Mocha Mousse: 8 Trendy Hairstyles For 2025 Inspired By Pantone's Colour Of The Year

If you thought brown hair was basic, think again. Pastel brown is stepping into 2025 like the quiet luxury icon it is, and it’s ready to take over your mood board, Instagram feed, and maybe even your selfie game! 

Inspired by Pantone’s Colour of the Year, Mocha Mousse — a shade that’s basically a love letter to chocolate, coffee, and comfort — this trend is proof that neutral doesn’t have to mean boring.

Photo from Pantone

Pantone didn’t pick Mocha Mousse for nothing. This velvety brown taps into everything we’re craving right now: connection, indulgence, and a vibe that says “I’ve got my life together.”

Think soft, grounding elegance with a sensorial richness that feels like slipping into your favourite cosy sweater. And just like an ideal piece of outerwear, Pantone’s Colour of the Year is endlessly versatile, going from sleek minimalism to full-on glam without breaking a sweat.

Photo from Pantone

On the hair front, pastel brown is where cozy meets chic. Picture milk tea balayage that practically glows, smoky ash highlights that flirt with the light, and caramel ombrés that scream ‘main character energy’. 

We’re saying goodbye to your average, practical brown, and hello to an elevated, effortless, and low-key luxurious Mocha Mousse-esque palette. 

Photo from Pantone

Photo from L’Oréal Professionnel

With Chinese New Year coming right up, pastel brown shades are also the ideal festive flex: it’s subtle enough to keep the elders happy, but trendy enough to steal the show in every group photo. 

Below are 8 sophisticated pastel brown hair looks inspired by Mocha Mousse, designed by L’Oréal Professionnel ID Artists to flatter every skin tone and effortlessly elevate your style.

Look 1: Milk Tea Blonde

Josephine Lee, L’Oréal Professionnel ID Artist Malaysia (@andychan_josephine via Instagram)

A soft, silky blonde with a milk tea hue brings a polished, luxurious vibe. Subtle highlights add depth and dimension for a natural yet radiant look, which is ideal for those who enjoy lighter hair colours.

⭐ Pro Tip: L’Oréal Professionnel’s globally pioneering iNOA hair dye features ammonia-free permanent dyeing technology that is gentle and protects the scalp. It provides an odour-free and comfortable colouring experience, leaving your hair healthy and shiny after dyeing. With 65 colours divided into ten tonal series, it allows for flexible adjustments in colour intensity and saturation, enabling customised blends to effortlessly create soft and dreamlike hair colours!

Look 2: Honey Brew

For a warm, sunlit glow that radiates charm, Honey Brew is your go-to shade! This golden-toned brown brightens up your complexion with its sweet and radiant finish, making it ideal for wavy or tousled hairstyles. It’s the perfect balance of soft and bold, bringing a touch of sunshine to any season.

Look 3: Vanilla Chai Latte

Want a polished, minimalist vibe? Vanilla Chai Latte has a creamy, soft beige tone that’s perfect for adding dimension and a gentle glow. When paired with sleek, straight locks, it gives off a clean, sophisticated vibe that screams quiet luxury. This style pairs beautifully with monochromatic outfits or sharp tailoring.

Look 4: Champagne Brown

So you want a look that brings out your inner sophisticated main character energy? Pop the bubbly, because Champagne Brown is here to elevate your look with luminous style. This rosy and glossy brown shade is elegant and versatile enough to work with both traditional qipaos and modern chic outfits, making it an easy pick to suit all your festive celebrations.

Look 5: Mocha Mousse

The cornerstone of 2025’s pastel brown trend, Mocha Mousse is a versatile option that transitions seamlessly from day to night, bringing a touch of glamour wherever you go. This velvety, chocolatey hue exudes sophistication, whether you’re rocking a classic straight blowout or soft, romantic curls. Plus, its warm and glossy finish will have you catching compliments left and right at your next reunion dinner!

🌱 Bonus: iNOA’s vegan, ammonia-free formula ensures a bright finish with up to 48% more shine!

Look 6: Rose Latte

Playful and romantic, Rose Latte infuses soft brown with just the right amount of blush-pink tones. This dreamy hybrid delivers long-lasting vibrancy, shine, and leaves your hair feeling more conditioned than other formulas. Perfect with loose waves or soft curls for a flirty, fresh look!

Look 7: Choco Martini

Deep, rich, and indulgent, Choco Martini has got to be one of the easiest shades to style. With its bold dark brown base and subtle warmth, this colour brings a sense of drama and elegance to your look. Ideal for sleek ponytails or glossy curls, it’s a striking choice for anyone who has got meetings at 5, and chic parties at 9! 

Look 8: Lavender Latte

For a daring yet sophisticated twist, Lavender Latte combines cool brown tones with hints of lavender. This unique pastel shade is perfect for those who want to stand out without going over the top. It shines especially beautifully on sleek and straight hair, creating a look that’s polished, bold, and elegant.

💡 Plus, L’Oréal Professionnel’s gentle dye formula protects your hair even after multi-dimensional colouring!

Get Your Perfect Colour at L’Oréal Professionnel Salons

L’Oréal Professionnel ensures stunning, head-turning colours while keeping your hair healthy. Unsure of which shade suits you? Use the MyHair iD App to visualise your ideal shade before heading down for your appointment! 

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This post is brought to you by L’Oréal Professionnel.