Espresso Brown Hair Color Leads Fall’s Brunette Trends
Espresso brown is a rich, high-shine hair color gaining attention for fall 2026. Celebrity colorists Tracey Cunningham and Matt Rez have described the shade as deep, reflective, and polished, with Dakota Johnson and Hailey Bieber among those wearing it. The color is meant to avoid looking flat while adding dimension and a luxurious finish.
Espresso brown gained visibility after Dakota Johnson appeared with a glossy dark brown look in September, following months in darker blonde. Tracey Cunningham, who created it, aimed for depth and reflection rather than a uniform flat result. Hailey Bieber later wore a related version with a somewhat lighter foundation and a cooler cast, created by Matt Rez, who had predicted a plush espresso trend for fall 2026.
Colorists disagree on exact undertone. Shvonne Perkins frames it as cool and ashen, with subtle violet and golden notes, while Cunningham says it can span from cool through warmer cocoa. Upkeep centers on scheduled gloss touch-ups between dye sessions to preserve shine.
This trend may influence salon requests, product marketing, and beauty content as consumers seek low-maintenance, glossy dark shades for fall. People with darker hair could find more representation in seasonal color coverage, while colorists may see demand for gloss services and tonal customization. Because maintenance is relatively simple, it could appeal to those wanting polished results without frequent dramatic changes. However, impact likely remains cultural and commercial rather than broad social change.