We appreciate it’s still steaming hot out there but no jokes, Autumn will soon be with us. Time to ponder on Autumn/Winter 26 hair trends incoming with star colourist and educator Marlene Lamont to guide us.
Educator and owner of Urban Hair in Scotland, Marlene has a team of 17 working at the salon and academy. She’s seen a fair few seasons turning heads in her extensive career, so you’ll do well to heed her trend advice… take it away!
Deep Plum Shades
Marlene is a good advocate for plum shades taking our fancy this year. She says; “As the nights become moodier and darker, so does our hair! This season’s colour is all about deep plum and purple shades, giving the perfect mix of mystery and elegance for the winter months. Deep plum shades give flat or faded dark hair a multi-tonal, high gloss boost that mimics the shades of the season. It works seamlessly as an upgrade for darker brunettes looking to add a hint of colour into their hair. The shade works beautifully on all skin tones because it mixes red and purple, preventing pale skin from looking washed out and popping against darker skin without losing depth or looking flat.”
Micro Fringes
Ensuring your colour give maximum impact, pair with another hot trend, the micro fringe. Marlene says: “Micro fringes are back for autumn and winter as the cooler weather makes high-maintenance face-framing cuts easier to manage without summer sweat. Less humidity and heat mean bangs stay styled longer without sticking to the forehead and short, blunt lines contrast sharply with heavy winter coats, scarves and structured autumn fashion. Micro fringes are popular in the colder months as they offer an instant, edgy change to your look and pair gorgeously with autumn layers and bobs, drawing a sharp focus to the eyes.”
Textured Mullets
They’re still here! “The return of 70’s, 80’s hair trends has influenced the rise of textured mullets in the autumn and winter months. They offer a bold, low-maintenance style while adding natural volume and edge that stands out during the gloomy months. The soft, face-framing pieces flatter the eyes and cheekbones, and the harsh wind and rain doesn’t ruin the shape, making it a perfect choice for winter.”
Ultra Glossy & Sleek
And one we all love still – also perfect to show off colour to best effect. “After a summer of textured, beachy waves, sleek and glossy hair is making its comeback for the colder months. Offering polished minimalism and quiet luxury, shiny hair looks rich and well-cared for and gives the illusion of very healthy, strong hair that may be drier due to the harsher weather. Salon glossing or at-home shine sprays add instant shine to the hair and applying a small drop of hair oil to the ends helps keep the hair nourished.”
Credit due
The images above are from Marlene’s Rebel collection.
Hair: Marlene Lamont • Photos: Lee Howell • Make Up: Samantha Whyte • Styling: Graeme Bone • Assistants: Blayre Turnbull, Aletta Jean Murphy
So now you know what’s incoming… give it thought, individualise the looks, and practice delivery ready for a busy Autumn.
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