The September issue: What shade should you choose for autumn?
The new season is upon us, and it’s time for a post-summer refresh.
Just as we make the annual wardrobe switch, layering up with jackets and jumpers as the mercury drops, now is the most popular time of the year in salon to embrace a new hair colour.
“People want to have a bit of an uplift and a change as the seasons are changing,” says creative director Julie Harper. “It goes hand in hand with fashion and the autumn trends landing in shops.”
Senior colourist Steven Kamara agrees. “Your clothes are going to be changing, the light's changing, and you might be losing your summer tan. If someone has been a full-on bright blonde for summer, they might feel their skin tone looks a bit washed out on a grey day.”
Plus, hair condition can be compromised around this time of year due to the effects of summer holidays and warm weather. But with the help of your colourist, you can restore hair health and embrace a fabulous new look at the same time. The only decision you have to make is which hue to choose.
Here, Julie and Steven explain how to repair damaged locks post-summer, the colour trends they’re loving right now, and how to maintain your autumn look...
SAY GOODBYE TO SUMMER DAMAGE
Don’t be alarmed if your tresses are feeling a little tired at your first salon appointment after summer. Especially given the delightfully warm weather we were blessed with in London this year, your hair might look slightly frazzled or faded.
“Clients often come in in September saying their hair is feeling drier,” Julie says. “The colour can be oxidised out in the air, and seasalt and chlorine can strip the colour too.” That means brunettes turn dull and blondes go brassy.
This might affect what your colourist can achieve, Julie says. “If you wanted to go really dark but your hair is porous, it may be bit of a journey to get your condition back to normal, which will allow the colour to hold during the winter. So now’s the perfect time to do a treatment to bring the strength and condition back, such as K18.”
New in salon, K18 is a repairing treatment that’s similar to Olaplex, but whereas Olaplex rebuilds broken disulphide bonds in a hair strand – which you can think of like the rungs on a ladder – K18 repairs the broken bonds and the keratin chains, which are like the sides of the ladder.
It also works much faster, Julie explains. “We spray it onto the hair before we put the colour on and let it absorb for four minutes. You don't have to leave it on for 20 minutes, and it’s dried into the hair instead of being rinsed out, which makes a massive difference.”
KEY HAIR COLOUR TRENDS FOR AUTUMN/WINTER 2025
Thinking about the shades that are trending on the catwalks and in the hair world this autumn, Steven says that colours are “a bit bolder, a bit stronger” and that warmer tones are proving popular. “It's nice to warm up your hair as the light gets cooler outside. If you've lost some shine over summer, richer tones look great with those lovely scarves and big jumpers we’ll be wearing.”
That’s why our colourists are loving multidimensional chestnut brown shades, glossy copper hues and ‘reverse balayage’ at the moment. Typically, balayage is used to add brighter tones, but reverse balayage means adding a darker root and dark sections throughout the lengths while keeping some of the pieces that have lightened during summer.
At the same time, ‘mushbroom brunette’ is also a big trend for autumn/winter, Julie says. “It’s a cool-toned brown with more of a grey
Using the example of the Duchess of Cambridge, who recently unveiled a caramel ‘bronde’ hair look, she explains how colour placement makes a huge difference when trying a bold new hue. “That glowing gold shade can be quite strong and overpowering on a person’s skin tone when it’s right up to the hairline, but if you leave a deeper root it’s more subtle.”
At Paul Edmonds London, our colourists use a bespoke approach, considering a range of factors including skin tone, eye colour and hair condition to help choose the best shade and placement to ensure a flattering finish.
HOW TO PROLONG YOUR AUTUMN COLOUR
So you’ve got your fabulous new season look. How can you keep the colour looking fresh for longer?
Julie says, “If you're blonde, the Izumi Tonic and Ultimate Reset ranges from Shu Uemura both contain rice water, which strengthens the hair. The Izumi Tonic is also great for blondes as a heat protector.”
Moisture is key for keeping brunette and red shades vibrant. Julie recommends the Shu Uemura Silk Bloom range, while Steven favours the Oribe Hair Alchemy range as it leaves hair feeling “really silky”.
For an intensely hydrating treatment, Julie often recommends her clients to use a treatment water, such as the Oribe Supershine Mirror Rinse Glass Treatment. “If you're busy person, like most of us are in London, this is great to use at home in the shower after washing your hair because it works within seconds. If you want even more hydration, you can put a mask on top of that and leave it for a few minutes.”
Shades to fall for
September is sometimes referred to as the ‘second New Year’, which is why so many people choose to go in a new direction with their hair at this time of year.
This autumn, top colour trends include warm blonde, chestnut brown and mushroom brunette. Our colourists are on hand to help you choose a chic shade that complements your skin tone and style.
Want to warm up your blonde or try trendy mushroom brunette? Book a consultation at Paul Edmonds London.
