Our current fave has to be chocolate mauve hair, a rich, medium brown with pinkish undertones. Fans of the shade are calling it everything from “the perfect harmony of tone” to “incredible” on social media; we’re calling it the new rose gold and the one hue to cop in case you need a seasonal upgrade from your ashy pinks.
How to Maintain Chocolate Mauve Hair and Other Pink Shades
We asked the genius behind this hot trend, colorist, balayage whisperer, and owner of Brooklyn-based salon Brush In Hand Hannah Edelman, about how this mellow yet ultra-pretty look can work for you. She also weighed in on how best to maintain those pinks since we know y’all just can’t get enough of #unicorn hair in your lives! Read on for tips from this balayage expert to learn more about the chocolate mauve hair trend: We asked the genius behind this hot trend, colorist, balayage whisperer, and owner of Brooklyn-based salon Brush In Hand Hannah Edelman, about how this mellow yet ultra-pretty look can work for you. She also weighed in on how best to maintain those pinks since we know y’all just can’t get enough #unicorn hair in your lives! Read on for tips from this balayage expert to learn more about the chocolate mauve hair trend:
Expert Tips
- Wash and condition with very cold water. Hot water is very stripping. 2. Use a color-safe, sulfate-free shampoo. (Ed’s note: We like using a color-specific system such as TRESemmé Color Revitalize Shampoo and Color Revitalize Conditioner, which has Color-Lock Technology that helps retain color for up to 40 washes.) 3. Make friends with a dry shampoo and wash less often!
- Use a pigmented conditioner to replenish your color. It will mitigate the fading process.
- Try to use lower heat when styling. High heat can lighten your color.
- Avoid putting large amounts of oil into your hair. Coconut oil is a popular treatment [lately], but it can slightly pull out semi-permanent hair color.
- Use sunscreen in your hair [or products with SPF] if you’ll spend a lot of time in the sun. The sun can lift out the color the same way old newspapers fade in the sun.
All Things Hair: How will chocolate mauve hair work for different skin tones?
Hannah Edelman: The warmth of the chocolate brown tones will work well with warm [undertones], and mauve is a cool-toned color that works well with cooler skin tones. You already know you can do anything if you have a neutral skin tone. So it can be adjusted for any skin tone! Cool skin? Ask for an ashy brown. Warm skin? Stick with the chocolatey shades. Although, I believe in doing with makes you happy, regardless of what “goes with” your skin. Confidence goes with any complexion.
Chocolate Mauve Hairstyle Inspiration
1. Glossy Waves
If polished and defined waves are your thing, you can create this wavy style on your chocolate mauve hair with the help of a shine spray, like Bed Head by TIGI Headrush Shine Hairspray. We especially love more prevalent waves at the bottom for a voluminous and fuller hair look.
2. Chocolate Mauve Bob
This hairstyle remains a classic. The bob will add a classy touch no matter what hair color you choose. Add some lighter colors to the end of your hair and to your bangs for a fun and bold yet subtle effect to your hair.
3. Bowl Cut
Needed proof that this hair color would work well on all women and different haircuts? Here’s all the proof you need. We recommend going lighter on bowl cuts for a more whimsical and airy look.
4. Chocolate Mauve Curls
Whether super-defined or loose and frizzy, curly hair looks good with this pinkish-brown hair tone. This hairstyle also looks very subtle and sleek on straight hair. The perfect transitionary brown hair look.
5. Hair Rings
Take your look one step further by adding an edgy detail with accessories. We recommend plaits with beads and cuffs. Also, bold hair clips, headbands, and hats are a great way to accessorize your look.
6. Loose Body Waves
Have some peekaboo highlights? Try loose body waves to bring out your chocolate mauve tones. This style looks especially great on wavy hair. Take this look up a notch with curtain bangs with waves.
7. Half-Up
Looking for a simple hairdo for your new hair color that works for any occasion? Try this half-updo style. This is an easy-to-accomplish look for all of life’s special occasions. The key to achieving this look is pinning down your half-up style after braiding the ponytail piece.
8. Lived-In Hair
We’re obsessed with the texture of this style. Adding more texture to your look creates a nice gritty effect on your hair color. You can even create a sleek look when you straighten your long hair with this coloring.
9. Frohawk on Natural Curls
Use a mohawk-inspired style to highlight the pinkish tones on dark brown hair. This is a practical style for those with tight curls and coils. A great way to get your hair out of your face while also looking chic and glamorous.
10. Textured Wedge Bob
This is a hairstyle that will turn some heads. Add some hues of red and orange to your gorgeous chocolate mauve hair. Turn up the base with boho-style curls or waves when rocking this color.
