Passionate author specializing in the vibrant world of hairstyling. With a knack for unraveling trends and sharing expert insights, Marissa crafts engaging content on the latest hairstyles, techniques, and industry innovations. Committed to empowering readers with knowledge, inspiration, and the confidence to embrace their unique style.
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Gourmet hair shade for a quiet chic look.
It finally happened. Pantone has rolled out its color of the year 2025. This time, it’s a chocolaty, nutty shade that appeals to our senses and evokes a feeling of comfort. Meet and greet Mocha Mousse! Hairstylists around the world eagerly opened their sweet embrace to the new shade. Here’s what to know to try the hottest hair color trend.
The pendulum has swung back and in the turbulent times, Pantone predicts we will gravitate more to cozy, calming shades that hint at quiet luxury and effortless elegance. “Mocha Mousse transports our senses into the pleasurable comfort it inspires and invites,” describes the color Laurie Pressman, the vice president of Pantone Color Institute.
Did you know it’s the first shade of brown in Pantone’s 25-year history of The Color of the Year project? Unlike Pantone picks from previous years, translucent Peach Fuzz or punchy Viva Magenta, Mocha Mousse translates beautifully into a hair color. Naturally, hairstylists saw the opportunity and they snatched it.
Colorists worldwide developed a host of formulas from different dye brands that nail that rich, neutral-toned brown with subtle warmth. Since it’s a new, custom shade, you are unlikely to find a box dye on a supermarket shelf and the formulation is best left to professionals.
Describe it to your colorist as a soft, medium brown hair color with a velvety, natural finish. It has some depth but does not go dark, and gives a creamy, muted effect that feels effortless and refined. “Mocha Mousse highlights the desire for unpretentious authentic beauty and minimalist looks tied to simplicity,” explains Pressman.
In terms of color combinations, Mocha Mousse is described as a “soft brown whose warming glow awakens the inherent radiance of individual skin tones across a wide variety of undertones.” Sounds like a good fit for any complexion! AND it blends well with other palettes and serves as a great base layer in multidimensional looks.
This being said, Mocha Mousse is a very versatile color that can be used in an all-over application, as well as for highlights, balayage, or as an ombré style, depending on the desired look.
Add subtle lowlights in a slightly darker mocha or espresso tone near the roots and underlayers to create depth. To enhance the natural shine of the color, gloss the hair with a light-reflective glaze.
@alfiejameshair
Bring together the super cool Mocha Mousse highlights with a toffee brown base for low-maintenance wear. Lightly place fine babylights around the face and crown for some healthy sparkle.
@lohansilva_
Lighten up your Mocha Mousse with caramel or milk tea tones, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends. Feathering these shades toward the roots creates a soft-flowing dimension that grows out beautifully.
@nicolerevish
Let the main shade in this gradient be Mocha Mousse, blending it from a chocolate brown base to creamy beige brown ends. A root smudge technique will ensure a proper seamless fade so that the gradient stays perfectly smooth.
@ivana_gentile
If “a pure and organic approach to luxury” resonates with your views and your lifestyle, Mocha Mousse hair color is definitely worth considering. For more hair color inspiration check out 30 Best Winter Hair Colors You’ll Be Dying For in 2025 and Top Winter Hair Trends 2025 That Redefine Cool Weather Style.
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