Hazelnut Hair Is This Season's Most Versatile Trend

There's something about a new season that makes us desperate for a hair transformation. The cozy, warm hues of autumn are always a favorite, making rich, dimensional colors feel irresistible. This year, hazelnut hair is taking over, quickly becoming a top trend for those who want to refresh their look with a subtle, natural-looking color.

"Hazelnut hair is a soft, warm brown shade with subtle golden undertones, making it ideal for fall and winter," celebrity hairstylist Kim Kimble tells PS. "It adds warmth to the complexion, making it a flattering choice for a wide range of skin tones." The multidimensional depth also makes it easy to customize, meaning you can tailor it to the exact hue you want (whether that's darker, warmer, richer, or bolder).

Aside from the nutty tint and ability to compliment different skin tones, this color is also celebrated because it's low-maintenance and effortlessly natural-looking. It grows out well, too, with fewer touch-ups needed to keep that fresh-from-the-salon look. Whether you go for soft, blended balayage or a rich, uniform shade, hazelnut-brown hair offers the perfect balance of warmth, sophistication, and ease.

Experts Featured in This Article:

Kim Kimble is a celebrity hairstylist who has worked with stars such as Beyoncé, Kerry Washington, Tyra Banks, and more, and is the head of the hair department for HBO's "Euphoria."

Gregory Patterson is a Sally Beauty celebrity stylist and grooming expert.

What Is Hazelnut Hair?

The medium-brown shade features hints of golden undertones. This hue has become a fast favorite because it sits between chocolate brown and caramel, meaning it has a subtle yet rich depth. The best part? It can be toned down with dark lowlights, brightened up with caramel highlights, or coupled with mocha accents. The choice is yours.

What Should You Ask For at the Salon?

Kimble advises asking your colorist for a soft, medium brown with neutral and warm undertones. "Let them know you're looking for a shade that feels natural yet rich, a balance between golden highlights and a deeper brown base," she says. "This way, they can create a look that reflects the subtle light-catching quality of hazelnut, adding dimension without being overly dark. You might also ask for lowlights or gentle balayage to enhance the natural warmth." As mentioned, there's a lot of wiggle room when it comes to tweaking this to find the most flattering end result, so chat through the various options with your colorist in order to determine what's best for you.

One of the best features of hazelnut hair is its ability to reflect light. It bounces off the warm, golden undertones, creating a natural glow and multidimensional effect that brings the color to life. "This shade is perfect for fall and winter as the weather gets colder," says celebrity stylist Gregory Patterson. Not to mention, these warm tones also pair well with autumnal color palettes, so your hair will complement any outfit you wear.

How to Achieve Hazelnut Hair at Home

If you don't want to make a trip to the salon, you can DIY hazelnut hair. Start by choosing a medium-brown hazelnut hair dye with golden undertones. If your hair is naturally darker, consider a gentle pre-lightening treatment to bring out the warm tones; if it's lighter, a semi-permanent dye will let you test the color without a major commitment. "To achieve a beautiful hazelnut color at home, I recommend Clairol's Nice'n Easy Medium Neutral Brown [$9]," says Kimble. "This shade offers the perfect blend of warm and neutral tones to create a natural hazelnut hue that's flattering and dimensional." It's also worth adding that this dye is made with coconut oil, which helps hydrate hair and add major shine.

Before applying the dye, ensure your hair is clean and dry (any buildup can interfere with color absorption). Follow the application instructions closely, sectioning your hair for even coverage. For added dimension, try mixing in a slightly lighter or darker shade around your face and on the ends, giving the color a natural, sun-kissed effect. Finish with a color-safe conditioner to lock in shine and keep your new hazelnut hue vibrant.

How to Maintain Hazelnut Hair

As with any new hair color, it's important to use color-safe products to keep your hue vibrant. More specifically, gentle, sulfate-free shampoos and moisturizing conditioners are key. We're fans of the Amika Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Shampoo ($26), Conditioner ($26), and Soulfood Nourishing Hair Mask ($34) (trust us, this mask works wonders). Thanks to a blend of sea buckthorn and hyaluronic acid, these products hydrate and strengthen hair while also adding shine and softness.

To that point, Kimble underscores the importance of keeping your hair well-moisturized. "Conditioning is essential to maintain hair health and shine, especially in colder months when dryness can become an issue," she says. "Consider adding a color-protecting treatment every few washes to lock in the shade and keep the warmth of the hazelnut tones looking fresh and lively."

You can also keep your hazelnut hue extra fresh with a gloss. You could opt for an in-salon version every few weeks, or try an at-home version weekly. For the latter, the fan-favorite Pureology Color Fanatic Top Coat + Tone ($36) is specifically made to revive warm shades and restore their vibrancy and shine. Apply it to wet hair in the shower, let it sit for five minutes, and then wash it out. Whichever way you do it, hair glossing will definitely keep your hazelnut hair color shiny and sleek.

Looking for some hazelnut inspo? Click through to see some of our favorite examples.