Chocolate almond hair color is a gorgeous shade that flatters a variety of skin tones. It’s a versatile color that combines rich chocolate brown with warm almond undertones for a multi-dimensional look. This brunette shade is ideal for anyone looking to warm up their complexion and add subtle sun-kissed highlights to their hair. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about achieving the chocolate almond hair color.
What is Chocolate Almond Hair Color?
Chocolate almond hair color falls under the category of brown hair with golden or caramel highlights. It is a natural-looking shade that resembles the nutty color of an almond chocolate candy bar. The base is a neutral to cool medium-dark brown, lightened with subtle warm amber and gold highlights throughout.
This versatile hair color flatters both cool and warm skin undertones. The chocolate brown base helps cool skin tones avoid looking washed out, while the almond highlights give a cozy glow to warm complexions. It creates dimension and texture that looks like it was naturally sun-kissed.
Best Skin Tones for Chocolate Almond Hair
Chocolate almond hair color is flattering on a wide variety of skin tones. Here are some of the best skin tones for this brunette shade:
| Fair skin with cool pink undertones | The chocolate brown adds warmth without being too harsh. |
| Fair skin with neutral undertones | The brown warms up neutral skin while the almond highlights add dimension. |
| Medium skin with olive undertones | The golden highlights brighten up olive skin beautifully. |
| Tan or dark skin | The chocolate almond shade adds vibrancy and texture. |
Women with very fair skin that burns easily may want to avoid this color, as the brown tones could overwhelm the complexion. However, with the right highlights and styling, chocolate almond hair can work for anyone. Doing a strand test is recommended to see how the color takes to your particular hair.
How to Get the Look
There are a couple ways to achieve the chocolate almond hair color:
With Foil Highlights
This technique involves adding foil highlights to your natural base color. Here are the steps:
1. Make sure hair is freshly washed and dried before applying color.
2. Section clean hair and use foils to separate strands you want highlighted.
3. Lighten selected strands with a balayage or highlighting kit in a warm almond blonde shade.
4. Once highlights develop, apply an all-over chocolate brown semi-permanent gloss.
5. Alternate gloss with highlight retouches every 4-6 weeks to maintain color vibrancy.
With Single-Process Color
You can also opt for an overall single-process permanent hair color in chocolate almond. Here’s how:
1. Prep hair by using a clarifying shampoo to strip product buildup.
2. Apply chocolate almond permanent color and process according to manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Refresh permanent color with a chocolate brown demi-permanent gloss every 4-6 weeks.
4. Add warm almond babylights or balayage highlights as needed.
Doing an all-over color first provides a rich chocolate brown base. You can then personalize the look with subtle golden highlights.
Maintenance Tips
Chocolate almond hair requires some upkeep to stay vibrant. Here are some tips:
– Use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner made for color-treated hair.
– Rinse with cool water and limit washing to 2-3 times per week.
– Use a deep conditioning hair mask weekly to boost shine and hydration.
– Reapply semi-permanent gloss or demi-permanent color every 4-6 weeks.
– Get highlights refreshed every 8-12 weeks to maintain dimension.
– Use heat protecting spray when heat styling to prevent fading.
With proper maintenance, chocolate almond hair color can last for months before you need to redo permanent color. Taking care will keep this hair color looking rich, shiny, and multidimensional.
Chocolate Almond Hair Inspiration
Need some inspiration before committing to this hair color? Here are a few celebrity examples of stunning chocolate almond hair:
Jessica Alba
Jessica Alba is a natural brunette but often wears different shades of chocolate brown hair with warm caramel highlights. This look flatters her warm, olive complexion beautifully. Her hair usually has lots of depth and movement with a touch of honey blonde throughout.
Kim Kardashian
Kim Kardashian spent years as an icy blonde before shifting back to her roots. Her natural chocolate brown hair gets enriched with golden bronze and almond highlights. This warm shade works with Kim’s neutral skin tone and dark brows. She wears the color in bombshell waves and tousled textures.
Megan Fox
Megan Fox looks gorgeous in chocolate cherry and chocolate almond hair hues. She sticks to a cooler espresso brown base at the roots that transitions into warm, amber red tones mid-length. This look complements Megan’s fair skin while making her green eyes pop. It’s an edgier take on chocolate almond hair.
