Articles > BTC Hair Trend Report > The Biggest Hair Color Trends of Fall 2024
Last updated: October 31, 2024

The Biggest Hair Color Trends of Fall 2024

close formula
Photo credit: Instagram via @maxgourgues

These 6 Hair Color Trends Are Everywhere For Fall 2024

They’re refined, chic, glossy and simple to create—they’re the biggest hair color trends every hairstylist needs to know for fall and winter 2024.

 

Dive into our curated forecasted list of hair colors that will be everywhere—on your client’s Pinterest board, red carpets and of course, in your chair.

 

  • Secure the top SIX most popular hair color trends for fall
  • Screenshot formulas and inspiration photos
  • Learn pro advice on hair color must dos and don’ts to achieve trending colors
  • Product recommendations, trend elements and advice from pro artists
  • Plus, pair this season’s trending hair color with the most popular haircuts and hairstyling trends

 

#1. Espresso Blonde

Deep roots with a rich blonde through the midlengths and ends? Let’s draw the line between overly grown-out and sought-after. The trending juxtaposition of intentional roots on display with a fresh blonde will take planning Levels, tonal pairs and developer selection.

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @seolahair

 

Espresso Blonde color palette planning

  • Choosing the right Levels to pair:
    Color specialist Brendnetta Ashley (@edgybgirl) advises, “I only stay within about three Levels from shade to shade. Once you get into five or more Levels apart, the color goes from intentional to transitional.”

  • Tone-matching within different Levels:
    Balayage specialist Patricia Nikole (@paintedhair) shares that using an opposite tonal match can create the MOST natural look. “If I were using an ash at the root, I would use a warmer shade through the midlength and ends,” she shares. “This will create a beautiful blonde with a lot of dimension.”

  • Root formula reminders:

    Don’t let the contrasting tones fool your formulation. To formulate the roots to avoid any lift or red/orange pull, color specialist Josie Vilay (@josievilay) says do NOT use developer above 10-volume at the root. “You want to avoid the hot root,” Josie says. “You need to be super aware of the warmth at the top of the head.”

 

Photo credit: Instagram @hirohair @megumicolor

 

 

Toner formulas to get you started

Schwarzkopf Professional® artists @paintedhair, @edgybgirl and @josievilay drop their go-to IGORA Vibrance Demi-Permanent Hair Color shades for an espresso blonde:

  • @paintedhair: “For the best cool yet balanced, neutral blonde I always use 9.5-1.”

  • @josievilay: “IGORA Vibrance 7-42 is my go-to, for the rich espresso color I’d get into the 5-0 and 5-1 for sure.”

  • @edgybgirl: “The IGORA Vibrance -00 series is my favorite right now. 3-00 and 6-00 are my go-to shades for a deep root, then 8-00 is my absolute favorite blonde.”

 

 

#2. Copper Tint

Clients cycle through wanting to try reds every fall, but this season, we’re veering toward a low-risk option (thank you, hair gods).

 

Cowboy Copper and Strawberry Blonde hit our clients’ request list hard this year, so if you have a client looking to transition to a more natural red—here’s where to go for inspiration.

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @milk.honey.hair

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @romeufelipe

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @grahamnation

 

Copper Tint Tips & Formula Advice

  • For a non-lightener transformation like many copper tint clients, custom color specialist Joico Global Artistic Director Laura Gibson (@lgibsoncolorist) says, “A no-bleach balayage just hits differently for warm brunettes. I always use permanent color when a client does not have base color and is not looking for highlights.”
  • Red tones like dark auburn, muted copper or copper balayage will likely be on your clients’ runner-up lists and we have all the formulas you’ll need.

  • Redken Ambassador Chris Mirlach (@chrisweberhair) shares a simple formula using Redken Shades EQ: 9AA + 8GG + 7NCH for a copper tint look.

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @leidymalaverpeluquerias

 

Trend SPOTTING on the red carpet: Celebrity hairstylist Alexander Armand (@alexander_armand) styling actress Dominique Thorne‘s copper-tinted hair.

 

 

#3. Butter Blonde

Luxury-facing trends are captivating clients. Below, we curated pro-focused technical advice from blonding specialists that will help bring your clients’ dream hair to life. PLUS, Sabrina Carpenter’s hairstylist shares her exact formula and tips for the pop star’s sought-after butter blonde.

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @wnunnes

 

Butter Blonde Technical Elements To Know

The game is: Lift high enough to utilize underlying yellow pigment BUT, do not ash-out the raw lift. Ready for the challenge?

