Beauty

These 10 autumn hair colours are about to be everywhere (trust us)

By Josefin Forsberg

Be it back-to-work jitters, but every autumn we experience an undeniable urge for reinvention. This pivotal point in the beauty calendar offer ample opportunity to try something new, and hair (always the first domino) presents the perfect canvas for change. From blondes with blur to lacquered brunettes, these are the autumn hair colour trends we're bookmarking for our end-of-summer switch-over

Autumn isn’t subtle about its arrival. One day you’re basking under a never-setting sun, and the next you’re pulling out your chunkiest cable-knits and reconsidering your relationship with iced coffee. But if autumn has a saving grace, it’s the season’s renewed invitation to reinvent yourself – and your hair.

For autumn 2025, the memo from celebrity colourists is clear: go soft, go sumptuous, and choose shades inspired by your favourite sweater. “The hair colour trend of 2025 is what I call "cashmere' hair,” Copenhagen-based celebrity hairdresser Cim Mahony told us at the start of the year. Oslo-based hairstylist Dominika Langbråten agrees, pinpointing that these healthy but not overly glossy tones are a natural extension of the ‘old money blondes’ and ‘expensive brunettes’ of 2024.

So, from cashmere blondes to espresso-martini brunettes, below are the ten hair colours you’ll find yourself screenshotting ahead of your September salon appointment.

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Rosie Huntington Whitley wear cashmere blonde hair with lighter face-framing highlights

Rosie Huntington-Whitley with Cashmere Blonde hair. Photo: Christian Wood (@cwoodhair)

Cashmere Blonde (a.k.a Honey Blonde hair)

For 2025 no matter what colour you crave, a cashmere tone is the trend to tap. Sumptuous like your favourite fuzzy sweater, we picture soft beige strands warmed by honey undertones and soft caramel seamlessly blended for a luxe yet lived-in finish.

What to ask for:
Soft, fine babylights through the face-framing lengths, finished with a violet gloss every six weeks to keep the colour creamy rather than brassy.

Who it suits:
Ideal for lighter skin tones and cool complexions. Perfect if you’re easing out of brighter blondes into something softer and warmer. “It’s a dream for green, hazel, and blue eyes,” says Langbråten.

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Julianne Moore with Ginger Spice hair. Photo: Owen Gould (@owengould)

Ginger Spice (a.k.a Copper Red hair)

Redheads, rejoice! This year’s update on copper is richer, warmer, and infinitely wearable. Ginger Spice hair recalls the cozy warmth of cinnamon, deepened by amber and golden tones that glow beautifully in soft autumnal sunlight.

What to ask for: Deeper copper roots that subtly blend into warm ginger mid-lengths, achieved with a demi-permanent colour for gentle upkeep. “Tell your stylist you’re after a vivid, warm-toned red with touches of orange and cinnamon,” Langbråten suggests, adding that “they can tweak the intensity to suit your preference.”

Who it suits: The perfect entry shade for brunettes tempted to dip into red territory, "this fiery tone beautifully enhances fair to medium skin tones with warm or golden undertones," Langbråten notes. But, she warns, “cooler complexions might find it a bit overpowering.”

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Hailey Bieber with Mocha Mousse hair. Photo: Hailey Bieber (@haileybieber)

Mocha Mousse Brunette (a.k.a Honey Brown hair)

Creamy, dimensional, and subtly sweet – Mocha Mousse Brunette is the Pantone-approved colour of the year. A perfect mid-tone brunette shade, it blends deep chocolate with whipped caramel highlights for delicious depth.

What to ask for: A neutral brunette base with soft caramel highlights for dimension. Langbråten recommends asking for an air-touch foliage technique using a blend of warm and cool brown tones, and a goss every six weeks to make sure it stays rich and creamy.

Who it suits: Wonderfully versatile, “it’s particularly stunning on those with olive or warm complexions,” says Langbråten.

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Elsa Hosk with Scandi Blonde hair. Photo: Elsa Hosk (@hoskelsa)

Scandi Blonde (a.k.a Ash Blonde hair)

Building on the buzz around the Scandi hairline, we're extending our love for Scandi blonde into autumn. As refreshing as a dip in the Baltic Sea, this shade sees an ash blonde base blend into sun-kissed ends – with bleached baby hairs and lightened money pieces framing the face.

What to ask for: A pale, neutral-blonde base with highlights and lowlights to keep the tone dimensional. Gloss with beige-toned treatments to retain clarity without tipping into brassiness or grey.

