The Ultimate Guide to Flattering Fall Hair Color

As you make the switch from summer rosé to PSLs, consider changing up your hair color, too. Whether you prefer keeping it soft and subtle, or want a shade that makes a statement, the season’s hottest hues offer something for everyone. Ahead, top colorists weigh in on five of the freshest looks for fall.

The perfect marriage of blond and brunette, this shade has been popular for a while but is especially choice come September. “After a long summer spent in the sun, brown hair can start to look drab and blond tones become flat and faded. Going bronde adds warmth and brightness, no matter if you’re blond or brunette to begin with,” explains expert colorist Patrick Ryan, co-owner of Mixed Co. Salon in Chicago. Blondes should request lowlights around the crown, while brunettes should ask for lighter, face-framing pieces. Balayage, a hand-painting technique, is ideal in either instance and makes for a much less harsh line of demarcation as your roots grow-in, Ryan adds. Translation: You’ll be able to go anywhere from three to six months in between appointments.

Taking a cue from all the gorgeous colors outside, coppery tones are perfect for fall. While they are obviously a great option for redheads, copper highlights are also good for brunettes who want to add some dimension and interest to their color, but don’t want to go lighter, Ryan says. The caveat: “Red is one of the hardest colors to maintain, so you’ll have to be extra delicate with your hair,” says Lucille Javier, colorist at Sally Hershberger | Tim Rogers Salon in NYC. The large size of the color molecule makes it the most prone to washing out and fading. “Minimize washing as much as possible, and when you do, turn down the temperature of the water,” suggests Lucille. Using a color-depositing shampoo and conditioner, like Joico Color Infuse Red Shampoo and Conditioner ($16; ulta.com), is also a good move, though you’ll still probably have to color your hair every three to four weeks to keep the red tones fresh.