The award-winning Sheffield salon predicts a move towards softer, richer and more naturally blended colour for the new season.
Published:Award-winning colour experts Scullion & Scot are looking ahead to Autumn/Winter 2026, predicting a shift towards softer, richer hair colour with a focus on natural-looking dimension and a luxurious finish.
The Sheffield salon, which has twice taken home the prestigious L’Oréal Colour Trophy, won the accolade again in 2026, and its Artistic Creative Team is forecasting a move away from bright, high-contrast shades in favour of beautifully blended colour.
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Rather than dramatic transformations, the season’s key colour trends are expected to centre around wearable shades that enhance natural beauty; from refined blondes and glossy brunettes to softer coppers and richer red tones.
Neutral blondes are having a major moment, with celebrities including Gigi Hadid showcasing softer, more natural blonde tones that feel polished without looking overdone.
Stone Blonde is a cool, neutral blonde created using several carefully blended shades rather than a single block colour. The result is a soft, natural-looking blonde with plenty of movement and dimension.
Moving away from icy, high-maintenance blonde, Stone Blonde embraces beige, stone and muted tones to create a refined finish while allowing the hair to retain a healthy, natural appearance.
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For brunettes, Autumn/Winter is all about richness and shine.
Celebrities including Daisy Edgar-Jones have embraced deeper brunette shades with subtle tonal variation, reflecting the continued demand for glossy, luxurious-looking colour.
Inspired by this movement, Smoky Brunette combines deep brunette shades with cool, smoky tones and the lightest hint of copper. This creates subtle warmth while maintaining a reflective, glossy finish.
Rather than relying on one flat shade, the trend focuses on expertly blended tones to create a healthy, multi-dimensional colour. Often associated with the term “expensive brunette”, the result feels luxurious while remaining wearable.
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Copper isn’t going anywhere, but Scullion & Scot predict that the shade will become softer and more natural for Autumn/Winter.
Celebrities such as Sadie Sink have helped keep copper firmly on the beauty agenda, but the latest interpretation moves away from bright reds and vivid orange tones.
Weathered Copper combines muted terracotta, auburn and golden tones to create a softer finish inspired by natural ginger hair.
The result is a warmer, more understated take on copper that feels modern, flattering and perfectly suited to the autumn season.
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While individual shades continue to evolve, Scullion & Scot believe the biggest colour trend for Autumn/Winter is the way colour is created.
Demand for lived-in colour continues to grow, with clients looking for bespoke blends that complement their natural colouring, lifestyle and personal style.
Celebrities including Hailey Bieber and Jennifer Aniston are often associated with this softer approach to colour, where subtle highlights, natural dimension and seamless blending create a polished yet effortless finish.
Rather than harsh contrasts or obvious regrowth, the focus is on seamless colour placement, softer transitions and finishes that continue to look beautiful between salon appointments.
The Autumn/Winter Colour Forecast has been developed by Scullion & Scot’s Artistic Creative Team; Jade Proctor, Jessica Ellwell, Lewis Inkles and Gemma Scullion. It highlights the colours and techniques they expect to see in demand throughout the season.
For salons and colourists looking for inspiration for the months ahead, the message is clear: Autumn/Winter colour is less about dramatic change and more about beautifully crafted, bespoke colour with depth, shine and a naturally luxurious finish.
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Online: scullionandscot
Instagram: @scullionandscot
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