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Hair

Mocha Melt Is the Coolest Take on Classic Fall Highlights

Autumn is in full swing, so it's time to style accordingly.

We might be missing the Starbucks Salted Caramel Mocha this fall (rest in peace), but your hair can have the same inspiration. That's right: Mocha melt hair could be your answer to perfect fall highlights.

The style consists of gorgeous layers of blonde highlights in a brunette base, giving a creamy, melted brown look. Mocha melt hair is keeping in line with face-framing highlights we've seen everywhere this year but offers a warmer look than the icy platinum styles of summer. With Halloween fast approaching, a candy-inspired look seems appropriate.

Karissa Schaudt, colorist and balayage specialist at Maxine Salon in Chicago, says this style is “beautiful on brunettes that want a blend of blonde tones.” To get the look, ask your colorist for a full balayage.

“This style should keep a rooted look, while lightening the mids-ends,” says Schaudt. “This melt is lifted two to three levels lighter than the natural [color], so it’s not overly lightened and perfect for fall.”

Usually, moving into fall calls for a deep brunette to match the moodiness of spooky season. If a full dark brown dye is not in the cards for you, have no fear. There are plenty of options for brunettes to play up the layers in their hair, from peanut butter cup hair to touch of toffee. This melty style is just one option from a candy aisle of possibilities. 

“I love this for any deep brunettes that have medium to long hair, [and] wavy to curly hair textures,” Schaudt says about peanut butter cup hair. “Brunettes can feel stuck in their dark shades and don’t know how to change it up without becoming a blonde.”

And don't worry, blondes, you can still have a sweet look this fall too: Sugar blonde is perfect for you, and Khloe Kardashian–approved. New season, new hair, am I right?