Espresso Trends Emerge in Beauty and Coffee Sectors

The term "espresso" is currently making waves in two distinct consumer markets, influencing both personal style and seasonal food offerings. In the beauty industry, a deep, rich brown hair color known as espresso is becoming a preferred choice for individuals moving away from highlights toward more natural, low-maintenance looks.

Hairstylist Chris McMillan describes the color as a "rich, dark brown" that offers significant depth compared to lighter brunette shades. Unlike bronde or traditional highlights, this aesthetic focuses on a darker, more saturated appearance. Experts suggest that the shade is versatile, though colorists emphasize that achieving the look requires professional expertise, especially for those transitioning from blonde hair.

Rubi Talavera, a brand ambassador for Matrix, notes that espresso hair is characterized by chocolate undertones that provide warmth without excessive red reflections. While McMillan suggests the color can suit any skin tone depending on the specific warm or cool balance chosen, Talavera advises that medium-dark skin tones may find the look particularly flattering, noting that the intensity of the color can sometimes appear overwhelming on very fair complexions.

Maintaining the health of the hair is a primary benefit of this shift, as the process often requires less aggressive chemical treatment than lightening. Professionals recommend using demi-permanent dyes and color-safe products to ensure the hair remains glossy and multidimensional. For those with highly porous hair, such as those with curly textures, stylists often use specialized fillers to ensure an even, vibrant finish.

In the food and beverage sector, Starbucks has introduced a new seasonal item, the Black Cat Frappuccino, which arrived in stores nationwide on October 22. Despite the name, the drink is a chocolate cake-flavored crème beverage topped with whipped cream and chocolate pieces shaped like cat ears. It does not contain coffee or espresso, and the company lists its caffeine content as zero milligrams.

The beverage is part of a broader Halloween-themed collection, which includes a shareable black cocoa cookie and various cat-themed merchandise. Starbucks has positioned these items as limited-time offerings available at select participating locations. While the drink is designed to evoke rich, brownie-like flavors, customers are unable to add espresso shots to this specific recipe, maintaining its status as a non-caffeinated dessert option for the holiday season.