It’s official: Autumn is here. The leaves are beginning to turn, it’s very nearly ankle boot szn once more and, of course, the pumpkin spice latte has made its grand return.
Yes, everyone’s favourite seasonal Starbucks purchase has gone beyond just being a tasty drink. Now, pumpkin spice lattes are synonymous with this time of year, influencing everything from our makeup to our nail designs and even our hair colour.
We’ve already highlighted pumpkin spice as the overall hair colour of autumn, but if you’re not quite ready to take the plunge and embrace a whole new hair colour, might we suggest a fresh take on the trend? Say hello to pumpkin spice balayage.
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What is pumpkin spice balayage?
Balayage is a more subtle way to transform your hair colour – this particular technique brings a hint of PSL to your hair via warm, coppery highlights, rather than using one solid colour across your whole hair. The result? A deliciously rich mix of brown, red, copper and even a hint of blonde (depending on your desired finish and what suits your skin tone) to ease you into the autumnal months in style.
“Adding warmer toned gloss to a classic balayage can create a rich and vibrant look reminiscent of a pumpkin spice,” says Jodie Shirley, colourist at John Frieda salons. “It’s a great way to embrace this season and it’s a modern, low-maintenance look.”
Dimitrios Despos, senior colourist at Samantha Cusick salon in London – and the hairstylist who created influencer and podcast host Rach Leary’s look (above) – adds that more and more clients are asking for this kind of look. “Most people at the moment are looking for natural hair,” he says. And this is natural – with an autumnal twist.
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What should you ask your hairstylist for?
Despos describes the colour as “a natural balayage; golden brown with a bit of ginger”. It’s important to keep this “natural” element in mind when considering your new hairstyle – the idea of this look is all about blending tones to enhance and lift your hair colour. So take reference photos of looks that you like to the salon, and speak with your hairstylist about the specific colours they can incorporate to flatter your hair and skin tone specifically, while still bringing peak pumpkin spice energy.
How to care for pumpkin spice balayage at home
Once you’ve got the look, you’ll want to keep it for as long as possible. If you’ve been colouring your hair for a while, you’ll be familiar with the usual tips of using a colour-preserving, sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner, and washing your hair in cooler water to prevent fading and preserve the vibrancy.
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Despos suggests using the Redken Color Extend Magnetics Shampoo every time you wash your hair – an acidic formula that helps to balance the hair’s pH levels, and as a result maintain the tone. To keep your pumpkin spice-locks extra nourished and shiny, conditioning and retaining moisture is key, so he also suggests pairing it with the Redken Color Extend Magnetics Conditioner for good measure.
The final accessory? A pumpkin spice latte, of course. It’s the ultimate autumn combo.