Now that summer is coming to an end and fall is about to begin, those of us who truly thrive in autumn are gearing up to bring out the Halloween decorations and drink all the pumpkin spice lattes we can get our hands on. But the seasons don't have to be the only things that change this year. Fall can be a good time to change up your look, too — especially if you're thinking about trading in a lighter style for a brunette hair color, instead.
If this is you, we have good news: Brown colors are totally in right now, and there are a bunch of colors that are on trend, from melted pecan to caramel drizzle and everything in between (wait, why do they all sound so yummy?). It's amazing what adding a few blond or red highlights to a darker color in all the right places can do — it's practically like magic.
Looking for a little fall hair inspiration? Here are some of the prettiest brunette colors to bring to your favorite stylist the next time you hit the salon.
Fall Warmth
For those looking to go full fall, this hair color is a great choice! That copper tone is so pretty, and totally reminds us of red autumn leaves. All that's missing from this look is a warm pumpkin spice latte … and maybe a few Halloween decorations around the house.
Red Highlights
If going all brown isn't for you, consider adding in red highlights to not only give your hair dimension, but also make it a bit more fun! Fall is always a good time to try out red hair, though it can be a little more high maintenance than other colors … but with a brunette base color, it'll likely fade out to be a pretty, more understated look if you aren't all about the upkeep.
Summer Sunset
Speaking of red hair, this one is called a summer sunset. Of course, each hair stylist will have their own interpretation of what this trend means, so make sure you bring an inspiration photo if you're planning to go for it. But even just the name signifies the end of summer and the beginning of fall, the perfect time for a hair change!
Reverse Balayage
According to the stylist who posted this photo, this look is called a reverse balayage, and we're loving it! If you're not ready to go full dark brown, this look is a great gateway brunette, with more of a light, ashy tone — especially if you're starting off blond to begin with.
Golden Brown
In the caption on this photo, this hair color is described as "mocha caramel drizzle," and we definitely have to agree that name is accurate! It looks like a warm cup of coffee with that lighter caramel color expertly blended in — a perfect transition color from summer to fall.
A Fall Lob
We've lost track of how many different browns and blonds are in this hair color, and that's definitely a good thing! If you're hoping for a dimensional look that isn't all one color, this type of look is for you. No matter what hairstyle, this color keeps things interesting.
Pumpkin Spice
If we were going to assign the name "pumpkin spice" to a hair color, this would definitely have to be it. And the best thing about this reddish-brown color is that it wouldn't just work on short hair like in this photo — it would be gorgeous on longer curls, too.
Caramel Balayage
This hair color started off super dark, but the caramel highlights ended up adding so much dimension — not to mention the fact that we're getting serious fall vibes here. We can't imagine how long she must have spent in the stylist's chair with how long her hair is, but it was definitely worth it in the end!
Lived-In Color
Sometimes, we just need a low-maintenance color (especially if you're a busy mom who can't make it to the salon all that often), and this lived-in look is a perfect example of one that would totally work for fall. Even as it grows out, it's still going to look gorgeous.
A Warm Blond
If you're ready for fall but still like to keep a little lightness in your look, this color might be for you! The dark brown transitions into a brighter blond near the ends of the hair, and it comes together for a warm, complete look that's perfect for heading to the pumpkin patch.
Subtle Reds
Want to inject a little of that maple leaf color into your hair without going too red? A look like this might work. Even adding just some subtle red highlights into an all-over brunette color here and there can have a huge impact, especially with a cut like this one.
Chocolate Brownie
This hair color reminds us of a brownie — the dark brunette and the caramel color at the ends meld together to create such a pretty result. If you're starting with darker roots (or wanting to avoid going too light in your hair), this look is a great option.
Melted Pecan
Melted pecan hair is a trend that got started earlier this summer (as this Instagram post points out, Hailey Bieber was one of the first celebs to hop on the trend), but it definitely works for fall, too. It's never too late to adopt this look if it speaks to you — it's so pretty.
Auburn Brunette
If you're not ready for bright red, consider an auburn brunette look — this color kind of reminds us of a Cherry Coke! It's so warm and pretty for fall, and could easily be lightened up with a blond balayage when spring rolls around if you want a lighter color for the warmer weather.
Lucky Penny
This look is definitely eye-catching and perfect for anyone who's ready to take their fall hair to the next level! Copper hair makes such an impact, in the fall or any other time of the year, and with those thicker money piece sections in the front being so in right now, this look is on trend.
Caramel & Honey
Between the cut, the bangs, and the color, this look is absolute perfection … definitely worth stealing for fall! The colors in this brunette look are described as caramel and honey in the stylist's Instagram caption, giving us all the warm and fuzzy vibes.
