Fall hair colors
You change your wardrobe when fall arrives, so why not change your hair color along with it? A generous kaleidoscope of hair color shades is available — no salon visits required — and you can find the perfect shade for your individual style.
At-home hair dye products have come a long way. Many are formulated to be gentle on your locks and some create a multidimensional effect. You can even find hair color lines that are designed specifically to cover stubborn gray hair.
Keep in mind that if you’re going for a fall hair color, certain shades have more potential to achieve your look than others. Consider this fact carefully and measure it against your personal style.
What are fall hair colors?
While there’s no formal definition — in other words, get as creative as you want — fall hair colors generally fit into the blonde, brunette or red families.
Blonde
When it comes to autumn, golden blonde and light blonde shades fit the seasonal colorscape.
Brunette
Much like blonde hair, brunette shades that have a golden tint tend to bring thoughts of autumn to mind. Rich light and medium browns also work.
Red
Leaves that change into a vibrant red hue are among the most unforgettable types of fall foliage. Bonfires are also a quintessential part of autumn. These are two of the reasons why red tresses are considered a member of the fall hair color family.
Best fall hair colors
Best blondes
L'Oréal Paris Feria Multi-Faceted Permanent Hair Color, Rose Gold: available at Amazon
This soft rose gold hue incorporates both the red and gold colors of autumn. L’Oréal’s Feria line delivers multifaceted, multi-tonal color that few at-home hair color products can. The bold color will last due in no small part to the Power Shimmer Feria Conditioner, which seals in the color as it smooths out your hair.
Garnier Hair Color Nutrisse Nourishing Creme, 93, Light Golden Blonde (Honey Butter): available at Amazon
Inject a bit of sunlight into fall with this honey butter shade. Garnier’s color boost technology gives the light golden blonde hue longevity. The Nutrisse line nourishes your hair with shea, olive and avocado oils as it colors. Grapeseed fruit oil ampoule provides additional pampering.
L'Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying + Shine Permanent Hair Color, 8G, Golden Blonde: available at Amazon
If you prefer a classic look, this golden blonde shade from L’Oréal is a great option. The brand’s Superior Preference line has remained a gold standard in hair color since 1973. The fade-defying color holds up well and the shine serum gives your tresses a glossy finish.
Softsheen-Carson Dark and Lovely Fade Resist Rich Conditioning Hair Color, Light Golden Blonde: available at Amazon
The one-step lightener in this formula will transform dark hair into a light golden blonde. Specially designed for women of color, the Softsheen-Carson Dark and Lovely Fade Resist line is suitable for both relaxed and natural hair. It delivers intense nourishment to your hair with olive, avocado and shea oils.
Revlon Colorsilk Permanent Hair Color, 71, Golden Blonde: available at Amazon
Co-developed with salon experts, the Colorsilk line gives you long-lasting gray coverage. The ammonia-free formula also nourishes your tresses with silk amino acid and keratin. You’ll get a brilliant, multidimensional golden blonde color thanks to Revlon’s 3D color gel technology.
Best brunettes
L'Oréal Paris Feria Multi-Faceted Permanent Hair Color, 51, Brazilian Brown (Bronzed Brown): available at Amazon
Rich brown tones bring to mind thoughts of fall and this bronzed brown shade is no exception. The multidimensional Feria line formula, which is custom blended by L’Oréal’s master colorists, ensures this brown is anything but boring. While the color results are bold, the effect of this hair dye on your hair is gentle thanks to the Power Shimmer Feria Conditioner.
Garnier Nutrisse Ultra Coverage Hair Color, 530, Deep Medium Golden Brown (Chestnut Praline): available at Amazon
If you’re trying to cover stubborn gray hair, consider giving the Ultra Coverage line a try. It’s formulated to banish grays, and this medium golden brown shade will blend beautifully with the warm colors of fall.
Naturtint Permanent Hair Color, 5N, Light Chestnut Brown: available at Amazon
The Naturtint hair color line is free of heavy metals, sodium laureth sulfate, lauryl sulfate, resorcinol, parabens, ammonia and artificial fragrance. The hydrating formula is enriched with plant-based ingredients like meadowfoam seed oil and oleic acid.
Clairol Natural Instincts Semi-Permanent Hair Color, 6BZ, Light Caramel Brown: available at Amazon
Fading gradually over 28 days, this semi-permanent hair color is a great option if you only want to commit to a fall shade for the season. It won’t leave you with harsh root lines when your hair grows. Light caramel brown is flattering on people with many different types of coloring.
Clairol Nice'n Easy Original Permanent Hair Color, 5G, Medium Brown: available at Amazon
Infusing three tones into every shade, Clairol's Colorblend technology transforms your hair into a multidimensional medium brown hue. In addition to delivering natural-looking color, the Nice’n Easy line locks in the color, adds shine and protects your hair with the CC+ Colorseal conditioner.
Best reds
Clairol Nice'n Easy Permanent Hair Dye, 6R, Light Auburn: available at Amazon
Technically, this shade could be considered brown or red, but either way, it’s the epitome of autumn. You don’t have to sacrifice the health of your locks to get it, courtesy of Clairol’s REPAIRPLEX 2x Repair. This technology strengthens your hair, resulting in up to 97% less breakage.
Schwarzkopf Color Ultime Hair Color Cream, 5.22, Ruby Red: available at Amazon
This ruby red hue will stay vibrant for up to 10 weeks due to the fade-defying Color Ultime formula. This line will also give your hair long-lasting shine.
Clairol Natural Instincts Semi-Permanent Hair Color, 6RR, Light Red (Caribbean Mahogany): available at Amazon
Composed of 80% naturally derived ingredients, this formula is gentle on your tresses. It doesn’t contain any ammonia or added parabens. As a result, the Natural Instincts line is suitable for all hair types and textures. The color lasts up to 28 shampoos, giving you the flexibility to change it up if you desire.
L'Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying + Shine Permanent Hair Color, RR-07, Intense Red Copper: available at Amazon
This intense red copper shade is reminiscent of the most brilliantly colored fall leaves. Powered by L’Oréal’s proven Super Preference formula, the striking hue will last the duration of autumn if that’s what you desire. The Shine Serum and Care Supreme Conditioner will make your hair silky.
Manic Panic Amplified Vampire Red Semi-Permanent Hair Dye: available at Ulta
Wallflowers need not apply for this deep blood-red shade. Appropriately dubbed “vampire red,” this hue lets your bold side shine. If you don’t like it, you don’t need to worry, because the dye is semi-permanent — since the formula doesn’t penetrate your hair’s cortex, the color will gradually fade in 4-6 weeks.
Megan Oster is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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