6 Best Hair Colors for Brunettes, According to Hairstylists (2024)

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Because brown definitely doesn’t have to be boring.

ByMelanie Rud

Published on February 16, 2022

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6 Best Hair Colors for Brunettes, According to Hairstylists (1)

Blondes aren't the only ones that can have fun with their hair color. It looks like more people are going darker these days, and there are tons of new hues that work beautifully on natural brunettes—and are anything but boring or basic. "People have a few misconceptions when it comes to brunette hair color," says Biolage celebrity stylist Sunnie Brook. "They think it's always going to be too warm or too brassy, or worry that brunette hair ages them and that it will look dull overall." But guess what: Absolutely none of the above holds true. Case in point: These six gorgeous colors, perfect for brunettes.

Suede Mocha

6 Best Hair Colors for Brunettes, According to Hairstylists (2)

This is a beautiful option for anyone who wants to keep their hair dark, but still wants some dimension and depth, says colorist Bianca Hillier. You're playing with the idea of brightness and creating a beachy, summery vibe, without committing to going full-on blonde, she adds. Ask your colorist for mocha highlights, which can either start at the root or lower. As far as upkeep goes, plan on refreshing these highlights three to four times per year.

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Smoky Brown

6 Best Hair Colors for Brunettes, According to Hairstylists (3)

"This color works best for blondes wanting to go darker, as well as natural dark brunettes who want to lighten up a level or two without doing highlights," says Brook. As the name suggests, this color is more on the translucent side, rather than being heavily saturated and pigmented, she explains. And, because it has a neutral undertone, it's flattering on a wide array of skin tones. Top tip: Wait at least 48 hours post-coloring before washing, and when you do, make sure to use a color-safe shampoo and conditioner. This will keep that neutral undertone from becoming too warm, Brook explains. Try: Biolage Color Last Shampoo & Conditioner ($21; amazon.com).

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Espresso

6 Best Hair Colors for Brunettes, According to Hairstylists (4)

"This is a very rich, very shiny dark brown, though not black, color with minimal dimension," says Kristen Fleming, color director of 3rd Coast Salon in Chicago, Ill. Because it is so dramatic and saturated, it can look a bit harsh on those with paler complexions; Fleming says it's most flattering on those with dark or olive skin. As far as maintenance goes, opt for an in-salon gloss every six weeks to maintain the depth and shine, she suggests. You can also try an at-home option like Pureology Clear Top Coat ($35; ulta.com).

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Brunette Balayage

6 Best Hair Colors for Brunettes, According to Hairstylists (5)

The idea that balayage can only be done on blondes is a total misconception, says Fleming. For brunettes, the hand-painted highlight technique can create natural-looking highlights; Fleming says lighter brown highlights with either neutral or warm undertones added on to any brunette base color create pockets of shine and depth. Plus, if you like to wave or curl your hair, "this is a great way to add dimension that enhances the style," she adds.

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Pale Walnut

6 Best Hair Colors for Brunettes, According to Hairstylists (6)

Looking for low-maintenance color? This color is perfect for those clients who only want to go to the salon twice a year, says Hillier. Highlights that are just a shade or two lighter than your base—and don't start at the root—keep the look natural and lived-in. A money piece (aka a brighter piece around the face) brings everything together, she says. Maintain the cool undertones at home by using a purple shampoo to tone down brassiness and boost brightness, Hillier advises. She likes Olaplex No.4P Blonde Enhancer Toning Shampoo ($28; sephora.com), which she says has the added benefit of strengthening strands.

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Comfy Camel

6 Best Hair Colors for Brunettes, According to Hairstylists (7)

For blondes who may not be ready to fully commit to brunette, but do want to gradually transition to going darker, this is a great option, says Brook. "The warm neutral tone gradually fades towards a lighter camel hue at the end." A purple shampoo is a good option to use weekly for this color as well, in order to ward off any unwanted brassiness.

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6 Best Hair Colors for Brunettes, According to Hairstylists (2024)

FAQs

6 Best Hair Colors for Brunettes, According to Hairstylists? ›

If you are looking to add a touch of warmth and youthfulness to your look, auburn is the best no bleach hair colour. It pairs beautifully on naturally dark hair. Colouring dark hair with auburn hair colour gives it a beautiful reddish-brown hue. It livens up the hair and adds dimension to it.

What color shows up best on brown hair without bleach? ›

If you are looking to add a touch of warmth and youthfulness to your look, auburn is the best no bleach hair colour. It pairs beautifully on naturally dark hair. Colouring dark hair with auburn hair colour gives it a beautiful reddish-brown hue. It livens up the hair and adds dimension to it.

