Caffeine Inspired Hair: The Latest Spring Hair Colour Trend

Caffeine Inspired Hair: The Latest Spring Hair Colour Trend

Updated on 11th Mar 2026 by Chlo Weldon

Google searches for ‘Espresso Brown Hair Colour’ have surged by 40% this month pointing to a chic new obsession… Caffeine inspired hair colours.

For those clients looking to warm up their spring look with a caffeinated hair colour, Laura Elliott, Head Stylist and Educator at Neäl & Wølf, is spotlighting the most flattering coffee hues for spring, along with her advice for achieving the perfect finish.

"While fiery reds, copper and cherry mocha shades remain popular, I'm seeing a move towards more lived-in, natural colours such as milky brunette for SS26," says Laura. "With the focus shifting to shiny, healthy, glass-like hair, choosing a natural brunette is one of the simplest ways to achieve that effortlessly luminous finish."

Espresso Brown

Coined as the ‘Espresso Martini’ hair colour, a rich, dark chocolate shade of brown which stylists predict will trend in spring as a popular choice for natural brunettes looking to subtly enhance their hair.

Laura comments: “The espresso brown hair trend will look best on clients who have darker natural hair and want something low maintenance while still having a little dimension. This shade will particularly compliment those with a medium skin tone - glossy, rich chocolate brown colours like espresso brown will suit cool undertones and help to bring out blue eyes.”

Milky Brunette

Milky brown is a soft, creamy brunette with natural warmth and a subtle, luminous glow, offering a polished yet effortless look that works for all hair types and makes it the perfect shade for spring.

Laura adds: “Milky brunette combines both cool and warm tones for a polished yet effortless look, often featuring gentle, blended highlights that add depth and dimension. This versatile colour can be adapted to suit any skin tone; warmer, caramel undertones enhance medium and olive complexions, while cooler, ashier tones complement fairer skin for a naturally radiant finish.”

Vanilla Latte

Vanilla latte blonde is the ideal shade for anyone seeking a sunlit boost for summer without going full bleach blonde, offering effortless, low-maintenance brightness perfect for the warmer months. Speaking of blonde, check out these 5 blonde trends!

“Vanilla Latte Blonde is a soft, understated shade of blonde that combines cool and warm tones, often featuring a more sun-kissed look with hints of taupe, honey or beige,” says Laura. “It’s less vibrant than traditional blonde with ashy or beige undertones, giving it a subtle, almost smoky finish. This versatile colour can be adapted and adjusted depending on skin tone; add warmth for medium skin tones with golden hues or cool it down for cooler skin tones with ashier tones.”

Read next: These Are The Colour Trends You Need to Keep on Your Radar for 2026

Chlo Weldon

Chlo Weldon

Published 11th Mar 2026

Chlo writes regular content for the print magazine and website, as well as scheduling the content for HJ’s social media channels. Chlo has a master’s degree in Magazine Journalism and previously worked as Assistant Editor at craft magazine Tattered Lace. After moving to London from her small hometown to be part of the HJ team, she is loving every minute of being involved in the industry. She loves a good treatment and is on a mission for a longer and thicker mane.

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