 

Just released: Our technical Butter Blonde Guide with formulas, blonding must-do techniques and which toners to avoid.

 

 

2024’s Butter Blonde Blueprint: Sweet Little Sabrina Carpenter

Laurie Heaps (@_hairbylaurie) is who we can all thank for Sabrina’s world-renowned blonde. To recreate the identical inspo pictures your clients bring in this fall, here are Laurie’s star-studded hair color secrets

 

For more inspiration, scroll through these  STEP-BY-STEP butter blonde formulas from Moroccanoil® pro artists:

 

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @_hairbylaurie

 

 

#4. Glossy & Sparkle Brunette

High-shine, glass hair is what clients crave right now. More than ever before, clients know the verbiage to ask for what they want, thanks to social media.

However, there are a few differentiating factors hidden in their glossy inspo photos that they may be unaware of…

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @maxgourgeous

 

Canadian-based hair colorist Max Gourgues (@maxgourgues) shares this double color gloss formula for this stunning glazed brunette.

Try Max’s double gloss formula:

  • First: Redken Shades EQ 1/3 04BC + 1/3 06CB + 1/3 05G 1:1 for 20 minutes
  • Second: 05RB, process for 20 minutes

How to Identify Your Clients’ Gloss Request

To save you and your client time and money, let’s identify the three key differences wrapped into the glossy brunette trend name to best talk through your next color consult.

 

Option 1: Clear Glosses & Glazes

Most commonly what your clients will ask for! High-shine, juicy brunette hair color that hits the glass hair trend radar. 

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @ckaedingcolor

 

Add this to your menu: Double Glaze Service

For the ultimate shine and reflective brunette, use this double glaze service from QUE Hair Salon Sydney (@quecolour). “One of our favorite services, ‘THE GLAZE’ adds subtle color to the hair, while locking in moisture and added shine.” 

 

Step 1: Tone with Wella Professionals Color Touch Demi-Permanent Hair Color

Step 2: Lock in subtle color and add mega-shine with SHINEFINITY Zero Lift Glaze 00/00 Crystal Glaze

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @quecolour

 

Option 2: High-Shine Haircare

If you have a picky client weary of “another” color going on their hair, try a gloss service like Davines OI Liquid Luster. The weightless gloss is applied at the bowl and has enough product in one bottle for over ten services. 

 

Learn more about this easy add-on and quick service tips here: Add This Weightless Gloss To Every Service

 

Option 3: “Sparkle” Babylights:

Have you heard of Sparkle Brunette on TikTok? Spoiler alert, it’s just fine babylights throughout brunette color. However, clients perceive the reflections of brightness as a shine from a camera lens. Be sure you’re able to explain the reality behind inspo photos like these:

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @laura_studiomusehair

 

 

#5. Bronze Balayage

The ultimate BRUNETTE balayage. For those dark-haired clients who want to stay dark but crave a bit of dimension, here’s your chance. 

 

The best part? We’re playing with, not covering, the natural red undertones. 

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @ maxgourgues

 

 

Tips for Coloring Brunette Tones Over Highlights

Color specialist Daniel Mora (@danielmbeauty) shares his top advice, dos and DON’TS when creating a rich brunette over previous lightener. 

  • Do not be afraid of the natural orange/red undertones, you need them.
  • “Anchor” all formulas by adding a natural or neutral-toned shade to avoid pulling straight red.
  • Do not use any “ash” shades in your main or base formula.
  • If a balayage touch-up is needed, do not lift higher than Level 7 or 8. 

 

Watch Daniel’s tips above in action by clicking below:

 

 

WATCH NOW @the.blonde.chronicles BTC University: Expensive Brunette in 15 Foils Or Less

 

#6. Calico Copper

Someone call Kelly Clarkston, tri-colored chunky highlights are back. Calico Copper hints toward the beautiful swirls and mixed tones on some furry friends…

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @hair.by.karenm

 

The consultation will make or break a Calico Copper:

 

  • This look is SUPER versatile due to the creative range of placement, however, identify the level of blend your client expects
  • If your client chooses a specific inspo photo, evaluate the color most seen at the crown and face frame—that is what your client is drawn to!
  • When choosing tones to pair, keep a neutral-to-warm hue within the platinum and black tones to create balance within the copper
  • Asses your clients’ comfort with color blocking. Chunky highlights are needed for this look, but sectioning will determine the blend desired
  • Ask your client what, if any, shade they want most prominent in this tri-color look

 

close formula

Photo credit: Instagram via @kayla.hardcorehair