MAKE MINE A MOCHA

Pantone Color of the Year Mocha Mousse is set to be a fashion favourite, and it’s an oh-so-client-friendly colour too

ANDREIA PROFESSIONAL

Love it or loathe it, the Pantone Color of the Year marks a turning point in the hair colour calendar. It’s a reflection on the trends we’re seeing around us, but also a prediction of what’s to come. Sometimes the Color of the Year can feel a little irrelevant to the hair industry (Very Peri anyone?) but thankfully food themes such as 2024’s Peach Fuzz always do well for colour services. Maybe it’s because it’s relatable to clients, it’s comforting, it’s not too out-there, and when it comes to 2025’s colour, Mocha Mousse, who doesn’t love chocolate-ycoffee?! It’s the perfect continuation of the Expensive Brunette colour trend that has boomed in the last couple of years. So, who better to talk us through how they’re bringing Mocha Mousse to their business than the colourists at the helm of the biggest brands and salons.

Mocha Decoded

Blonde services are always heralded as the biggest driver in the salon, but it’s great to see a colour trend that’s about engaging brunettes. “The humble brown palette is elevated to be a sophisticated, lush and unpretentious classic,” explains Sheree Tomic, ASP Ambassador. KEVIN. MURPHY Platinum Educator Layla Smith agrees: “Mocha Mousse is an understated luxury that resonates with so many people.” Perhaps the reason it seems to be chiming so well with clients is that they’ve seen it in fashion, make-up and interior trends.

NIKKI CLIFFORD

So, who does it look good on? Paul Dennison, ELEVEN Australia Brand Artist says: “It works well with olive skin and brown eyes.” The blend of beige and chocolate brown means, “Mocha Mousse hair colour strikes the perfect balance between neutral and cool tones,” shares Joana Merêncio, Andreia Professional Technical Hair Trainer. Paul also points out that it’s a colour for all seasons. Victoria Panting, Technical Educator at Paul Mitchell agrees: “It’s ideal for softening summer blondes or refreshing winter brunettes.”

ASP

It’s also great for most base colours. Nicole Healey, Moroccanoil Color Educator shares: “It’s not specific to light or dark hair. Use Moroccanoil Color’s chocolate range for adding richness, but you can also add it to blondes to create a creamy mousse effect.” And when it comes to a client’s own style, compared to say, 2020’s Classic Blue, this hue is more wearable. Ian Michael Black, Aveda Global Artistic Director, says: “Use it as a subtle base for highlights or as an all-over expression of the shade.” And Coia Styles, Alfaparf Milano Professional Ambassador, is excited about the social content – “I’d use the caption ‘Expensive brunette is out, luxurious Mocha is in!’, and it sells itself!”

NICOLE HEALY, MOROCCANOIL

MOCHA MOUSSE MARKETING

Three ways to start a coffee-hued colour conversation with the client in your chair

1. TALK ABOUT THE COLOUR OF THE YEAR

Use Pantone references to start a conversation around changing up a client’s colour – whether it’s a subtle change or an extreme colour switch. As clients see these trends on social media, having the words Mocha Mousse on your website, social or service menus shows you have your finger on the pulse.

KASEY PERKS, ELGON EDUCATOR

2. CREATE A COFFEE COLOUR MENU

Market this trend with moodboards showcasing the various tones and share images with descriptive names for each shade. Naming the tones helps establish a unique identity for the look, making it easier for clients to request specific styles, like the Espresso Martini Brunette. Promote the trend on social media and through email marketing, including details on how to book the service.

JO ROBERTSON, YELLOW PROFESSIONAL UK EDUCATION DIRECTOR

3. USE IT AS AN INTRO TO COLOUR

Mocha Mousse is an opportunity to talk about a trend, without it needing to be a big change from a client’s existing colour. It can be as simple as an add-on toner or the addition of a few babylights and toner.

SIOBHAN HAUG, AMBASSADOR FOR SCHWARZKOPF PROFESSIONAL

COFFEE COLOURED TECHNIQUES

“MOCHA MOUSSE WOULD BE AN IDEAL WAY TO SHOWCASE GOLDWELL’S CHAI BLENDING EFFECT, WHICH IS ALL ABOUT ENHANCING NATURAL, MULTI-DIMENSIONAL COLOUR RESULTS!”

Adele Clarke

“For darker bases, Mocha Mousse shines when paired with techniques like balayage or root smudging, incorporating cooler, multi-tonal accents for added depth and dimension.”

“I’VE ALREADY DONE A FEW MOCHA HUES EITHER AS AN ALL-OVER GLOSS SERVICE, JUST TO ADD A MOCHA HINT, OR A FULL HEAD FOR THE CLIENTS THAT WANT GLOBAL COLOUR WITH LOTS OF SHINE.”

Nikki Clifford

“Wella Shinefinity Glossing Treatments are amazing for clients who want to enhance their natural colour or add depth and shine. I’d also consider a Reverse Balayage, which is a great option for blondes looking to tone things down while keeping some lightness.”

“FOCUS ON TECHNIQUES THAT ADD DEPTH AND DIMENSION, SUCH AS BALAYAGE OR FOILAYAGE, TO CREATE SOFT, SEAMLESS TRANSITIONS BETWEEN LIGHTER AND DARKER TONES.”

Robert Eaton

“L’Oréal Professionnel Dia Color is the perfect fit and offers impeccable shine and condition. I’d use lightened accents to provide highs and lows within the hair and offer texture and movement with colour as well.”