When the humidity of summer starts to wane and we get a whiff of clean, cool air – we start to get antsy for a new fall hair color to suit the season. Going dark for the fall and winter seems to be a timeless trend; nourishing those sun-soaked locks is just an added bonus as we opt for deep chocolates, dark browns, and even black. Instead of picking a monotone hue that gives little dimension to your look, we're into the next fall color trend: chestnut. A distinguishing factor of chestnuts is the red shimmer that plays off of a creamy, lighter brown. While it's a new look for some, chestnut isn't bold enough that you'll be going out on a limb for your new hair; it is a timeless shade that suits all ages and styles – from swishy waves that reach the small of your back to textured bobs and pixies. Opt for a complete chestnut look, which brings out the warm tones in your skin, or try one of the many fun balayage options that the color complements.
Amber Chestnut Layers with Golden Accents
Hair by @carlybellhair
A reddish tinge is always at the top of our list when September rolls around. The base of this dynamic color is a mahogany – almost cinnamon – brown. Chestnut highlights all over lighten up the tone, and painted, honey-blonde babylights give a golden shimmer around the ends.
Deep Chocolate with Chestnut Tones
Hair by @alchemyxartistry
As it turns out, brunettes may have more fun! A dark chocolate brown that nears black is the base of this fall color. Painted chestnut and mahogany balayage begins to show halfway down the hair, and even redder bits – think sangria – are added in to give the color dimension and bounce.
Subtle Chestnut Undertones
Hair by @cxsglam
While this deep brown may look one-dimensional at first glance, a second take shows off thin chestnut babylights that follow the curves of wavy hair. These undertones are an easy choice to set off brown hair for all ages and styles, and is a good bridge color if you aren't quite ready to take the full plunge.
Golden Chestnut Balayage
Hair by @daymakerschair
Take the lighter road with swishy bronde balayage that has the reddish tint of chestnut lowlights. Walnut-colored roots make growing this look out a (fall) breeze for dark-haired beauties, and golden tips catch the light to keep you glowing through the whole season.
Face-Framing Chestnut Shadow
Hair by @hairbymichaelaokeefe
The subtlety of these warm highlights led us to title them "shadows"; the color is so muted that you can only see this chestnut glimmer in the right light. Balayage on face-framing layers brightens, while the silky chocolate tone of the rest of the hair gives that deep, rich drama that we love to try in the fall months.
Midnight Roots with Triangular Chestnut Highlights
Hair by @hairbynathi
Is anyone up for a moonlit stroll? This dramatic color is anything but mousey, with black-brown roots and chestnut balayage all over. The bright shading of our favorite red-brown tone plays in stark contrast to the roots, drawing the eye down and making your hair look longer.
Umber with Hints of Chestnut and Caramel
Hair by @makeupbyfrances
If the colors of Thanksgiving were artfully woven into a hair color, you'd have this classic autumn look. With umber roots, spirals of chestnut and gingerbread, and caramel highlights, this color is blended into an elegant shade with just enough piecey streaks to make your color stand out.
Chestnut Highlights with Copper Balayage
Hair by @sonia_dcm
Take the reds of chestnut one step further with this fiery fall color. Dark brown roots are layered with gingerbread and chestnut highlights, then the stylist has brightened up the tips with a coppery-red balayage. The end result is apple-orchard-picking, spiced-cider-sipping, flannel-scarf-sporting color that feels fresh and breezy.
Autumn Lob with Chestnut Overtones
Hair by @stephanie_stylist
The ashier brown shade of these roots brings mood and depth to this autumnal color. Subtle chestnut highlights frame the face without much maintenance. Shorter layers in the back give texture to the style while keeping it light so you're not weighed down by dry November winds. Anyone else craving a mocha latte?
Chocolate Bob with Shimmery Chestnut Highlights
Hair by @sonia_dcm
We love that chestnut brings out the red tones of every hair color, and this textured bob is no exception. It reminds us of cozy fall foliage in a messy, piecey look with tiny copper babylights and deep chocolate roots. The overall effect is a shimmery, bright top layer that reveals drama underneath.
Blonde Balayage with Chestnut Lowlights
Hair by @suetyrrellstylist
This fall color trend isn't just for the brunette beauties out there! Chestnut lowlights set off honey blonde highlights in this pretty autumn look. Darker roots make the look manageable and low-maintenance; you won't have to keep up the color as it grows out.
Ashy Chestnut Waves
Hair by @hairbyjosh_u
When you want a little winter drama without committing to a full head of dark chocolate brown, this sultry look may be the color for you. This hair has deep, dark roots; an ashier chestnut balayage; and caramel babylights. It works best on lobs or longer, so that you can get the full color transition. Pair with a colorful headband or scarf to really bring out the depth.
Solid Chestnut Shade
Hair by @amyreignhair
This stunning shade may not have the see-me highlights of some of our edgier chestnut looks, but it is sleek and timeless. While it beautifully suits longer hair, the beauty of a solid chestnut shade is that it works for all ages and lengths. Try a conditioning mask to nourish your locks to get that signature chestnut shine.
Sunset Chestnut Highlights
Hair by @cnyfacecandy
Bonfire, anyone? This warm color combination is striking with hickory roots underneath chestnut and nearly-copper highlights. A lighter layer on top of darker roots brings out your residual summer tan and pairs perfectly with your favorite beanie. Flower crowns are also welcome.
