Key Takeaways - Autumn Hair Trends 2026
- Reds get richer and more dimensional. Copper is still the autumn colour to try, but this year it's multi-tonal, with auburn and strawberry tones blended into a soft, glowing red.
- Old Money Blonde turns golden. Stark platinum and icy ash are out. "Hot honey" and brown butter tones, with soft roots and bright face-framing pieces, give a glossy, expensive-looking finish.
- Try a glossy brunette balayage. This season we're seeing warm caramel and amber tones, hand-painted and blended towards the root for minimal upkeep and no harsh regrowth lines.
- Elevated natural colour is the quiet luxury choice. Rather than a dramatic change, many clients are enhancing their natural base with soft blondes, dimensional brunettes and grey-blending.
- Cut matters s much as colour. Precision-cut blunt "liquid" bobs and voluminous 90s layers and waves are the cuts of the season.
- Healthy hair makes every trend look better.Shine is the common thread across all of these looks. A glossing treatment between appointments and a colour-protecting routine keep your colour vibrant and your hair in great condition.
Autumn Hair Colour Trends 2026
As we head into autumn, now's the perfect time to refresh your look with a new hair colour or cut.
This year's trends are all about richness, dimension and effortless polish. Think dimensional reds in glowing copper tones, "old money" blonde with a soft, expensive-looking finish, and brunette balayage full of depth. Elevated natural shades are also having a moment, alongside sleek bob haircuts and bouncy 90s waves.
Whichever look catches your eye, the expert stylists in our salons in Hertford & Harpenden can bring your autumn hair vision to life. We'll help you find the colour and style to suit your complexion and personality, so you can step into the new season with confidence.
Dimensional Copper Red
Nothing captures autumn quite like copper, and this year it's richer and more dimensional than ever. Think auburn and strawberry highlights seamlessly blended into a soft, glowing red. This beautiful result by Sophie and Steph at our Hertford salon shows it perfectly: long, loose waves in a warm copper with rosy, strawberry tones woven through.
Why it works: The warmth of copper reflects beautifully in autumn sunlight, adding depth, shine and vibrancy. The multi-tonal finish grows out softly and is easy to wear.
Styling tip: Red fades faster than other colours, so switch to a colour-protecting shampoo and conditioner to lock in shine and keep your colour vibrant for longer. Fashionable loose waves like these also show off the dimension beautifully.
Who it suits: Red hair is suitable for anyone who wants to make a statement with their hair this autumn. Copper is particularly flattering on peach or neutral undertones and green or hazel eyes. Cooler skin tones can wear it too, with a rose-gold or beige-pink version of the shade.
If vivid copper isn't quite right for you, your JB colourist will recommend a shade that works with your hair and skin tone. From pale strawberry blonde to deep plum red, there's a red for everyone.
Brunette Balayage - Rich, Glossy and Seamless
Balayage isn't just a summer favourite. For autumn 2026, brunette balayage is all about ultra-glossy, seamless dimension and warm, cosy undertones. Rather than high-contrast highlights, this season's looks showcase rich, low-maintenance shades that enhance your hair's natural depth. This beautiful result by Steph at our Hertford salon shows this perfectly, with deep chocolate roots melting into warm caramel and amber tones through the lengths. It's finished with a mirror-like shine and a polished, bouncy blow-dry.
Why it works: Amber, maple and warm caramel tones feel synonymous with autumn, adding softness, warmth and movement while brightening your complexion. Delicate hand-painting blends the colour seamlessly up towards the root, so there are no harsh regrowth lines to worry about.
Styling tip: Keep your colour radiant and your shine at its best with a glossing treatment between appointments.
Best for: Anyone who wants a low-maintenance, healthy-looking colour that grows out effortlessly while still looking refined.
Whatever your natural hair tone, our stylists at Johnson Blythe will customise your balayage to enhance your haircut and flatter your face shape. Book a consultation at our Hertford or Harpenden salon to find your perfect autumn brunette.
