These 9 Winter Hair Trends Are All Soft Cashmere and Candlelight – And We Want Them ASAP
Main image – Fellipe Ditadi
If hot chocolate, soft cashmere and candlelit evenings could be turned into hair colours, they’d look a lot like this autumn/winter’s biggest trends. Think rich, glossy chocolate browns, deep cherry reds, warm, buttery blondes and coppers that practically glow. And frankly, they’re making us want to book a salon appointment immediately.
Because just as we’re swapping our summer dresses for cosy knitwear, our hair colours are getting a seasonal update too. But this year, it’s less about dramatic transformations and more about beautiful, expensive-looking shades with plenty of depth and shine.
So, which colours are worth taking to your next appointment? We asked Zion Cooper, founder and hair extension specialist at Wave Hair Extensions, and Jelena, hairstylist and colourist at Oxea London, to talk us through the biggest autumn/winter hair colour trends for 2026, and how to find the right shade for you.
The biggest autumn/winter hair colour trends 2026
“I expect the biggest shift this autumn/winter to be towards colour with depth rather than high contrast,” explains Jelena. “The focus will be on subtle dimension and a glossy finish that looks luxurious in natural light, complements the complexion and grows out gracefully between salon visits.”
As for which colours should be top of your hit list, it might not surprise you that reds, browns and coppers are key. But make them more luxe. “Deep burgundy, velvet red, cherry shades, smoky mocha and rich chocolate will be key choices, alongside copper, hazelnut and creamy honey or champagne blonde,” Jelena adds.
How to know what works for you
So who suits what? Because it’s all very well spotting a hair colour you like but if it doesn’t suit your own skin tone then it’s probably a no-go. “Deep burgundy and cherry reds tend to work well with cool undertones, while copper, hazelnut and golden honey bring warmth to golden and olive complexions,” says Jelena.
“Neutral undertones can work with both warm and cool shades, including smoky mocha, chocolate brown and beige blonde.”
What to ask your colourist for
It’s always helpful to show your colourist images of the kind of colour you have in mind – even if you’re not necessarily married to just one – and then they can help you decide what will suit you best. “Bring reference photos and ask for a shade such as deep burgundy with a brown base, smoky mocha with subtle lowlights, or creamy honey blonde with softly blended roots,” advises Jelena.
“Ask for a root close to your natural shade so regrowth looks intentional,” adds Cooper. And when it comes to your finish, “ask for a gloss or toner as that’s where the expensive shine comes from.”
And don’t forget, you can always try extensions if you don’t want to commit fully just yet. “Extensions are also a no-commitment way to try a richer shade or add dimension,” says Cooper. “Blending two close tones of extension hair gives a multi-tonal, glossy result without bleaching your own hair.”
How to keep autumn hair looking glossy
Once you walk out of the salon, it’s then on you to keep your colour going for as long as possible (no pressure). But luckily, it’s easy enough if you’re consistent. “Wash coloured hair two to three times a week with a colour-safe, sulphate-free shampoo and lukewarm water,” recommends Jelena. “Use a nourishing conditioner after washing and a hair mask weekly to help prevent dryness,” she adds. “A colour-refreshing balm can also revive copper, red and brunette tones between appointments.”
Also, try to keep heat styling down to a minimum if you can as your colour will fade or go brassy if your hair is damaged. And when spraying perfume, never spritz it directly onto your hair as the alcohol from it can dry out your hair and strip or fade your colour.
The takeaway
Whilst I aspire to one day switching my usual sun-kissed blonde hair to a gorgeous glossy burgundy or deep hazelnut brown, I can’t quite find the nerve just yet. But a honey or buttery expensive blonde? Now that sounds right up my street. *Books hair appointment immediately*
Meet the experts
Jelena is a hairstylist and colourist at Oxea London
Zion Cooper is founder and hair extension specialist at Wave hair Extensions[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
