For brunettes, chocolate and chestnut are two of the most popular shades of brown hair color. Both are rich, warm brunette tones that can complement a variety of skin tones. However, there are some key differences between chocolate and chestnut hair that can help you determine which shade is best for you.
Defining Chocolate and Chestnut Hair
First, let’s clearly define what chocolate and chestnut hair colors look like:
Chocolate Hair
Chocolate hair is a rich, dark brunette shade that sometimes has subtle reddish or amber undertones. It often looks nearly black, but with hints of warmth peeking through. This hair color is ideal for those with naturally dark brown or black hair.
Chestnut Hair
Chestnut hair is lighter and warmer than chocolate hair. It’s a medium to dark brown shade with strong golden or reddish tones. Chestnut hair color can range from a light brown with red highlights to a more neutral medium brown.
Comparing Color Tones
When comparing chocolate and chestnut hair, the main difference comes down to color tone:
- Chocolate hair is a cool-toned shade that veers towards black or ash brown.
- Chestnut hair is a distinctly warm shade with golden or orange-red undertones.
This contrast is visually striking – chestnut hair will look noticeably lighter and warmer next to chocolate hair. Here’s a quick breakdown of their color tones:
| Hair Color | Color Tone |
|---|---|
| Chocolate | Cool-toned |
| Chestnut | Warm-toned |
Hair Color Levels
In addition to color tone, chocolate and chestnut hair colors fall on different points of the hair color spectrum. This color spectrum ranges from level 1 (black) to level 10 (lightest blonde).
Here’s how chocolate and chestnut compare:
- Chocolate hair is typically level 3 or 4 – a very dark brown.
- Chestnut hair is usually level 4 or 5 – a medium to dark brown.
So chocolate hair is darker overall, while chestnut is lighter and warmer in tone. Here are their levels shown on the hair color spectrum:
| Hair Color | Level |
|---|---|
| Chocolate | 3-4 |
| Chestnut | 4-5 |
Celebrity Examples
Looking at celebrity examples is helpful for seeing how chocolate and chestnut hair colors differ in real life. Here are a few celebrities rocking each shade:
Chocolate Hair
- Kendall Jenner
- Emilia Clarke
- Lucy Hale
Chestnut Hair
- Meghan Markle
- Jessica Alba
- Shay Mitchell
You can see the chestnut brown hair has more glow and warmth to it, while the chocolate shade appears nearly black in some lighting.
Skin Tone Considerations
The undertones of chocolate and chestnut hair make them suitable for different skin tones:
Chocolate Hair Skin Tones
Chocolate brown hair flatters:
- Cool skin tones
- Olive skin tones
- Medium to tan complexions
The cool undertones of chocolate hair complement cooler skin tones very well. But it can also provide a striking contrast against warmer olive or tan skin.
Chestnut Hair Skin Tones
Chestnut brown hair is ideal for those with:
- Warm or golden skin tones
- Fair to medium complexions
Chestnut’s golden warmth is perfect for illuminating a warm skin tone. It can also create a nice balance on fairer skin that needs a glow. However, chestnut isn’t always ideal for darker complexions and can create too much contrast if your skin is very cool-toned.
Sunlight Effects
Sunlight plays a big role in how warm or cool hair colors look. Here’s how sunlight affects chocolate and chestnut shades:
- Chocolate hair can appear warmer in sunlight, pulling out those subtle red tones. But it still retains its dark coolness.
- Chestnut hair becomes noticeably warmer and lighter in the sun. The golden tones shine through even more.
So both shades are impacted by sunlight exposure. But chestnut hair tends to look more noticeably different in natural lighting vs. indoor lighting.
Maintenance Considerations
To keep chocolate and chestnut hair looking lush, proper maintenance is key. Here are some factors to consider:
Permanent vs Semi-Permanent Dye
Using permanent hair dye formulations will provide the longest-lasting color results. Semi-permanent dyes fade more quickly. Keep in mind:
- Permanent dyes use peroxide developers which open the hair cuticle and last 4-6 weeks.
- Semi-permanent dyes coat the hair surface and fade after 6-12 shampoos.
Gloss Treatments
Between dye touch-ups, a hair gloss can keep color looking shiny and refreshed. These clear glosses deposit pigment and seal the cuticle.
Purple Shampoo
Using a purple shampoo 1-2 times a week helps neutralize brassy tones and keeps brown hair looking cool and rich.
Heat Styling
Limit heat styling including blow drying, straightening, and curling to 2-3 times per week max. Always use a heat protectant.
How to Transition from One Shade to the Other
If you want to make a change between chocolate and chestnut hair, this requires gradually transitioning between the two shades.
Chocolate to Chestnut Hair
To go from chocolate to chestnut hair, you’ll need to lift and warm up the base color first. This is best done over 2-3 salon visits.
The steps include:
- Fill the hair with a warm brown shade to balance the underlying pigment.
- Lift the hair 1-2 levels using a low volume peroxide developer.
- Tone and glaze the hair with a chestnut shade to perfect the color.
Chestnut to Chocolate Hair
Transitioning from chestnut to chocolate requires neutralizing red/orange tones first for an even result. You’ll also need to use a demi-permanent dye to achieve the dark chocolate shade.
The steps include:
- Use a blue-violet toner to cancel out warm tones.
- Colour the hair with a level 3 or 4 brown demi-permanent dye.
- Add a chocolate brown glaze or semi-permanent dye for extra richness.
It’s best to book a consultation with a colorist to determine the right transition plan. This will help avoid damage and an uneven look.
How Lighting Affects Each Shade
The type of lighting you’re in will affect how chocolate and chestnut hair colors are perceived. Here’s how:
Chocolate Hair and Lighting
- In natural light, looks very dark brown with a subtle red tint.
- Under warm indoor light, appears lighter with more reddish-brown hues coming through.
- Under cool white light, the cool ash brown tones dominate.
Chestnut Hair and Lighting
- In sunlight, the warm golden tones really come alive.
- Under warm light indoors, still looks warm but a touch darker.
- Under cool light, it can veer towards a neutral medium brown.
So consider what lighting you’re usually under, whether at home, work, or out and about. This can help you determine if a shade leans too cool or warm for your needs.
Enhancing Each Shade
Certain techniques and products can enhance chocolate and chestnut hair color:
Boosting Chocolate Hair
- Add depth with a black or dark brown demi-permanent rinse.
- Use a colored conditioner to reinforce cool tones.
- Rinse with black tea to enhance dark color.
Boosting Chestnut Hair
- Brighten with cinnamon or honey-infused rinses.
- Use a copper or red-gold gloss treatment.
- Rinse with chamomile tea to accentuate warmth.
Using these methods in between dye jobs can help keep each shade looking vibrant.
How Haircuts Complement Each Shade
The right haircut can really make chocolate or chestnut hair pop. Here are style ideas that complement each shade beautifully:
Chocolate Hair Cuts
- Long layers – add movement and enhance the color dimension.
- Lob or mid-length cut – shows off the rich color.
- Bangs – frame the face and intensify the chocolate tone.
Chestnut Hair Cuts
- Long layered shag – creates lively texture to showcase warmth.
- Shoulder length cut – allows the color to shine.
- Face-framing highlights and layers – accentuates the chestnut tones.
The right cut can make a big impact on how vivid and dynamic these brown shades appear.
Conclusion
While chocolate and chestnut hair may seem similar at first glance, they are quite distinct brunette shades. Chocolate is a deep cool brown that borders on black. Chestnut is a lighter, warmer medium brown with golden red tones. Consider your skin tone, hair goals, and lifestyle to decide which rich brown is right for you!