Old Money Blonde: Hot Honey
Last year's stark platinum and icy ash tone have been replaced with rich, glossy warmth for autumn 2026. "Old Money" or "Expensive" blonde has turned golden, and our Harpenden stylist Dean calls this shade hot honey. This gorgeous result demonstrates the trend perfectly: soft golden-beige blonde with syrupy honey tones through the mid-lengths and ends, brighter face-framing pieces and a softly blended root. The look is finished with fashionable loose, glossy waves.
Why it works: The look relies on low-contrast dimension rather than harsh lines, so it appears natural and "born-with-it". Warm honey and brown butter tones catch the autumn light beautifully, and the softer root grows out seamlessly. The glass-like shine is what gives it that expensive finish.
Styling tip: Keep your colour glossy and luminous with a glossing treatment between appointments. Style with soft blowout waves or voluminous layers to show off the shine.
Best for: Anyone who loves blonde but wants a warmer, softer and more low-maintenance alternative to icy tones.
Our expert colourists at Johnson Blythe will tailor the right honey shade to complement your skin tone and style. Book a consultation at our Harpenden or Hertford salon to find your perfect autumn blonde.
Elevated Natural Hair Colour with a Blunt Bob
Not everyone wants a dramatic change this autumn. Elevated natural colour is all about enhancing your natural base with bespoke colour placement and an eye to a low maintenance look. Think golden soft blondes, dimensional brunettes, grey-blending and subtle face framing. This transformation by Steph at our Hertford salon shows off elevated natural colour perfectly. The client's grown-out red shade has been neutralised into a soft, multidimensional neutral beige-brown with no trace of brassiness. It is finished in a sleek, glossy blunt bob just above the shoulder.
Why it works: The colour sits between cool ash and golden warmth, so it looks refined and natural and flatters a wide range of skin tones. It's a softer alternative to the usual rich caramel and chocolate autumn shades. The blunt, shiny "liquid bob" gives clean lines that frame the face and look great with autumn knitwear and high necklines.
Styling tip: Keep your colour and shine looking their best with a glossing treatment between appointments. Finish with a smooth blow-dry to show off the reflective finish.
Best for: Anyone who wants a sophisticated, low-maintenance look, including those growing out a previous colour or blending their greys.
Our colourists at Johnson Blythe will tailor the shade and cut to suit your skin tone, hair and face shape.
Why Trust Johnson Blythe with Your Hair Colour this Autumn?
Johnson Blythe is a L'Oréal salon, and our team of expert stylists at Hertford and Harpenden work with professional colour every day, from subtle glosses to complex colour corrections. Every look in this article is genuine client work by our own stylists, not stock imagery.
Our clients rate us highly too. Our Hertford salon has an average rating of 4.9 from 444 reviews, and our Harpenden salon has a perfect 5.0 from 260 reviews.
We always begin with a consultation to talk through your hair history, skin tone, lifestyle and how much maintenance you want. We'll be honest about what's achievable, including whether it needs to be done in stages. Then we tailor the colour and cut to you and recommend the right aftercare to keep it looking its best.
Book Your Autumn Hair Reset with Johnson Blythe, Hertford & Harpenden
To refresh your look this autumn, make your bespoke appointment with our expert team by calling our Hertford salon on 01992 568924 or our Harpenden salon on 01582 353698.
Hair Colour FAQs
What makes Johnson Blythe one of the best hair colour salons in Hertford and Harpenden?
«At Johnson Blythe, we are well known for delivering expert hair colour services tailored to every client. Our experienced colour specialists stay at the forefront of the latest hair colouring trends and techniques, including balayage, highlights, root smudging, grey blending and colour correction.
Using premium L'Oréal Professionnel colour products, we create beautiful, bespoke results that enhance your natural features and suit your lifestyle. Whether you're looking for a subtle refresh, seamless grey coverage or a complete colour transformation, our Hertford and Harpenden salons offer professional advice, personalised consultations and exceptional colour expertise to help you achieve your perfect shade.
Do I need a consultation before my hair colour appointment?
