Embrace the Season: Discover the Allure of Glossy Cocoa Hair This Fall
Fall has arrived, so cue autumnal shades taking over everything from our manicures to our clothes. While we always think a rich brunette shade is timeless, there’s something about autumn that makes us fall in love with the deep shade all over again. As if the change of season weren’t enough, we’re constantly being influenced by Anne Hathaway’s silky brown strands on the set of The Devil Wears Prada. Experts predict glossy cocoa hair will be everywhere this fall, and we’re excited to see all the takes on the trend.
Featured Experts
What is Glossy Cocoa Hair?
The most common adjective thrown around when discussing glossy cocoa hair is “depth,” with all of our experts using the adjective to describe this shade. Glossy cocoa “delivers depth with golden ribbons, making it a great transition from summer highlights. It’s perfect for brunettes wanting dimension without going too blonde,” says celebrity colorist and co-founder of IGK Hair Care Chase Kusero.
“It’s deep, shiny and dimensional—like melted cocoa with a polished glow,” says professional colorist Jada Santi. “The magic is in how healthy and radiant it looks, giving you that timeless yet modern ‘expensive hair’ vibe.” Professional colorist and stylist Shaun Lewis calls the shade “a depthy brunette with undertones that should support your completion (cool, warm or neutral).” Pro tip: “I think cocoa tones look the most natural when your roots are a half a shade darker than your ends. It gives it a rich brunette finish rather than a solid all-over color that can devalue the finished look,” notes Lewis.
Courtesy of @jadahairandbalayage
What to Ask for at the Salon
Kusero suggests, “When working with your colorist, ask for a chestnut base with hand-painted honey ribbons through the mid-lengths.” Naturally, Santi says the best starting point for glossy cocoa is medium to dark brown color. “From there, we add just a touch of lighter tones—three to four shades brighter—to create soft dimension without harsh contrast. Think of it as layering tones so the color moves and reflects light beautifully.”
Lewis says you’ll also want to request a gloss or a root shadow and gloss appointment to get that signature glossy shine. The gloss treatment will help lock in shine, “and makes the hair look silky, healthy and luxurious,” says Santi. She notes that “With the right care, you’ll keep that glossy finish glowing between salon visits.”
Fall in Love with Glossy Cocoa Hair: The Autumn Trend Taking Over
As the leaves turn and the air cools, it’s time to embrace the rich, warm hues of autumn—not just in our wardrobes, but in our hair. This season, glossy cocoa hair is making a splash, captivating beauty enthusiasts and experts alike. Inspired by iconic looks like Anne Hathaway’s silky brown strands in The Devil Wears Prada, this trend is set to dominate salons everywhere.
What is Glossy Cocoa Hair?
Glossy cocoa hair is characterized by its depth and shine, making it the perfect transitional shade from summer highlights. Celebrity colorist Chase Kusero describes it as delivering “depth with golden ribbons,” ideal for brunettes seeking dimension without going too blonde.
“It’s deep, shiny, and dimensional—like melted cocoa with a polished glow,” says professional colorist Jada Santi. The allure of glossy cocoa lies in its healthy, radiant appearance, giving off that coveted “expensive hair” vibe. Shaun Lewis, another expert in the field, emphasizes the importance of undertones that complement your complexion, suggesting that roots should be a half shade darker than the ends for a rich finish.
Courtesy of @jadahairandbalayage
How to Achieve the Look
If you’re ready to dive into this trend, here’s what to ask for at the salon. Kusero recommends starting with a chestnut base and adding hand-painted honey ribbons through the mid-lengths. Santi advises beginning with a medium to dark brown color, then layering in lighter tones—three to four shades brighter—to create soft dimension.
To achieve that signature glossy shine, Lewis suggests requesting a gloss or root shadow treatment. This not only locks in shine but also ensures your hair looks silky and luxurious. “With the right care, you’ll keep that glossy finish glowing between salon visits,” Santi adds.
As we embrace the beauty of fall, glossy cocoa hair is the perfect way to reflect the season’s warmth and richness. Whether you’re looking for a subtle change or a bold transformation, this trend is sure to make heads turn. So, grab your pumpkin spice latte and head to the salon—autumn has officially arrived!
