Smoked Suede Brunette Is About to Be Fall’s Chicest Hair Color

With olive or neutral skin, “it brings out that natural depth,” says Schwartz. Meanwhile, for warmer complexions, “I’ll layer in golden beige to soften and brighten,” he says. And if someone has cooler undertones, “I’ll add a touch more ash to keep it balanced and fresh,” he says. “It’s all about customizing, like any hair color, there’s no one-size-fits-all brunette.”

Is smoked suede brunette hair low-maintenance?

In case you didn’t have enough reasons to love smoked suede brunette already, let us give you one more: The expensive-looking shade is low-maintenance, especially if you already have naturally brown hair. If you color your hair often, you know how nice it is to be able to extend time between trips to the salon without worrying about any harsh lines as your hair grows out.

“The tonal layering makes it super forgiving as it grows out if you are naturally a brunette,” says Schwartz. “There are no harsh lines or overly bright pieces, it’s built to look lived-in from day one.” That’s what we like to hear. Plus, you can expect a super luxurious look for longer with this color: “Because it’s a deeper, dimensional brunette, it holds its richness longer than lighter shades,” he says. “With the right glossing, it fades beautifully.”

How do you maintain smoked suede brunette hair?

Anyone who regularly colors their hair knows that a hair gloss is essential for shiny, soft strands. You can get this done professionally at the salon, but there are also plenty of at-home hair glosses to choose from too. “To keep that richness going between appointments, I always recommend a clear gloss,” says Schwartz. “Schwarzkopf Professional Igora Vibrance 0-00 is a favorite of mine,” he says. “It refreshes the tone, boosts shine, and keeps the color looking luminous and lived-in.”

As for how often to do a gloss for maximum results? “Just a simple gloss every few weeks truly makes all the difference,” says Schwartz.

Will brunette shades continue to trend this fall?

Platinum blondes and piecey highlights will step aside this fall. We’ve already been seeing lots of easy-to-wear shades on celebrities lately (think Kate Middleton’s honey bronde or Ashley Park’s chestnut brown), and we’ll only be seeing more of the darker shades come autumn. “Brunette is definitely on the rise as we head into fall,” says Schwartz. “Clients are craving richness, shine, and dimension that feel effortless but elevated.”

Before her smoked suede brunette, Schwartz gave Fineman a “babydoll brunette” shade that’s “soft, warm, and grows out beautifully,” he says. “It’s perfect for that sun-kissed transition from summer.” Say less—we’re in.

There’s also the classic and hugely popular “old money brunette” shade too, which Schwartz created for Bella Hadid. “It’s glossy, low-maintenance, and luxe without trying too hard,” he says.

What else can we expect this fall when it comes to hair color? “Overall, there’s a shift toward classic, natural tones—rich brunettes, soft blacks, warm reds—just enhanced with tone-on-tone depth and major shine,” Schwartz says. “It’s all about hair that looks healthy, expensive, and lived-in.” We’re so on board.

Catharine Malzahn is the contributing associate beauty editor at Glamour.