Platinum blonde has been the reigning pale shade for the past few seasons and will continue to be popular for the fall, but ultra-pale hair doesn’t work for everyone. For those who prefer a softer take on blonde this trending shade provides a stylish alternative to stark white, while still providing a fashion-forward cool tone. The silvery quality of the color lends it a delicate tarnished quality, like a fine antique. Click the style notes to get the formula for this understated shade. –– Laura Martin

Application: Lighten hair with Formula 1, using a virgin or retouch application as appropriate. Shampoo and towel dry. Tone with formula 2, applying to mid-lengths first, then pulling through roots and ends where hair is most porous.

Formulas (on natural level 7)

1: Goldwell Topchic Highlift 11P with 30 Volume

2: Goldwell Colorance 1 part 10B + 1 part 9BA + 1 part P mix with 2% Lotion

Special thanks to Laura Martin for this post. Laura is a professional hair stylist, former senior educator at ARROJO cosmetology school, and a creative non-fiction MFA student at Georgia College, Milledgeville, GA

A beautiful hair color is as much about the person wearing it as a the shade itself. No matter how shiny, dimensional, or unique a color is, if it’s placed against the wrong skin tone it’s just going to look awful. Still, season after season, certain colors get more popular and others die away. It can be a tough balance to keep up with fashion without going for trends that don’t work for you. This shade offers a solution to the platinum blonde trend for those who don’t look their best in white. The honey tone is flattering to warm and neutral skin but it’s light enough and cool enough to feel on-trend. Click the style notes for application tips and the professional formula. –– Laura Martin

Application: Apply color 1 to the cold shaft first, starting about 1/2 from the scalp and keeping roots clean with thin strips of cotton. After mid-lengths and ends are thoroughly saturated, apply color to roots. Process a full 45 minutes, shampoo, condition and towel dry. Apply formula 2, roots to ends and process or 5 minutes to refine tone and add shine.

Formulas: (on natural level 7)

1. Goldwell Topchic HighLift 12 BN with 40 Volume

2. Goldwell Colorance Express Toning 1 part 9 Champagne + 1 part 9 Creme

Special thanks to Laura Martin for this post. Laura is a professional hair stylist, former senior educator at ARROJO cosmetology school, and a creative non-fiction MFA student at Georgia College, Milledgeville, GA

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This deep charcoal hue is actually a very dark brown, not black. The cool undertones give it the drama of a raven shade, but it’s less harsh than jet. The reflection of this hue is silvery, but it’s got just enough underlying gold to work on a warmer skin tones. Click the style notes for application tips and the professional formulation. –– Laura Martin 

Application: If applying the shade to an uneven base, or a light starting level, fill first with a 3:1 mixture of water and 6G. You can apply the target shade directly on top of this filler formula. Work roots to ends, in 1/2” sections, saturating throughly. Process for a full 30 minutes.

Formula: (on natural level 5)

Goldwell Topchic 1 part 4MG + 1 part 4BP with 10 Volume

Special thanks to Laura Martin for this post. Laura is a professional hair stylist, former senior educator at ARROJO cosmetology school, and a creative non-fiction MFA student at Georgia College, Milledgeville, GA

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Nicole Richie recently transformed her candy colored locks to a deep gunmetal that is sure to be a hot fall color trend. Her choice signals a change in the bright color trend, a move toward darker, muted tones. The pastels and vibrant shades of the last few seasons are slowly fading away, replaced by softer, cooler shades that connote stormy skies and tarnished metals. Click the style notes to learn more about this emerging trend. –– Laura Martin

Step: Give any color a cumulus bend by layering on a silver glaze. Goldwell 8SB will add a cool cast to reds, blondes, and even vibrant hues.

Step: Blue and violet hues in a variety of intensities call to mind the colors of the sky. Experiment with the cool side of the rainbow; try a subtle undertone, a cloudy ombre, or wispy ribbons of white.

Step: If you’re looking for more natural tones that fit this trend try cool vanilla blonde or ash brown shades. The full range of cool colors, from vibrant to natural, is in for the fall.

Special thanks to Laura Martin for this post. Laura is a professional hair stylist, former senior educator at ARROJO cosmetology school, and a creative non-fiction MFA student at Georgia College, Milledgeville, GA

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The word among fashion industry insiders is that the pastel trend is on its way to fading out, but trendsetters and celebrities show no signs of giving up on softly bright shades. This hue, recently adopted by Orange Is The New Black star Dascha Polanco melds a silvery base with flicks of sky blue and lavender for a muted, shimmering hue reminiscent of a dusky sky. Keep the pastel trend going with the formulas in the style notes.

