Dakota Johnson Embraces Autumn with a Chic "Glossed Espresso" Hair Transformation
Fashion

Dakota Johnson Embraces Autumn with a Chic "Glossed Espresso" Hair Transformation

authorBy André Leon Talley
DateSep 02, 2026
Read Time3 min

Dakota Johnson has once again captivated attention with a dramatic change to her signature hairstyle, ushering in the autumn season with a rich, new hue. Known for her distinctive brunette locks, often styled with brow-skimming bangs, Johnson has traded her characteristic cool-toned chocolate brown for a deeper and more intense shade. This transformation, perfectly timed for the cooler months, is a testament to the evolving trends in hair fashion that lean towards more opulent and profound colors as the days grow shorter.

The debut of Johnson's refreshed look occurred recently in Los Angeles, where she was seen en route to Warner Bros. studios. Her hair, now a glossy, straightened deep dark brown, maintained its iconic fringe, complementing her effortlessly chic ensemble of a white tank, black trousers, a relaxed black handbag, and ballet flats. This subtle yet impactful change has been meticulously crafted by renowned celebrity colorist Tracey Cunningham, who also serves as Schwarzkopf Professional US's creative director for color and technique. Cunningham, celebrated for her expertise with a roster of A-list clients, has dubbed Johnson's new shade "glossed espresso." This term encapsulates the desired effect: a color that is profoundly dark yet exudes a vibrant sheen, reflecting the luxurious and deeper color palettes becoming prevalent this fall.

Cunningham elaborated on her artistic vision for Johnson's hair, emphasizing the goal of creating a true dark brown that is both rich and dimensional, deliberately avoiding any resemblance to a flat, opaque black. Her technique focused on achieving a depth that invites visual exploration rather than presenting a solid block of color. To accomplish this, Cunningham expertly layered various tones, ensuring a seamless blend where every shade transitions fluidly into the next. She employed Schwarzkopf Professional's Igora Vibrance, applying multiple tones simultaneously across Johnson's hair. This strategic application involved blending the base color into the mid-lengths and ends while the hair was still damp, meticulously crafting a gradient free from any harsh lines. Cunningham described this method to Vogue as "placed, not painted," highlighting the precision involved. Furthermore, she innovatively switched from a lotion-based formula at the roots to a gel through the lengths, allowing for even saturation and an impeccable glossy finish across each section of hair.

As the fashion and beauty world embraces the transition into autumn, there's a palpable shift towards darker, more saturated hair colors. The light, buttery, and bright shades of summer are giving way to warmer, deeper tones such as rusty reds, cherry colas, and roasted caramels. This spectrum of color is not only aesthetically pleasing but also designed to impart a healthy glow to the skin as natural daylight diminishes. Dakota Johnson's "glossed espresso" exemplifies this trend, offering an exquisite brunette that achieves a dramatically darker appearance without sacrificing the crucial elements of dimension and lustrous shine. It's a sophisticated choice that speaks volumes about current beauty trends and the artistry of modern hair coloring.

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