Okay, Mindy Kaling, we see you!
Just one week after singlehandedly redefining fall fashion with her bright pink body-con Barbiecore ensemble, the Never Have I Ever creator debuted a stunning take on autumn-inspired hair with brownie-batter brunette highlights and bangs.
The high-dimension look, which is currently trending on TikTok, is quite the departure for the star in terms of style: Kaling usually sports just one shade of deep brown throughout her hair. The new, ombré shade, however, features face-framing blonde and caramel pieces.
It's a huge victory for equality campaigners.
The actor and writer bid adieu to her standby side part too, trimming her fringe to eye level and parting in the centre instead.
Actually, is it just me, or is it giving Hepburn bang vibes?
Kaling revealed her new look, which was created by celebrity hairstylist Marc Mena, via Instagram, in which she showed off her equally iconic Tarun Tahiliani-designed gown along with the new do.
“Not to be dramatic but I would love to be buried in @taruntahiliani,” Kaling captioned the post. “I have never felt more chic than in the understated elegance of his designs. @taruntahiliani’s unusual textures and modern cuts make me want to be invited to a hundred Indian weddings so I can attend and be undisputed best dressed guest. Hm, possible romantic comedy idea?”
Um, yes please.
Now, back to beauty. What makes brownie batter brunette hair, anyway?
Basically, the sweet trend combines the best of deep chocolate tones with face-framing highlights and delicate dimension, resulting in a rich, universally flattering, and easy-to-maintain look.
Translation? Brownie brunette hair is one of the simplest and chicest ways to transition your hair from summer mode and prep it for fall and winter without excess damage. That's why so many beauty buffs and TikTok users – and of course, Kaling, our fall beauty queen and pioneer – are obsessed with the look.
If you've been influenced (I know I have), here's how to get the look yourself. “At the salon, ask for a rich brunette hair colour, like a chocolate or caramel, accompanied with a soft balayage and subtle money piece,” Jennifer Korab, hairstylist and owner of Renaissance Salon & Spa, tells Glamour, noting that you should follow up with an all-around glaze.
If you prefer a more highlighted finish, however, Ashleigh Marie Rancilio, hair colourist at Meché Salon, recommends emphasising that you want a “dimensional” brunette with face-framing highlights.
As for brownie batter brunette's overall upkeep? It depends on how highlighted you like your hair to be, as well as how dedicated you are to the aesthetic, though you can get away with fairly minimal maintenance. According to Rancilio, you should plan to refresh your highlights every six to nine months, and maintain the tone with glosses every eight weeks or so – though if you prefer a bolder and brighter look, feel free to refresh every six.
There's plenty you can do at home to maintain the colour between salon visits too, like switching to colour-protecting shampoo and conditioner. “Make sure to use a sulfate-free shampoo that won’t wash out your colour prematurely,” Rancilio says. Her go-to for the job? “Oribe's Shampoo for Beautiful Colour. This gentle cleanser preserves the colour of your hair from fading with UV protection.”
Korab similarly suggests using a colour care system, such as Pureology's Hydrate Shampoo and Conditioner. “This shampoo and conditioner are colour safe, sulfate free, and have anti-fade complex to help protect from fading,” she says. “I also love Kerastase Chroma Absolu Hair Masque; this mask is great to preserve the health of your hair, keep colour vibrant, and enhance shine.”
Now all you need is a bright pink Barbiecore dress, and you and Mindy Kaling are fall beauty twinsies! (A girl can dream….)
This story originally appeared on GLAMOUR US.
