The 12 Biggest Warm Hair Colors This Fall

In the world of hair hues, things are heating up. Warm hair colors have been gaining in popularity over the last few years, the redhead renaissance (a trend that began in 2021 and shows no signs of stopping) bringing with it a want of cozy, fun, and flattering shades. 

“I’ve truly always been a fan of warmer colors,” says celebrity hairstylist Jenna Perry, the mind behind the menu of iconic dye jobs worn by Emily Ratajkowski, Troye Sivan, Camila Morrone, and more. “Warm colors add a natural, healthy-looking glow to all skin tones.” Perry’s recent work proves her point: The stylist lifted Ratajkowski’s natural brown to an of-the-moment copper over the summer, trading the shade for rich chocolate as the weather began to cool. Both looks embody the current craving for warm, expensive-looking hair, from honeyed blondes to Bordeaux reds.

Warm hair colors fit well within the current aesthetic narrative. “I think choosing a warmer tone this season goes hand in hand with this resurgence of '90s hair trends at the moment,” says hairstylist Phoebe Nathan. “Looking back at many of the iconic actors and models of the decade, you’ll see those warm hues!”

Choosing the Right Shade

“Other than being a seasonal staple, I absolutely love how universally flattering warm tones are,” says Nathan. But with such a broad palette, how can one ever select a shade? Start with your skin. “Find a complementary color to your skin’s undertone, rather than trying to match it directly,” recommends Nathan. “If you have cooler undertones, I would opt for warmer shades with a bit of a neutral undertone to them (beige-golden blondes, browny-coppers, etc). If you have warmer undertones, lean into those rich auburns and honey blondes!”

“I’ve been telling most of my clients to do a color analysis test,” says Perry, referencing a tried-and-true means of identifying skin undertones and, thus, your most flattering shades. “I think it’s a game-changer for how you choose your hair color, makeup, and even the colors you wear sartorially.” Rita Hazan (go-to colorist for the likes of Beyoncé and Sydney Sweeney) also recommends a level of pre-appointment preparedness. “Depending on the color you want, find multiple inspiration pictures,” she advises. “Remember, filters are often being used, so try to find the same color in different lighting. You also want to make sure the reference pictures have similar hair texture and skin color for the most realistic outcome.”

Maintenance

Maintenance is crucial when it comes to warm colors! The better to keep things sumptuous and saturated rather than sapped and drab. “My number one advice, especially for fast-fading coppers and reds, is using a pigmented conditioner or mask,” says Nathan, who favors Christophe Robin’s Shade Variation Mask. “It’s an easy way to keep hair color looking fresh and your hair feeling great between appointments.” In addition, both Perry and Hazan praise glossing treatments for vibrant color and enhanced shine. “Glossing helps eliminate the chance of your hair color getting dull,” says Hazan. 

12 Warm Hair Colors to Inspire Your Look