Chunky Blonde Highlights on Deep Waves
Retro yet completely up to date, these dramatic blonde highlights intertwined with dark waves are delivering the drama in the most delicious manner. This style provides brunette tones with a contrast shot that comes off as high fashion, particularly when it is long and has smooth edges. Imagine it as the adult version of early 2000s pop glam, but in deep autumn colors.
I maintain these types of highlights using Amika Bust Your Brass Cool Blonde Shampoo once a week. It tones and does not dry, which is crucial to high contrast styles such as this.
This look gives me power-lunch realness with a twist. This is ideal when you adore your brunettes with dark base yet you would like to add a little more volume to the season.
And yes, this style is so good with a fall turtleneck, blazer, or a fluffy sweater. She’s cozy and cool.
Soft Espresso Waves with Baby Bangs
This deep espresso brown color is a synonym of subtle drama. The cascading waves are long and soft but it is the structured baby bangs that make this style go beyond the ordinary and into editorial. This aesthetic works so well with the idea of deep brown skin hair color and has that moody, romantic vibe that fall is practically screaming out to get. It is a shade that falls just right between warm and dark, and it gives depth without clashing with darker skin undertones. In case you have been torn between the desire to have a dramatic fringe and the need to stay warm in autumn, this is your cue to combine them.
To prevent these waves to fall flat, I would suggest applying the Mielle Organics Mongongo Oil Thermal & Heat Protectant Spray prior to any styling. It traps moisture and provides that smooth look without dragging your hair. And yes—fringes need love too. Smooth out your bangs using a tiny flat iron and a shot of a lite-weight hold spray.
I know some friends who have done this shade following a summer of highlights and they report that it is a game-changer. It’s grounding but not dull, rich but not heavy. And it is the type of brunette that immediately complements any fall ensemble, whether it is a comfy sweater or a date-night slip.
Admittedly, when your wardrobe has already changed to boots-and-scarf season, your hair needs a change of season as well. This appearance will add sun to colder times without dominating your natural coloring.
Cinnamon Rose Bob with Soft Waves
There’s something undeniably sweet about this soft cinnamon-rose hue. This medium-long wavy bob is in the medium-light color range, and it shines on the warm or tan skin. It’s like your favorite spiced latte, in hair color form. Add in subtle waves and a deep part? You’re golden. The pinkish hue also goes well with hazel eyes, not too much contrast, but enough. It’s soft, feminine, and endlessly wearable.
Color like this needs maintenance—but not stress-inducing levels. Maintain the red shades with the Pureology Hydrate Sheer Shampoo & Conditioner and keep it hydrated. To maintain the waves, I use the Ouai Wave Spray- it leaves you with that non-sticky finish.
Red tones are a bit intimidating, but when you combine warmth with softness, like in this case, it is low key magic. I recall watching a stylist on TikTok gush over this very palette as the next must-have of brunettes with fair to olive undertones who want to dip their toes into reds.
And honestly? This is your fall update in case you are in the mood to be a bit flirtier, moodier, but still very wearable. Bookmark it. Screenshot it. It’s giving main character energy.
Lavender Frost Blunt Bob
Alright, now we can discuss power moves: this glacial purple color is not afraid to be bold, unapologetic, and it is sort of ideal when it comes to cool-toned girls with deep winter skin. It is edgy, but not cold, and that soft blunt bob makes it polished. The deep purple shade is balanced by the light lavender shade in the most ethereal manner, it seems to be floating on the skin. This one is likely to have already graced your Pinterest board, as it is the kind of color inspo you would keep on a dreamy board.
Pastels need patience. This purple will fade fast, and a good color-depositing shampoo such as Celeb Luxury Viral Colorwash in Lavender will be necessary. And, spray it with a UV-filter spray such as Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser Invisible Oil to guard against brassiness.
Here’s the thing: this isn’t just trendy. It’s intentional. Colorists such as Aura Friedman have said that pastel purples are the cool-girl evolution of platinum. They’re soft, but they make a statement. And on deep skin, they become elevated and futuristic.
This is your move in case you ever wanted to experiment but did not want to go neon. The tone is gentle, the impact? Massive.
Crimped Chocolate Volume
Crimped texture is experiencing a silent mini-revival, and I am not mad at it. This deep chocolate brown color adds texture and depth to the style and the texture provides a slight 90s retro. The outstanding thing about this color is that it looks so lovely when paired with deep tan skin hair color ideas- it is dark enough to bring out features, but not so dark that it dulls your shine. The volume, the shape, the effortlessness—it’s that “I woke up like this, but better” kind of vibe.
This style does well with a leave in that boosts texture without crunch. Give the Pattern Beauty Leave-In Conditioner a go, it works so well with crimped styles and locks shape whilst keeping your hair touchable. Also, if you’re using a crimper, don’t skip the heat protectant!
Did you ever grow up and see crimped hair all around and think, I wonder whether I could wear it when I grow up, the answer is yes, especially in this tone. I have worn it in early fall and it is just right amount of playful and mature.
It’s nostalgic, but not costume-y. Wear it with a trench coat or denim-on-denim and you are in the mood of the pumpkin season.
Cool-Toned Ash Gray Waves
Gray has never looked this luxe. The dramatic contrast of cool ash gray tips against dark roots brings instant edge—and it’s surprisingly flattering on deep skin. This is a more daring version of deep winter skin hair color concepts, and it brings a lot of It-girl energy. The wave pattern gives the softness which balances the sharp cool tone, hence does not wash out or appear too goth.
Gray colors have a tendency to dry your hair, so this one requires moisture, moisture, moisture. Once a week, apply Amika Soulfood Nourishing Mask to the ends to make them shiny and moisturized. A purple shampoo is also essential in maintaining the tone crisp- Clairol Shimmer Lights has always been a drugstore staple.
I have observed this on women at NYFW with olive, medium, and even pale undertones, it is universal and completely surprising. And isn’t fall the perfect time to go unexpected?
The cooler temperature practically demands something this fresh. Gray can be neutral, but this appearance is not.
Sunlit Honey Balayage with Soft Roots
This honey balayage light brunette is as if it was the last golden hour before autumn sets in. The gradient between the deep brown roots and the sunlit ends is so gracefully soft and it looks so beautiful on deep tan skin and warm undertones. The middle section gives it a casual touch, allowing the light to reflect on the waves. It is the type of shade that appears to be so natural–but exudes purpose. And yes, it is a dream to go with summer brights into more earthy fall colors.
With balayage, it is just about maintaining the clarity of color and avoiding over-toning. I’d recommend the DpHue Cool Blonde Shampoo, even if you’re not fully blonde—it balances out brassiness in honey tones. And to keep the ends of the lightened hair healthy, a few drops of the Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil will do wonders in keeping everything shiny and moisturized.
To me, this color is an emotion, it is something in between romantic and down-to-earth. It takes me back to Sunday strolls in a knit set with a hot chai in my hand. One stylist described honey tones as the quiet luxury of fall hair color, and I would have to say I concur. They’re approachable, flattering, and incredibly versatile—ideal for those with olive, tan, or even pale skin tones looking to warm things up without going too red.
This is your golden ticket in case you are willing to flirt with blonde but not willing to maintain it. It allows you to play in the light and not lose that deep rooted richness we all yearn to have come October.
