Articles > Trend Report > The Biggest Hair Color Trends Of Fall 2021
Last updated: April 01, 2024

The Biggest Hair Color Trends Of Fall 2021

fall 2021 hair color trends pumpkin spice copper highlgihts
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Photo Credit: Instagram via @hairbymickk

Your Complete Guide To Fall’s Top Hair Color Trends

Fall is BACK. That means your books are starting to fill up with color appointments like crazy—clients are ready to transition to their fall hair color, are you? Read this guide to fall 2021’s biggest color trends: Warm balayage, pumpkin spice hair, fall blondes, reds and more!

 

Keep scrollin’ for the BTC Fall 2021 Hair Color Trend Report, plus get the tips you need to refresh your blonding and color techniques. 

 

 

Sign up NOW to binge online courses for the BIGGEST color trends: Brondes, Foiling, Reds, Brunettes + MORE!

 

Pumpkin Spice 

One of the easiest ways to transition a bright, grown-out blonde into a trendy color for fall—add a little pumpkin spice! The warm and shimmery tones will spice up prelightened hair for a seasonal blend.  

 

fall 2021 hair color trends warm chopper highlights

Photo Credit: Instagram via @pekelariley

 

fall 2021 hair color trends pumpkin spice hair

Photo Credit: Instagram via @alex.mercedesss

 

fall 2021 hair color trends pumpkin ginger natural highlights

Photo Credit: Instagram via @hairbymickk

 

fall 2021 hair color trends golden warm balayage copper PUMPKIN ORANGE SPICE

Photo Credit: Instagram via @alishajaredhairartistry

 

Tap the beaker for the formulas + click here for the how-to!

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  • Formula A (regrowth):

    Schwarzkopf Professional BLONDME Bond Enforcing Premium Lightener 9+ + 7-volume developer

     

  • Formula B (money piece):

    Schwarzkopf Professional IGORA ROYAL Permanent Color Creme 9.5-17 + 7-volume developer

     

  • Formula C (midlengths & ends):

    IGORA ROYAL Permanent Color Creme 7-77 + 7-volume developer

     

  • Formula D (toner):

    IGORA ROYAL Permanent Color Creme 7-77 + 0-00 + 0-55 + Schwarzkopf Profressiona; IGORA ColorWorx Orange + 7-volume developer

     

  • Formula E:

    Schwarzkopf Professional Chroma ID Bonding Color Mask Orange

 

 

Glossy Copper Tones

If a client loves the PSL tones they’re seeing, but doesn’t want to commit to all-out ginger, try warming up their balayage with a copper gloss. Placement tip: We’re seeing a focus of brightness around the face frame and through the ends with a deeper base.

 

 

fall 2021 hair color trends copper highlights red

Photo Credit: Instagram via @suetyrrellstylist

 

fall 2021 hair color trends golden warm balayage copper

Photo Credit: Instagram via @shannonjjwilliams

 

fall 2021 hair color trends copper highlights

Photo Credit: Instagram via @dvcolour

 

Copper Balayage: Tap the beaker for color formulas + click here for the deets!

rich copper balayage transformation toning reds using redken shades eq @kl.hairartist
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  • Formula A (roots to ends)

    equal parts Redken Shades EQ 6CC + 6WG + 6G + Shades EQ Processing Solution

  • Formula B (quick toner)

    Redken Shades EQ 6CC + 6AA + Shades EQ Processing Solution

Instagram via @kl.hairartist

 

Rich, High-Shine Reds

The second Gigi Hadid showed up at the Met with a red bombshell dye job á la Jessica Rabbit, our clients started saving rich, ruby tones to their camera rolls. Getting muddy tones when formulating reds? Read pro tips to avoid this common mistake!

 

See 35+ of the hottest reds for fall—click here to check out the gallery + get more color formulas!

 

Get the color formulas, tap the beaker! Click here to learn more about pricing + maintenance.

fall 2021 hair color trends natural red
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  • Formula A (lightener)

    Wella Professionals BlondorPlex Powder Lightener + 20-volume developer

  • Formula B (base)

    Wella Professionals ColorTouch Demi-Permanent Haircolor 6/47 + 6/3 + 7/43 + 6-volume developer

  • Formula C (mids)

    Wella Professionals ColorTouch Demi-Permanent Haircolor 6/47 + 6/3 + 7/43 + 13-volume developer

  • Formula D (ends)

    Wella Professionals ColorTouch Demi-Permanent Haircolor 8/73 + 6-volume developer

Photo Credit: Instagram via @cameronkepford

 

Tap the beaker for the color formulas + click HERE for the full breakdown!