Vanessa Hudgens
Vanessa Hudgens is a hair chameleon known for testing every color under the sun. One of her best looks is a milk chocolate brown base with melted caramel and honey blonde highlights. The warm shade flatters her medium skin tone. She often wears the color blown out in loose waves.
How to Decide If It’s For You
Chocolate almond hair color is gorgeous, but how do you know if you should commit? Here are a few factors to consider:
– Do you look best in warm hair color shades? Cooler complexions usually look better in warmer hues.
– Is your skin very fair or sensitive? The color may be too harsh if so. Do a strand test first.
– Are you willing to put in some work for upkeep? This color requires more maintenance than others.
– Do you want a natural or edgy look? Chocolate almond is neutral enough for a workplace or versatile enough to amp up.
– Will the color complement your eye hue? Brown eyes really pop against chocolate almond hair.
Think about your skin tone, maintenance preferences, and style goals. But don’t be afraid to take the plunge into chocolate almond hair if you want to warm up your look.
Best Dye Options
When ready to go for the chocolate almond look, use a high-quality salon hair color brand. Here are some top options:
| Redken | Redken’s Buttercream permanent hair color in 5AA with Shades EQ gloss in Copper |
| Matrix | Matrix Socolor permanent color in 5N with Color Sync gloss in Amber |
| Wella | Wella Color Charm demi-permanent in 6N plus highlights in Honey Blonde |
| L’Oreal | L’Oreal Paris Féria in Light Golden Brown with Majirel gloss in Riche Cacao |
It’s best to get a professional chocolate almond hair color from an experienced colorist at first. They can expertly mix custom tones and place highlights to achieve a seamless finish.
How to Style It
Chocolate almond hair is so versatile when it comes to styling. You can wear it sleek and straight to show off the dimensional color. For volume and bombshell waves, blow dry with a round brush. Braids, messy buns, ponytails, and vintage curls also look amazing in this hair color.
When styling, use heat protectant and opt for ceramic styling tools. This will safeguard the integrity of color and give hair a glossy finish. For sleek and straight hair, try the Dyson Corrale straightener. To boost body and bounce, reach for the T3 Voluminous Round Brush.
Complementary Makeup
When rocking warmer chocolate almond hair, adjust your makeup colors accordingly. Stick to these cosmetic shades to complement your new hair color beautifully:
– Eyeshadow – Metallic coppers, bronze, champagne
– Eyeliner – Dark chocolate brown, espresso
– Mascara – Dark brown instead of black
– Blush – Warm pink, peach, coral
– Lipstick – Neutral rose, terracotta, peach, mocha
– Brows – Taupe or soft brown powder
Aim for makeup with yellow, peach, and terra cotta undertones. The warmer colors will flatter chocolate almond hair. For an everyday natural beauty look, add groomed brows, mascara, blush, and a rose nude lip.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prep my hair before coloring chocolate almond?
Do a clarifying wash to remove product buildup. Then lighten hair to a warm medium brown base if needed. Chocolate almond hair color adheres best to light brown hair that’s clean and product-free.
Does chocolate almond hair fade quickly?
It may fade faster than some shades since it’s warmer. Avoid chlorine, sun exposure, and overwashing to make the color last. Use glossing treatments and shower in cool water. With proper care, it can last 4-6 weeks before refreshing.
What if I don’t like chocolate almond hair color on me?
Not to worry! A professional colorist can adjust the tone by adding ash or golden tones as needed. In some cases, you may need to go darker to cover the unwanted warmth. Or try going temporarily more ashy blonde until it grows out.
Is this color hard to achieve at home?
It’s best achieved salon-perfect at first. But you can maintain it yourself with an all-over semi-permanent brown dye and highlighting kit. Seek help if the color turns too red or muddy.
Can you get chocolate almond hair on dark hair?
Yes, it works beautifully on darker hair too! A professional colorist will lift the base to a medium brown before applying chocolate and caramel tones over it. Highlights can be woven throughout for dimension.
Conclusion
Chocolate almond hair color is the perfect way to upgrade your look for any season. It flatters a wide range of complexions with its multidimensional warmth. Follow the tips in this guide to achieve salon-worthy chocolate almond color at home. Be sure to customize the look to your unique features and skin tone. With proper maintenance to keep the color rich, you’ll fall in love with how healthy and radiant your hair looks in this gorgeous shade.