Application: Begin by lightening hair to an even level 10 with formula 1, using a retouch or virgin application. Shampoo and condition hair and tone with formula 2, processing for 5-10 minutes. Dry hair and paint on formulas 3, 4, and 5 in panels, on ends, or in strips. Process twenty minutes, rinse, and style as desired.

Formulas: (on natural level 7)

1 (lightener): Goldwell Oxycur Platin with 20 Volume

2 (Silver): Goldwell Colorance 10BS with 2% Lotion

3 (Soft Blue): Goldwell Colorance 3 parts 10BS + 1 part 8SB + 1 part P Mix

4 (Gray Violet): Goldwell Colorance 4 parts 10BS + 1 part 8SB + 1 part P Mix + 1 part VV Mix

5 (Dusky Violet): Goldwell Colorance 3 parts 8SB + 1 part VV Mix

Special thanks to Laura Martin for this post. Laura is a professional hair stylist, former senior educator at ARROJO cosmetology school, and a creative non-fiction MFA student at Georgia College, Milledgeville, GA

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Give blonde a fall update with the muted tones of dull gold and blackened silver. Tarnished metals offer understated inspiration, perfect for pairing with deeply colored fabrics and soft makeup. Worn together or separately, these shades evoke a sense of antique glamour. Click the style notes for the formulas and tips on application. –– Laura Martin 

Application: If using one of the shades on their own apply roots to ends over natural blonde or pre-lightened hair, as indicated below. If combining the shades, always use the gold formula as the base, applying the silver tone in bold sections to prevent a salt and pepper effect and using the silver shade on no more than 1/3 of the hair.

Formulas:

Weathered Gold (on natural level 7): Goldwell Topchic 2 parts 8GB + 1 part 8NP with 20 Volume

Tarnished Silver (on pre-lightened level 10): Goldwell Colorance 3 parts 10BS + 1 part 8SB + 1 part 9BA with 2% Lotion

Special thanks to Laura Martin for this post. Laura is a professional hair stylist, former senior educator at ARROJO cosmetology school, and a creative non-fiction MFA student at Georgia College, Milledgeville, GA

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Opening night of the Metropolitan Opera season is a black tie affair, posh and formal. It’s not a place you’d expect to see pastel hair, but Jemima Kirke pulled it off beautifully. Pairing her pink strands with a crimson lip and long flowered gown, she looked both polished and irreverent. Tousled waves and a deep side part added elegance to her fashionable look. Learn to create her classy pastel look in the style notes. –– Laura Martin

Step: Begin with hand painted highlights that start around the jawline. Use two different developers for varying levels of blonde, ideally a level 9 and 10. The variations in lightness will pink up the pink tone differently, creating variation in the intensity of the hue.

Step: Tone blonde bits with a bright semi-permanent color like Goldwell Elumen. The rosy pink shade from last year’s “Reallusion” collection will provide a cool vibrant pink: SV@10 + AB@9 + Pk@all (30:5:2)

Step: Care for your new shade at home with color save shampoo and conditioner. Once a week, use whipped treatment to restore moisture and shine.

Special thanks to Laura Martin for this post. Laura is a professional hair stylist, former senior educator at ARROJO cosmetology school, and a creative non-fiction MFA student at Georgia College, Milledgeville, GA

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The soft warmth of amber is more subtle on dark shades than in lighter levels. This shade has a deep, toasted feeling like the caramelized edges of a decadent desert. If you’re looking for a fresh shade of brown this fall, this lovely shade is a delicately hued alternative to chocolate or chestnut. Click the style notes for application tips and the professional formulation. –– Laura Martin

Application: Apply the formula below, roots to ends, to freshly washed and thoroughly towel dried hair. Process for a full 30 minutes, then rinse and condition.