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Instagram via @thenewenglandstylist

 

fall 2021 hair color trends bright red

Photo Credit: Instagram via @effortlysshair

 

Want the color formulas?! Tap the beaker, then click HERE for the how-to steps!

fall 2021 hair color trends bright red
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  • Formula A (lightener)

    Scruples Hair Care Power Blonde Lightening Powder + 40-volume developer

  • Formula B (base color)

     L'oréal Professionnel Inoa Carmilane™ Permanent Haircolor 5.62 + 15-volume developer

  • Formula C (glaze)

    PRAVANA ChromaSilk VIVIDS Orange + ChromaSilk VIVIDS Neon Yellow

Photo Credit: Instagram via @_ajquinones

 

How-To: Formulate Red + Ginger Hair Color—Watch The ONLINE Course Now!

 

Wine 

Whether you’re a cab sav, merlot or pinot noir person—we can all agree there’s a wine for everyone. That goes for hair color, too! The key to making wine-stained tones POP: Place the red or purple tones against a rich, dark base for a romantic blend! 

 

fall 2021 hair color trends burgundy wine red

Photo Credit: Instagram via @guy_tang

 

Want the color formulas for this rich red?! Tap the beaker + click here for the how-to!

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  • Formula A

    Goldwell Colorance 6vv + 5vv + a little bit of 4v + Goldwell Colorance Plus Lotion developer

Instagram via @hairby.ashleypac

 

fall 2021 hair color trends wine red

Photo Credit: Instagram via @haircolorkilla

 

Warm Balayage

Clients are pulling away from icy, ashy tones and requesting something a bit warmer for the cooler months. Pumpkin, buttery gold and auburn tones are at the top of the request list this season!

 

Get 30+ warm balayage pics & more color formulas! Click here to check out the full gallery.

 

fall 2021 hair color trends warm balayage PSL hair

Photo Credit: Instagram via @hairbyarirae

 

fall 2021 hair color trends pumpkin spice copper highlgihts

Photo Credit: Instagram via @hairbymickk

 

fall 2021 hair color trends face framing blonde

Photo Credit: Instagram via @linsonhair

 

fall 2021 hair color trends golden blonde balayage

Photo Credit: Instagram via @antonio_espinal1984

 

Brondes

We love our blonde clients, but when they “want to go brunette” for fall—we know they’re lying. The solution: Formulate a bronde that plays with contrasting highs and lows. Read five tips for formulating the perfect bronde.

 

fall 2021 hair color trends contrast face framing blonde

Photo Credit: Instagram via @colorbymaddie

 

Tap the beaker for color formulas + get the HOW-TO: High Impact Placement—click here!

open color formula
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  • Formula A (lightener)

    Alfaparf Milano BB Bleach Easy Lift 7 + 20 volume Oxid'o developer

     

  • Formula B (midlength lift)

    Alfaparf Milano Evolution of the Color 000SSS+ 20-volume Oxid'o developer 

     

  • Formula C (base)
    Alfaparf Milano Colorwear 6 + 5- volume Oxid'o developer
     
     
  • Formula D (toner)

    Alfaparf Milano Colorwear 5g 9.31 + 5g 10BG + 1g 7UV + 5-volume Oxid'o developer

     

Images via Alfaparf Milano

Hair by @cassiskovic & @biancajcox

 

fall 2021 hair color trends bronde

Photo Credit: Instagram via @coloredbycaitlin

 

Struggle with lowlights, highlights + toning?! Watch this ONLINE course with @coloredbycaitlin: ALL THINGS BRONDE!

 

Rooty, Grown-Out Blondes

Is there anything cooler than an extended root paired with babylights or balayage? We’ll wait. The secret to achieving this look is blending the shadow root into the brighter mids and ends. Read toning tips and tricks for rooty blends.

