8 reasons to go for warm hair colour this Autumn

As the weather cools down and we transition into winter, that healthy glow we’ve all been clinging onto since summer is on its way out, and fast. And though your gut reaction may be to book yourself in for a skin brightening spray tan asap, the key to a healthy looking complexion could actually start with a smart, warm  hair colour update. We sat down with Amber Swift, seasoned Salon Director and Head Technician at Edinburgh’s Charlie Miller salon chain to discuss the practical steps you can take to warm up your hair (and skin!) colour this Autumn.

By Rebecca Hoffnung

• 1 Warm tones flatter more than cool tones

  To all the colour rookies out there, the difference between warm and cool tones is simple: warm tones contain chestnuts, coppers and golds, whereas cooler tones are ashes, violets, blues and greens. For example, a milky chocolate hair colour would be considered warm, whereas dark chocolate hair is on the cooler end of the spectrum. Warmer tones work to enhance the skin, cooler tones, although modern, can leave you needing to wear more makeup. 
• 2 It works for every hair colour

  Warming up your hair is possible for pretty much every shade. ‘Creating warm tones is possible from light all the way through to dark hair colours. From highlight services to balayage and ombre, there’s a handful of ways this look can be achieved no matter what your starting point is’ explains Amber.
• 3 It can be tweaked and updated easily

  ‘As soon as Fashion Week hits and the seasons begin to change everyone starts looking for a update’ explained Amber. ‘Tiger eye hair has proven to be very popular this year, which is a combination of a warm balayage base with subtle ribbons of caramel highlights to create a stunning multi tonal look.’ Guaranteed to brighten up any wintery complexion, this sun kissed colour is a fail safe look for Autumn.
• 4 Even the coolest hair colour can be warmed up

  Still rocking an icey cool shade from summer? Not a problem. Booking yourself in for a quick consultation is the first step on your journey towards warmer hair. ‘You may require a colour correction service’ explained Amber; ‘or a pre colour cleanse to remove any cooler tones before we get started on the new colour.’
• 5 Your colourist will love you for it

  There's only so many pinks, grey and blue heads of hair a colourist can take. For them, nothing is more satisfying than creating a truely beautiful, radiant natural warm hair colour and seeing a client walk out happy and glowing. According to Swift, It also allows them to work with your natural skin and hair tones to find a shade that really is bespoke to you. 
• 6 Balayage fans can still get their fix

  Asking for a warm balayage is a fail safe way to get the effect you want. From bronde contouring to root shadowing, it creates a softer, more translucent look, essentially adding depth to the roots and then threading that warmth down throughout the hair. Go
• 7 Your skin will glow

  The shade of your hair can have a huge effect on your skin, and even a subtle colour update can make a big difference. ‘While cool tones are more muted, warm tones reflect the light which adds a subtle golden hue to your hair and a healthy glow to your face’ explained Amber. ‘We’re talking reds, blondes, brassy browns, auburns, warm caramels and coppers.’ 
• 8 Need-to-knows

  • Warm tones contain chestnuts, coppers and golds
  • Cooler tones contain ashes, violets, blues and greens
  • Warming up your hair colour for Autumn is achievable for just about every hair shade
  • Always book yourself in for a thorough consultation with your stylist first