From copper-kissed coils to deep garnet braids, these rich shades are redefining autumn beauty for melanin-rich skin tones.

As the season shifts and wardrobes deepen in color, hair is following suit. For Black women in particular, fall represents one of the most exciting moments on the beauty calendar — a chance to lean into the warm, rich tones that have always complemented deeper skin beautifully. Reddish-brown hair, in all its dimensional glory, is having a genuine cultural moment right now, showing up on natural hair, braids, locs, and relaxed styles alike. Here are 10 shades worth bookmarking before your next salon appointment.

Why Reddish-Brown Works So Well on Deeper Skin Tones

There’s a reason colorists consistently reach for warm, reddish-brown hues when working with deeper complexions — the contrast is stunning. Rich undertones in brown and Black skin tend to harmonize naturally with the amber, copper, and burgundy end of the color spectrum, creating a synergy that lighter shades simply can’t replicate. Where a cool ash brown might wash out a deeper complexion, a warm chestnut or a jewel-toned garnet makes it glow. The reddish-brown family also plays exceptionally well across the full range of hair textures common in the Black community, from 4C coils to loose waves.

Top 10 Reddish-Brown Shades for Black Women

1. Auburn Auburn is one of the most universally flattering shades for deeper skin tones, and for good reason. The balance of bright red at the surface and rich brown underneath creates dimension that reads as both natural and deliberate. On natural hair especially, auburn catches light in a way that highlights curl definition beautifully.

2. Copper Brown Warm and radiant, copper brown sits at the intersection of bold and wearable. It adds instant warmth to deeper complexions without veering into territory that requires heavy upkeep. On protective styles like box braids or twists, copper brown is nothing short of breathtaking.

3. Cherry Cola Red A longtime favorite in Black hair culture, cherry cola has roots — pun intended — that run deep in the community’s beauty history. The blend of deep burgundy and warm brown undertones creates a shade that photographs brilliantly and ages gracefully as it grows out.

4. Garnet Garnet occupies that coveted space between red and brown where neither fully takes over. On deeper skin tones, it reads as rich and dimensional — almost like a precious stone caught in sunlight. It works equally well on locs, twists, and straight styles.

5. Mahogany Few shades feel as luxurious against deeper skin as mahogany. It’s a natural-looking reddish-brown that adds sophistication without demanding attention, making it one of the most versatile options on this list. It’s low-maintenance in the best possible way.

6. Chocolate Cherry Chocolate cherry blends warm scarlet and deep chestnut into something that feels simultaneously bold and grounded. For Black women who want color that makes a statement without straying too far from a natural brown base, this is the sweet spot.

7. Reddish-Brown Braids Braids offer one of the most liberating ways to experiment with color — no chemical commitment required. Pairing natural brown hair with reddish-brown braiding hair introduces color gradually and reversibly, making it a smart first step for anyone color-curious. The contrast between one’s natural roots and the warm reddish-brown extension color adds an effortlessly dimensional effect.

8. Cinnamon Balayage A balayaged cinnamon look — where mahogany roots gradually lighten into reddish, warm-toned lengths — works particularly well on natural hair. The technique mimics the way sunlight naturally lifts color, creating a lived-in finish that feels anything but artificial. On Type 3 and Type 4 textures, the result is especially striking.

9. Chestnut with Grown-Out Roots Chestnut on deeper skin tones has an almost magnetic warmth to it. Allowing the roots to grow out naturally only deepens the effect, adding dimension that makes the color look multidimensional rather than flat. It’s an ideal choice for anyone wanting a rich, seasonal update with minimal chair time.

10. Flaming Highlights For the bold and the unafraid, flaming highlights — a mix of red, orange, gold, and brown — create a fiery, high-impact look that commands a room. On deeper skin, the contrast between the warm highlight shades and the natural dark base is especially dramatic. Whether applied to locs, braids, or natural hair, this look never fails to turn heads.

Choosing the Right Reddish-Brown for Your Skin Tone

Not all reddish-browns hit the same way across the full spectrum of deeper skin tones. Women with warm, golden undertones often find that copper brown, cinnamon, and chestnut are their most harmonious matches. Those with cooler or more neutral undertones tend to gravitate toward cherry cola, garnet, and mahogany, where the jewel-toned quality of the shade creates a richer contrast. When in doubt, a colorist who specializes in textured hair and deeper skin tones is the most valuable resource in the room. Swatching colors against the inner wrist — where skin tone is typically most visible — is also a quick and reliable at-home test before committing.

Whatever shade makes the final cut, one thing is certain: reddish-brown was practically invented for fall, and this fall, it belongs to everyone.