Autumn 2025's most flattering colour trends, from 'ecru' blonde to 'griege' grey

The moment the seasons change, wardrobes aren’t the only things getting a refresh. Just as chunky knits and boots start calling, there’s a sudden urge to switch up hair colour too. Summer sun and holidays leave strands a little faded and frazzled, and by September, the itch for something new is strong.

According to Siobhan Haug, former British Colour Technician of the year and co-owner at Haug London Haus, that’s exactly why autumn is the busiest time in the salon. “People naturally have a back-to-school mentality,” she says. “Post-summer, your hair is a bit parched and the undertone shines through. If you’re blonde then you’re more yellow, and if you’re brunette you can be more red. Everyone wants a new tone after the sun strips the hair.”

This year’s autumn/winter trends are all about clever tonal shifts and elevated shades that feel both seasonal and flattering. From luminescent blondes to rich brunettes and sophisticated greys, these are the shades to know now...

Blonde

READ MORE: Margot Robbie’s 'mushroom blonde' hair is perfect for autumn – here's how to copy it

READ MORE: Lisa Snowdon praises £26 buy for keeping her hair clean and voluminous after 18 hours of travel

For blondes, two techniques are taking the lead. First up is Saturn blonde, a luminous sheer tone that gives a luxurious yet wearable finish. Think Pamela Anderson or Claudia Schiffer, or Julia Garner’s chic, modern blonde. “It’s a warmer blonde that’s very shiny but still sheer, not heavy,” says Siobhan. “It’s ideal for an all-over blonde – a global colour – and it even helps to take out yellow tones if your hair feels too light.” The only catch? Saturn blonde is high-commitment, demanding regular salon visits and at-home care, but the payoff is a radiant, polished look.

The second trend is Aspect lights. This approach moves away from subtle babylights towards more prominent placements that contour the face. Siobhan describes it as "contouring with colour to accentuate the skin tone," and the results are striking. Charlize Theron has been seen with this style, which places lighter tones exactly where they flatter most, giving a more sculpted and intentional finish. It also works perfectly on curly and coily hair using more caramel tones.

Bronde

For those who prefer the in-between, bronde continues its reign with two distinct takes. Teddy bronde is simple, soft and natural-looking – a single all-over toner on top of blonde hair for a seamless finish. “Taylor Swift is a great example,” says Siobhan, noting that Hailey Bieber has also championed a cooler teddy version. It’s understated, easy to wear, and incredibly versatile.

Then there’s Ecru bronde, which sits directly between blonde and brunette and offers more depth. It’s about clever colour layering, with the base tone chosen to suit the skin. Cool undertones lean towards mushroom shades, while warmer complexions are lifted with chocolate, beige, or even buttercream hues. It’s the perfect progression shade for anyone caught between the two camps.

Head of beauty Zoe says: "After years of all-over highlights, I was honestly exhausted with the constant upkeep and the harsh line of regrowth every few weeks. When I sat down with Siobhan, she suggested trying ecru bronde as a softer, more natural option that would blend beautifully with my base colour. The process was clever, layering tones that sat perfectly between blonde and brunette, and the result is a shade that feels modern and pretty but low-maintenance. It looks glossy, healthy and most importantly, I don’t feel like I’m battling regrowth two weeks after leaving the salon."

Brunettes

Brunettes are turning darker, richer and cooler this season. Sombre, a soft, cool brunette, is in demand as clients look to neutralise warm, sun-faded tones left over from summer. “We do it as an all-over gloss with a cendre tone, which is half violet, half blue, to cancel out the red,” Siobhan explains. “The result is a cool dark brown, like Doja Cat or Jenna Ortega as Wednesday Addams.” Shiny, moody and chic, sombre is a timeless winter update.

At the bolder end of the brunette spectrum are high pigmented shades . These are saturated, vibrant hues in the red family that deliver a punch of colour. Lizzo and Serena Williams have both embraced this kind of hyper-pigment look. In the salon, the process involves a two-step application: an all-over base colour followed by a post-colour mask to lock in depth and chromatic intensity. The result is glossy, dimensional colour that commands attention.

Grey

Finally, there’s something for those embracing their natural silver. Griege is the new sophisticated take on grey blending, combining grey, beige and silver tones for a modern finish. “If someone has mostly grey, we’d tone with silver whites and add in beiges,” says Siobhan. “It balances the colour while breaking up the grow-out band, so you can transition more gracefully.” Griege feels polished and classy, making it a flattering option for anyone leaning into their natural greys without losing that salon-fresh look.