Fall is in full swing, which means the seasonal beverage craze has officially begun. Instead of pumpkin spice and apple crisp lattes, however, we’re getting our caffeine fix in an entirely different way this season: espresso hair color.
While there is no shortage of gorgeous shades to choose from on the brown hair color chart, this rich, dimensional shade is our top pick for autumn. Inspired to make espresso hair color your fall hair color change? We’re breaking down everything you need to know about the hue, including how to maintain espresso hair color dye and 10 ways to try it.
Good hair day by @lorenhairstylist.
What color is espresso hair color?
Inspired by a hot cup of black coffee, espresso hair color is a neutral, dimensional brunette shade with hints of both black and dark brown. What really makes espresso hair color special, however, is the high-shine finish that never appears dull.
Good hair day by @themaneartistry.
Is espresso a warm or cool color?
While true espresso hair color is a neutral shade, your colorist can optimize the color to be both cool or warm-toned depending on what’s most flattering for your skin tone.
Good hair day by @rosibelhair.
Is espresso black or dark brown?
Espresso hair color is a dark brown shade that can have hints of black.
Color Extend Magnetics Sulfate-Free Shampoo for Color-Treated Hair
A gentle cleansing shampoo to care for colored hair.
Color Extend Magnetics Conditioner for Color-Treated Hair
A moisturizing conditioner for colored hair.
Color Fanatic Top Coat + Sheer Clear
A high-gloss topcoat that restores shine to natural or dark brunette to black hair colors
How To Care For Espresso Hair Color
If you’ve been embracing a low-maintenance hair routine, the good news is that espresso hair color will be the perfect fit. For those who already have a dark base color, your colorist will likely only need to tweak your color slightly to create your desired espresso shade. If you have blonde hair, espresso hair color dye won’t require you to bleach your mane at all. You will, however, want to book an appointment with your colorist every eight weeks or so for a root touch-up.
You can also opt for a demi-permanent espresso hair color if you want to try the color without fully committing. Your colorist can use formulas like Redken Shades EQ hair gloss to customize a shade of espresso in just 20 minutes that can last anywhere from four to six weeks. These acidic, ammonia-free formulas also condition and add shine to your mane. Not to mention: It won’t damage your hair whatsoever.
Interested in trying Redken Shades EQ? Use the Redken salon locator to book an appointment at a Redken salon near you.
While maintaining your color at the salon is essential, at-home care between appointments is just as important. Start by upgrading your routine with a shampoo and conditioner made for color-treated hair like Redken Color Extend Magnetics Shampoo and Conditioner. This sulfate-free system gently cleanses and conditions color-treated strands while helping to preserve the vibrancy of your hue.
Espresso hair color looks best with tons of shine, which is why we also recommend adding an at-home glossing product like Pureology Top Coat + Sheer Clear to your routine. The high-gloss formula restores the shine and reflectiveness of dark brunette hair colors in just five minutes while leaving hair soft and silky.
Want to try espresso hair color for yourself? From dark espresso hair color to warm-toned espresso shades, keep scrolling for 10 of our favorite ways to wear the brunette shade.
The Best Espresso Hair Color Ideas To Try Now
Good hair day by @hair.by.jessv.
Dark Espresso Hair Color
Go extra bold with your espresso hair color by opting for the darkest shade on the spectrum. The best part? This hue looks stunning on any complexion.
Good hair day by @desireedidmyhair.
Iced Espresso
Iced espresso hair color may appear black at first glance, but it’s actually a high-shine shade of dark brown with very blended highlights.
Good hair day by @dsaraiartistry.
Espresso Balayage
While espresso hair color is already low-maintenance, a balayage technique can help you stretch the time even further between salon touch-ups.
Good hair day by @monicapvaladez.
Medium Espresso
This shade of espresso hair color is neutral-toned and falls somewhere between dark and light variations of the shade, which makes it universally flattering for any skin tone.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CNn0jc9goYP/ Photo credit: https://www.instagram.com/themaneartistry/Good hair day by @themaneartistry.
Espresso Hair Color With Highlights
On the lighter side of espresso hair, blonde highlights can add brightness and dimension to your hue. Note: highlights will require your colorist to bleach your mane, so you’ll want to add extra steps to your at-home routine to ensure that your strands are cared for properly.
We suggest using a hair mask like L'Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Absolut Repair Instant Resurfacing Masque once a week. This formula, infused with gold quinoa and protein, deeply nourishes damaged and weakened hair.
Good hair day by @denisesuzanne_.
Espresso Hair Color With Caramel Highlights
Instead of blonde, ask your colorist for caramel streaks throughout your espresso base color for extra warmth.
Good hair day by @beautyxsyd.
Espresso With Copper Highlights
Combine two of autumn’s hottest hair color trends by adding copper highlights to your espresso shade.
Good hair day by @lindsay.magyar.
Cinnamon Espresso
If copper isn’t the red hair color for you, try spicing up your espresso with notes of cinnamon.
Good hair day by @hairbylaquitaburnett.
Smokey Espresso
This ashy espresso hair color puts an emphasis on cool, gray undertones, which is surprisingly flattering on every complexion. Need proof? Check out this example of smokey espresso hair color on dark skin.
Good hair day by @oreyastudio.
Toffee Espresso
We’re obsessed with this sweeter, lighter shade of espresso for fair and medium skin tones.
Want to try espresso hair color? Use our salon locator to book an appointment at a salon near you.
Color Extend Magnetics Sulfate-Free Shampoo for Color-Treated Hair
A gentle cleansing shampoo to care for colored hair.
Color Extend Magnetics Conditioner for Color-Treated Hair
A moisturizing conditioner for colored hair.
Color Fanatic Top Coat + Sheer Clear
A high-gloss topcoat that restores shine to natural or dark brunette to black hair colors
Absolut Repair Instant Resurfacing Masque
A hydrating mask to deeply nourish damaged and weakened hair.
