion glow in the darker months."

This warm, coppery shade is so gorgeous on a variety of skin tones and hair textures. Just keep in mind, knowing your skin undertone is essential when choosing a copper hair color. You'll want to make sure your specific shade looks just right!

Another fall hair color we're totally obsessed with is black coffee. This much deeper shade of brunette almost leans black, and that's what we love about it! Celebrity colorist Matt Rez told The Zoe Report in August 2026 that a shade like this will be everywhere this fall. "Rather than reading flat or overly dark, the color feels glossy, reflective, and expensive," he says. "This shade is perfect for brunettes who aren't trying to make too dramatic a change between seasons, and who tend to gravitate toward sophisticated, low-maintenance looks."

Rez created a shade like this himself for actor Mia Goth in January 2026, sharing the look on Instagram. It's definitely slightly moody, but it looks so polished. While this color is similar to rich brunette in some ways, we love that it features much deeper, cooler undertones. They can also really bring out darker complexions.