Smoked Suede Brunette Is About to Be Fall’s Chicest Hair Color

As we start to plan our cozy fall outfits (hello again, sweaters and jeans), we’re also thinking about what hair colors the season will bring. Smoked suede brunette has risen to the top as one of our favorites for this autumn, and we’re not the only ones leaning in to the deep, cool color.

SNL comedian Chloe Fineman took to Instagram in early July to try two different wigs, one cool blonde and one rich brunette, and after much consideration, she opted for the brown shade. But rather than keeping it to just a wig, she took the plunge and dove head first (literally) into a permanent new brunette color, which we’re officially calling smoked suede brunette.

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Fineman debuted her new smoked suede brunette color on the red carpet of the Freakier Friday premiere in Los Angeles on July 22. Though the shade quickly turned heads, what does smoked suede brunette actually mean? It’s a rich, glossy, and multidimensional deep brown shade with cool lowlights and soft blends for added movement and a natural look. It’s safe to say that this is effortlessly chic and oh so elevated.

Beverly Hills–based Méche Salon colorist and Schwarzkopf Professional hair color trend ambassador Jacob Schwartz is the one to credit with Fineman’s new look, so we turned to him to give us the lowdown on this trending shade for fall. Ahead, everything you need to know about smoked suede brunette hair, our new favorite color as we head into cooler months.

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What is smoked suede brunette hair?

Think of smoked suede brunette as a dark, almost coffee-like hair color. It strikes “that perfect balance of rich and cool, with just the right amount of depth and dimension,” says Schwartz. “It’s a modern brunette that feels soft, smoky, and luxe.”

Why call it smoked? The cool tones give it that finish: “There’s this subtle ashiness layered into the warmth, which gives it a very refined, expensive finish,” says Schwartz. “Think seamless lowlights, muted brunette tones, and that silky suede texture that moves with the light.” It’s giving quiet luxury hair, and we’re here for it.

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How do you decide if smoked suede brunette hair is the right shade for you?

When it came to choosing this shade for Fineman, Schwartz says that “she was ready for a transformation and we wanted something that felt fresh, but still classic.” A smoky, soft suede color with plenty of dimension “brought in softness and sophistication, gives her hair this beautiful movement, and makes her features pop without overpowering her,” says Schwartz.

If that all speaks to you, smoked suede brunette might just be the one for you. And the good news is that it’s definitely versatile, regardless of your skin’s tone and undertones. It’s “one of those hues that just works—it walks that perfect line between cool and warm, so it complements a wide range of skin tones and undertones,” says Schwartz.

With olive or neutral skin, “it brings out that natural depth,” says Schwartz. Meanwhile, for warmer complexions, “I’ll layer in golden beige to soften and brighten.” And if someone has cooler undertones, “I’ll add a touch more ash to keep it balanced and fresh,” he says. “It’s all about customizing. As with any hair color, there’s no one-size-fits-all brunette.”

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Is smoked suede brunette hair low-maintenance?

In case you didn’t have enough reasons to love smoked suede brunette already, let us give you one more: The expensive-looking shade is low-maintenance, especially if you already have naturally brown hair. If you color your hair often, you know how nice it is to be able to extend time between trips to the salon without worrying about any harsh lines as your hair grows out.

“The tonal layering makes it super forgiving as it grows out if you are naturally a brunette,” says Schwartz. “There are no harsh lines or overly bright pieces; it’s built to look lived-in from day one.” That’s what we like to hear. Plus, you can expect a super-luxurious look for longer with this color: “Because it’s a deeper, dimensional brunette, it holds its richness longer than lighter shades,” he says. “With the right glossing, it fades beautifully.”

How do you maintain smoked suede brunette hair?

Anyone who regularly colors their hair knows that a hair gloss is essential for shiny, soft strands. You can get this done professionally at the salon, but there are plenty of at-home hair glosses to choose from too. “To keep that richness going between appointments, I always recommend a clear gloss,” says Schwartz. “Schwarzkopf Professional Igora Vibrance 0-00 is a favorite of mine. It refreshes the tone, boosts shine, and keeps the color looking luminous and lived-in.”

As for how often to do a gloss for maximum results? “Just a simple gloss every few weeks truly makes all the difference,” says Schwartz.

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Will brunette shades continue to trend this fall?

Platinum blondes and piecey highlights will step aside this fall. We’ve already been seeing lots of easy-to-wear shades on celebrities lately (think Kate Middleton’s honey bronde or Ashley Park’s chestnut brown), and we’ll only be seeing more of the darker shades come autumn. “Brunette is definitely on the rise as we head into fall,” says Schwartz. “Clients are craving richness, shine, and dimension that feel effortless but elevated.”

Before her smoked suede brunette, Schwartz gave Fineman a babydoll brunette shade that’s “soft, warm, and grows out beautifully,” he says. “It’s perfect for that sun-kissed transition from summer.” Say less—we’re in.

There’s also the classic and hugely popular old money brunette shade too, which Schwartz created for Bella Hadid. “It’s glossy, low-maintenance, and luxe without trying too hard,” he says.

What else can we expect this fall when it comes to hair color? “Overall, there’s a shift toward classic, natural tones—rich brunettes, soft blacks, warm reds—just enhanced with tone-on-tone depth and major shine,” Schwartz says. “It’s all about hair that looks healthy, expensive, and lived-in.” We’re so on board.

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