Chocolate Chai Is Fall’s Hottest New Hair Color Trend: Here’s How to Get the Look!

Fall is finally in the air, which means it’s time to break out those cozy sweaters, sip pumpkin spice lattes and embrace darker colored hair. So kiss those sun-kissed locks goodbye and say hello to the hottest fall hair color trend: Chocolate chai.

“Chocolate chai starts with a really rich, neutral root and melts down into a lighter, creamy caramel brown,” says eSalon lead colorist Ally Meadows. “Unlike some other popular trends, it’s super low-maintenance with it’s darker chocolate root. And, the balayage highlights are subtle enough to avoid frequent applications, but still offer enough contrast to give you the perfect amount of dimension.”

So, if you can’t get an appointment or you’re still social distancing from your stylist, don’t fret about telltale roots during the pandemic. This subtle change is the perfect way to update your look without committing to a major hair transformation.

The best part? This trendy caramel hair color is flattering on just about everybody. “I think this color is perfect to enhance all skin tones,” says Meadows. “Because it’s neutral, it can bring a little warmth to cooler skin tones and it can cool down warmer skin tones. For darker hair, I would recommend doing medium brown highlights. If you’re a blonde, try adding a demi-permanent toner all over so your highlights pop as the color fades.”

To get these trendy chocolate tresses, Meadows suggests investing in one of eSalon’s Custom Color and Light Sets. Not only are these DIY hair color at-home kits far more affordable than a trip to your local salon, but they come pre-packaged with everything you need to get professional-looking results at home.

“Because the highlights are painted on, this look is easily achievable,” says Meadows. “You can use anything from dark brown to light brown neutral base on your roots,” she says. “Next, follow it up with Light Set, our at-home balayage highlighting kit. The application should start about an inch away from the scalp to melt into a lighter, more natural highlight. Finish your look with eSalon’s Blonde Neutralizer Tint Rinse, which will reduce unwanted brassy tones.”

In other words, you really can’t mess it up! So don’t be afraid to play with your hair during these uncertain times. After all, you don’t need to sacrifice your sense of style to stay safe during the pandemic. “At-home coloring is always a great option, especially if you’re observing extra precautions,” says Meadows. “Taking control of your hair color–whether it’s for regrowth or to tackle the latest color trends–will give you a confidence boost and leave you feeling even more empowered to try at-home beauty routines.”

Are you trying this fall hair color trend? Show us your chocolate chai locks on Instagram @Lulus using #lovelulus and shop fall essentials to update your wardrobe, too!