Formula: (on natural level 6)

Goldwell Colorance 2parts 5BG + 1 part 5RB with 2% Lotion

Special thanks to Laura Martin for this post. Laura is a professional hair stylist, former senior educator at ARROJO cosmetology school, and a creative non-fiction MFA student at Georgia College, Milledgeville, GA

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We love to share the work of salon stylists on Style Noted; seeing something that happened behind the chair of an everyday client lends authenticity to the look. So we were delighted to receive this submission from Eve Galmiche, colorist at renowned salon, ARROJO NYC. Not only did she send us the finished rich auburn red with a gorgeous feathery blow-out, she created the above collage, which depicts the inspirations happening in her mind’s eye as she began to approach this color. Her thought process is fascinating; she also includes her professional formulation. Get the scoop in the style notes…

“I am obsessed with warm copper tones for fall. I based this look off of the colors of fall leaves at sunset. Keeping the formula simple is always best for me. I love to see the pure tone reflected in the hair –– how it was intended to be formulated. For this color I used Goldwell 7KG with 20 volume developer. I painted subtle highlights throughout the mid-lengths and ends of her hair to give dimension and a pop of color. Afterwards, I glazed it with 8K for a polished result.” –– Eve Galmiche

Special Thanks to Eve Galmiche for Sharing Her Work with Style Noted.

Follow Eve on Instagram: @Colorme_eve for more hair inspiration!

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Amber is revered as a gemstone but it’s not a stone at all, rather a fossilized tree resin hardened by centuries of pressure and heat. Because of its botanical origin, amber comes in a variety of shades ranging from deep maple to pale honey. The most abundant source of the material is the Baltic region, where the petrified resin usually has a light, coppery hue. The luminous material is often used in jewelry and decorative arts for it’s warmth and translucence. Its lovely color is a great choice for strands. Read on for the formula and tips on application. –– Laura Martin

Application: Apply the root formula first, to the 1” of hair closest to the scalp, working in 1/4” sections and saturating thoroughly. When root application is complete, immediately apply the ends formula to remaining hair. Process completed application for 20 minutes. Shampoo and condition.

Formulas: (on natural level 7)

Roots: Goldwell Topchic 2 parts 7BN + 1 part 7KB with 20 Volume

Ends: Goldwell Topchic 1 part 7BN + 2 parts 7KB with 30 Volume

Special thanks to Laura Martin for this post. Laura is a professional hair stylist, former senior educator at ARROJO cosmetology school, and a creative non-fiction MFA student at Georgia College, Milledgeville, GA

The natural look is in for the fall, and with it a much more minimal approach to beauty. The trendiest hair colors this season are soft shades that mimic nature. Not just “natural” colors, but tones and applications that actually look like you were born with them. Subdued tones and subtle variation are the key to achieving this look. Get the formulas and tips on application in the style notes. –– Laura Martin

Application: Divide hair into four quadrants by splitting ear to ear and forehead to nape. Begin application in the back, right quad. Section off a horizontal section, apply formula 1 to roots and blend out and down, fading away about half way down the strand. Repeat on the next sections, but vary line of demarcation so it sits lower than on the first section. Repeat throughout the head, varying the place where the color fades away on each section. When application is complete, process 30 minutes. Shampoo and towel dry. Glaze entire head with formula 2 and process 10 minutes.

Formulas: (on natural level 8)

1: Goldwell Topchic 7K with 20 Volume

2: Goldwell Colorance 1 part 8K + 1 part 9KG

Special thanks to Laura Martin for this post. Laura is a professional hair stylist, former senior educator at ARROJO cosmetology school, and a creative non-fiction MFA student at Georgia College, Milledgeville, GA

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Blonde in salons often means platinum, but you don’t have to go stark white to be a bombshell. Darker, cooler blonde shades are elegant and understated. Just add a smokey eye or a red lip to look like a starlet, or wear with no makeup at all—unlike platinum hair, softer blonde shades won’t wash you out. Get the formulas for understated blonde in the style notes. –– Laura Martin

Application: Divide hair into four even quadrants. Beginning on the back right quad take a thick section by carving a diagonal line at the occipital bone. Grasp ends firmly and paint formula 1 across the top surface, blending up toward the root in a fluid motion, covering about 2/3 of the length. Take down another section, approximately the same size as the first and repeat technique. Repeat all over the head, timing each section for 25 min. Shampoo and dry completely. Resection into quads. Apply formula 2, beginning in the back right quad, saturation roots and blending out toward the line of demarcation created with previous application, covering about 1/3 of the strand. Repeat over the entire head. Process 30 min. Shampoo and towel dry. Apply formula 3 all over and process 10 min. Rinse and condition.

