“It’s A Little Bland And It’s A Bit Safe” – Colourists React To Pantone’s Color Of The Year 2025

Buzzing brunette or bland beige? We get your thoughts on Mocha Mousse

by AMANDA | INDUSTRY NEWS

Pantone has spoken, and for 2025 we have Mocha Mousse as its Color of the Year. Influencing shades in everything from design to fashion, hairdressing always looks on with keen interest to see if a hue will be revealed that can be inspirational for both business-building colour services and creative flair. What’s been the reaction to this year’s coffee-flavoured shade…?

“It is a little bland and it is a bit safe, but let’s face it – it can’t be exciting vivid, vibrant tones every single time! What we need to remember is these colours are not only used for hair, they’re also used for design and inspiration. I think it’s good that it’s more commercial this year as this will probably help maximise some more colour bookings. It’s quite a neutral tone so a lot of different people can wear it. It’s also great for younger stylists who are looking for inspiration. For Pantone to release a colour every single year that delivers inspiration is spot on.”
Brian ‘Leo’ McCallum, ROAR Hair & Beauty, Glasgow 

Hair by Marlon Hawkins, Brooks & Brooks, London 

“I would describe Mocha Mousse as a luxe colour with a tone that is saturated, making it light and fluffy, complementing the lightness with the deeper organic dessert tones. With a nod to its natural organic tertiary shade, it is super wearable. I personally think a huge colour trend for 2025 is dimensional colour so adding variation with colour and depth helps bring this Pantone shade to life in hair.”
Marlon Hawkins, Brooks & Brooks, London 

“My initial reaction to Mocha Mousse came with a touch of disappointment – I had my heart set on some kind of fresh green tone this year. But the more I think about it, the more I can see why this shade was chosen. It’s a clever, consumer-focused choice that aligns perfectly with current trends. Subtle yet luxurious, its warmth and richness tap into the softer, more wearable looks that clients are loving right now. 

“This shade is incredibly approachable, making it ideal for clients who want to refresh their look without being too dramatic. It’s perfect for glossing, balayage and creating dimensional tones, so I can see it being a big hit in salons. While it’s definitely a safer choice compared to recent years, it has real potential to become a trending request because it’s both natural and indulgent. 

“To capitalise, salons can embrace its luxurious vibe with packages like ‘The Mocha Melt’, offering toning, glossing and a polished blow-dry. Social media will be key – before-and-afters, gloss techniques and styling ideas can really inspire clients to book. 

“Mocha Mousse feels like a reflection of where trends are heading. It’s a versatile and consumer-friendly colour that gives salons a fantastic opportunity to connect with clients.”
Safy B, Safy B’s, Aylesbury 

“This shade creates a stunning, expensive-looking finish that’s more natural and neutral compared to the bold tones we’re used to seeing from Pantone. The neutral aesthetic is a huge trend right now. Even though balayage requires less frequent maintenance, toners do fade over time, which can lead to more regular bookings for touch-ups. We’re embracing mocha as a colour for everyone – light blonde mocha, medium mocha, and dark mocha. It’s a versatile option that suits all clients, whether it’s a full head colour, money piece, highlights or balayage. Best of all, it doesn’t need pre-bleached hair, making it accessible and profitable for salons.”
Brooke Evans, BE Ironbridge, Shropshire 

“Mocha Mousse is such a beautiful shade with broad appeal. While some colourists might see it as ‘safe’, I think it provides the perfect canvas for stylists to showcase their expertise. This tone allows for endless customisations – dimensional balayage, root smudging, and tonal glossing – that can create bespoke, premium looks for clients.  

“From a business perspective, I see this shade driving more bookings, particularly for clients wanting low-maintenance yet luxurious hair colour. It’s also a great opportunity to re-engage with clients who might’ve veered away from bold colour trends (classic blonde clients) as it offers a sophisticated and versatile option. To maximise the buzz, salons could promote ‘Mocha Mousse’ packages, including complimentary glossing treatments to perfect the shade. For stylists, it’s a great chance to elevate consultations, showcasing how this trend can be tailored to every client’s natural tones and lifestyle.”
Fergal Doyle, Fergal Doyle Hair, Bristol 

“Maximising on this trend will be all about upselling professional treatments. While embracing Mocha Mousse may mean for many returning to their natural base or a low maintenance colour, they absolutely will need their stylist’s help getting that intense reflect and shine that makes this shade look expensive and beautiful. Glossing treatments, glazes and bond builders, frizz taming and regular toning to keep brassy undertones under control will mean this colour could be surprisingly big business for us.”
Lydia Wolfe, Jack & The Wolfe, Lymington

“To be honest, Pantone colours have never really been any interest to our clients directly. For us as creatives, they can be useful barometers for colour trends, but I do find this year’s colour a bit bland. It’s not as bold and exciting as previous years but still something colourists can get behind. “For hair, Mocha Mousse is a perfect base for all balayage tones as it blends seamlessly into caramels and blondes. Its greatest selling point is that it is complimentary on both darker and lighter skin tones and is a shade that can be achieved on both dark and light natural bases so it’s a great all-rounder for the busy colourist. Revlon Professionals .8 tone is where I’ll be heading to achieve the perfect neutral for all shades.” 
Ceri Cushen, Metropolis Hair, Surbiton 

“Mocha Mousse strikes the perfect balance of indulgence and subtlety. Its name conveys thoughtful luxury – light, creamy, and rich yet approachable. This earthy hue, enhanced by silky undertones, feels fresh and contemporary. As a versatile, light-inspired shade, it captures the evolving trends of 2025. I can’t wait to see its impact in fashion and beauty. It’s a dream hair colour for those craving the richness and warmth of brunette with a touch of cool for added sophistication. Its light, versatile tone flatters a wide range of skin tones, making it effortlessly stylish. It works beautifully as an all-over shade, delivering a rich yet soft finish, and serves as the perfect base for balayage, paired with complementary warmer and cooler tones to add delicious depth and texture
Elle Foreman, Tribe Salons, Clapham