«We always recommend that our clients pop in for a hair colour consultation to ensure that we achieve the best possible colour results for you. During the consultation, our colour experts in Hertford and Harpenden will assess your current hair, discuss your desired shade, and suggest the best colour options and colouring techniques. This personalised approach helps us deliver a hair colour that makes you look and feel fabulous.
Can you cover my grey hair?
«Definitely! Our hair colour specialists in Harpenden and Hertford are skilled in grey blending, offering stunning solutions that range from subtle touch-ups to complete hair colour transformations. Whether you prefer a natural colour that blends effortlessly with your natural locks or something more vibrant, our L’Oréal’s hair colour products provide long-lasting and beautiful results.
Do you offer semi-permanent hair colours?
«Yes! If you aren't keen on permanent hair colour, we offer a variety of semi-permanent colour options for clients who want a temporary change or are not yet ready to commit to a permanent shade. Our Semi-permanent colours fade over time and offer clients a fantastic way to experiment with different shades without long-term commitment.
How often will I need to refresh my hair colour?
«This depends on the type of colour service you choose. Root touch-ups for grey coverage are typically recommended every 4-6 weeks, while balayage and other low-maintenance colour techniques can often be refreshed every 3-6 months. During your consultation, we'll recommend a maintenance schedule tailored to your hair, lifestyle and budget.
Can I switch from dark hair to blonde?
«In most cases, yes. However, the process will depend on your current hair colour, previous colour history and the condition of your hair. Some transformations can be achieved in a single appointment, while others may require a gradual approach to maintain the health and integrity of your hair. We will advise you what to expect at your initial consultation.
What should I do before my hair colour appointment?
«We recommend arriving with clean, dry hair where possible and bringing along any inspiration photos you may have. If you're considering a significant colour change, a consultation beforehand will help us create the perfect personalised colour plan.
What are the differences between balayage and ombré?
«Balayage and ombré are both popular choices for our clients who are looking for a natural-looking, sun-kissed look. However, they are slightly different in terms of the end result. The balayage technique involves our colour technicians hand-painting lighter tones for a softer, sun-kissed effect that blends seamlessly with your natural hair colour. This makes regrowth less noticeable. Ombré, on the other hand, has a far more defined transition between the two shades, often giving a bolder, two dimensional look. Our hair colour experts in Hertford and Harpenden will help you to select a style that best suits your look and lifestyle.
Can you help me choose a hair colour that suits my skin tone?
«Absolutely. During your consultation, our colour specialists will assess your skin tone, eye colour, natural hair colour and personal style before recommending shades that will enhance your features and complement your complexion.
Why do I need a skin allergy test?
«Johnson Blythe Hertford and Harpenden are colour safe salons. For your safety and comfort, we require a quick allergy test at least 48 hours before your first colour service if you’re new to Johnson Blythe Hairdressing (or haven't been for a colour service in the past 6 months). This helps us to ensure there are no adverse reactions to the hair dye products, so you can enjoy your colour experience without any worries.
How do I book a hair colour service at Johnson Blythe?
«To book a hair colour service at Johnson Blythe Hertford or Harpenden, simply give your chosen salon a call or book online using the pop up button to the right of the screen. To reach our colour specialists in Hertford please call us at 01992 568924 and to reach our Harpenden team please call 01582 353698.
Will colouring my hair damage it?
«When carried out professionally, hair colouring should not compromise the health of your hair. We use high-quality L'Oréal Professional colour products and can recommend treatments such as Olaplex and professional conditioning services to help keep your hair strong, healthy and shiny.
How can I keep my hair colour looking fresh between appointments?
«Using professional colour-safe shampoos and conditioners, minimising heat styling and protecting your hair from excessive sun exposure can all help prolong your colour. Our stylists will recommend the best home-care products for your specific hair colour and condition. We stock a full range of L'Oreal Professional and Kerastase home care products in our salons.
Can you correct a hair colour that has gone wrong elsewhere?
«Yes. Our colour specialists have extensive experience in colour correction and can help resolve issues such as brassy tones, uneven colour, unwanted warmth, patchy highlights and box dye mishaps. We will assess your hair and create a bespoke plan to achieve your desired result.