This one is a little more high maintenance. I won’t lie—you’ll want a purple shampoo (Fanola No Yellow is strong but effective) and possibly a toner refresh mid-season. But the payoff? Unreal.
Last fall, I saw this exact look on a girl in line at Sephora and literally took a picture of the back of her head (yes, I asked first!). It is so cool. As though she was born in leather boots and a structured coat.
When you want to change with a sharp edge, this is mood board material.
Soft Siren Waves of Fall with Deep Brunette Base
The middle part and soft, shiny waves are quietly powerful, and they look especially good with a deep brunette color, as in this case. The voluminous styling is perfectly matched with the rich, nearly espresso base, emitting strong vibes of expensive hair. The natural, feathery wave is soft, but not at the expense of that sophisticated finish, and the hint of warmth is flattering to nearly every complexion.
To keep this silky finish, it is important to dial in hydration. I’ve learned that using a sulfate-free shampoo (I like the Pureology Hydrate Shampoo) and a light leave-in cream can help keep the strands glossy without weighing them down. Heat protectant is non-negotiable if you’re going for a blowout or soft curl finish.
I have always been a fan of styles that do not scream, but rather, speak in a low tone- and this one? She’s that. Cogitate: candle dinner hair. You are not overdoing it, but people are watching. When you adore a retro style with a slight touch of modernity, this is yours.
You might also envision this with a slightly unfinished ensemble, perhaps a sheer embroidered blouse such as this one, everything is meant to be, but not too carefully planned. Brunette hair and fall fashion are just a match made in heaven.
Warm Caramel Ribbons on Dimensional Brunette
It is one of those brunette hair color concepts that are on the border of bold and balanced. The foundation is a rich chocolate, yet it is the broad ribbons of caramel-colored hair that zigzag across the mid-lengths that makes it come alive. This is not your regular balayage, it is a complete fall makeover that is not too light.
This style consumes in case you have thicker hair. To prevent those caramel tones becoming brassy, I wash my hair once a week with a purple or blue-toned shampoo, Matrix Brass Off is a regular in my shower caddy. In addition, your stylist may suggest a gloss between full color visits to maintain the tone deep.
To be honest, this color is cinnamon rolls on a cold Sunday morning. It’s indulgent but not too sweet. I always say: when your hair color feels cozy, you’re doing autumn right.
And in case you love leather or dark textured items, this style goes so well with them. The color depth is a beautiful contrast to the structured jackets or a vintage moto vibe. Just chef kiss.
High Contrast Pop Face-Framing Vanilla Strips
It is a high contrast brunette look. Not only are the bold face-framing highlights no longer restricted to blonde hair, but they are reinvented here in creamy vanilla shades, and are expertly layered into a cool medium brown base. The cut is feathered so as to provide movement but not to make the ends too thin.
This one needs a little maintenance, particularly at the hairline. I would schedule a toner refresh every 5-6 weeks and have a color-safe dry shampoo on hand, Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo never fails me. The trick is to be bright without being over-stripped.
What do I like best about this look? It is deliberate. Edgy, a little I-just-came-back-from-my-colorist, and completely prepared to wear soft sweaters and moody lipstick. If you’re craving dimension but want to keep your brunette identity strong, this one’s worth showing your stylist.
Fast fact I heard by celeb stylist Justine Marjan? Whenever you lighten around the face, have your colorist feather it down the layers so it will not look stripey when pulled back. Game-changer.
Champagne Ends with Sunkissed Espresso
It has a very fall in Paris tone to it–a traditional espresso brunette base that fades into sun-kissed champagne ends. It has that hazy ombr-meets-balayage look, as though the final rays of autumn sun are touching the ends of your curls. The entire effect is soft, airy, and flowing, paired with loose waves.
This is an excellent way to dip your toes in the light side without going blonde. I prefer adding a gloss to my deep conditioner every couple of washes to make sure the champagne ends do not become dull. Experiment with Redken Shades EQ Gloss at home or in salon, it will provide tone and reflection in an instant.
On my part, I believe that this color has a story to tell. It’s “you spent the summer in Capri” but you’re back and embracing cozy textures and deeper hues. Perfect on a person that does not want to invest in heavy contrast but still wants that slight glow.
And yes, it will be unreal in camel coats, ribbed scarves and layered neutrals. This is the brunette hair concept that you carry into fall and into the holiday season.
Rooted Cocoa Ashy Highlights
Now, what about low-key drama? It is a color that is so clever with tone, cool-toned accents are threaded into a dark cocoa foundation, it has dimension but it is so effortless. The highlights begin in the middle of the strand and run down the ends, reflecting light in that perfect 4pm sun-going-down fall light.
I would always suggest a purple shampoo here, Fanola No Yellow is amazing, to avoid the lighter pieces becoming brassy, particularly when you have a more neutral-cool base. But honestly? A bit of heat creeping in is not so bad either. It gives it a lived-in appearance.
This combination comes out as edgy, minimal, and powerful. I have used a similar shade when I needed to feel put together without being overdone and it has worked every time. There is something about the cool-warm contrast that is just confident.
