As the temperatures drop, the colour mood also changes dramatically. For fashionisers in the Northern Hemisphere currently experiencing autumn’s cool days, it’s not too late for either a minimal seasonal update or total colour revamp that will take you into winter 2012.

With all the rich textures and strong hues displayed on the catwalks from fall 2011 it makes perfect sense for this to follow through to hair colour in both choice of colour and also placement as the colder months continue.

For more details on all of 2012′s hairstyles, follow that link, and be sure to subscribe to our newsletter or RSS feed for hair trend updates.

The colour blocking trend as seen on the catwalks of Prada and Dior will translate into a stronger yet still seamless placement of colour. However, this time round the shades are more saturated in tone than the sheer infusions that we were seeing in hair throughout spring.

Shades of red

If red hair is your colour this season, opt for deeper and richer tones, taking an influence from the gothic/fetish vibe which was seen on the fall catwalk of Louis Vuitton. Luscious shades such as rioja and ruby make a statement and were big news at Gucci with rich velvety finish. Coppers such as deep Amber with a jewel-like shine as seen on Florence Welch are also big news for fall.

Red haired Regina Feoktistova

This can be achieved with either a semi permanent gloss colour for high shine or permanent colour in a shade that is more saturated in tone.

Metallic toned hair

Blondes can be customised with an infusion of metallic tone, similar to the textures displayed on Prada’s little mermaids – where a metallic sheen was evident on the lighter side of the collection. Tones such as rose dust, oyster and pewter pearl are perfect to progress a summer blonde shade into the colder months. Look to supermodel Kristen Mcmenamy with her metallic pewter locks for inspiration on how to work the metallic look.

Kristen Mcmenamy’s pewter hair colour

Ask your colourist for either solid colour (lightened & toner) or seamless placement of blonde with high shine gloss toners to create an infusion of metallic tones (this can be created with a highlighting technique). No two blondes should be exactly the same: work with an experienced colourist to create a personalised shade to enhance your skin tone and natural colouring.

Brunette

The brunette colour pallette will take inspiration from nature, with the various textures of fur which were big on the catwalks.

Rich shades of espresso and oak brown, also make for the perfect neutral compliment to any of the rich tones seen throughout the collections for the current season. This can be created using a semi permanent gloss colour. Seamless placement of lighter shades such as almond or rosewood through mid lengths and ends make for a more subtle, luxurious looking version of summer’s extreme dip dye trend.

Brunette hair colours take their cues from nature. Luca Luca F/W ’11

Very dark hair

For a more dramatic statement, take your cue from the domanatrix influence that was big at the fall 2011 runways of Louis Vuitton and Dior and opt for a shade that is on the dark side such as aubergine, black-cherry or even if you’re brave, emerald-black.

Louis Vuitton F/W ’11: ultra dark hair suits the season’s fetish subplot

Tip: Don’t forget to get the best out of your colour by caring for it with shampoo and conditioner specifically designed for coloured hair – for example, L’Oreal Professional Serie Expert, Vitamino Colour or a similar product.

For more about current hair trends including tutorials and how-tos, head to our 2012 hairstyles guide.