Just as people with straight hair envy those with curly hair (and vice versa), I’ve often dreamed of dying my brunette hair a different color. With so many hair color trends coming and going over the years, I’ve toyed with the idea of going blonde, redhead, and black, but the thing is (as I’ve realized) that brunettes actually have it pretty lucky. We have hundreds of options at our fingertips when we want to change something up with our hair—and the best part? They don’t have to be as high-maintenance as a full dye or dramatic color change.
True, brown hair cannot feel exciting, but if you’re brunette, you already have a good medium color base to work with. You can then enhance your natural hair color by weaving in blonde strands for dimension, adding highlights or lowlights if you fancy lighter or darker tones, or even experimenting with balayage or an ombre effect for a bolder color statement.
One thing I’ve noticed over the past year is that more and more people are embracing and experimenting with their naturally brown hair. From Hailey Bieber to Em Ratajkowski, even celebrities and supermodels are proving that brunette hair is trendier than ever.
Basically, the possibilities are endless when it comes to experimenting with brown hair. From trendy California brown to classic caramel brown, if you’re looking for inspiration, scroll down to see a roundup of our favorite brunette hair color ideas.
BRUNETTE HAIR COLOR IDEAS FOR 2024:
1. Golden brown
Style notes: If you want to experiment with lighter colors without going truly blonde, consider a subtle ombre effect. Lighten the ends and lengths of your hair with a seamless blend down to the roots.
2. California Brown
Style notes: The ultimate low-maintenance brown. Ask your colorist for a mix of cool and warm tones in addition to your natural color.
3. Copper brown
Style notes: Whether you choose a rich reddish brown or just a hint of copper, this is a fun way to mix things up when you want something fresh (but still brunette).
4. Caramel brown
Style notes: Caramel brown is not quite a true brunette, but it’s certainly not quite blonde either: it’s a seamless blend of lighter and darker tones.
5. Dark brown
Style notes: If black seems too dark for your complexion, choose a deep dark brown instead.
6. Reddish brown
Style notes: Start with a dark brown base and add a red glaze for a subtle pop of color without any maintenance.
7. Cool brown
Style notes: Add depth to mousy grey hair by opting for a slightly richer, cool-toned brown shade. You won’t notice any growth at the roots, but your hair will look fresher.
8. Balayage
Style notes: A classic blonde balayage is always a safe way to experiment with color in naturally brown hair. If you’re feeling bold, ask for a few lighter strands framing the face to highlight your eye color.
9. Highlights
Style notes: Have you tried balayage? Then consider adding highlights, and remember: you don’t have to go blonde. Light brown, copper and gold shades look just as chic.
10. Low points
Style notes: Lowlights are typically two to three shades darker than your natural hair color and add depth and dimension to your hair without being quite as obvious as highlights.
11. Warm brown
Style notes: Hand-painted copper and honey tones add noticeable warmth to your hair and complexion.
12. Sunset Brown
Style notes: The perfect way to add color to thick hair: request darker shades for the lower layers of hair and lighter ones for the upper layers.
13. Shiny Brown
Style notes: Sometimes you can’t beat the simplicity of super smooth, super shiny brown hair.
14. Beach brown
Style notes: Gently incorporated golden color stripes look particularly good if your hair is curly or wavy.
The best products for brunette hair:
Josh Wood Color
Chocolate gloss
Does your hair look dull between appointments? Intensify your color and achieve a high-shine effect with an easy-to-use treatment.
Dryable
Detox Dry Shampoo Brunette
While some dry shampoos leave a chalky residue in the hair, this brown-tinted version creates a natural hair look while absorbing excess oil and adding volume to the roots.
Christophe Robin
Color Variation Care Ash Brown
Specially designed for brunettes, this nourishing hair mask will keep your color looking fresh by neutralizing red and brassy tones. And the best part? It works on both natural and colored hair.
L’Oréal
Magic Retouch, Root Touch-Up Spray, Brown
If you notice unwanted gray hairs starting to appear at the roots of your hair, use this touch-up spray to apply weightless, temporary color that blends seamlessly with your brown strands.
DPhue
Cool Brunette Shampoo
If you want to avoid golden and brassy tones and give your hair a cool tone, this shampoo is for you.
