Lola Tung Goes Dark Chocolate: What Her New Shade Means for Brunettes

Lola Tung has swapped her recognisable honey-brown hair for her deepest shade yet: a rich, dark chocolate brunette, spotted while she was out and about in New York City. Celebrity colour changes like this aren’t just headline-making—they often signal where mainstream salon requests are heading next. In the UK, deep, glossy brunettes have been steadily gaining momentum as clients look for low-fuss, high-impact colour that still feels polished through winter and into early spring.

What makes Tung’s new look interesting is its balance: it’s dark, but not flat; bold, but still wearable. Below, we break down what this shift says about current brunette trends, how colourists typically achieve a “darkest yet” transformation without sacrificing shine, and what you can realistically ask for at your next appointment.

Why dark chocolate brunette is surging right now

In salon terms, “dark chocolate” usually describes a deep brown with soft, warm-to-neutral richness—think cocoa rather than jet-black. It’s a shade family that photographs beautifully (even in gloomy weather), gives hair a glassier appearance when healthy, and tends to fade more gracefully than some lighter tones.

In a UK context, it also pairs well with seasonal styling: darker colour can make hair look more uniform and reflective, which plays nicely with sleek blow-dries, soft waves, and scarf-friendly updos. For many people, it’s also a practical colour reset after months of highlights, sun-lightening, or frequent glossing.

There’s another reason it’s appealing: deeper brown can read “expensive” with the right finish. That doesn’t mean it’s inherently better than lighter hair—just that the combination of depth + shine creates a strong, editorial effect, particularly when hair is worn smooth.

From honey brown to deep brunette: what changes in the salon

Going darker sounds simple—“just put a darker dye on”—but colourists are usually more strategic. If someone has been wearing honey-brown tones, their hair likely includes lighter pieces or residual warmth. To land a rich brunette that doesn’t turn muddy or overly warm, stylists often rely on controlled toning, careful “filling” (reintroducing underlying pigments when needed), and a finish that prioritises reflectivity.

While exact methods vary by starting colour and porosity, a professional approach typically aims to keep dimension through the mid-lengths and ends so the hair doesn’t look like a solid block of colour. Many colourists will also choose a brunette formula that suits the client’s undertone—neutral, softly warm, or slightly cool—rather than chasing an ultra-ashy look that can read flat in natural daylight.

• Depth placement matters: keeping roots slightly deeper can give a “grown-in” realism, even on day one.
• Shine is the tell: a dark colour looks best when the cuticle is smooth; glossing and gentle heat styling can enhance this effect.
• Dimension prevents flatness: subtle ribbons or micro-lowlights can keep dark shades looking expensive rather than heavy.
• Colour balance is key: too much warmth can skew brassy; too much coolness can look inky or dull on some skin tones.

Real-world next step: If you’re tempted by Tung’s “darkest yet” brunette, take two photos to your consultation—one in daylight and one in indoor lighting—so your colourist can match the depth and tone you actually want, not just the camera flash version.

How to keep dark brunette looking glossy (not dull)

Deep brunettes can look sensational, but they’re also unforgiving: dryness and product build-up show up faster against darker colour. In the UK, hard water can contribute to dullness over time, and frequent heat styling (especially high temperatures) can make mid-lengths look less reflective.

Many stylists recommend treating dark colour like you would a silk blouse: less friction, gentler washing, and a little consistent maintenance. You don’t need a complicated routine, but you do need consistency—especially in the first few weeks after a big shade change.

• Wash smarter: use lukewarm water and avoid over-washing; it’s one of the simplest ways to preserve tone and shine.
• Condition for slip: a good conditioner reduces tangling and friction, helping dark colour look smoother.
• Heat with intention: lower your tool temperature and keep passes to a minimum for a glossier finish.
• Clarify occasionally: if you use lots of styling products, a periodic clarifying wash can help restore brightness (follow with conditioning).
• Book a gloss: many salons offer a toner/gloss service between full colour appointments to refresh depth and reflectivity.

What to ask for if you want a “Lola” brunette without going too dark

One of the most common fears when going brunette is that it will feel too severe. The easiest way to avoid that is to focus on a deep brown that still has movement, and to keep softness around the face.

In consultation language, it helps to be specific about what “dark” means to you. For some, “darkest yet” is a rich level 4–5 brunette; for others, it’s much closer to near-black. Your colourist can steer you towards a depth that complements your brows, lashes, wardrobe, and maintenance preferences.

• Ask for “dark chocolate brown with dimension” rather than a single-process, one-tone brunette.
• If you’re nervous, request a deep gloss first—many clients use this as a low-commitment trial.
• Keep it flattering by asking for subtle brightness around the face (not necessarily highlights—just softness).
• Discuss maintenance: a deeper shade may need shine refreshes more than full recolours.
• Bring reference imagery that matches your hair texture (straight, wavy, curly) so the finish looks realistic.

Key Takeaways

• Lola Tung’s shift from honey brown to dark chocolate brunette reflects a growing appetite for deep, glossy colour with low day-to-day fuss.
• “Dark” works best when it’s not flat—dimension and shine are what make brunette look modern and expensive.
• Salon techniques like strategic toning and glossing help deep shades look rich rather than muddy or overly warm.
• Dark colour can show dryness faster, so gentle washing, conditioning, and sensible heat use are essential for a reflective finish.
• Your best next step is a clear consultation: bring photos in different lighting and ask for an agreed depth level and tone direction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is dark chocolate brown the same as black hair?
Not usually. Dark chocolate brunette tends to read as deep brown in daylight, while black can look more inky and higher contrast. The difference often comes down to undertone and how much light the colour reflects.

Will going from honey brown to dark brunette be hard to maintain?
It can be relatively straightforward, but dark shades often look best with regular shine upkeep. Many people maintain the look with a salon gloss every few weeks and a gentle at-home routine.

Can dark brunette look flat?
Yes—especially if it’s a single-tone colour on hair that’s dry or heavily styled. Asking for dimension (subtle lowlights or ribbons) and prioritising shine usually prevents that “helmet” effect.

How do I stop dark brunette from fading warm or brassy?
Warmth can appear as colour fades or if hard water and product build-up dull the finish. Many stylists recommend periodic glossing, avoiding very hot water, and using a clarifying wash occasionally if build-up is an issue.

Is a gloss worth it for brunettes?
Brunettes often see a noticeable difference with glossing because it boosts reflectivity and keeps the tone looking intentional. It’s also a useful way to test-drive a deeper shade before committing fully.

What should I tell my colourist if I want a celebrity-inspired brunette?
Share reference images and describe what you like: depth level (how dark), tone (warm/neutral/cool), and finish (high-shine, soft dimension). If you can, bring photos taken in similar lighting to your everyday life.