Formulas: (on natural level 6)

1: Goldwell Oxycur Platin with 10 Volume

2: Goldwell Topchic 7SB with 20 Volume

3: Goldwell Colorance 1 part 8N + 1 part 8BA with 2% Lotion

Special thanks to Laura Martin for this post. Laura is a professional hair stylist, former senior educator at ARROJO cosmetology school, and a creative non-fiction MFA student at Georgia College, Milledgeville, GA

After debuting on Style Noted with her inspirations for autumnal reds, we were delighted to receive another submission from Eve Galmiche, expert colorist at the renowned salon, ARROJO NYC. Aside from the cool contemporary colors she creates, we love how Eve uses the art of the collage to depict what going on in her mind’s eye as she visualizes each new hue. Get her own thoughts on this warm, rich caramel hair color in the style notes.

“This is my warm caramel color melt for fall. The deep richness of the caramel hue flows through the hair, adding dimension, depth, and healthy-looking shine to a sleek and polished look. To create this color I first lifted my client’s base tone with Goldwell 6A and 20-volume developer. Then I hand-painted highlights throughout to encourage a natural-looking effect. To finish, I glazed with Goldwell 7NA=7G. This leaves controlled warmth in the hair, ensuring it stays shiny, not brassy.” –– Eve Galmiche

Special Thanks to Eve Galmiche for sharing her work with Style Noted.

Follow Eve on Instagram: @Colorme_eve for more hair inspiration!

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The silver hair trend works on dichotomies: it blends youthfulness with maturity, it looks both natural and artificial, it’s soft and strong. The latest variation on the trend involves blending different levels of gray for a salt and pepper feeling. We’re seeing silver highlights blended into natural browns and blondes, or monochromatic blends of charcoal and platinum shades. Dimension mimics the natural graying process, creating looks that beg the question: Is that natural? If you’re intrigued, click the style notes. –– Laura Martin

Step: If you’re going gray naturally transform your random silver strands into a fashionable statement by adding thick ribbons of silver throughout your mane. It’s a great way to disguise your hair’s age.

Step: If your hair is already blonde, add dimension with cool lowlights. Goldwell SB and NP shades blend beautifully with cool blondes to create smokey color palettes.

Step: If you’re starting with dark hair, add a full head of bright blonde highlights and glaze with a cool silver blonde to unite and blend the different levels. Goldwell Express Toning in 9 Silver will give hair an icy cast without dulling.

Special thanks to Laura Martin for this post. Laura is a professional hair stylist, former senior educator at ARROJO cosmetology school, and a creative non-fiction MFA student at Georgia College, Milledgeville, GA

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Maple syrup, assam tea, roasted almonds, this soft brown hue has complexity and richness that comes straight from nature. If you prefer subtlety to drama, and want extra oomph without making a dramatic color change, this is your hue. This shade is guaranteed to turn heads while still leaving everyone wondering if you were born with it. Click the style notes for the formula and tips on application. –– Laura Martin

Application: Apply root formula to the first 1” of hair at the scalp, working in 1/2 sections to achieve thorough saturation. When root application is complete pull ends formula through remaining hair using the same sections. Process completed application for 20 minutes then shampoo and condition.

Formulas (on natural level 7)

Roots: Goldwell Topchic 1 part 7NA + 1 part 7GB with 20 Volume

Ends: Goldwell Topchic 1 part 7NA + 3 parts 7GB with 30 Volume

Special thanks to Laura Martin for this post. Laura is a professional hair stylist, former senior educator at ARROJO cosmetology school, and a creative non-fiction MFA student at Georgia College, Milledgeville, GA

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This shiny deep brown shade is absolutely decadent. A blend of red, gold and ash brown hues, the color has a spectrum of reflection that flatters a variety of skin tones. Perfect for adding a bit of drama for the cool months this lovely hue pairs beautifully with vampy red lips or soft natural beauty. The saturation of tones provides maximum versatility with a warmth that keeps the shade from washing out pale complexions. Click the style notes for the formula and tips on application. –Laura Martin

Application: Shampoo hair and towel dry. Apply the formula below from roots to ends, saturating thoroughly. Process a full 30 minutes, rinse and condition.

