As the leaves turn, so too does the salon colour palette. Across the UK, stylists are seeing clients lean into richer tones, subtle warmth and bespoke placement that brings dimension back to colour.

Depth and Warmth Lead the Way

Indola’s UK Ambassador Sian Roscoe is already embracing deeper shades.

“I’m most excited about seeing more rich, autumnal colours coming through this season,” she says. “Layering rich brunettes with warming coppers and sultry reds.”

At The Hair Surgery, owner Tim Scott-Wright agrees that blondes are getting an autumnal upgrade.

“I’m inspired by the shift from buttery summer blondes into something deeper and richer, with tones like cinnamon, nutmeg and pumpkin spice adding warmth and dimension.”

He notes clients are favouring colour that sits closer to the root, moving away from heavily grown-out balayage for a more natural, flattering finish.

At ROAR Hair & Beauty, Colour Director Brian ‘Leo’ McCallum is seeing the same story play out, with three shades stealing the spotlight: Biscotti Blonde, Gothic Espresso and Striking Copper.

• Biscotti Blonde fuses golden warmth and beige ribbons for luminosity.

• Gothic Espresso brings multi-dimensional brunette depth, inspired by Jenna Ortega.

• Striking Copper, spotted on Keke Palmer, shows that short hair can carry bold tone beautifully.

Trend forecaster Seung Ki Baek predicts Syrup Blonde, Cinnamon Blonde, Cowboy Copper, Plum Dark Chocolate and Espresso Martini Brunette will define the season, reflecting the move towards glossy, lower-maintenance shades.

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Techniques with Personality

Bespoke colour placement continues to dominate, with creativity and personalisation at the core.

Sian Roscoe’s go-to method right now?

“‘Patchwork panelling’ using at least three colours, sometimes on the same palette, sometimes contrasting, and working in triangle sections to create soft, multi-tonal dimension.”

At Medusa, Paul Paterson is leading with “marbling,” a technique that layers and blends tones for fluid, natural transitions.

“It feels really bespoke as each client is different. It’s the perfect choice for anyone who wants something individual.”

Grey blending specialist Nancy Stripe champions an effortless, organic approach.

“Less is more when it comes to grey blending,” she says. “Clients are embracing their natural white hair with face frames and bespoke placement that enhances rather than hides.”

Hare & Bone’s Amelia Evans is taking a more intuitive route with colour contouring.

“I’ve been freer with placement recently, painting visually instead of following rigid sectioning patterns to highlight how the hair moves naturally.”

For Samantha Cusick, balayage remains timeless.

“It’s endlessly customisable and always client-first,” she explains. “I love working with the hair’s movement and using root shadowing to keep it soft and seamless.”

Tamara Robinson is leading with texture-led placement, painting colour where light naturally hits curls to create dimension and depth.

“It’s about enhancing natural texture so the result looks alive and effortless.”

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AI, Tech & Conscious Colour

Technology and ingredient innovation are reshaping the way stylists create and care for colour.

Paul Paterson is exploring the creative potential of AI in colour formulation.

“The fusion of AI with traditional techniques, like Wella’s new Surreal Color trend, is so exciting. It opens new creative pathways while keeping things personal.”

At Andreia Professional, Joana Merencio and Maria Freitas are focused on ingredient tech.

“There’s a real shift towards conscious beauty – high-performance colour that also cares,” says Maria. Joana adds: “Vegan pigment evolution and skincare-grade formulas are leading the charge. ‘Skinification’ really sums it up.”

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Aftercare, Retail & Client Loyalty

Modern clients aren’t just buying colour, they’re investing in results, longevity and condition. Stylists agree that education is key.

“Retailing isn’t about selling, it’s about recommending,” says Samantha Cusick.

Tim Scott-Wright reinforces this:

“I explain how professional colour protection products lock in vibrancy, maintain shine and extend shade life between appointments.”

Tamara Robinson takes a similar view:

“Colour is an investment, and just like any investment, it needs protecting.”

Grey expert Nancy Stripe highlights the business benefit:

“Planning future colour with clients builds confidence and loyalty – they come back because they trust your vision.”

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The Blonde Business Powerhouse

While warmth dominates this autumn, blonde remains the biggest business driver.

Holly Fairley of Rio Hair says:

“Everyone wants to be as blonde as possible, but without being chained to the salon every four weeks. Root shadowing gives that balance of high impact and low maintenance.”

A recent Salon Business survey of 130 UK stylists revealed:

• 71% said most of their colour work is blonde

• 83% of blonde clients rebook within 6–10 weeks

• 63% said blonde services are their most profitable

Aftercare completes the profit cycle, with 95% of stylists confirming it’s essential for maintaining results.

Schwarzkopf Professional Ambassador Tim Scott-Wright sums it up:

“BlondeMe colour and care are a match made in hair heaven – gorgeous results, loyal clients, and repeat bookings.”

Tilted Crown founder Gabbie Wain agrees:

“Creating the perfect blonde isn’t about just adding highlights—it’s deeply personal. Placement, lift, tone…it’s about making each client feel unique and beautiful.”

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Looking Ahead

From bold coppers and marbled brunettes to AI-led innovation and conscious formulas, A/W 2025 colour is intentional, intelligent and deeply personal.

Warmth is back. Depth is in. And condition has never mattered more.