Chocolate Glaze Hair Is Set To Be Fall’s Biggest Color Trend

Chocolate cherry, pumpkin spice, vanilla chai — there are more food- and beverage-inspired hair colors than we could even begin to list. And while we’re fans of them all, there’s one in particular we have on our radars for autumn: chocolate glaze hair. While this deep brunette hue isn’t new, per se, it’s experiencing a major resurgence in popularity thanks to influencers and models such as Emma Chamberlain and Kaia Gerber, both of whom were spotted sporting the shade this summer. 

Health and wellness brand Landys Chemist recently revealed that chocolate glaze is the most sought-after brunette shade this season, with more than 36.3 million TikTok views. If you’re considering trading your sun-kissed blonde for a moodier hue come fall, keep reading — we’re sharing everything you need to know about getting (and maintaining) chocolate glaze hair. 

What Is Chocolate Glaze Hair Color? 

Chocolate glaze hair is everything the perfect bar of dark chocolate is: rich, indulgent, and undeniably luxurious. The deep brunette hue is similar to espresso hair but slightly warmer in tone, making it a flattering pick for just about every skin tone and undertone. There are also subtle variations to the trend, with milk chocolate glaze (a bit lighter and creamier) and bitter chocolate (a bit redder), so everyone can get in on the action. 

The “glaze” part of chocolate glaze refers to the rich color’s intense shine — an ultraglossy finish sets this sultry brunette hue apart from the more laid-back, lived-in hair colors that seem to dominate in the warmer months. And while you can rock chocolate glaze hair with any hair type or texture, a sleek, straightened style really showcases that enviable glasslike shine. 

How To Get Chocolate Glaze Hair Color 

If you’re heading to the salon for your hair transformation, you’ll want to be as specific as possible. Ask your stylist for a dark, glossy brunette hue with neutral or subtly warm undertones. Steer clear of adding highlights, which could leave your strands brighter than intended. If you want a bit of dimension, consider adding espresso-colored lowlights throughout — the subtle contrast between hues will give your hair depth without detracting from the richness of your dark chocolaty color. It’s also a good idea to bring pictures of the color you’re after to give your stylist an idea of the exact end result you’re aiming for. 

If you already have brown hair, you can simply add a gloss on top for a deep, rich color. To wit, Gerber’s stunning brunette was achieved with an in-salon gloss — Redken Shades EQ — “to bring her to a rich, glossy brunette shade that is dark, but with a chocolaty-warmth that makes it perfect for summer.  The shine from the gloss gives it that ‘liquid’ look,” says Rodney Cutler, Redken ambassador and owner of Cutler Salons.

Because chocolate glaze hair is an all-over color, rather than one with an abundance of highlights or lowlights, you can also DIY it. Just be sure to pick up a high-quality at-home coloring kit or gloss and follow the instructions in the box exactly to achieve your desired look. (If you need a recommendation, we’re big fans of the IGK Permanent Color Kit in Bold Brown.) 

How To Care for Your Color

Caring for chocolate glaze hair is much the same as caring for any other dark hue. To keep your color vibrant, swap out your usual shampoo and conditioner for a nonstripping, color-safe duo; limit your use of hot tools; and shield your strands from the sun whenever possible (sun exposure can contribute to premature color fading). It can also be helpful to spring for a filtered shower head, as hard water — common in cities but prevalent everywhere — can mess with your perfectly crafted color. 

Because shine is a key feature of this look, we also recommend incorporating an at-home hair gloss into your weekly hair care routine. The dpHUE Gloss+ in Deep Brown is among our top picks, as it boosts color, deeply conditions, and imparts the hair with long-lasting, healthy-looking shine. If you’d prefer something you can snag on your next visit to the drugstore (or Amazon), the L’Oréal Paris Le Color Gloss One Step In-Shower Toning Hair Gloss is also an excellent pick. Use the Rich Brunette shade to help enhance your color between touch-ups, or opt for the Clear version to condition and boost shine sans any extra tint.

Finally, if you need further guidance on maintaining your chocolate glaze hair color, don’t be afraid to ask your colorist for tips. They can offer product recommendations and share their do’s and don’ts for keeping your color fresh, healthy-looking, and full of shine until your next visit.