Siobhan Haug is co-founder of Haug London Haus and former British Colour Technician of the Year. She shares her seasonal hair colour forecast, where colour takes a sophisticated turn for autumn/winter, balancing understated elegance with bold vibrancy.
This season’s colours are about subtle refinement. Each trend enhances the hair’s natural tone and texture, giving a polished yet effortless finish. From luminous blondes to elevated brunettes, statement pigments to the elegant evolution of silver, these are the six key trends shaping the season.
What excites me about these trends is their versatility. They’re not about following fashion for the sake of it, but creating colour that feels modern now and will still feel beautiful months down the line. It’s less about transformation and more about elevation.
Ecru Bronde
Think of Ecru Bronde as the new teddy-bear blonde, soft, neutral and luminous, with seamless ribbons of chocolate, beige, and cream that deliver a natural shimmer. It’s a universally flattering tone that can be adjusted to suit any complexion: buttercream and beige for warmer undertones, taupe and mushroom for cooler ones. In the salon, this shade works beautifully as a tint with highlights for coverage and reflection, or as a balayage finished with a glossy brunette glaze to keep the tone sophisticated. Low-maintenance and effortlessly wearable, it’s the perfect update for clients moving away from high-contrast blonding. Inspiration: Emily Ratajkowski for Gucci, Suki Waterhouse.
Aspect Lights
Aspect Lights are all about precision and natural light play, a technique using fine babylights to mimic the way the sun brightens hair around the face. It’s especially effective for clients whose existing colour feels heavy or flat, or whose highlights have become overdone. Combining layered babylights and lowlights through the mid-lengths creates a multi-dimensional, lived-in finish. Think face-framing or partial balayage placements that enhance structure and movement. Keep the tone luminous between visits with a bespoke colour mask. Inspiration: Chloë Sevigny for Jimmy Choo, Charlize Theron.
Hyper-Pigment Hues
Hyper-pigment hues celebrate boldness and chromatic intensity, built through a two-step process for maximum depth and vibrancy. This approach allows for richer saturation and a more dimensional finish than single-step colouring, ideal for clients wanting unapologetic colour impact. Double-processing or ultra-pigmented layering ensures the tone holds, while a colour-depositing mask helps maintain brilliance between services. Think Chappell Roan, Lizzo, or Serena Williams: colour as self-expression.
Satin Blonde
A study in quiet luxury, Satin Blonde showcases refined, muted tones with a satin-like sheen. This shade relies on balance, soft golden warmth diffused by ash undertones for a polished, luminous result. It’s ideal for clients seeking a sophisticated blonde without brassiness or overt contrast. Finish with a gloss for enhanced shine and longevity, and maintain integrity with weekly deep-repair treatments and lightweight oils. References include Julia Garner for Gucci, Kate Moss, and Claudia Schiffer, understated but unmistakably premium.
Griege
Griege blends grey, beige, and silver for a seamless transition between colour and natural white. It’s a graceful approach for clients embracing their silver while keeping the overall look soft and flattering. Translucent grey blending or subtle highlights can balance regrowth and introduce light diffusion for a refined, effortless tone. With minimal upkeep, just a weekly silver or violet shampoo, this palette offers modern sophistication. Think Cameron Diaz and Andie MacDowell’s ease and confidence.
Sombre Brunette
Sombre Brunette is a cool, velvety brunette that verges on black, deep, dimensional, and mirror-glossy. It’s universally flattering but especially striking on clients with naturally darker bases. A glossing service enhances reflective depth and silky texture, while protein-based treatments preserve strength and vitality. Finished with lightweight oil for sheen, it delivers that ultra-luxe brunette finish seen on Doja Cat for Marc Jacobs Pre-Fall 2025 and Odessa A’zion for Stella McCartney, moody, modern, and endlessly chic.