What is the best non brassy brown hair color? ›

Brunettes everywhere are leaving warm tones in the dust and going for something way cooler: ash brown. This shade is the ultimate anti-brassy-inspired bronde, mixing colors like mocha brown, ashy chestnut, cool blonde, and even smoky silver-blonde.

What color stands out with brown hair? ›

Flattering colours for golden brown hair

So, to go with it, the best course of action is picking warm colours as well. Your wardrobe should have a lot of beige, orange and gold. If your skin is also sensitive or has that porcelain skin look, you can also add more shiny colours such as coral, honey, peach or aquamarine.

What is the most wanted hair color? ›

2024's Most Wanted Hair Colours
  • SPICY REDS. Red hair makes a statement but can be difficult to maintain. ...
  • SUNKISSED BLONDE. Nothing provides a natural 'wow factor' like sun-kissed blonde locks that look like you've just got back from the beach. ...
  • BRONDE. ...
  • Glossy Brunette. ...
  • Modern Grey.
Feb 12, 2024

How can I lighten my brown hair without bleach or dye? ›

Another option is to use natural ingredients like lemon juice , honey , or chamomile tea to gradually lighten your hair . Additionally , using a clarifying shampoo or spending time in the sun can also help lighten your hair without bleach .

What colors to avoid with brown hair? ›

If You Have Pale Skin
Hair ColorBest ColorsColors to Avoid
BrownOlive, Gray, Tan, Brown, Blue, medium GrayDark Gray, Mustard, Orange
GrayNavy, Gray, Maroon, BlackBrowns, Green, Tan, Yellow, Pastels
RedBrowns, Medium Gray, Green, Blue, pale YellowLight Gray, Red, Yellow, Orange
2 more rows
May 17, 2021

What is the nicest shade of brown hair? ›

Dark ash brown hair color is a cool, deep tone without any traces of red or gold. It's beautiful on most skin tones, and it's very dramatic for people with brown or blue eyes. A deep shade like dark ash brown is at its best when it's healthy and shiny. Try styling this shade with a treatment oil for a glossy result.

What colors are easiest for brown hair? ›

Also, unlike other creative hair dyes, amethyst purple is a calm and royal colour that will spice up your brown hair without looking too crazy.
  • Baby Blue Pastel Hair Dye | Blue-hair-dye. ...
  • Carmine Pink Vibrant Semi-permanent Hair Colour. ...
  • Espresso Brown Hair Dye | Permanent Hair Colour.

What is the prettiest hair color? ›

Most Attractive Hair Colour According to Women
Hair colorPercentage
Brunette38%
Blonde36%
Red18%
Black5%
1 more row
Mar 7, 2023

What color hat looks best on brunettes? ›

THE HAT COLOR

With dark brown hair, you're lucky, you can really pull off many different colors. But, to be safe, I would stick to a few of the classic colors like camel, black, and grey. These colors compliment your hair and also are different enough to contrast with your hair as well.

What is the rarest hair color? ›

Yes, auburn or red hair can be natural. Red hair is in fashion these days. Natural red hair is the rarest hair color in the world. A mere one to two percent of people are born with auburn hair.

What hair color is most attractive to guys? ›

Brunette, chestnut, and other brown shades are some of the most preferred hair colors for men. Brunettes might be getting men's attention because they give the impression of not being afraid to speak their mind; they are honest and truthful, but it also looks like a very natural color.

What is the least desirable hair color? ›

In the present study blondes were not preferred by either sex: a clear preference for brunette hair coloration over blondes and redheads was indicated. In concurrence with both earlier studies, the results of this study indicated red hair as the least preferred hair color.

What is the number 1 hair color in the world? ›

The most common hair color in the world is black or dark brown. It is estimated that approximately 90% of the world's population has naturally dark hair. This is primarily due to the prevalence of dark hair among populations in regions such as East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Americas.

Which hair color does not require bleaching? ›

9 No-bleach hair color ideas
  • Cherry burgundy.
  • Auburn.
  • Honey.
  • Caramel brown.
  • Chocolate brown.
  • Chestnut brown.
  • Mushroom brown.
  • Mahogany.

Can brunettes go lighter without bleach? ›

Depending on how light or dark your hair is, you could apply color without any lightening at all. Just know that if you're wanting to go lighter, generally hair dye both box and professional will only be able to lighten your hair 1-2 levels without the need for pre-lightening, aka bleaching.

Can brown hair be highlighted without bleach? ›

With a host of formulas to choose from, there's a Blondor product to suit every look – from balayage to highlights. However, you may get some clients who ask, 'can you lighten my brown hair without any bleach? ' And the answer, quite simply, is yes.

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