The Brunette Version of Rose Gold Is Ridiculously Pretty

written by

Victoria Hoff and Amanda Edelman

updated Jun 24, 2020

Much like the rose gold hue that we've been coveting for years, chocolate mauve lends an opalescent pastel color that elevates your natural hue—sans the use of bleach. And while the new color has yet to take off in the way that its predecessor did when Kylie Jenner debuted her look on Instagram in 2018, it was dubbed the new otherworldly shade for hair color experimentalists to try.

A bit of background: In December 2017, PopSugar (by way of Reddit) ID'd New York-based creative color specialist Hannah Edelman as the mastermind behind this growing trend. They note that her work is actually the result of experimentation and an expert eye, melting warm Pravana Vivids brown hues with iridescent pink tones to create a natural balayage effect.

From there, the trend gained traction, and there was an explosion of beautiful chocolate-mauve shades in all these mesmerizing variations. The look is subtle, but deceptively so; it actually requires five different tints, and is crafted from greens, reds, yellows, and oranges, if you can believe it.

"It's a way to have a color in your hair that is still not too vibrant or too bold for everyday life," Cherin Choi at Nova Arts Salon says, "It fades quickly and is low commitment for someone wanting to try something new and different without feeling super uncomfortable with it being vibrant."

Adding a subtle mauve tone gives hair a slight dimension to it without looking like all one color, salon owner Jessica Scott says. Though this depends on what technique a stylist uses.

This overall color scheme is perfect for people who want creative color but might have work environments or other constraints preventing them from making any significant changes to their hair. It gives what's normally a flatter look a little more intrigue, forcing people to look a second or maybe even third time to get the full effect. No matter what, it's guaranteed to keep eyes on you.

Edelman advises either seeking out a stylist with experience in pastels or creative color or asking for a full head of balayage with a mauve toner or color melt. And as with any pastel color, these pink hues will fade very quickly—keep them around for as long as possible with a solid color-saving shampoo like Davines Minu Shampoo ($29).

Chocolate Mauve Hair Fast Facts

Choosing a Shade: Everyone has different undertones. Choi recommends asking for a consultation before going in for a transformation like this.

Maintenance Level: In spite of all the work behind the scenes, this look is significantly more low-maintenance for brunettes who'd like to avoid hours upon hours of foil and bleach. Go in for a touch-up or glaze every 6 to 8 weeks.

Goes Great With: Bronze disco-inspired makeup or a berry lip and glossy eyes.

Similar Shades: Ash Brown, Illuminated Brunette, Medium Brown

Price: Depends on the salon but full highlights generally start at around $150.

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The Perfect Curls

Here's the picture that started it all. Rose gold turns into an ultra-pretty mauve when applied to darker hair, and voilà! These shiny curls are so great.

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Shaggy and Pink

Another creation by Edelman. This shaggy lob is streaked with pink in the most subtle fashion.

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A Vibrant Rosy Brunette

While this look hangs its hat on the vibrant pink color and yeah, it looks fantastic, you don't have to jump into a trend headfirst. Before you go all-out, try adding a few mauve-colored highlights. The best part is: you can always add more color.

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Mauve Highlights

Like this look here, which only incorporates a few small highlights. It's the best way to start out so as to avoid any big hair change regrets (Not saying that'll happen to you, but it's best to be cautious).

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A Bit More Mauve

It could be a case of expert blending but we spy a super pretty mauve tone to this brunette 'do. It's super subtle but probably becomes totally noticeable in the sun. Talk about a game-changer. Who knew a rosy tint could add so much fun to your standard look?

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Blended Pinks

This is another chocolate mauve look that hits every sweet spot: a choppy lob (Have you noticed they're aplenty in this roundup?) perfectly blended pink champagne highlights, with a natural brunette base rounding it out. Perfection!

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A Pretty Purple Tint

When going chocolate mauve, make the grow-out process easy by keeping the base all-natural. "I recommend keeping your natural color with this color, it is high maintenance to keep up the tone and it will be easier to adjust if it is done with your natural hair color at the roots," Choi says.

Go in for regular toning appointments to maintain the pretty mauve color. Though, root touch-ups? Not even kind of necessary. Just refresh the end colors in the salon.

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Jewel Toned Ends

For a low-maintenance rooted look, try amethyst ends. They're a great way to incorporate a fun change-up without going all the way. Plus, it blends in nicely for natural-looking color.

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Ombre Waves

A cute pup and amazing chocolate mauve ombre waves? Sign us up! This color is oh so pretty. Plus, give this look extra dimension by concentrating darker colors towards the ends. This creates a subtle reverse ombre effect that really works.

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A Temporary Tint

If you don't want to go full out right now, try out a temporary color with Overtone's color conditioners in Espresso Brown and Extreme Purple Coloring Conditioner (both $30).

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Long Shiny Waves

These professional waves are ultra-glamorous and look even better with interwoven pink strands. Notice it's not exactly a highlight, but hints of brighter color. This keeps things understated enough for work, but imagine the color in the sun? Gorgeous.

Avoid using cheap products from the grocery store, unless you trust the ingredients, as some are diluted with wax and bad oils. Also, avoid sulfates and always read the ingredient in the back. FYI: Sodium Laureth Sulfate is actually a stripping agent and can wreak havoc on your hair health and fresh color.

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Illuminated Pink

That dark base! The hints of raspberry! This shiny lob is a dream look we're pinning ASAP. We can even see a temporary tint working here if you don't want to commit to a permanent color change.

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Chocolate Strawberry

This all-over mauve creation is utterly delectable. FYI: to keep hair this shiny, look into a hair gloss or everyday hair oil...Just make sure it doesn't weigh hair down.

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Pink Ombre

This look is a little more strawberry ombre than mauve but no worries, it still looks completely amazing against the shining brunette base.

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Blended Brunette Rose

Chocolate mauve can still have a natural look even when you're working with color. The answer: blend everything evenly. This creates a subtle, yet eye-catching effect that's still out of the box fun.

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Shiny Mauve Curls

Ask for a consultation before going in for a transformation like this to discuss what you're looking for. While this color is bound to look great on any natural brunette, make sure to ask about texture too, as your stylist should always consider hair type.

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Dusty Pink

This leans a bit on the lighter, more chestnut side of things, but oh man, does it look good. That slight lilac tinge is incredible.

Chocolate mauve seems to offer a hint of dynamic rosy color that's subtle but still so cool. It's trending for a reason, and while blended caramel highlights and chai-mocha inspired colors will always hold a place in our hearts, it's also evident that this chocolate-raspberry tinted look is just as worthy.