Cool Girls Are Going “Obsidian Brunette” Instead of Chocolate Brown This Winter

It’s hard to believe that winter is almost here. Fall’s crisp days are quickly giving way to chilly nights with icy temperatures on the horizon. This seasonal transition is the perfect time to embrace an equally cool hair color, like obsidian brunette. The intense hue has been quietly taking over and has been seen on trendsetting celebs like Jenna Ortega and Dua Lipa. Obsidian brunette is intensely dark, with cool undertones and mirror-like shine that contrast beautifully against a range of skin tones. Ahead, we tapped a few hair experts to help break down the buzzy color trend and how to achieve it.

What Is Obsidian Brunette?

When you think of brunette hair colors, soft shades of brown are usually what come to mind. Teddy bear brunette, sable brown, chocolate—these variations often have warm undertones that give them a cozy feel. Obsidian brunette is entirely different and relies on cool, inky tones for a deeper effect. This creates a dark, nearly black color. “Obsidian brunette takes its name from black obsidian volcanic glass, which is known for its depth and liquid-like smoothness,” says San Diego hairstylist Noelle Denney. 

Celebrity colorist Jess Gonzalez tells Byrdie that, though it is a cool-toned brunette, elements like glossy shine and neutral ash undertones make obsidian brunette stand out. “Dramatic and sophisticated, it flirts with black but has just enough dimension to tease the eye,” says Denney.

With this color trend, hairstylist Travis Ogletree says it’s worth noting that obsidian brunette can be hard to embrace if you’re used to warmer hair colors. “The inky color falls more into the realm of graphite than espresso and works well with cooler complexions and olive skin tones,” he adds. 

How to Get the Look

Since obsidian brunette is more about depth than dimension, you need to start with a dark base. “At the salon, ask for the darkest brunette shade with cool undertones,” Gonzalez says. Ogletree adds that the color should border on black. “Subtle green or blue tones in the base will help cancel out any red warmth and help the cool tones stand out,” he says. 

To achieve a mirror-like effect, Denney recommends adding a glossing service to your appointment. Like any bold hair color, balance is essential for nailing obsidian brunette’s icy effect. According to Ogletree, cool tones reflect less light, making the balance between depth and gloss even more important. “Glassy shine is the key to keeping this color looking polished instead of flat,” he says. 

Now, for maintenance. Upkeeping obsidian brunette at home is easier than you may think. Unlike blonde and red hair, this shade doesn’t need much touching up. Instead, the pros simply suggest booking regular glossing appointments. As Denney notes, sticking to a schedule ensures the color remains rich, deep, and glass-like.