Who it suits: This is best on lighter skin tones, particularly those with neutral or cool undertones. It’s also a go-to for lifelong blondes who want an elevated refresh for autumn.

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Rihanna with Cherry-Cola hair. Photo: Fenty Beauty

Cherry-Cola Red (a.k.a Reddish Brown hair)

If you prefer your hair colour with a bit of bite, Cherry-Cola Red brings sophisticated drama. Rich brunette tones are shot through with striking deep-cherry highlights, creating a colour that’s dark, decadent, and delightfully unexpected. Dua Lipa and Rihanna may have abandoned theirs in 2024, but the hair colour trends is still going strong in 2025.

What to ask for: A deep brunette base enriched by strategic cherry-red gloss highlights through the mid-lengths. Regular toning will ensure it stays glossy.

Who it suits: Excellent for warmer complexions or dark eyes, bringing depth and mystery without overwhelming your natural features.

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Lily Collins with Express-Martini hair. Photo: Lily Collins (@lilyjcollins)

Espresso-Martini Brunette (a.k.a Dark Ash-Brown hair)

Dark, sleek, and rich enough to rival your favourite evening cocktail. Espresso-Martini brunette is the ultimate autumnal brunette shade. Imagine an almost-black depth softened with espresso undertones and a glossy lacquer finish.

What to ask for: A nearly-black brunette base layered with espresso glosses, finished with a clear glaze for that signature mirror-shine finish.

Who it suits: Best for cooler complexions or those looking for dramatic depth without it feeling flat.

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Suki Waterhouse with Velvet Blonde hair. Photo: Owen Gould (@owengould)

Velvet Blonde (a.k.a Strawberry Blonde)

Strawberry blonde makes its soft return this season, ditching its ‘90s kitsch reputation for something far more refined. Imagine copper diluted through peach sorbet, kissed by soft golden light for a very velvet-y finish.

What to ask for: A warm blonde base subtly glossed with copper or peach tones. Ask your stylist for a tonal blend rather than chunky highlights for a seamless effect.

Who it suits: Flattering for those with fair complexions and green or hazel eyes. It’s especially suited to natural blondes looking for a tonal twist without going full red.

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Andie MacDowell with Blended Grey Transitions. Photo: Getty

Blended Grey Transitions (a.k.a embracing the grey)

Natural grey finally gets a fashion-forward spin as plenty of celebrities embrace silvery strands. This look relies on the softness and sophistication of grey, blending natural roots into luminous silver strands to make the growing-out phase feel intentional.

What to ask for: Low-commitment demi-permanent lowlights woven into your existing grey to create a gentle transition.

Who it suits: Those embracing natural grey, especially flattering to neutral or cool skin tones, creating a graceful, effortless grow-out.

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Barbara Palvin with Champagne Brown hair. Photo: Owen Gould (@owengould)

Champagne Brunette (a.k.a golden brown hair)

Brunettes craving lightness without crossing fully into blonde, your wish is granted. Champagne brunette is a shimmering blend of almond, honey, and smoky caramel, creating a neutral shade that feels softly radiant.

What to ask for: A subtle balayage featuring smoky caramel and honey highlights with regular champagne gloss treatments for maintenance.

Who it suits: Ideal if your complexion sits in the neutral-to-warm range, giving brunettes a dose of brightness without bleach-heavy upkeep.

Photo: Dimitris Giannetos (@dimitrishair)

Amber blonde (a.k.a Light Red hair)

Call it the Lohan effect. Amber is a light red with golden lift, soft enough to wear daily but warm enough to distinguish from those strawberry blondes.

What to ask for: A light red base with warm blonde highlights woven throughout, focusing brightness around the face. Ask for a golden-amber gloss to keep the tone luminous.

Who it suits: Glorious on fair skin with warm undertones and anyone who’s naturally strawberry blonde or copper. It also flatters green and blue eyes beautifully.

Does colouring your hair cause hair loss?

No, not directly. However, over-processing can weaken your strands, causing breakage. Always incorporate bond-building treatments and regular hair masks.

How can I minimise hair fall after colouring?

Use protein-rich hair masks, reduce heat styling post-colour, and consider switching to silk pillowcases and gentle drying methods.

How often should you gloss your hair?

Blondes every four to six weeks; brunettes and reds every six to eight weeks. Gloss treatments maintain both tone and shine.

Which autumn shades require the least maintenance?

Brunette shades like mocha mousse and champagne brunette fade gently, needing minimal upkeep, while reds require a bit more love.

Is grey blending damaging?

Grey blending, done with demi-permanent formulas, is gentle and an ideal way to transition naturally without compromising hair health.