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Espresso might just be the word of the year. From Sabrina Carpenter’s summer anthem to martinis, and with temperatures dropping, winter hair trends are no exception to the rich, dark, chocolatey brown that’s been having its moment. Now, is going darker for the season groundbreaking? Absolutely not, but the seasonal transition offers a fun opportunity to refresh your look, from your hair to your wardrobe. So why not embrace the change with espresso-brown hair?
Just like coffee beans, not all brunettes are created equal. There’s a richness to espresso brown that really sets it apart—a specific “flavor profile,” if you will. “Espresso Brown is a rich, dimensional brunette shade that blends warmth and depth, evoking the richness of espresso coffee.” says celebrity hairstylist Castillo Bataille. “It’s a sophisticated and bold trend that adds warmth and drama to your overall look.” Just like blonde, the espresso brunette trend can be worn by most, but the tone must be tailored to your unique features.
Highlights can be bold and contrasting or subtle, blending tone-on-tone. “Brunettes usually want more nuanced placement and expressive tones,” says New York-based hairstylist Brandon McHie, adding that cool highlights or pops of warm tones throughout can tie an espresso look together. “The espresso brunette shade is effortlessly cool and confident.”
Another reason to love this shade is its graceful fade, which is perfect for anyone who likes to stretch the time between appointments. Meghan Markle’s hair is a great example of a true espresso brown base with pops of warmer tones throughout and the subtle, barely-there nature of a similar look is great if you don’t want to spend time (or money) consistently touching up roots or highlights. Plus, this option could be especially enticing if you want your hair to appear thicker.
How to achieve espresso brown hair
The key to nailing espresso brown is ensuring the undertones match your skin tone and eye color. “Clients should ask about the undertone balance. Espresso brown can have hints of either warm or cool tones, so it’s important to discuss with your colorist what will suit you best,” says Bataille.
Choosing the wrong undertone can make or break the look, so having a plan with your stylist is essential. “Cool tones on warmer skin tones can make the skin look washed out, while warm tones on cooler skin can result in a brassy look,” McHie explains. “It’s all about preference, and there are always exceptions, but generally, the color wheel is a reliable guide.” Take Kaia Gerber’s cool-toned brown, for example, which starts with a rich espresso base before melting slightly creamy highlights towards the ends (like an Americano with a splash of milk)—it’s great inspo if you want a look that’s on the cooler side.
Another important factor to consider is how long you want to commit to the shade and what your maintenance plan will look like—since dark colors like this can fade, keeping the richness between appointments is key. “I also think it’s important to ask whether permanent or demi-permanent color is a better option,” says McHie. “When trying new tones, especially darker ones, I usually opt for a demi-permanent gloss, which offers less commitment.”
Demi-permanent hair color typically lasts about eight to ten weeks and is easier to lift if you want to lighten your hair again. The pigment fades gradually with each wash, leaving no harsh line of demarcation as it grows out. Asking for a custom gloss or treatment will help keep the color looking brand new. “As for hair textures, espresso brown looks beautiful on both straight and curly hair, but with textured hair, moisture is key to maintaining that rich shine,” adds Bataille.
How to maintain espresso brown hair color
Now that you know exactly what to ask your hair stylist for, start thinking about a maintenance routine that will keep your hair color looking vibrant all season. Both experts recommend using a color-safe shampoo and conditioner to preserve the vibrancy of your espresso brown. Great options include the Oribe Shampoo for Beautiful Color ($49) and Oribe Conditioner for Beautiful Color ($52), formulated with plant extracts to help condition color-treated cuticles and add shine.
We also love the Matrix Total Results Color Obsessed Shampoo ($20) and Matrix Color Obsessed Conditioner ($20) for color preservation and for keeping your hair feeling strong between color appointments (this shampoo is clarifying though, so we’d recommend using it once weekly versus daily, to avoid drying out your hair).
For a more budget-friendly alternative, McHie suggests the L’Oréal EverPure Sulfate-Free Bond Strengthening Shampoo ($10) and L’Oréal EverPure Sulfate-Free Bond Strengthening Conditioner ($10) which, together, smooths cuticles and adds shine. Both experts recommend using a deep conditioning hair mask at least twice a month to help lock in shine, and a leave-in heat protectant, like the Redken Acidic Concentrate Leave-In Treatment ($33), is also recommended to prevent fading from thermal styling.
Our recommendations
Final thoughts
In the end, espresso brown is more than just a hair color—it’s a vibe. It’s that perfect mix of warm and sophisticated, with just the right amount of drama for winter. “Espresso brown is a timeless color that adapts to the season. It’s luxurious while still being low-maintenance,” says Castillo. It’s also a great transition color for those who want to go darker for the cooler months but aren’t ready for a jet black or ultra-dark shade. Whether you want to add warmth, depth, or edge, this rich shade is a great, customizable option. With the right undertones and a simple maintenance routine, your espresso brown will stay vibrant and fresh for weeks. So why not embrace the change and go all-in on winter’s coziest color?
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