By Helena Madonna
If you're chronically online (like us), you're probably already well-acquainted with Pantone's Colour of the Year announcements. Last year's pick, Peach Fuzz, was a soft pastel orange that had us all blushing. For 2025, Pantone's pick is less about cheeky radiance and more about understated luxury.
Meet 'Mocha Mousse', a blend of velvet richness and creamy undertones. It's safe to say that this one is tailor made for our locks.
According to Pantone, Mocha Mousse is "simple and comforting". Think of the milky puddle at the bottom of your bubble tea, the silky froth atop your morning cappuccino or the sugary swirl from your cinnamon roll. Inviting, cosy and rich with quiet elegance.
The best part? Mocha Mousse isn't fussy - she's customisable and will ebb to the flow of your natural base and skin tone. Whether you go for a subtle balayage, a solo shade from root to tip or fleeting hints of mocha through shimmery highlights, this hue is fully roasted and ready to serve.
Dark Roasts
This is suitable for those seeking richer, more intense takes on the cosy brown hues of Mocha Mousse.
Don't hold back: dramatise with lighter accents and soft face framing pieces to create dimension and movement. Whether you're seeking a bold transformation or just a hint of warmth, Mocha Mousse offers endless possibilities to elevate your look.
Justine Skye.
Lisa from Blackpink.
Madison Beer.
Light Roasts
Soft variations of the hue offer subtle touches of warmth that feel natural and radiant.
Lean on lighter finishes to brighten and enhance your complexion, adding a delicate glow that shimmers with dimension. Imagine hints of Dulce de Leche: sweet, decadent and creamy, playfully flirting with toffee undertones for a result that's as luxurious as it is delicious.
Rihanna.
Hailey Bieber.
Gigi Hadid.
How to Care for Mocha Mousse
LIMIT EXCESSIVE HEAT STYLING
It's time to put those satin curling rods to work, because the overuse of hair irons and wands could drain the vibrancy of this rich hue. If heat is part of your styling routine, it's crucial that you use a trusty heat protectant.
USE COLOUR FRIENDLY SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONERS
Although warm undertones fade like a dream, they're fleeting and will dim quickly with every wash unless you use a colour saving routine.
Fortunately, there's are ranges that will lock in all the shine, vibrancy and richness with effortless ease: Kevin Murphy's Everlasting Colour has you covered from wash to styling, while Oribe's Beautiful Colour collection extends dyes with shampoo, conditioner, mask and a high-gloss glaze.
BYE-BYE SPLIT ENDS
No one likes crispy ends, Mocha Mousse included. Dehydration will suck the life out of your hair and colour in one fell swoop. It's best to frequently visit the salon chair, oil your strands regularly and use split-end menders between appointments.
That's right, you can manage your split-ends at home too - restore and seal your tips with just a few pumps.
