There’s something about that first chill in the air that makes me cross my fingers for fall. The sight of a singular tawny leaf on the sidewalk is enough to make my mind stray to the funnel-neck jacket sitting in one of my many open tabs and begin planning my next Gilmore Girls marathon. But as I’m a beauty editor, one question seldom fails to bubble up around this time of year when I catch my flat brown mane in the mirror: Should I go darker?

It’s a blanket statement to say that people dye their strands blonder in the summer and deeper in the winter, but it’s not inherently false. The sun lightens many people’s hair, which presents the perfect opportunity to lean into bright, sun-warmed hues. But as summer heat gives way to a temperate fall breeze, the attention shifts from golden hues toward rich chocolate, burnished brown, and inky espresso—making everyone wonder if brunettes have more fun.

“Dramatic, cool-toned, deep browns that give a sleek and polished look [are] perfect for the transition of seasons into the colder months,” celebrity hairstylist and master colorist Dimitris Giannetos tells me. Fellow celeb hairstylist Marc Ballance agrees, spotlighting environmental changes and increased attention toward hair health as another catalyst. “After a summer of travel, sun exposure, salt water, and chlorine, many clients come in saying their hair feels dry and overprocessed,” he explains. “Deepening the tone with a rich brunette and adding shine instantly makes the hair look healthier and feel stronger, which is exactly what people are looking for going into fall.”