Dakota Johnson has welcomed the autumn season with a dramatic change to her signature brunette look, unveiling a darker and glossier shade that is already attracting attention from beauty fans.
The 36-year-old actress was recently photographed in Los Angeles while arriving at Warner Bros. studios. Her new hair immediately stood out as she stepped out with sleek, straight locks and her familiar fringe bangs.
Johnson has kept her hair in different shades of brown over the years. Her latest color, however, takes her brunette style to a deeper level. The rich shade has been described by celebrity colorist Tracey Cunningham as “glossed espresso.”
The name reflects the look’s main features. The color is dark, polished and full of shine, but it does not appear flat or close to black.
Dakota Johnson embraces a darker brunette
Johnson’s new hairstyle keeps many of the elements that have become part of her signature appearance.
Her hair remains long and straight, while her recognizable bangs frame her face. The major difference comes from the color, which now looks noticeably deeper and richer.
Cunningham created the new shade with the goal of producing a dark brown color with visible depth. Instead of using one solid tone, she combined several shades to give the hair a more dimensional finish.
The result allows light to reflect across the hair. That gives the brunette color a glossy appearance without making it look overly heavy.
Johnson has previously experimented with several brunette variations, including chocolate, chestnut and caramel tones. She also surprised fans with a lighter “dirty blonde” look before returning to darker shades.
Her latest transformation represents another shift in that evolving style.
Tracey Cunningham creates the “glossed espresso” shade
Cunningham, a well-known Hollywood colorist, was responsible for Johnson’s latest transformation.
She has worked with numerous celebrities, including Emma Stone and Julia Garner, and has previously created different looks for Johnson.
For the new color, Cunningham used Schwarzkopf Professional’s Igora Vibrance range.
Rather than applying a single shade across the entire head, she worked with multiple tones. The technique helped create a smooth transition between the different sections of Johnson’s hair.
Cunningham applied the color while the hair was wet. She used different formulas across the roots and lengths to achieve even coverage and a smooth gradient.
The process was designed to create a finish that catches the light.
The result is a deep brunette that still has movement and dimension. That distinction is important because Cunningham wanted the hair to look dark without becoming a flat, almost-black block of color.
Why “glossed espresso” is perfect for autumn
Johnson’s transformation arrives as beauty trends move toward darker and richer shades for the autumn season.
Summer often brings lighter colors, including warm blondes, caramel tones and sun-kissed highlights. As the weather becomes cooler, many people begin looking for deeper shades that feel more suitable for the season.
Espresso brown fits naturally into that change.
The shade combines the sophistication of dark brunette hair with the shine of a fresh gloss treatment. It can also create a warmer and more luxurious appearance without requiring a dramatic change in hairstyle.
Johnson’s version takes that trend even further by keeping the color exceptionally deep.
Other rich shades are also expected to remain popular during the colder months. Roasted chocolate, cherry-inspired browns and deeper caramel tones are among the looks gaining attention.
Johnson keeps her signature bangs
While the color is the biggest change, Johnson has not abandoned the hairstyle that has become closely associated with her public image.
Her fringe bangs remain in place and sit just above her eyes. The bangs provide continuity between her latest look and many of her previous hairstyles.
She also wore the hair straight and sleek during her appearance in Los Angeles.
That styling choice allowed the new color to take center stage. The smooth finish helped highlight the different tones within the dark brunette shade.
The combination of straight hair, fringe bangs and glossy espresso brown creates a look that feels familiar while still appearing noticeably refreshed.
Dakota Johnson has changed her hair before
Johnson is no stranger to experimenting with her hair color.
Over the years, she has appeared with shades ranging from darker chocolate brown to lighter chestnut and caramel tones. She has also briefly embraced blonde hair.
Her relationship with brunette shades has remained particularly strong, though.
Her darker looks have often complemented her signature bangs and understated beauty style. The new espresso shade continues that approach while adding a more polished finish.
The transformation also shows how a relatively subtle color change can make a major difference.
Johnson has not needed to change her haircut dramatically. Instead, the deeper color gives her existing style a completely different seasonal mood.
A growing trend among celebrities
Dark brunette hair has become a popular choice among celebrities and beauty enthusiasts looking for a sophisticated alternative to lighter summer shades.
The appeal of espresso brown comes from its versatility. A deep brunette can look dramatic under bright lighting while appearing softer in natural light.
Adding gloss can also make the color appear healthier and more dimensional.
Johnson’s latest look demonstrates that darker hair does not have to appear harsh. Multiple tones can create depth and allow the color to reflect light.
That is a key part of the “glossed espresso” approach.
Johnson’s new look makes a strong autumn statement
Dakota Johnson’s latest hair transformation arrives at exactly the right time for the seasonal beauty shift.
Her darker brunette color feels richer than her previous chocolate-brown look, while the glossy finish keeps it from appearing flat.
The actress has also retained her recognizable bangs and sleek styling, making the change feel fresh without completely reinventing her appearance.
With autumn approaching, Johnson’s “glossed espresso” hair could inspire more people to move toward deeper brunette shades.
The transformation shows that sometimes a new season does not require a completely different hairstyle. A richer color, a glossy finish and a familiar signature look can be enough to create a striking change.
For anyone considering a darker shade this autumn, Dakota Johnson’s latest look offers a clear example of how deep brunette hair can remain elegant, modern and full of dimension.
