Dakota Johnson Just Debuted "Glossed Espresso" Hair For Fall
Our take
The shift in celebrity hair color from sun-kissed blondes to richer, deeper tones invariably signals the arrival of autumn, a seasonal marker as reliable as the first chill in the air. This year, Dakota Johnson’s recent debut of “glossed espresso” hair has amplified this trend, capturing the zeitgeist of understated elegance. It’s a move that resonates with the current mood – a desire for grounding and introspection after the vibrancy of summer. We’ve already seen this reflected in other style choices, like the resurgence of classic trench coats, a key element in the [Fashion Moms Will Be Coming Back to This Paris-Approved Outfit Formula All Fall] aesthetic, and the subtle elevation of footwear, as demonstrated by VIPs opting for something beyond the ubiquitous loafer, as reported in [This Is the Unexpected Shoe Trend That VIPs Are Styling Instead of Loafers This Fall]. The shift isn’t about drastic changes; it's about refinement and a quiet confidence.
The appeal of “glossed espresso,” as colorist Tracey Cunningham describes it, lies precisely in its understated nature. It's not a bold, experimental color; it’s a sophisticated deepening of existing tones, creating a richness and depth that feels inherently luxurious. This aligns perfectly with the prevailing aesthetic of quiet luxury – a rejection of overt displays of wealth in favor of impeccable quality and timeless style. This is a far cry from the aggressively bright, almost neon highlights we saw trending earlier in the year. Even in the realm of casual styling, as highlighted by the [This Casually Cool Shoe Trend Is the It Girl Secret to Styling Tank Tops This Fall] piece, the emphasis remains on effortless chic rather than ostentatious displays. The move towards darker, richer hair colors is simply another facet of this broader trend, reflecting a desire for a more grounded and refined personal style. It’s about projecting an image of quiet strength and self-assuredness.
Beyond the immediate aesthetic appeal, Johnson’s hair transformation speaks to a broader cultural shift. We’re witnessing a move away from the relentless pursuit of youthfulness and a greater embrace of natural aging and evolving style. The "glossed espresso" shade enhances, rather than attempts to erase, the natural texture and tone of the hair. It’s a color that complements, rather than competes with, the wearer’s features. This aligns with a growing awareness and appreciation for authenticity and self-acceptance. The focus is less on achieving an idealized image and more on celebrating individual beauty and evolving style. Celebrities, traditionally trendsetters, are increasingly reflecting this shift, demonstrating that true style isn’t about chasing fleeting trends but about cultivating a personal aesthetic that feels both timeless and true.
Ultimately, Dakota Johnson’s hair transformation is more than just a seasonal color change; it’s a visual embodiment of the current cultural mood. It represents a move towards quiet luxury, understated elegance, and a celebration of natural beauty. The question now is, will this trend continue to deepen as we move further into fall, or will we see a subtle evolution towards even richer, more nuanced shades of brown and burgundy? And perhaps more importantly, how will this shift in celebrity hair color influence the broader beauty landscape and the way we approach personal style in the coming months?
Everyone has their own personal “oh, fall is really here, isn’t it?” metric. For some, it’s the first day of school; for others, it’s the first day the thermometer drops below 70; and for me, it’s when all the summer blondes start cozying up to browns and reds. And as much as it might pain my summer-loving heart to admit, it appears that time has finally come: Dakota Johnson, iconic brunette who dabbled in dirty blonde this spring, is officially back to the deepest of dark browns. But her new “Glossed Espresso” hue is so pretty, it might even convince me to get excited about the -ber months.
Johnson was photographed en route to Los Angeles’ Warner Bros. Studios on Sept. 1, donning ballet flats, low-slung sweatpants, and a white tank — along with super shiny, super dark strands, styled with her usual long lengths and soft bangs. The new shade came courtesy of her longtime colorist, Tracey Cunningham, who named the hue “Glossed Espresso.”
“With ‘Glossed Espresso,’ the goal was to create a color that felt darker than her existing shade, while still feeling like a natural evolution of her look,” Cunningham tells TZR. “We didn't want a flat, inky black, but a shade that was rich, glossy, and with beautiful depth.”
Cunningham used Schwarzkopf’s Igora Vibrance range to create the look, blending the base shades into the tones used in zones 2 and 3 of Johnson’s head while the hair was still wet to ensure a flawless blend.
Rich, high-shine espresso brunette is expected to be big this fall (celebrity hair colorist Matt Rez co-signed the trend in TZR’s fall hair color roundup). The luxurious hue “has that beautiful richness that feels so seasonal, but the gloss keeps it luminous and fresh,” explains Cunningham. “It’s a great way to go darker without the color feeling dull. The reflective finish adds movement to brunette hair and a really healthy-looking shine.”
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