Everything You Need to Know About Pumpkin Spice Hair Color

Take a peek inside the grocery store (or any store, really) these days and prepare to be overwhelmed by the onslaught of pumpkin spice. everything. No longer just for lattes, everything from popcorn to dog treats can be found in the “it” flavor of the season. It should come as no surprise, then, that the beauty industry is also taking inspiration from this seasonal juggernaut.

Case in point: pumpkin spice hair color is a major fall trend. Just as warmer, cozier, richer foods and fashions are all the rage through the seasons, so is warmer, richer hair color, says Kristen Fleming, color director at 3rd Coast Salon at Chicago. He’s inspired by anything that falls: “Think of rich, earthy tones like amber, burnt orange, butterscotch, pumpkin orange, and soft golden hues, like the ones you’d see when leaves change,” she explains. At this point, pumpkin spice hair color is actually quite versatile and can take many different iterations.

We asked the stylists exactly what it is, whether you should try it or not, and tips for maintaining this stunning seasonal hue.

What is Pumpkin Spice hair color?

“The pumpkin spice hair color trend includes all warm, spicy tones of red and copper, and can include a range of light to dark shades,” says celebrity colorist Rita Hazan. It could be several of these warm tones fused together (think via highlights or lowlights), or even a single rich, solid shade of red or orange, Fleming adds.

Besides being a timely trend that ties in with all the other pumpkin spice goodies, fall is usually a good time to embrace warmer tones in your hair color. Our skin starts to lose that summer glow, and warming up your hair color is a good way to maintain it throughout fall and winter, says Hazan.

Who does it look like best?

“Because this trend encompasses so many different warm shades, it can easily be modified and adapted for so many different people,” says Fleming. (Tip: If you’re drawn to warm red or orange colors in your makeup, you’ll probably love this color.) Still, it’s especially striking on people with fair or golden skin tones and/or those with green or hazel eyes. . The only time you might want to steer clear of it is if you have a lot of pink undertones in your skin, advises Fleming.

What to ask your colorist?

If your skin is light to fair, ask for brassy tones, says Hazan. For those with olive undertones or those with a darker or darker complexion, honey and amber shades are a good choice. As a general rule, Fleming suggests using words like “hot” and “rich” to express what you want. And both pros we spoke with stress the importance of showing your colorist a variety of reference photos to make sure you’re both on the same page and picking the right color(s). for your complexion and your hair.

What are the best ways to maintain Pumpkin Spice hair color at home?

Red tones tend to fade faster than others, Hazan notes. (Credit to the fact that the dye molecules are larger and more likely to slip off the hair shaft easily.) Minimizing the frequency of washing, as well as always using a color-safe shampoo and conditioner when doing so is imperative, she said. Using a clear gloss two to three times a week is another good way to help maintain shine in hair, she adds. We love John Frieda Luminous Color Glaze Clear Shine ($13; ulta.com).

Fleming is a fan of using color deposit conditioners to maintain your new fall hue. His choice ? Evo Hair Fabuloso Custom Conditioner, which your colorist can actually customize for you by adding small amounts of color to the formula. Used weekly, it essentially “stains” the surface of the hair and helps maintain the shine and overall effect of your overall color, says Fleming. If your salon doesn’t offer it, there’s also an at-home version, Fabuloso Color-Boosting Treatment ($38; amazon.com); just ask your colorist which shade suits you best.