Every December, like clockwork, Pantone announces its Color of the Year: A single hue that embodies a global mood and attitude, highlighting how color and culture intersect. This year marks the 26th anniversary of the Color of the Year program, and the selected shade—a scrumptious shade they’ve dubbed Mocha Mousse—is nothing short of sweet.
According to the company, this neutral brown hue is meant to inspire a sense of comfort, indulgence, and contentment (think whipped mousse cakes, frothy espresso martinis, and creamy cannoli). It’s also—as we see it—the perfect canvas for experimenting with sumptuous brunette hair colors. Ahead, we’re breaking down all the details of this shade, how to incorporate it into your mane, and tips for color maintenance. Keep scrolling for all the reasons why you should treat yourself to this opulent shade in 2025.
Photo credit: Pantone
What Is Pantone’s 2025 Color of the Year?
Pantone revealed Mocha Mousse (Pantone 17-1230) as its 2025 color of the year, which the company calls “simple and comforting.” The actual shade is described as a soft and earthy brown imbued with sensorial richness and a harmonious mix of cool and warm tones. The color is intended to “nurture us with its suggestion of the delectable qualities of chocolate and coffee, answering our desire for comfort,” per the Pantone Color Institute.
“Underpinned by our desire for everyday pleasures, Mocha Mousse expresses a level of thoughtful indulgence,” says Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute. “Sophisticated and lush, yet at the same time an unpretentious classic, [it] extends our perceptions of the browns from being humble and grounded to embrace aspirational and luxe.”
Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute, adds that the mellow brown hue “extends further into our desire for comfort and the indulgence of simple pleasures that we can gift and share with others.”
What Is Mocha Mousse Hair Color?
Mocha Mousse hair color is a rich, warm brown punctuated by soft, coffee-inspired undertones. Depending on your desired look, the shade can range from a light, creamy caramel brown to a deeper, more intense chocolate or mocha. In its lighter form, Mocha Mousse offers a soft, sun-kissed glow with a golden warmth. When deepened, the color transforms into a rich, velvety brown that gives your strands shine and depth. Either way, this versatile hair color is a great pick for anyone seeking a natural yet luxurious look.
You can also rock the color any number of ways. Think: a full head of color, highlights, balayage, or ombré. (P.S. Ombré is back for 2025—see how to make it modern here.) We always recommend working with your stylist to come up with a color variation and application method that suits your hair type and budget.
Who Should Try Mocha Mousse Hair?
Mocha Mousse is ultra-customizable, making it a flattering option for most, if not all, skin tones. Softer, subtler variations of the hue can add warmth and brightness to fair complexions, while more vibrant takes on brown are well-suited to those with darker skin tones.
How Do You Get and Care for Mocha Mousse Hair Color?
To achieve a perfect Mocha Mousse hair color, your hair may need to be lightened to a medium to light brown base to ensure the warm, rich tones show up vividly. Because this process can be potentially damaging and time-consuming, we recommend visiting an expert colorist. They can tailor the process to your hair type and try to minimize damage from the bleaching and coloring process.
Editor’s Tip: Ask your stylist about mocha shades from the following L’Oréal professional hair coloring ranges:
- Redken: Shades EQ and Color Gels Oils
- L’Oréal Professionnel: Dia Color and Dia Light
- Matrix: Coil Color and SoColor Sync
How to Care for Mocha Mousse Hair Color
Once you have your Mocha Mousse hair color, you’ll want to properly care for it so that it lasts as long as possible. Here are some tips for maintaining this sweet shade:
- Use a color-preserving shampoo and conditioner: A color-safe haircare routine can help prevent your color from premature fading and shifting. We’re currently loving the L’Oréal Professionnel Metal Detox range. The six-piece collection helps offset the damaging effects of hard water and environmental aggressors to keep your color looking vibrant.
- Avoid heat styling as much as possible: Heat can damage your hair and strip your color. To combat this, try to air dry your hair more often and embrace heatless styling techniques. If you are picking up a blow dryer or flat iron, be sure to prep your strands with a heat protectant like Pureology Color Fanatic Multi-Tasking Leave-In Spray and lower the temperature of your hot tools.
- Get regular trims: Color-treated hair is more prone to becoming dry and brittle. As such, it’s a good idea to book a trim every 4-6 weeks to help prevent split ends and keep your hair looking healthy.
Next Up: 30 Chocolate Brown Hair Color Ideas
Use our salon locator to book an appointment for your Color of the Year hair transformation. In the meantime, head to our Hair Quiz for more expert advice.
Header photo credits (left to right): Pantone and @kelleyscanvas
