How To Try The Espresso Hair Color Trend For Fall

Want to try espresso hair color for fall? Read on for everything you need to know plus 10 inspiration photos to bring to the salon.

By Jessie Amato & Powered By L’Oreal Professional Products Division

Update Date: 15 Aug 2023

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.

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.

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.

Is espresso black or dark brown?

Espresso hair color is a dark brown shade that can have hints of black.

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.

The Best Espresso Hair Color Ideas To Try Now

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Espresso Hair Color With Caramel Highlights

Instead of blonde, ask your colorist for caramel streaks throughout your espresso base color for extra warmth.

Espresso With Copper Highlights

Combine two of autumn’s hottest hair color trends by adding copper highlights to your espresso shade.

Cinnamon Espresso

If copper isn’t the red hair color for you, try spicing up your espresso with notes of cinnamon.

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.

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.