The idea that brown hair color is boring is officially over. If you’re ready to switch up your hair color, opting for a neutral brunette is easy-to-wear and versatile, and there are endless ways to wear brunette beyond the classics. Rather than opting for higher-maintenance shades like platinum blonde or fire-engine red (though we love those too), brunette can be low-maintenance, and, depending on which tone you go with, can read as quiet luxury, edgy, mysterious or more. You can play around with so many shades of brunette, from dark brown hair to bronde, to find the look that’s tailor-made for you.
Ready to get inspired? Here’s everything you need to know about embracing the dark side (of hair).
How to find the best brown hair color for your skin tone
“Choosing the best brunette shade for your skin tone depends on several factors,” says Abby Haliti, French balayage and color expert and owner of NYC’s Abby Haliti Color Studio, adding that much of it comes down to finding your skin’s undertone and knowing whether it’s warm or cool.
“Generally, people with warm undertones in their skin look best with warm brunette shades like caramel or chestnut,” Haliti says, noting that warm undertones are usually yellow, peachy, and/or golden. “Those with cool undertones, such as pink or blue, tend to suit cooler brunette shades like ash brown or espresso.”
Nicole Lucero, a colorist at NYC’s Mahogany Grace Salon, concurs, pointing to base shades of caramel and honey brown as ideal for warm undertones. “If you have cool undertones, a base shade of ash brown or dark brown would be the best choice,” she says. “If you have neutral undertones, you can do like a rich chestnut brown or dark cherry brown.”
Haliti also notes that it’s important to consider your eye color and natural hair color when selecting a shade. “For personalized advice, it’s best to consult a professional hairstylist who can assess your skin tone and help you choose the most flattering brunette shade,” she says. Our tip? Come to your appointment prepared with inspiration photos (we’ve got you covered—keep scrolling!) to show your colorist so you’re both clear on exactly what to expect.
How to maintain brunette hair
According to Lucero, maintaining brown hair color starts with using the right hair care products. “Choose shampoos and conditioners specifically formulated for brown hair to keep the color vibrant and shiny, and limit washing to every other day to prevent your hair from becoming dry,” she says. Color-safe shampoos will help extend color for longer.
Haliti echoes the sentiment and also advises seeking sulfate-free products with ingredients like keratin and color-protecting agents. “Consider using a color-depositing shampoo or conditioner once a week to refresh and enhance your brunette shade,” she says. “These products can help prevent color fading and maintain the depth of your hair color.”
