My relationship with hair colour has been much loved and long standing—particularly when it comes to autumn hair colour. I began in my teens transforming my naturally brunette strands with blue-black and purple tints. Then came the Kelly Rowland-inspired blocky red highlights phase. There was a mishap when I attempted to bleach it blonde at home and then, most likely in response to said mishap, I decided to ditch the of-the-moment hair trends, embrace my natural hair colour and enhance it with autumnal chocolate brown tones. In recent years, I’ve become a huge fan of a glossing treatment, ideal for adding shine and a subtle hint of colour, however recently, I’ve felt my old ways starting to return, and I’m considering booking a trip to the salon to transform my hair colour once again.
So, with this in mind, I thought it was the perfect time to get some inspiration and find out just what hair colours are set to be trending for autumn 2024. To help, I of course turned to the experts and asked some of the biggest names in the hair industry to share their predictions on what they think will be the best hair colours for the season ahead. So, if like me you’re planning a hair appointment sometime soon, keep scrolling to see what they had to say.
The 6 best autumn hair colours, according to experts
1. Copper contrast
“Copper is a timeless colour that trends consistently each year but with a different feeling and tone,” says Marlon Hawkins, L’Oréal Professionnel Artist and Brooks & Brooks Creative Director. “This autumn we are seeing a rise in earthy rich shades with natural undertones which are super wearable on all skin types. [With this in mind] we have combined both of these elements into one gorgeous shade, Copper Contrast.”
Copper Contrast reimagines the traditional warm bronze hue adding dimension through additional tones of blonde and brown to create a wearable take on the copper trend. Hawkins continues: “[I predict] this earthy shade combined with a more natural undertone will be the most anticipated trend this year.”
2. Honey blonde
For Stéphane Ferreira, Operations Manager and Senior Colourist at Live True, it’s all about warm blonde shades. “We foresee this classic blonde coming back for AW24,” she told me. “It’s easygoing and the perfect transition shade from summer to winter.”
When asking who the shade’s best suited for, she told me, “It’s ideal for clients looking to move to a darker blonde from their summer shade but keeping it warm and glossy.” Wondering how to keep your blonde looking it’s best year round? Senior Beauty Editor, Katie Thomas has some great insight into the best products for blonde hair.
3. Tobacco browns
Brunettes are in luck for autumn, as expensive-looking, ultra-glossy browns are still trending. “As the season changes expect to see luxe shades of chocolate and tobacco,” says Tom Connel, Hair Art Director at Davines.
His advice for keeping your brunette tones looking their best? “It’s important when you choose your colour and your colourist, that you create a look with tones that will evolve beautifully,” he tells me. “The colour journey of your hair should mean that it evolves over time and becomes an even more beautiful version as it develops or changes. [To assist with this] I’d recommend regular visits to the salon for a mid-colour appointment toner to see how the colour is evolving.”
4. Toffee peach
Warm and comforting, toffee peach is a colour that feels perfectly chosen for autumn. “Toffee peach is a softer, more bronde, peach colour that I predict we’re going to see a lot of for autumn,” says Oliver Tracey, hairstylist and Crazy Color ambassador. “It perfectly mixes neutral, pink and soft copper tones to create a natural looking peach shade that still packs one hell of a punch.”
“For a slightly brighter variation of this tone, you can also request for slightly more pink to be added into your formulas to create a burnt peach colour. It’s definitely a colour that you can alter and tweak to suit your personal style so speak to your colourist and see what they suggest,” he adds.
5. Rich black
“Rich black hair is making a major comeback,” says Hannah Gayle, Colourist at Hershesons Belgravia. “I predict the sleek, dark, powerful colour will storm into autumn/winter. Especially for anyone who wants to make a statement, as it’s a stand-out colour that will turn heads and get you noticed.”
To keep your black looking glossy, Gayle suggests, “regular toners to keep it rich and jet black”.
6. Sandstone pink
Sitting between a light blonde and pastel pink, sandstone blonde is ideal for lovers of colour and twists on natural shades alike. “Sandstone pink is a move away from the more traditional millennial pink,” says Joe Hill, Aveda International Technical Capability & Design Manager. “It’s a subtle earthy shade with warm, beige tones and a whisper of pink.”
“What makes sandstone pink so great is it’s a decidedly more wearable, elevated neutral with universal appeal,” Hill continues. “Plus, it can work with an all over, highlighted or softer balayage technique.”
