There’s nothing like a seasonal switch-up to make you consider a hair makeover. And autumn is all about colour.
Whether you like to change with the leaves and lean towards warmer, richer shades (think burgundies and red undertones) or prefer to keep things cool and classic so you can play it all up with a vampy lip, there really is no right or wrong.
That’s one of the best things about the in-between seasons – they’re versatile. It’s a great chance to dip your toe in a hair trend you’ve been dying to try but never felt it was the right time.
And far as the latest autumn hair colour trends go, it’s going to be hard to resist some of the shades cropping up this season…
These are the best autumn hair colour trends for 2021
Smokey beige
The signature style of colour wizard Peter Thomsen, this smokey beige blend eliminates the tough choice between blonde and brunette. The lived-in look makes regrowth less of a problem too, so you can enjoy your new colour for the entirety of the season.
Image: @chelseahaircutters
Natural black
Block colours are back, especially when paired with a blunt cut. If you’re blessed with naturally dark or black hair, consider cutting off any lightened ends and embrace your all-over shade. If you’re looking to achieve this through DIY colouring, pay attention to the undertones of your dye to get the most natural results. Blue-based blacks will give you a cooler colour whereas red-brown undertone blacks will be warmer.
Try: Clairol Nice ‘N Easy in 2 Black and Schwarzkopf LIVE Colour in Deep Black
Image: @stellatumakeup
Model: @cynthiawu__
Blush pink
There’s something about a sunset shade of pink and autumn that just feels right. We’ve been obsessed with rose gold hair for years now and a slightly warmer version is our pick for the season.
Try: Schwarzkopf LIVE Colour Metallic – Rose Gold and Scott Cornwall Colour Restore Candy
Image: @bel_pipsqueekinsaigon
Model: @georgia_bess
Glorious grey
If you’ve ever wondered what your hair would look like if you stopped colouring it, consider this your sign to see what happens. We’re loving all the amazing different shades, streaks and tones of grey coming from the silver hair movement. You could even speed up the process with a colour stripper… just sayin’.
Image: @agingwith_style_and_grays
Caramilk
Much like the Easter eggs we’ve been devouring since January, the Caramilk hair colour takes it as close to blonde as possible, without actually reaching full white chocolate. It’s a sensational in-between shade that looks as delicious as it sounds.
Image: @chadwoodhair
Jessica Rabbit red
Do it! Do it! Do it! A vibrant copper moment couldn’t be more perfect for autumn. Imagine it flowing over your shoulders from under a beanie, tied up effortlessly with a hair scarf, and your usual messy bun looking like a runway masterpiece. If you’re lucky to fall naturally on the lighter side of the hair spectrum, a fiery coat of colour would certainly make a lively statement.
Maintain it with: John Frieda Radiant Red® Red Boosting Shampoo and Conditioner
Image: @maneaddicts
Colourist: @laurencoophair
Barely-there balayage
Balayage has had many reinventions over the years. And if you blink you almost might miss the latest. With just a subtle touch of sun kissed highlights at the very ends of the hair, barely-there balayage is made for when the sun hits, casting a glow that flatters any shade of brunette. We particularly love it on curly and textured hair types.
Image: @kimdollxo
That lady with the grey hair is really rocking it, even her makeup is great!
I've been doing the "smokey beige" for years to cover my greys hahaha
I like the Caramilk colour, although I don't think it would suit my skintone.
Love them all! Nice variety of colours and they all suit them.
My style is the first featured. Easy to maintain and do at home.
Just went pink without even knowing it is on trend, woo
Fantastic to see grey hair in this, it's never mentioned as a 'trend' Good one BH !
The smokey beige hair colour is really chic!
Wish I had the courage for grey or red. Most likely to stick with black.
As much as I love all things pink, I’m not sure if I’d be brave enough to colour my hair pink. I like the smokey beige. I think it would suit just about anyone.
All gorgeous! Sadly for me, hair colour is mostly about covering grey these days 🙁
I love the red hair simply irresestable.
I like rose gold, but that shade of blush pink wouldn't suit my complexion.
I love that pink colour
I absolutely love the Smokey beige!
I do change colours but I tend to revolve around red/brown. Christmas I went violet but it was a bit wasted in lockdown!
Caramilk looks gorgeous, not sure it is for me though.
I love the blush pink. I would love to give something like that a go.
Love the smoky beige.
Smokey beige is more my colour.
Love the georgous hair Colours for Autumn I have already embraced my naturally grey hair.
I LOVE the blush pink and smoky beige colours.
The Smokey beige and the pink colour oh my !
the barely there balayage is cute!
I love that blush pink!!
I love caramilk.
I love the smokey beige hair look. Very pretty
I may have to take that smokey beige pic to my hairdresser, love that colour.
Caramilk! Love the chocolate, love the colour!
My hair is currently caramilk colour but I absolutely love the smokey beige
I love the Copper (Radiant Red). I have this shade of DIY hair dye. You've inspired me. Now is my time to use it.
The caramilk and smokey beige look nice. I'm too blonde at the moment would like to change my colour for the cooler months ahead.
All gorgeous.
That Caramilk colour is stunning
I like the smoky beige look.
I love most of these colours. My choice for me, would be smokey beige or caramilk.
Smokey Beige looks like grey highlights to me
Caramilk looks so wholesome! and the model has the complexion to suit.
But I think I will stick with my violet and blonde highlights on mid-brown hair – not to mention the amethyst blast of colour on my back undercut – in between salon visits, it has faded to a purple marble colour and still looks amazing – not bad for a 73 year old!
This looks so good!
Not for me unfortunately
They all look lovely
Beautiful colours and ideas… I do keep seeing pink a lot lately…
Love these colours.
I wish I could experiment with different hair colours. My hair is boring black
Not fussed on any of these tbh. I've gone copper before & doubt I'll ever go back to it as the regrowth was hideous (looked like I had about 5 different hair colours as it grew out) & I know red is difficult to maintain. Maybe I'll go there again once I'm fully grey, but for now I'd rather stick closely to being bronde-ish brunette.
I like the model's hair with the smokey beige colour the best.
I love the pink hair
I like the caramilk!
The Smokey beige looks gorgeous!
Im really enjoying being my full natural hair colour for the first time since I was an early teen! It's nice not having to worry about regrowth and quite so much money for the salon. Figures as a 32 year old, I have a few years before the greys come, so enjoy the years of not dying my hair whilst I can.
The caramilk won’t suit everyone’s complexion.