Darker for fall? How to keep your vibrant brunette hair all season long.
As the weather cools down and pumpkin spice makes its grand return, many of us are leaning into richer brunette tones and dimensional lowlights for fall. There’s something effortlessly chic about glossy, deep brown hues this time of year—it’s elevated, timeless, and perfectly complements cozy sweaters.
But here’s the truth: darker hair color can fade just as quickly as lighter shades if it’s not cared for properly. Whether you’re rocking a soft dimensional brunette or a bold, glossy espresso, protecting your color is the key to keeping it looking like you just left the salon.
As your hair colorist specialist, I’m sharing my top tips to help your hair stay vibrant longer—while keeping your beauty routine low tox, luxe, and totally livable.
1. Wash Less, Gloss More
Every time you wash your hair, a little bit of your custom color slips down the drain—especially if you’re using harsh shampoos. To slow the fade:
Stretch your wash days to every 2–4 days if possible.
Use a sulfate-free, low tox shampoo that gently cleanses without stripping color. (my favorite? SITCH moisture wash, DUH.)
Incorporate a color-refreshing gloss or toner (6-8 weeks) between appointments to boost shine and keep your brunette rich and dimensional.
Pro tip: Rinse with cooler water at the end of your shower. Hot water opens the cuticle, making color molecules escape faster.
2. Shield from the Sun (Yes, Even in Fall!)
Just because it’s cooler doesn’t mean UV rays take a break. Sun exposure is a major culprit behind fading brunette tones.
Use a UV-protectant leave-in or hair oil with antioxidants.
If you’re outdoors for long periods, opt for a cute hat —it’s both practical and elevated.
Think of it like sunscreen… but for your hair.
3. Invest in a Low Tox Color Routine
Traditional dyes can be harsh, which often leads to dullness and fading. As a low tox hair colorist, I use custom, cleaner formulas designed to respect both your hair and your health—while delivering luxury results.
Low tox color = less cuticle damage = color lasts longer.
Custom formulations allow for dimensional brunettes that grow out beautifully with less harsh lines.
Remember my motto: “For hair that grows with you.” A tailored color plan isn’t just about looking good the day you leave the salon—it’s about sustaining that glow over time.
4. Avoid Over-Heat Styling
Excessive heat can fade and dull even the richest chocolate tones. Keep your brunette glossy by:
Using a heat protectant every time.
Turning down the temperature on hot tools. Remember- 420 is the melting point of your hair! I recommend not going over 350.
Embracing air drying, braids, or heatless styling methods for an elevated-yet-effortless vibe.
5. Schedule Custom Maintenance Appointments
A solid maintenance plan is your secret weapon. Depending on your look, this could mean:
Glossing appointments every 6–8 weeks to refresh tone and shine.
Strategic lowlight or dimension touch-ups for brunettes that shift with the season.
Hydrating treatments to keep hair strong and light-reflective.
This is where custom luxury hair really shines—your color grows with you, not against you.
Let’s Keep Your Brunette Glowing
Fall is the perfect time to embrace deeper tones that feel warm, dimensional, and intentional. With the right care and a low tox color approach, your brunette can stay vibrant well beyond the season.
If you’re ready to keep your color rich and radiant, book your custom brunette refresh with a hair colorist specialist who knows how to create looks that grow with you.
