Style of the Day: The Lived-In Wave & Espresso Brunette : Late August Hair Trends at The Color Lounge in Concord NH

CONCORD HAIR TRENDS

Late August is the switch point.

Summer brightness starts to soften. Back-to-school schedules begin. Fall color appointments fill the calendar.

At The Color Lounge Salon & Spa, the Style of the Day is simple:

Lived-In Wave + Espresso Brunette

Espresso brunette leads the Fall 2026 color conversation. The look is rich, glossy, and dimensional without appearing flat or overly dark.

The texture keeps it current.

Loose bends. Soft volume. Natural movement.

This is the kind of look that works for a school schedule, a workday, a weekend in Concord, or a fall wedding.

Trend coverage from Allure’s Fall 2026 hair report also points toward rich chocolate brunettes, warm reds, mushroom blonde, and relaxed styling.

STYLE OF THE DAY

THE LIVED-IN WAVE

The lived-in wave is not a tight curl set.

It is:

• Soft bends

• Loose movement

• Natural-looking texture

• Minimal root volume

• Face-framing shape

• A brushed-out finish

• Easy second-day styling

The wave can be customized for long hair, a lob, layers, or a textured bob.

It also pairs well with Concord’s late-summer humidity. The finish does not need to stay perfectly sleek.

ESPRESSO BRUNETTE

Espresso brunette is a deep brunette with shine and tonal depth.

Ask for:

• Rich espresso

• Dark chocolate dimension

• Soft walnut ribbons

• Subtle caramel around the face

• A high-shine gloss

• Blended roots for easier grow-out

Prefer a warmer direction? Consider:

• Golden hour brunette: warm chestnut and toffee dimension

• Honey mushroom blonde: neutral beige depth with soft honey ribbons

• Mulled wine: brunette with a deep berry-red finish

• Copper bronde: copper woven through blonde and brown

• Auburn spice: warm brunette with cinnamon and copper tones

FEATURED PRICING

SERVICE	REG. PRICE	SPECIAL PRICE	SAVINGS
Full Balayage & Blowout	$250+	$215+	$35
Signature Haircut & Style	$65+	$55	$10
Gloss & Glow Treatment	$50	$35	$15

Special pricing is available for a limited time. Final pricing may vary by length, density, and color history.

SUMMER-TO-FALL CARE GUIDE

Late August hair is still managing summer damage.

Sun. Chlorine. Sweat. Humidity. Frequent washing.

Use the transition period to refresh your cut, tone, and conditioning routine.

SURVIVAL TIPS

1. Add a gloss. Refresh espresso, brunette, bronde, or copper tones with a Gloss & Glow Treatment.

2. Deep-condition weekly. Prioritize moisture after swimming and sun exposure.

3. Use heat protection. Apply before blow-drying, curling, or flat ironing.

4. Wash with color-safe products. Protect brunette, red, copper, and blonde tones.

5. Reduce high heat. Use a lower temperature when creating lived-in waves.

6. Schedule before the calendar gets busy. Back-to-school appointments, fall events, and weddings can fill quickly.

SERVICE HIGHLIGHTS

The services page includes options by stylist.

At The Color Lounge, fall refresh appointments may include:

• Haircuts

• Blowouts

• Balayage

• Color treatments

• Gloss services

• Hair washing and treatments

• Fashion color

• Special occasion styling

A lived-in wave can be added to a haircut, color appointment, or event service.

BRIDAL SECTION

Fall is a popular wedding season in New Hampshire.

For 2026, bridal hair is moving toward soft glam rather than stiff perfection.

Top looks include:

• Hollywood waves

• Low textured buns

• Soft half-up styles

• Bouncy blowouts

• Loose braided details

• Romantic face-framing pieces

• Veil-ready low styles

Espresso brunette, golden hour brunette, copper bronde, auburn spice, and honey blonde all photograph well when the tone includes dimension and shine.

For foliage-season weddings, consider:

• Velvet espresso waves

• Golden hour brunette with face-framing ribbons

• Mulled wine gloss with a low textured bun

• Copper bronde with a soft half-up style

• Honey mushroom blonde with brushed-out waves

Book a bridal trial early. Bring your veil, accessories, dress neckline details, and inspiration photos.

BRIDAL PRICING

BRIDAL SERVICE	REG. PRICE	SPECIAL PRICE	SAVINGS
Bridal Hair Trial	$120	$95	$25

Call 603-856-8057 to discuss bridal packages, timing, and group styling needs.

TRANSFORMATION HIGHLIGHT

FROM SUMMER BRUNETTE TO ESPRESSO DIMENSION

Starting point:

• Faded summer brunette

• Dry ends

• Uneven tone

• Limited shape

• Flat finish

The fall refresh:

• Espresso brunette base

• Soft golden-hour ribbons

• Trimmed and shaped ends

• Lived-in wave finish

• Gloss for shine

The result is polished without looking overdone.

It works straight. Waved. Air-dried. Pulled into a claw-clip twist.

That versatility makes it a strong back-to-school choice for students, teachers, and busy professionals in Concord, NH.

HOW TO STYLE AT HOME

Create the lived-in wave with a few simple steps.

1. Start with clean, damp hair

Apply a lightweight leave-in conditioner and heat protectant.

2. Build root movement

Use mousse at the roots. Blow-dry the hair fully.

Do not style damp hair.

3. Create loose bends

Use a 1.25-inch curling iron or wand.

Alternate the direction of each section. Leave the last inch slightly straighter.

4. Let the hair cool

Do not brush immediately.

Allow the waves to set for several minutes.

5. Break up the shape

Use your fingers or a paddle brush to loosen the bends.

6. Finish lightly

Add texture spray for movement. Use a small amount of smoothing serum on the ends.

Avoid heavy product. The goal is soft, touchable texture.

For additional preparation ideas, read How to Master Your Style of the Day.

THE COLOR LOUNGE SERVICE MENU

The Color Lounge Salon & Spa is a full-service hair salon in Concord, NH.

EVERYDAY SERVICES

• Precision haircuts

• Hair washing

• Blowouts

• Styling

• Treatments

• Face-framing layers

• Lobs and textured cuts

COLOR SERVICES

• Espresso brunette

• Golden hour brunette

• Balayage

• Traditional highlights

• Honey mushroom blonde

• Copper bronde

• Auburn spice

• Mulled wine

• Gloss treatments

• Fashion color

SPECIAL OCCASION SERVICES

• Bridal hair

• Bridal trials

• Wedding-party styling

• Formal updos

• Half-up styles

• Hollywood waves

• Fashion styling

CURRENT FEATURED PRICING

SERVICE	REG. PRICE	SPECIAL PRICE	SAVINGS
Full Balayage & Blowout	$250+	$215+	$35
Signature Haircut & Style	$65+	$55	$10
Bridal Hair Trial	$120	$95	$25
Gloss & Glow Treatment	$50	$35	$15

Prices and specials may change. Call for current details.

CALL TO ACTION

Ready for your late-August refresh?

Choose your direction:

• Espresso brunette

• Golden hour brunette

• Honey mushroom blonde

• Mulled wine

• Copper bronde

• Auburn spice

Pair it with a lived-in wave.

Call The Color Lounge Salon & Spa at 603-856-8057 to schedule your appointment.

The Color Lounge Salon & Spa 11 Perley Street Concord, NH

Visit the salon homepage to see our services, gallery, and latest hair inspiration.

If you are searching for a hair salon Concord NH or comparing salons in Concord NH, call The Color Lounge.

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