Richer, Not Darker: How to Refresh Your Color for Fall in Austin

Every September, we hear the same request in our Austin chairs. "I want to go darker for fall." But when we sit down for a consultation, most clients don't actually want dark hair. They want hair that looks rich, glossy and expensive. 

Going darker and going richer are not the same thing. One can leave your color flat and heavy. The other adds depth, warmth, and shine while keeping your brightness. Here's how we make fall color richer, not darker, at Ārdeō Color Studio. 

What "richer" actually means

Darker usually means one solid, deeper shade over the whole head. It can read heavy and leave a harsh line as it grows out. Richer means adding dimension: depth where your hair naturally has it, warmth that flatters your skin, and shine. Your color still feels bright and grows out soft. 

Four ways to go richer this fall 

1. Lowlights. We add depth back into the hair that got too light over the summer, matched to your natural growth so it grows out without a harsh line. 

2. A warm gloss. A gloss refreshes your tone, softens brassiness and adds shine without changing your level. It works on every hair color, not just blondes. 

3. Blurred brunette. Caramel anf espresso tones melted together for dimension without stripes. It's a low-maintenance look to keep up. 

4. Copper and auburn. A warm copper or auburn shade instantly reads rich and glowing, tailored to your skin and natural color. 

Brassy doesn't mean you have to go dark. 

One of our recent clients came in after a long Texas summer with blonde that had turned a little too warm. She thought the only fix was going darker. Instead, we softened the tone, and she left with a richer, less brassy blonde that still felt like her. 

Keeping your color rich at home.

Use a color-safe shampoo and conditioner, wash in cooler water, use heat protectant, and book a gloss refresh between color visits. Austin's hard water can also dull your color, so ask your colorist about a clarifying treatment. 

Book your fall refresh

You don't have to know the terms. Tell us what you want, and we'll translate it. Before a single drop of color, we map it out together. Book your fall color consultation at Ārdeō Color Studio, or DM us on Instagram @ardeocolorstudio.