Whether you’re a blonde in need of a dramatic shake-up or a brunette ready to shift within your own shade range, there are brown hair shades for every complexion. Look for a deep cocoa or rich mahogany color to complement warm skin tones or opt for a more natural toasted hue to flatter cool complexions.
Ash Brown
Ash brown hair shades are a classic choice for cool-toned brunettes. The shade looks beautiful when darkened, lightened, tinted or highlighted and it works on all complexions. The color also works as a base shade for balayage, where small sections are lightened and dyed with a lighter tone than your brown hair. The result is a natural sun-kissed look that suits most complexions.
If you’re not ready to commit to an all-over ashy brown hue, ask your stylist for a toffee ash brown ombre. The shade is darker than caramel ash but it’s still a softer option and suits light to medium skin tones.
To add extra depth to your toffee ash brown, request deliberate lowlights throughout your strands from your stylist. The resulting color is more dimensional and it helps counteract any unwanted warmth in your strands.
If you’re a blonde who’s interested in trying ash brown, ask your stylist to add blonde highlights to your strands for a balanced finish. This style is ideal for those who are hesitant to go full-on blonde and it looks amazing on all hair types. You could even try a balayage blonde ash brown shade like this Kim Kardashian-approved look to combine the best of both worlds.
Chestnut Brown
Chestnut brown is a classic shade that flatters brunettes and adds rich color to their hair. It’s the perfect option for those who want to lighten up but aren’t ready to commit to a blonde shade. It also highlights the jewel-like colors in brown eyes and complements warm undertones in skin.
For a more subtle change, ask your colorist for a chestnut brown ombre. This style has dark espresso roots that gradually transition to a warm reddish brown in the middle and lighter golden-copper brown in the ends. This look looks particularly stunning on warm-toned brunettes with olive skin and brown eyes.
Adding copper highlights to chestnut brown hair is another easy way to brighten your look without bleaching your locks. It will bring out the reddish tones in your hair and make your strands shine. This is a great option for those who have cool undertones in their skin as it won’t create too much contrast with the color of your complexion.
Kathryn Bernardo, Sarah Lahbati, and Yassi Pressman are just a few celebrities who sport this beautiful hair color. This rich toasted hue looks great on all skin tones and works as a perfect transition color if you’re considering going blonde in the future.
Nude Brown
If you want a subtle color that still makes a statement, try a dark brown shade with warm undertones. Vanessa Hudgens’ ebony brown locks are bold and beautiful, while Halsey’s copper-toned brown puts a cool spin on the classic color. Her berry-stained lips and red eye makeup are the perfect complement to this dimensional hue.
If you’re looking to add dimension to a lighter shade of brown, ask your stylist for face-framing balayage. The natural-looking highlights will brighten your complexion while still giving you a low-maintenance look. Try Garnier Nutrisse shade 613 Light Natural Brown (Cafe con Leche) to get the look.
A medium brown shade with golden undertones can be flattering on a variety of skin tones. Warmer shades suit olive skin tones, while lighter ones complement green and hazel eyes. You can also play around with highlighting techniques, like ombre, to get a more personalized color.
Red Tinted Brown
When it comes to reddish brown hair colors, there are a ton of options — and finding the perfect one for you can be overwhelming. From shades that lean more toward brown with subtle red undertones to bold red-brown hues balanced with a bit of earthy brown, there’s sure to be a shade to suit your natural complexion.
If you prefer a lighter shade, try a light auburn with rosy tips for a warm and trendy look that’s perfect for a shoulder-length bob or longer locks. Alternatively, add some copper highlights to a light brown base for a balayage style that will make you feel fresh and ready to take on the day.
Reddish brown shades that are more golden than red suit fair skin tones best, while deeper hues with a violet red or dark auburn undertone work well on tan to olive complexions. If you’re unsure of which shade to choose, ask your stylist for a recommendation based on your skin tone and lifestyle.
How committed you are to maintenance is another factor to consider when choosing a reddish brown shade. While brunette shades are often low-maintenance, adding a pop of red will require you to come in for touch-ups more frequently than if you were going with a classic blonde or brown hair color.
Loose Curls
When it comes to hair colors that suit curly hair, vibrant hues can be a great choice. The key is to choose a shade that complements your natural skin tone. If you’re unsure about what shade to pick, talk to a professional stylist to find the best brown hair shades for your curls.
A rich chocolate brown shade works wonders on curly locks. For a more dimensional look, ask your stylist to add a few caramel highlights that blend into the dark hue. The result is a rich, warm-toned look that perfectly enhances the bouncy texture of your curls.
Another option is to lighten your dark brown hair with a subtle ombre color technique. This coloring method gradually lightens your hair from roots to ends, giving your locks a sun-kissed glow. Try this gorgeous brown ombre shade on your curly locks to create a radiant, natural-looking look that’s perfect for any occasion.
If you have 4C curls, a bright copper hue can give your strands a vibrant, lively appeal. Use a hair-thickening shampoo like SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore to keep your curls moisturized and healthy while you rock this fun color.
Bouncy Shoulder-Length Haircut
This bouncy shoulder-length haircut for brown hair is full of glamour. The glossy brown blonde color paired with the soft waves elevate this look, adding a touch of elegance to your daily style. This textured lob suits almost every face shape, especially heart-shaped faces, because the side-swept bangs shift the focus from the pointed chin to the upper part of the face.
A simple layered shoulder length hairstyle is always a good idea, and it works for both curly and straight locks. This blond-brown version looks particularly gorgeous because it is well-framed by the layers that create a face-framing effect. The soft waves add texture to the short choppy layers, making them look more boho-chic and less formal.
If you want to take your bob up a notch, opt for long layers. They will give you a full mermaid look, while the blonde balayage refreshes your hairstyle. This is a great choice for women with thick or thin hair, since it will enhance your natural volume without causing overgrowth.
The blunt layered shoulder-length haircut with side-swept bangs is a classic style that never goes out of fashion. It works for all face shapes, and the ash brown color with the light blonde highlights dresses it up for a more feminine look.
Soft Ombre
If you love the idea of an ombre hair shade but aren’t ready for something drastic, try a subtle blend. This honey and caramel ombre hair color is a perfect choice for brunettes, as it’s a natural look that doesn’t overpower your face. The colors melt together beautifully, and the result is a truly authentic look that fits your complexion.
If your complexion is warmer, you might want to experiment with a fiery red ombre. This sultry hair color makes your lips pop and draws attention to your eyes. Whether you have dark hair or light locks, this warm tone can be easily transformed into a stunning balayage by your colorist.
Copper brown highlights accentuate the golden undertones in tan complexions. This on-trend hair color works well on both long and short locks, and it looks even better with wavy or curly hair.
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance ombre hair color, consider this beautiful brown to blonde fade. Your stylist will create a soft transition by shading your roots and mid-lengths a little lighter than your ends. This will help reduce the frequency of touch-ups, and it will also give your hair more texture.
