Most popular hair colours for the new season

As we’re fast-approaching the start of winter, the change of season usually comes with the desire to change up our hair colours. Perhaps you’d like to take the plunge from light to dark (or vice versa) or maybe you’re looking to transition into more earthy and rich autumnal hues such as terracotta coppers or a rich brunette? And for the coterie of blondes, an exciting new Nordic-inspired colour trend called “Scandi-Hairlines” is set to be the new ‘it’ hair colour for 2019.

If you’re seeking to find what the most popular hair colours are for the season, then you’ve come to the right place. We’ve enlisted the help of master colourist and director of QUE Colour in Sydney, Monique McMahon to talk us through the most popular hair colours for the new season, as well as the skin-tones that best complement each hair shade.

After the harsh impact of the sun on our strands in summer, Monique advises on transitioning slowly but surely into richer hair tones in winter after autumn. “During Autumn we’re still seeing the after effects of sun-kissed summer hair, which leaves you in a transitional period," she says. “You will want to work with your colourist to introduce deeper, warmer tones so by winter your hair is feeling and looking its healthiest since the summer months."

What hair colours are your clients are already requesting a lot of?

“Natural Blonde” says Monique. “Girls want to be blonde but don’t want to look too ‘coloured’.  Everyone’s still really concerned with hair health and wants to move away from over bleaching. For this, we use a mix of free hand, hand-painted and  low lighting - not foils - to achieve that must-have textural colour that has no ‘lines’ and no unwanted warmth.”

What products do you recommend for maintaining each of these hair colours during winter?

Monique recommends using a shampoo with an acid pH to ensure the longevity of your hair colour (and to avoid silicone and SLS-based shampoos that strip your colour faster) as it will “seal the hair cuticle, prevent fade and allow colour pigments to better grab the hair fibre.”

She also loves the "Christophe Robin hydrating shampoo with Aloe” that she carries at her own salon. She also encourages a nourishing hair mask to tone your colour and recommends Christophe’s shade variation mask which “uses natural pigments such as the bright purple Fiorentina iris, carrot seed oil or cacao to ‘correct’ tone without any harsh chemical ingredients.”

Which skin tones best suit which hair colours?

“Paler skin and light eyes work best with coppers,  brunette tones are great for people with naturally dark features and an olive-y skin base, and the more ash-y, Scandinavian tones work with fairer skin tones,” advises Monique.

Monique gives us a helpful tip on the best way to figure out what hair colour will best suit you. She says, “The safest way to assess what colour will work best for you are to work within 2 or 3 shades up or down from your natural base, keeping some lighter pieces in the ends to keep it looking natural and not too flat.” She also suggests asking your colourist to consider your eye and skin colour, and then your re-growth will be less obvious. “If you feel your skin looks too pink, or you’re wearing more make-up than usual to counteract, it’s a sure sign your hair colour is wrong for you!"

If someone is hesitant to make a full hair colour transformation for winter but still want a change, what do you recommend?

For those who tend to err on the safer side and don’t want to commit to a full blown makeover they can ease into it by just playing with tones, says Monique. She notes that using certain products such as the “Sebastian Colour Shines or Christophe Robin’s shade variation masks will allow you to enhance and play with colour, without resorting to a permanent transformation. “These treatments add glow to your colour base, sealing the cuticle and leaving colour looking luminous and fresh.  They are also a great way to stretch out time between visits to your colourist.”