 

fall 2021 hair color trends rooty warm balayage blonde

Photo Credit: Instagram via @stebunovhair

 

fall 2021 hair color trends rooty warm balayage blonde

Photo Credit: Instagram via @mizzchoi

 

Warm Golden

Golden, honey tones are what the blondes in your chair want to see! Keep your client’s hair bright, while dipping into something a bit warmer for the changing seasons. Check out this step-by-step tutorial.

 

fall 2021 hair color trends hailey bieber blonde

Photo Credit: Instagram via @ckaedingcolor

 

Photo Credit: Instagram via @beeblondor

 

Want the color formulas?! Tap the beaker below + click here to learn more about the technique!

open color formula
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  • Formula A (lightener)

    Wella Professionals Blondor Multi-Blonde Powder + 20-volume

     

  • Formula B (pre-tone)

    Redken Professional Shades EQ 6GG + Processing Solution

     

  • Formula C (root color)

    L'Oreal Professionel DIA Richesse Demi-Permanent 6.01 + 7N + 6-volume developer 

     

  • Formula D (gloss)

    L'Oreal Professionel DIA Richesse Demi-Permanent 7.01 + 8.31 + 6-volume developer 

     

Instagram via @kats.curls

 

Photo Credit: Instagram via @dougllas

 

Photo Credit: Instagram via @sabrinathehairwitch

 

’90s Dimension

A bold money piece, shadowy depth and dramatic, high-contrast placement that throws us back to our nineties crushes—we love this dimensional ‘90s nostalgia color trend.

 

fall 2021 hair color trends bright blonde depth natural shadow root

Photo Credit: Instagram via @hairbychrissydanielle

 

Custom Face Frame 

The easiest way to get clients in for fast blonding services: Customize face-framing pieces to brighten up where it counts. This is great for keeping low-maintenance balayage clients in your chair, or for those who want a seasonal change without the heavy lifting.

 

Photo Credit: Instagram via @sabrinathehairwitch

 

Brunette Bold Money Piece: Tap the beaker for the color formulas + click here for the step-by-step!

open color formula
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  • Formula A

    L'Oreal Professionel Blonde Studio 9 Lightening Powder + 3o-volume developer + Olaplex No.1

  • Formula B

    Redken Shades EQ Demi-Permanent 9NB + Redken Shades EQ Demi-Permanent 9V + Redken Shades EQ Processing Solution

Instagram via @chrisweberhair

 

Photo Credit: Instagram via @rob.levi

 

Photo Credit: Instagram via @kierrastaylor

 

Watch: Smart Blonding + Foil Placement Techniques with @the.blonde.chronicles for only $24.95!

 

Bronze

Think of hair color with a skincare approach—add shimmery, bronze tones to your client’s canvas for a dewy effect. Whether you choose warm or sandy tones, focus on creating glossy shine for light brunettes.  

 

fall 2021 hair color trends golden warm balayage bronze hair

Photo Credit: Instagram via @romeufelipe

 

fall 2021 hair color trends bronze sandy hair

Photo Credit: Instagram via @ckaedingcolor

 

fall 2021 hair color trends brunette balayage

Photo Credit: Instagram via @live_love_dohair

 

Bronze Foilayage: Snag the formulas by tappin’ the beaker below + click here to watch the tutorial!

Bronze Foilayage Brunette Color Formulas Color Correction Toning Brunettes Mistakes and Tips @hairbysarayah
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  • Formula A (foilayage)

    TRUSS Professional Air Libre Bleaching Powder + Blanc Blond Lightening Powder + 8X Powder + 10-volume developer

  • Formula B (foilayage)

    Air Libre Bleaching Powder + Blanc Blond Lightening Powder + 8X Powder + 20-volume developer

  • Formula C (root melt)

    Redken Shades EQ 4M + Shades EQ Processing Solution

  • Formula D (pre-tone ends only)

    Shades EQ 8GN + Clear + Shades EQ Processing Solution

  • Formula E (all-over gloss #1)

    Shades EQ 8N + 8V + 8GI + Shades EQ Processing Solution

  • Formula F (all-over gloss #2)

    Shades EQ 8N + Shades EQ Processing Solution

Instagram via @hairbysarayah

 

Coffee Tones 

It might be PSL season, but ALL coffee tones are a fall favorite—think rich, dark bases with creamy blonde tones and a LOT of dimension. Add some caramel for a dreamy blend that maintains depth.

