Colorists say clients are moving away from cool, ashy brunette shades toward espresso brown, a deep color with a golden undertone. "We're finally embracing warmth again and realizing just how flattering it can be," said Nataly Maldonado, a colorist and owner of Velvet Palm Studio in Lake Worth Beach, Florida, who describes espresso brown as "a deep, dimensional brunette with a golden reflect."
Dallas colorist Quia Querisma similarly calls it "a very rich and velvety brown with a slightly golden reflection in sunlight," adding that it can work across a range of skin tones, though a colorist should determine whether a warmer or cooler version suits someone best. New York colorist Temur Hamilton, owner of the salon Temur, says the shade's appeal comes from blending slightly lighter and darker tones rather than applying one flat color, which makes it an easier way for natural brunettes to shift their look without a dramatic change. Colorists note that reaching espresso can take more work for people starting from blonde, gray or previously dyed-black hair than for those already brunette.