10 Best Hair Color Ideas for Brunettes, According to Hairstylists

Suede Mocha

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

"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

"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

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

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

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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Mushroom Brown

Jessica Alba — Photo by Arnold Jerocki/WireImage

Ok, so it's not the sexiest name on the planet but mushroom brown hair color is actually way prettier than its name suggests—and it's having a moment. Picture a portobello mushroom. That's the inspo for this ashy grey-brown hue. "This lighter brown color can be achieved with an ashy base and cool, neutral highlights and lowlights throughout the hair," explains Siobhan Quinlan, a colorist at AM Salon in West Hollywood.

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Chocolate Brown

This rich, classic color stuns on most skin tones and looks great year-round. "It's an all over deep brown with warm undertones," says Quinlan, adding that "it can really bring a nice glow to the skin." If you're already a brunette, this color will be fairly low maintenance. You can get it with a single process but if you have textured hair, highlights are a good idea because they add dimension.

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Expensive Brunette

Hailey Bieber — Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage

This one might cost you the same as any other hair color at the salon but it screams luxury. Quinlan describes this shade as "a super shiny, deep brown that usually has a warm richness to it and caramel subtle babylights sparkling throughout." Pair it with sultry makeup and you get effortless elegance. Case in point: It's a shade Hailey Bieber often rocks.

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Burnt Sienna

"For when you are the verge of wanting to be a redhead but still want to right the some of those brunette undertones, consider stunning shade—burnt sienna," suggests Quinlan. Similar to rust, burnt sienna has hints of copper, auburn, and brown tones that come together to create a stunning color full of dimension.

How to Choose the Best Brown Hair Color Shade for You

Anyone can wear any hair color but if you follow these tips, you'll find the most flattering hue for you. First, determine your undertones. If your veins look greenish, then you have warm undertones. If your veins are blue or purplish, you have cooler undertones, and if your veins appear colorless or match the color of your skin, you have a neutral undertone. This knowledge will help your colorist find a complementary color. Next, consider your skin tone. Honey, toffee, and caramel tones work well with darker skin tones, while lighter tones flatter lighter complexions. Find a photo of a person with your skin tone to find haircolor inspo.

How to Care for and Maintain Brunette Hair

While being a brunette tends to come with the blessing of a low-key haircare routine, there are still some things you can do to have and keep your color rich and fresh. Wash with a sulfate-free, color-safe shampoo and conditioner. If you've gone lighter and lifted your strands, consider using a protein-rich shampoo and a bond-building treatment or mask at home to keep strands smooth and healthy. Rinsing with cool water (instead of warm) helps seal the cuticle for vibrant-looking color. Using a heat protectant before hot tools (flat or curling iron) will help ward off damage and dullness. And ask your colorist about a toner or gloss to combat brassy tones.

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