Formula (on natural level 5 or 6)

Goldwell Colorance 2 parts 5RB + 1 part 5MG with 2% Lotion

Special thanks to Laura Martin for this post. Laura is a professional hair stylist, former senior educator at ARROJO cosmetology school, and a creative non-fiction MFA student at Georgia College, Milledgeville, GA

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Winter white touched with a dash of rosy glow is a a gorgeous, take on pale blonde hair that nods to the pastel trend without looking extreme. Natural hues with unexpected overtones are a big trend this season, giving the girl on the street an office-appropriate variation on the pastel trend. This lovely blonde shade is the perfect example. Control the amount of pigmentation with timing; the formula below will create shades ranging from neutral khaki to pastel lavender, depending on processing. Click the style notes to learn more and get the professional formulation. –Laura Martin

Application: Lighten hair to an even level 10 Blonde using a gentle lightener like Goldwell Silk Lift. Shampoo, condition and towel dry thoroughly. Apply the formula below, beginning with midshaft, working quickly for even deposit. Wait for the desired level of deposit, then pull color through roots and ends and continue to process until hair is a uniform shade.

Formula: Goldwell Colorance 20 parts Clear + 10 Parts 10V + 2 parts 7PK with 2% Lotion.

Special thanks to Laura Martin for this post. Laura is a professional hair stylist, former senior educator at ARROJO cosmetology school, and a creative non-fiction MFA student at Georgia College, Milledgeville, GA.

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Add an edgy touch to your look by blending natural tones with a splash of vibrance. These off colors, which fall somewhere in-between neutral shades and fashion tones, provide a wearable alternative to pastels and brights. Violet brown, silver gray, and other off-color shades provide a touch of punk influence without feeling over the top. The understated take on fashion tones will add interest to your ensembles without demanding to become the focal point. Learn how to achieve this unusual hues in the style notes. –– Laura Martin

Step: An easy way to add a bit of unexpected tone to your hair is with a tinted conditioner. Try red, violet or gold, to play up the tones that already exist in your hair.

Step: For a slightly bolder take on the trend, glaze your hair with a demi-permanent blend of your base shade and some pure tone. Goldwell Mix tones are a great way to amp up the undertones in any hue.

Step: For the longest lasting and most customizable take on the trend use Goldwell Elumen to create a customized tone. Test shades on white paper before applying to hair to ensure a predictable end result.

Special thanks to Laura Martin for this post. Laura is a professional hair stylist, former senior educator at ARROJO cosmetology school, and a creative non-fiction MFA student at Georgia College, Milledgeville, GA

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For some people pumpkin is the essential fall flavor, but for me it’s always been cranberry. There’s something about it’s cool tartness that reminds me of fall air. Translated to hair, the cranberry’s hue lends a cool brightness that’s rich but bright. It looks like cold weather sunsets, autumn leaves, and late season berries. The two-step process explained below provides a shimmering, long-lasting result. Read on for the professional formula and tips on application. –– Laura Martin

Application: Apply formula 1 to cold shaft first, starting an inch away from scalp and saturating throughly to ends, then apply to roots. Process 30 minutes, shampoo and towel dry. Apply formula 2 and process 10 minutes. Rinse and condition.

Formulas: (on natural level 6)

1: Goldwell Topchic 1 part 7RR + 1 part 7RO with 20 Volume

2: Goldwell Colorance 6VV with 2% Lotion

Special thanks to Laura Martin for this post. Laura is a professional hair stylist, former senior educator at ARROJO cosmetology school, and a creative non-fiction MFA student at Georgia College, Milledgeville, GA

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Warm spices are the perfect counterpoint to cool weather, adding robustness to seasonal delights. Warm hair colors do the same thing for your strands, adding richness and life. This shade, inspired by the fragrant sweet flavor of cinnamon combines deep red tones with a rich brown base. The hue is luscious and fashion forward, but understated. It’s the perfect way to prepare your strands for winter. Click the style notes for application tips and the professional formulation. –– Laura Martin 

Application: Apply formula 1 to roots, saturating the 1” closest to the scalp thoroughly, using 1/4 sections for thorough saturation. Immediately follow with formula 2, applied the remainder of the strand, using the same sections and saturating thoroughly. Process for 30 minutes. Cleanse and condition with color save.

Formulas: (on natural level 6)

1: Goldwell Topchic 1 part 6B + 1 part 6RB + 1 part 5RS with 20 Volume

2: Goodwill Topchic 1 part 5RS + 1 part 6RB + 1 part 6KG with 30 Volume

Special thanks to Laura Martin for this post. Laura is a professional hair stylist, former senior educator at ARROJO cosmetology school, and a creative non-fiction MFA student at Georgia College, Milledgeville, GA