 

Tap the beaker to get the color formulas + click here for the how-to steps!

open color formula
close formula
  • Formula A (Lightener)

    Schwarzkopf Professional BLONDME® Bond Enforcing Premium Clay Lightener + 30-volume BLONDME® Premium Developer

  • Formula B (Low Lowlight)

    Wella Professionals Color Touch 5/0 + 13-volume Color Touch Emulsion Developer 

  • Formula C (Toner)

    Equal parts Color Touch 9/16 + 9/97 + 13-volume Color Touch Emulsion Developer 

Instagram via @texasbalayage

 

fall 2021 hair color trends warm caramel curly hair brunette

Photo Credit: Instagram via @jhair_stylist

 

fall 2021 hair color trends coffee toned brunette hair

Photo Credit: Instagram via @styled_by_carolynn

 

fall 2021 hair color trends brunette balayage

Photo Credit: Instagram via @paintedbyashleymarie

 

Brunette Fall-ayage 

The best way to turn brunettes into loyal clients is this: Instead of simply touching up their darker tones, show up with ideas for transitioning them between seasons with balayage and toning. To avoid brass, try flash toning brunette hair with black (yes, black!).

 

fall 2021 hair color trends brunette balayage

Photo Credit: Instagram via @hairbyoguz

 

fall 2021 hair color trends brunette balayage

Photo Credit: Instagram via @biancajcox

 

fall 2021 hair color trends going from blonde to brunette

Photo Credit: Instagram via @maggiemh

 

fall 2021 hair color trends brunette balayage

Photo Credit: Instagram via @keziasimoes

 

HOW-TO: Dimensional Balayage Refresh—watch the 90-minute online course on BTC University now!

 

Dark Chocolate 

Whether you’re going for an all-over rich color or adding bright caramel pieces, chocolatey brunettes are a seasonal fave. The secret to dimensional brunettes? Avoid over-foiling and ensure there is enough depth.

 

fall 2021 hair color trends balayage refresh

Photo Credit: Instagram via @linsonhair

 

fall 2021 hair color trends rich brunette color

Photo Credit: Instagram via @pekelariley

 

fall 2021 hair color trends chocolate caramel brunette

Photo Credit: Instagram via @coloredbycaitlin

 

fall 2021 hair color trends brunette

Photo Credit: Instagram via @linsonhair

 

Photo Credit: Instagram via @mikaatbhc

 

Midnight Sky

Dua Lipa is all over your client’s mood boards, whether it’s her chin-length bob or extra-long Cher hair, but there’s one thing for sure: Dua’s midnight-sky dark hair is forever cool. Remember if you’re going from light to dark, don’t skip this crucial repigmenting step to fill the hair.

 

fall 2021 hair color trends dua lipa dark hair

Photo Credit: Instagram via @nicolaclarkecolour

 

fall 2021 hair color trends rich dark brunette

Photo Credit: Instagram via @jhair_stylist

 

fall 2021 hair color trends dark brunette all over

Photo Credit: Instagram via @kelleyscanvas

 

Color Block

The bold ’90s money piece was everywhere this year and our Gen Z clients love the punky pop of color, but are looking for more creativity with placement. During the consultation, create a game plan for where you want to color block: Pops throughout the fringe, the nape or other cool places to create contrast.

 

Want more color blocking inspo? Click here to check out the gallery + get color formulas!

 

fall 2021 hair color trends color block money piece

Photo Credit: Instagram via @salonlavinia

 

fall 2021 hair color trends color block pink

Photo Credit: Instagram via @nubiarezo

 

fall 2021 hair color trends color block

Photo Credit: Instagram via @josievilay

 

fall 2021 hair color trends color block chunky money piece

Photo Credit: Instagram via @hair_by_love

 

fall 2021 hair color trends money piece

Photo Credit: Instagram via @hair_one_tom

 

Ready to pair your client’s hair color with their dream haircut?! Read this NEXT: Fall 2021’s Biggest Haircut Trends.

fall 2021 haircut layered shag haircut fringe
Instagram via @salsalhair