Deep Mocha Mousse Formulas To Try

Pantone’s color of the year “Mocha Mousse” spiraled brunette hair color trend searches into oblivion. The neutral tone will be incredibly sought after in a variety of palettes including the rich, dark side of Mocha Mousse. While your client may not be complementary to the lighter “textbook” Mocha Mousse, we have formulas to stay on trend (and tone) this season for every brunette client.

Below, you will learn:

• How to deepen brunettes with rich tones without a red overcast
  
  
• Deep mocha mousse-inspired formulas to try
  
  
• Tips on using Joico’s LumiShine Permanent Creme Mocha and Natural Beige collections

Photo credit: Instagram via @theunorthodoxstylist

Photo credit: Instagram via @balayage.by.kass

Photo credit: Instagram via @hairbynathi

Photo credit: Instagram via @theunorthodoxstylist

Photo credit: Instagram via @hairbyleahmarie_

Photo credit: Instagram via @live_love_dohair

Photo credit: Instagram via @balayage.by.kass

Photo credit Instagram via: @hairbynathi

#1. Use This Formula When Your Client Says, “I want to go darker…”

Choosing an undertone is key when formulating a light-to-dark transitional shade. Although an initial thought may be to fill a brassy base with an ash tone, building a brunette on top of  cool tones will result in a dull color pay off. 

“I needed a red undertone in this formula to help neutralize my client’s blonde,” says Atlanta-based colorist Leah Marie (@hairbyleahmarie_). “I used LumiShine Mocha 3M + 20-volume LumiShine Developer all over head for a rich but neutral tone.”

Check out Leah’s quick transformation video by clicking below:

Dive into Joico’s Mocha and Natural Beige swatch book here…

2. Low-Contrast Brunette Transition Formulas For Prelightened Clients

The next big beauty trend in 2025 is, “Less dimension, but within the same color family,” says brunette specialist Kass Lemus (@balayage.by.kass). “Clients want to look natural, just with a little change. Everyone wants a lived-in look of diffused colors over painted ribbons—which will last them six to eight months (or more) between appointments.”

1. For pre-balayage or highlighted client, try this natural mocha formula:

For any client with a good amount of grown-out dimension, try Kass’ “Velvet Mocha” gloss

• LumiShine Mocha Permanent Creme 6N + Lumishine Natural Beige 6Nb
• Lock in color and shine with her go-to treatment, Joico Moisture Recovery Shampoo and KBOND20 Power Masque

2. For already dark-haired clients that want to enhance color, try this formula:

“Shine and enhanced color achieved by using Joico’s LumiShine Permanent Creme Mocha and Natural Beige lines,” says Kass.

•  LumiShine Mocha 5M + 3M + LumiShine Natural Beige 6Nb
• Follow-up color with KBOND20 Power Masque

3. Warm Brunette Formulas That Won’t Pull Red

Rich, deep brunettes have one underlying requirement: they NEED warmth in the formula. “I’ve wanted to get creative with warm tones lately and Joico’s LumiShine Mocha and Natural Beige shades have been blowing me away,” says Kass.

Try this formula for a rich, dark brunette shade:

• Lowlight shade: LumiShine Mocha 3M 
• Overall tone: LumiShine 5NB + 5M + 10-volume LumiShine Developer
• Process for 30 minutes
• Post-color treatment: Joico Defy Damage and Moisture Recovery Balm

Need a quick refresh toner for clients with warm-toned blonde?

Brunette specialist Nathi Vega (@hairbynathi) shares her formula with just shades that help to balance a light and deep Mocha Mousse blend on one head of hair.

• LumiShine Natural Beige 7NB + 7NWB + 8VG

Products Used

Color Depositing

Lumishine™ Permanent Crème Color

Joico

Conditioners

Moisture Recovery Shampoo And Conditioner

Joico

Haircare

KBOND20 Defy Damage Power Masque

Joico

Grab the shades Joico’s stylists can’t put down—the Mocha & Natural Beige line is here!

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