How to Get a Mocha Hair Color

There’s just something about going to your favorite coffee shop and ordering a cup of joe that’s an instant pick-me-up. If you have the same love for coffee that we do, you likely even find yourself admiring the beautiful tones in your favorite caffeinated beverage. As it turns out, other beauty lovers are just as caffeine-obsessed, because the hair color scene has officially been graced with another coffee-inspired hue: mocha hair! If you’re looking to upgrade your beauty look with an on-trend brunette color, read on to learn everything you need to know about transforming your tresses with a mocha hair color.

WHAT IS MOCHA HAIR?

Okay, so what hair color is mocha? We know it’s a brown shade, but there’s a bit more to it. Mocha hair involves a rich, medium-to-deep brown base that can be laced with highlights and lowlights for plenty of dimension. One of the reasons this brunette hair color is so popular is that it’s neutral—meaning it’s neither a cool or warm color. This makes it flattering on just about everyone.

With that said, the shade only has to be neutral if you want it to! You can customize your shade using highlights and lowlights and steer your hue toward a more warm or cool mocha color that way. It’s safe to say this brown hue is a winner, no matter which tone you opt for.

Want to try a mocha brown hair color for yourself? Fortunately, this color is easy to DIY at home—it’s all about having the right hair coloring kit to do so! Find our best options for giving yourself a mocha mane makeover below.

If you want a true mocha hair color…try the L’Oréal Paris Excellence Créme Permanent Triple Protection Hair Color in Neutral Dark Brown.

If you want a warm mocha hair color…try the L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color in Dark Soft Mahogany Brown.

If you want a cool mocha hair color…try the L’Oréal Paris Excellence Créme Permanent Triple Protection Hair Color in Mocha Ash Brown.

For whichever shade you pick, follow the included instructions—closely—and mocha hair will be yours.

HOW TO CARE FOR MOCHA BROWN HAIR

Now that you know how to DIY a mocha hair color, we’re sure you’ll want to keep your new ‘do looking it’s best. Here are a few hair care tips to keep your newly color-treated hair in good shape.

TIP #1. SWITCH YOUR SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER

First and foremost, the shampoo and conditioner you have in your shower likely aren’t formulated for color-treated hair—and this just won’t do. Swap them out with a duo that’s made to keep your mocha brown hair shiny and vibrant, like the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Color Vibrancy Protecting Shampoo and L’Oréal Paris Elvive Color Vibrancy Protecting Conditioner.

TIP #2. REACH FOR A HAIR MASK

Speaking of your hair care system, you can complete it by incorporating the coordinating hair mask into your weekly regimen. One or two times a week, use the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Color Vibrancy Repair and Protect Balm in place of the conditioner, leaving it on for three to five minutes before rinsing.

TIP #3. SKIP THE HEAT

Last but not least, give your color-treated hair a break from heat tools, as these can cause excessive damage to your strands. Instead, opt for heat-free options like braids and air-dried texture. To achieve the latter, apply a bit of hair mousse, like the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle CURVE IT Elastic Curl Mousse, to damp hair, scrunch, and let dry.

If you decide to style your hair with hot tools, make sure you spritz on a heat protectant beforehand, like the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle SLEEK IT Iron Straight Heatspray or L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle BLOW DRY IT Quick Dry Primer Spray.

Next: Your Perfect Lip Color Based on Your Coffee Order