Hair

Stunning Brunette Hair Colors to Inspire Your Next Look

What is “Espresso Brunette” Hair?

According to Wella Professionals, “The clue is in the name. Espresso is the darkest, strongest coffee you can find, leaning almost black, with a hint of brown swirling around the cup. An espresso hair colour mimics that fresh brew by mixing a black-brown base with the softest subtle highlights, which boast just enough contrast to catch the light and add a touch of shimmer. These ‘lights take on a ‘blink and you’ll miss them’ effect, as they seamlessly blend with the base to lend dimension and a very gentle, low contrast lift. To make them subtler still, they’re usually applied with a balayage technique, so the delicate contrast only appears through the mid-lengths and ends.”

Why is “Espresso Brunette” Hair Trending?

Photo: Pinterest

Espresso brunette is the ultimate soft brown look. It combines beautiful shades of brown to create a stunning mixture of highlights and lowlights for that amazing end look. Many celebrities utilise this colour combination to get that beautiful red carpet look. These celebrities include Zendaya, Shay Mitchell, Kaia Gerber, and Ashley Park, just to name a few. Not only is this colour perfect for the colder, winter seasons, but these celebrities have proved that this hair look can last all year long.

How can you achieve the perfect “espresso brunette” look?

You can achieve this look in a salon by simply asking your hair stylist if you want the “espresso brunette” look, however, you should discuss with them what the right shade is for you depending on your skin tone and eye colour. Not all espresso brunettes look the same because of this so keep that in mind!

If you want to dabble in an at-home dye job then L’orela Paris says “Achieving an espresso hair colour all comes down to finding the perfect box of permanent hair colour that sits on the cusp of black and brown. If you’re having trouble finding the right shade, seek out the L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color in Cool Darkest Brown, Cool Dark Brown, or the L’Oréal Paris Excellence Crème Permanent Triple Protection Hair Color in Dark Ash Brown. These three cool-toned, espresso-brown hair colour kits are perfect for bringing your hair goals to life. Regardless of which kit you pick, make sure you follow the included directions exactly. This will ensure you see the results you’re expecting.”

What if this isn’t the right brunette for you?

If the “espresso brunette” trend isn’t the right type of brunette for you, there are many other kinds of hair colouring with the same vibe. These different styles can create highlights and lowlights in your hair that are flattering to both you and your skin tone.

According to L’oreal Paris “For the most flattering look, you’ll want to pick a shade of brown hair that has the same undertone as your skin. Cool shades like mushroom brown complement cool skin well, while golden brown hair and other warm shades are ideal for those with warmer complexions.”

Here are some of the options that you can turn to if you want the right hair colour for you.

Milk Chocolate Brunette

Photo: Pinterest

“Milk chocolate hair incorporates a deep, rich chocolate brown base with just the right amount of delicious, milky tones flowing through it. This combination creates a textured shade with tons of dimension.”

Cinnamon Brunette

Photo: Pinterest

“Cinnamon hair is a warm, medium-toned brown hue with a distinct reddish (or, depending on the hue, orangey) cast.” 

Walnut Brunette

Photo: Pinterest

“Walnut brown hair color typically refers to a rich, warm shade of brown that resembles the color of a walnut shell. It’s a versatile color that can have subtle variations, leaning towards either cooler or warmer tones depending on the individual’s natural hair color and the dye used.” 

Caramel Brunette

Photo: Pinterest

“The shade is just what the name suggests — a medium brown color with hints of amber and gold. It has tons of depth and dimension, making it flattering on a wide range of skin tones.”

Chocolate Brunette

Photo: Pinterest

“Chocolate brown is a classic brunette shade that’s flattering on an array of skin tones. The medium brown hue traditionally has reddish or gold undertones, which give the shade warmth, depth, and richness.”

Espresso Martini Brunette

Photo: Pinterest

“Espresso martini starts with a deeper brunette base with a mix of a creamy, honey, beige, [or] bronde ribbons of highlights. Not too warm and not too cool, just the perfect [melt] of cool and gold.”

Megan Black

Hi, my name is Megan. I have a degree in Film, Media & Journalism and my interests include travel, food, beauty, films and photography. I am originally from Scotland but I have lived in 9 countries so I consider myself a bit of a nomad.


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(2) Comments

  1. […] don’t need to be a coffee lover to adore this season’s trending brunette shade. Espresso hair colour is here, lending a rich dimension with a cool, dark brown base and a shot of subtle, smoky […]

  2. […] pixie that was worlds apart from her previous red-carpet look. While she maintained her signature warm brunette color, her hair was way shorter than the flipped-out long bob she sported last year when she won for Poor […]

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