If the Fall 2012 runway trends tell us anything, it’s that this season will be one of the most opulent, gold-casted yet (it’s about time). Equally luxe strands glittered on the runways, taking their cues from the lush natural shades inherent to this time of year—we spotted rich ochre, deep burgundy and flaming red hair colour trends in our favourite runway shows. To find out how to recreate the hottest shades and keep them their gleaming best, we chatted with Mario Verrilli, celebrity hair stylist and owner of Onaré Salon (www.onaresalon.com) for his breakdown of this season’s hair colour trends. Stay golden, friends!

Fall 2012 hair colour trend: Go for gold(en)

One of the takeaway trends this year from the Fall/Winter 2012 runways is opulence: gilded fabrics, metallic brocades and jewel embellishments reminiscent of baroque-era indulgence. And the OTT splendour spills into Fall 2012 beauty trends trend with similarly, lush, golden locks illuminating the runways. “Warm chocolate browns, golden blondes and auburns are the top hair colours this fall,” pronounces Verrilli. But how does one select from such a rich palette? “As a general rule for choosing the right hair colour for your skin tone, if you have warm eyes, hair and skin tone, choose a warm hair colour; and if you have cool tones, choose a cool hair colour.”

Fall 2012 hair colour trend: Fall in love with autumnal shades

We have a predilection for life imitating pastoral beauty, and the rich hues of fall have a way of surfacing in our lives this time of year. “I think we reflect nature as the leaves change in colour to reds, orange and yellows,” says Verrilli. “It is a great change after the summer sun tends to fade most colours.” But these lush colours do need some help maintaining their luminousity: “The best way to maintain richer colours is to use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner specifically for coloured hair,” he says. “They are far less aggressive and do not strip the hair. Shampooing two-to-three times max. per week is best and there are shampoos that deposit pigment that you can use once a week to refresh the colour.” And keep the rules of summer hair care in mind: Wash less frequently, use a UV protectant, or even better, a hat if in the sun.”

Fall 2012 lip colour trend: Hottest lipstick shades from the runways

More of the rich hues from Fall 2012 hair colour trends on the next page...