This Is How To Get Your Perfect Fall Hair Color

While summer hair color usually brings imagery of bright sun kissed locks and pastel fantasy shades to mind, fall hair color (and beauty in a nutshell) often is known for it’s dark, subtle, and more sophisticated palette. And while some color favorites aren’t exactly biting the dust, we can definitely expect to see rich and multidimensional shades take center stage this upcoming season.

“This fall expect to see more natural tones that are extremely rich and multidimensional, as well as some subtle highlights which give any look just the right movement,” says master colorist Rita Hazan, owner of the Rita Hazan Hair Salon in New York City. “For brown shades this season, we’ll see hues of chestnut, chocolate, sable and espresso. For reds we’ll definitely see auburns, deep coppers, and gingers. And for blondes, we will see golden buttery hues.”

To adjust your hair color for the cooler weather, these expert tips below will guarantee fall-ready color that surely won’t wash you out or look to harsh in the process. And even though, we’re focusing on the usual brunette, blonde and red shades, expect those colorful multicolored strands to hang around even once summer is gone for good.

1. Stay Subtle And Rich

Like the deep and vampy makeup looks of fall, autumn hair color trends usually stick on the subtle-yet-rich side.

“For fall, I've been really getting into high contrast color,” explains colorist Jessica Gonzalez of Sally Hershberger Los Angeles over email. “You can expect more editorial color, still effortless and natural but intensified. Instead of a ombré, it's more about the accent pieces around the face and some ends. Think, less glamorous and more raw. Richer base colors with lighter tones.”

While you’re definitely going to see richer base colors with lighter tones, don’t expect fantasy colors to go away anytime soon. But, instead of the striking and vivid colors we usually see in the summer months, expect dramatic colors to take a more subtle approach as well.

“I see colors being more subtle,” colorist Will Francis of Sally Hershberger Downtown tells me over email. “But you are still going to have a little drama with platinum white, silvery blues, seafoam greens, and pastel violet tones, being that they are definitely staying around for a while.”

2. Transition With Ease

Going from summer to fall color doesn’t have to be hard, especially since toner and highlights can properly adjust your color in no time. And although salon fixes like these may seem like a time consuming process, fall color proves to be more low maintenance in comparison.

“When you transition from summer to fall, the colors are often richer and darker, so changing your color just little will help the overall look for fall,” explains Rita Hazan. “Start by adding some highlights to your hairline and crown area, as this enhances your color and give you lightness and dimension. Plus, it’s also low maintenance, being that you’ll only have to go to the salon two or three times a year.”

For darker shades, highlights can help your color stand out, as highlighting accent pieces can make color richer and more prominent.

"If you have dark hair with lighter highlights, you can re-highlight accent pieces around the face to make it a bolder,” explains colorist Jessica Gonzalez. “You can also darken down your light highlights to a richer darker color too.”

Toner and gloss can also give you that fall ready finish, being that the process doesn’t take long and can be easily reverted if one doesn’t like the finish.

“Go slowly into it like starting with a gloss,” suggests colorist Will Francis. “Not only is this process easier on the hair, but if you don't like it, you can turn back to what you're more comfortable with.”

3. Keep It Simple

But before you head off to the salon, remember that it’s important to keep color simple and easy to manage — especially leading up to winter, when no one wants to leave the house. Not only do color visits and cost add up, but you’ll totally want to make sure your color fits into your everyday look as well. To avoid any color blunders, always bring in pictures of types of color that you are exactly looking for. This notion easily helps both the client and the colorist by mapping out any color goals clearly.

“You can do subtle changes or accent pieces without changing your whole look,” explains colorist Jessica Gonzalez. “But you’ll want to for a result that’s not too far from what you have now. For example, really ash blonde highlights can be glossed down to a rich light brown color. To get the best result possible though, always bring pictures to make sure you and the colorist are on the same page.”

And while pictures can definitely provide a helpful visual for what you are exactly looking for, hair color is not always created equal. It’s true that anyone can try hair shade of choice, but factors like skin tone and eye color should always be considered, before making any major coloring decisions.

“Just because you like a color you see, does not always mean it's going to work for you, says colorist Will Francis. “The color has to compliment your skin tone and eyes as well.”

Transitioning your hair color from summer to fall may seem like a challenge, but in keeping it simple, you can achieve that subtle and rich look in no time. Whether it’s a deep caramel or rich burgundy, just remember to always use your skin tone as a guide to find what shade works best for you.

Images: Beznika/Fotolia; Giphy (3)