Changing your hair color can be exciting and transformative. From Instagram to TikTok, there is an endless amount of bold shades to choose from—icy platinum blondes, deep burgundy wines and cherry tones are just a few that come to mind. But for those not ready to dive off the deep end, caramel macchiato, the latest color combo to go viral, is a safe and chic option. If you spend any time on TikTok or Instagram, you’ve likely seen the creamy brown shade on your feeds. It gets its name from the caramel espresso drink and is just as delicious as it sounds. Ahead, we spoke with three stylists to learn more about the trendy look.
Featured experts
- Rogerio Cavalcante is a hairstylist and the owner of The Second Floor Salon
- Tiffanie Richards is a master colorist at the Louise O’Connor salon
- Adrienne Dara is a hairstylist, educator and Redken color specialist
What is caramel macchiato hair?
By all accounts, the caramel macchiato color is a version of brunette. Hairstylist Rogerio Cavalcante describes it best, as a dimensional brunette shade with warm caramel highlights. He explains that the shade begins with a rich espresso-like base and uses golden or honey-toned highlights to give it a soft, sunlit effect. Master colorist Tiffani Richards adds that a macchiato shade alone includes a soft brunette or espresso color with pale blonde highlights, but adding caramel to the mix gives the highlights a boost of warmth.
Like the cafe favorite it’s named after, the colors meld together to create a signature look. “Caramel macchiato is the perfect marriage between warmth and cool and offers a variety of tones in one look,” says hairstylist Adrienne Dara. She continues by saying those tones can range from a neutral dark blonde to a deep chocolate, making it an adaptable shade for almost anyone.
How to get caramel macchiato hair
Given its versatile tones, achieving the color isn’t as difficult as you may think. When heading to the salon, Cavalcante suggests asking your colorist for a brunette base and caramel highlights that are noticeable but blend naturally into the shade. “The caramel elements should enhance the overall look and color and give it a warm feel,” he says. Dara notes that placement is also key to nailing a caramel macchiato hair color. “Highlights can be added in several places throughout the hair, but for this look you want the color to go from light dimension and meld into a deeper base,” she says. To ensure you get the ratios right, the pros recommend bringing a variety of photos for inspiration to the salon and talking over what you can realistically achieve with your colorist.
How to maintain caramel macchiato hair
Prioritizing a color-preserving routine will ensure your new look stays vibrant and intact. “That means swapping out your standard shampoos and conditioners with color-safe formulas that will prevent brassiness and fading,” says Cavalcante. In addition to adjusting your wash routine, Dara and Richardson suggest making use of color glosses. “Regular glossing appointments will keep your color looking rich,” says Richardson.
“You can get a great deal of longevity with caramel macchiato and can go a while in between appointments with at-home gloss products. When you’re ready for a touch-up your stylist can refresh the color with a professional gloss treatment six to eight weeks after your first appointment,” she says. Sticking to a consistent routine of color-safe products and glosses will ensure that your color maintains a fresh look.
