Your Next Hair Color Might Be Dark Chocolate, Copper Red Or Honey Blonde

Fall brings rich, warm hair colors that flatter deeper skin tones, from chocolate brown to fiery copper.

Sep 3, 2026 - 23:55

Your Next Hair Color Might Be Dark Chocolate, Copper Red Or Honey Blonde

Four portraits of smiling Black women with various hairstyles and outfits, including a curly-haired woman, a redhead, a woman with long straight hair, and a woman with wavy brown hair. — Source: Getty // Kelly Rowland, Coco Jones, Keke Palmer, Victoria Monet // Black Girl Fall Hair Color Trends

Our hair color is entering its richest era yet. Fall is here with deeper, warmer shades that pop against our melanin, refresh our whole look and help us step into the season feeling like that girl.

Once cooler weather rolls in, richer color starts calling our name.

The temperature is dropping. The leaves are turning. Summer clothes are getting packed away. And we’re pulling out the layers, boots and scarves.

Our beauty mood starts shifting right along with everything else.

Chocolate brown, espresso, copper, burgundy and honey tones are all stepping into rotation. In fact, Atlanta celebrity stylist and star of the new reality show “After the Chair-Atlanta,” Chavela Hill, says these are the colors Black women will be reaching for this season.

“This fall, I’m seeing Black women reach for rich, beautiful shades like chocolate brown, espresso, copper, burgundy and honey highlights,” Chavela tells HelloBeautiful.

She continued, “These colors glow against deeper skin tones, bringing warmth, dimension and shine to the hair. They feel luxurious and vibrant while still looking effortless.”

The inspiration is everywhere we turn, too. Our favorite celebrities are switching it up. Influencers are debuting new shades. Our good girlfriends are showing up to brunch with flawless color, and suddenly we are thinking about our next hair appointment.

Fall Color Trends: Chocolate Brown And Espresso Are Getting Richer (Kelly Rowland & Coco Jones)

Two images of a smiling Black woman. The left image shows her with curly brown hair, wearing a gold sequined dress. The right image shows her with straight black hair, wearing a black dress. — Source: Getty // Black Girl Fall Hair Color Trends

Brown hair is far from basic this season.

Chocolate and espresso bring the richness without requiring us to go dramatically lighter. The shades look glossy, warm and especially good against deeper skin tones.

Coco Jones and Kelly Rowland are two of our forever hair inspirations when we want to see what shades can do against melanin. Whether sleek, curled or full of volume, deep brown hair lets the shine do the talking.

The color also works across styles. Wear it all over, mix in lighter brown highlights or bring the shade into a wig or install.

Fall Color Trends: Copper And Burgundy Are Bringing The Heat (Keke Palmer & SZA)

Two images of a woman with long, curly red hair wearing a black blazer and smiling. — Source: Getty // Black Girl Fall Hair Color Trends

If brown feels too safe, copper is ready to turn things up.

Keke Palmer has practically made ginger and copper part of her beauty rotation. Zendaya has also played with copper and auburn shades over the years. And Olandria Carthen sent the internet into a frenzy when she swapped her signature dark hair for dimensional copper.

The color can go fiery orange, rich auburn or closer to brown. That range is part of what makes copper so good on us. It pops against melanin and can completely switch up the mood of a look.

Burgundy brings another level of richness. The deep red shade has enough drama to turn heads without going as bright as some of the reds we reach for during summer.

Fall Color Trends: Honey Highlights Are Coming With Us (Lizzo & Victoria Monét)

Your Next Hair Color Might Be Dark Chocolate, Copper Red Or Honey Blonde Two portraits of a woman with curly blonde hair and a woman with long straight brown hair, both wearing glamorous outfits and jewelry. — Source: Getty // Black Girl Fall Hair Color Trends

We are not leaving all of our blonde behind just because summer is over.

Honey tones can move right into cooler weather, especially when mixed with deeper roots and rich brunette shades. The result still brightens the face without losing the warmth we want for the season.

Victoria Monét has made blonde and caramel shades part of her beauty repertoire, often wearing the colors through wigs. Lizzo has also stepped out in honey blonde and bronde shades, including a honey-blonde bob earlier this year.

Honey highlights also leave plenty of room to play. Add them around the face, weave them through curls or use them to break up a darker brown base.

But Remember, Healthy Hair Still Comes First

A fresh color is fun. Keeping our hair healthy while wearing it is part of the slay too.

“Start with a consultation and strand test, especially if lightening is involved, and work with a professional colorist whenever possible,” Chavela says. “Keep your hair moisturized and strong with regular conditioning treatments, limit heat, protect it at night and avoid layering chemical services too close together.”

There are also ways to get the look without coloring our natural hair.

“If you want to experiment without a long-term commitment, try a wig, extensions or temporary color,” Chavela adds. “And if your hair feels dry or starts breaking, take a step back from chemical services and focus on getting it healthy again.”