Summer is a fun time to get creative with your hair. From beachy waves to braids and buttery hair colors, it’s the season of effortless and carefree looks. Fall, on the other hand, is all about keeping it sleek and chic, and this year’s top hair color trends are embracing that energy. While there are many hues to choose from, rich chocolate hair is trending as one of the most popular. As the name suggests, this look is luxe and extremely versatile. “Rich chocolate is a timeless color that offers warmth and depth,” says Chase Kusero, co-founder of IGK Hair Care.
Brunette shades have had a major moment lately. This summer, honey brown looks and variations of golden brunette took center stage. With autumn on the horizon, rich chocolate is the new shade to covet. Ahead, celebrity hairstylists and color experts explain how to get the look.
Featured experts
- Chase Kusero is a hairstylist and co-founder of IGK Hair Care
- Min Kim is a celebrity colorist and balayage specialist
What is rich chocolate hair?
There’s just one word to describe this shade and that is luxurious. Rich in tones, texture and finish, this version of brown hair is meant to exude opulence and glamour. “Rich chocolate brown is a deep shade of brown that has a glossy and vibrant appearance,” says Min Kim, celebrity colorist and balayage specialist. The pro mentions that it includes various warm undertones that add depth and dimension to the color. “This shade is all about making the hair look healthy and full of life,” she says.
Who does rich chocolate brown work for?
Many brunette shades are universal enough to work with a range of skin tones, and this hue is no different. Kusero explains that while deep brown hair is often associated with warmer undertones, rich chocolate brown can be customized to suit cool undertones. Put simply, it’s suitable for everyone. The natural tones of the shade also allow it to work for almost every hair type. “This hair color enhances the shine of your natural hair while adding richness,” says Kim.
What to ask for at the salon
Achieving this luxe shade is a lot easier than some of the season’s other trending hues. For those on the fence about permanent color services, Kim notes that demi-permanent dye can be an option depending on how deep you want the shade to be. Regardless of the type of dye, she recommends asking your stylist for a rich, deep brown color enhanced with warm undertones.
If you’re swapping out your summer brunette color for rich chocolate, Kusero says that a color-depositing mask in a dark brown hue can be helpful. “Color-depositing masks allow you to transition from a lighter brown to a deeper shade,” he says. The pro recommends opting for a nourishing formula, such as the IGK Color Depositing Mask in Brown Bella ($29), that will condition and add shine.
How to maintain rich chocolate hair
Although rich chocolate isn’t as difficult to maintain as blonde or red hair, maintaining the look does require some work. Luckily, the adjustments are simple and easy to do at home. Color-preserving products are the essential step you won’t want to skip in your wash-day routine. “Adding a color-safe shampoo and conditioner will prolong the life of your color while maintaining its richness,” says Kim. After you’ve finished washing your hair, she recommends incorporating a leave-in spray to help condition and protect your hair from hot styling tools. “Look for a multipurpose spray like L’Oreal Professionnel’s Vitamino Color 10-In-1 Perfecting Spray ($35) that smoothes hair and enhances shine,” she says. Finally, both experts note that scheduling regular gloss treatments will help keep your hair vibrant and give it a mirror-like shine.
Products to maintain rich chocolate hair
