Beauty trends are often inspired by the season. When fall rolls around, we look to nature for inspiration, whether to the changing colors of the leaves or to the mossy green shades. This season, however, the hair color trends are taking a different direction. Instead of earthy, hair colors are much more whimsical in nature. The latest hue, a multidimensional brown affectionately dubbed teddy bear brunette, proves this.
Unlike the traditional espresso and chocolate shades we’re used to seeing this time of year, teddy bear brunette is all about embracing the light and airy side of brown. It features a rich blend of honeyed shades that suit many complexions and leans into a cozy vibe that’s fitting for fall. In short, it’s the perfect seasonal shade to slide into, especially if you’re already rocking brown hair. Below, we chatted with two colorists for what to know about the shade TikTok can’t stop raving about.
Featured experts
- Reece Walker is a celebrity colorist
- Min Kim is a celebrity colorist and L’Oréal Professionnel Global Ambassador
What is teddy bear brunette?
You may already be familiar with honey brown, a shade trending during late summer. If so, you can think of teddy bear brunette as the slightly older, more sophisticated cousin. “Teddy bear brunette is a rich hair color that’s most defined by its soft neutral tones,” says Min Kim, celebrity colorist and L’Oréal Professionnel Global Ambassador.
Like honey brown, “the shade includes golden and honey undertones, making it versatile for different skin tones,” says celebrity colorist Reece Walker. She explains that the complementary blend gives the color a dimensional look that’s natural and not overdone. “It’s a great way to add warmth for brunettes without feeling too blonde,” she says.
What should you ask for at the salon?
While the teddy bear shade can be achieved with any base, it’s easiest with a natural brunette color. If you already have brown hair, Kim suggests asking your colorist for warm undertones like gold and caramel to soften up the base. For any other hair color, Walker recommends transitioning to a rich brown first and then adding golden highlights using balayage or foiling. “These cozy colors can be incorporated with balayage to create a dimensional and multi-tonal effect,” says Walker.
How do you maintain the look at home?
The experts agree that the longevity of your color will come down to your wash routine. To keep the tones rich and vibrant, they recommend using sulfate-free shampoo and incorporating deep conditioning treatments often. Frequent use of hot tools can also cause your color to fade fast, so it’s best to take precautions when using heat for daily styling. Instead of completely ditching your favorite curling wand, invest in a good heat protectant and be mindful of the temperatures. “Reducing the heat settings on all hot tools ensures you don’t burn away glosses that enrich the shade, giving it the desired teddy bear brunette effect,” says Kim.
