Brown hair with golden and copper undertones is dominating fall 2026, according to celebrity hairstylists and colorists who say warm, dimensional brunettes are replacing the lighter, heavily highlighted looks of recent seasons. “Brown hair will always be chic and trending but, season after season, the undertones that we’re drawn to shift. This fall, hairstylists and colorists alike are predicting gold and copper undertones as the trend of the moment,” celebrity hairstylist Coree Moreno said in a September 4 forecast from Coveteur.
The shift reflects a broader move away from maintenance-heavy blonde highlights toward richness and complexity. Shvonne Perkins, a master colorist at Madison Reed with over 14 years of experience, explained the reasoning: “People are really drawn to color that makes their hair look shiny, reflective, and rich with tone right now. Instead of the answer always being to go lighter or add more highlights, this is about adding warmth and complexity to the hair.”
The trend encompasses several specific shades gaining traction this season. Cinnamon Spice, described as a rich brunette base infused with warm cinnamon and subtle copper undertones, gives dark hair dimension without becoming obviously red. Moreno suggests starting with a deep brunette base, then weaving in strategically placed warm copper and cinnamon ribbons for dimension, and finishing with high-shine gloss to melt the tones together.
Other trending variations include Honey Bronde—a soft blend of honey blonde and light brunette with natural-looking roots melting into warm, golden ends—and Cherry Cola, described as a deep, boozy red-brown that broods in shade and catches fire in sunlight. Celebrity hair colorist Matt Rez noted that Honey Bronde offers an easy transition from summer blonde into fall without a dramatic change, while Arctic Fox Hair Color’s Meagan Swartwood called Cherry Cola “the perfect gateway color for anyone easing into brighter shades.”
The timing aligns with fall’s natural pull toward deeper, warmer palettes. Moreno explained: “Fall naturally brings people back toward deeper, warmer tones. Cinnamon spice feels cozy and luxurious while still looking modern and dimensional.” This seasonal preference echoes broader 2026 beauty trends emphasizing warm undertones across color palettes, from fashion to cosmetics.
For those considering the shift, colorists recommend consulting a professional to achieve the dimensional, high-shine finishes that define this trend. The focus on warmth and complexity over lightness represents a significant departure from the minimalist, barely-there highlights that dominated recent years—a move that prioritizes richness and movement over maintenance.
Sources
- Coveteur — expert commentary from celebrity hairstylists Coree Moreno, Matt Rez, and colorist Shvonne Perkins on fall 2026 hair color trends, published September 4, 2026
- Who What Wear — fall 2026 brunette hair color trends, published August 17, 2026
- Allure — fall 2026 hair trends emphasizing amber-lit brunettes, published August 14, 2026
- Wella — fall 2026 hair color trends including glossy espresso brown, published June 24, 2026
