Brunette hair color has long had a reputation for being boring, but we’ve seen a shift into full-blown brunette obsession over the past few years—and we’re not mad about it!. While blonde hair is known to be the most fun and red the most daring, brown hair is without a doubt the most timeless.
If you’re looking to go brunette in 2021, there are so many on-trend shades to choose from—and we’re here to help you pick the best one for your skin tone. Keep scrolling for 15 of the best brunette hair color trends to try now.
What color hair is brunette?
Brunette hair colors range from cool-toned shades like ash to warm-toned colors like chocolate and espresso. There are also brunette hair colors with red undertones like chestnut and amber. Click here to check out our complete brunette hair color chart.
What is the best hair color for brunettes?
The best brunette hair color for you always depends on your skin tone. If you have a cool undertone in your skin, you’ll look best with neutral or cool-toned shades. For those with warm undertones, brunette hair colors with neutral or warm undertones will work best. It’s important to note, however, that a colorist can customize any shade to fit your complexion perfectly.
If you’re officially ready to go brunette, keep scrolling for 15 hair color ideas for brunettes that you’re bound to love.
The Best Brunette Hair Color Trends To Try Now
Hazelnut
While beverage-inspired hair colors are nothing new, we never grow tired of shades inspired by our favorite coffee flavors. Not to mention: This rich, dimensional hue looks stunning on all skin tones.
Dirty Brunette
Dirty brunette caught our eye in 2018—and the trend hasn’t left the spotlight since. If you have yet to try this classic brunette shade with warm blonde highlights, we predict the trend will still be going strong throughout 2021.
Chocolate Brown
If you have a sweet tooth, delve deeper into your chocolate obsession with a chocolate brown hair color. If you’re looking for a dark brown hue that’s rich, reflective, and dimensional, chocolate brown is for you.
Glossy Espresso
Speaking of brunette shades with tons of shine, no color is quite as head-turning as espresso. If you want your espresso hue to have a mirror-like finish, ask your colorist to complete your appointment with a hair gloss treatment. If you’re looking to achieve a similar result at home, use a hair serum like Pureology Style + Protect Shine Bright Taming Serum. This lightweight formula adds high shine to color-treated hair while taming frizz and flyaways.
https://www.instagram.com/p//?utm_source=ig_embed
Photo credit: https://www.instagram.com//
Plum Brown
If you’re looking to ease into vibrant colors, start by slowly adding notes of plum throughout a dark brown base. The change is subtle but enough to make you feel like a new person.
Brown Hair With Blonde Highlights
There’s nothing more classic than brown hair paired with blonde highlights. Whether you opt for partial highlights or a full head of blonde streaks, it will instantly add dimension and brightness to your look. If you decide to opt for highlights, be sure to invest in a shampoo and conditioner system like Redken Color Extend Brownlights Shampoo and Conditioner. This blue toning system neutralizes brassy undertones in natural and highlighted brown hair.
Brown Hair With Caramel Highlights
For those with tan or dark skin tones, caramel highlights throughout a brunette base will emphasize the warmth in your skin and brighten your complexion.
Golden Brown
If you’re hoping to brighten your look without heading too far into blonde territory, consider golden brown.
Reddish Brown
Take advantage of a fiery ginger trend—without completely abandoning your brunette roots—by asking your colorist for reddish brown. Use a shampoo and conditioner system like Matrix Total Results Color Obsessed Shampoo and Conditioner that prevents color fade between salon appointments.
Silver Ash Brown
If you’re into a shade that’s a bit moodier, you’ll want to skip warm tones and go the ashy route in the new year. Silver ash brown, however, is nothing like your typical ashy brunette hue. To achieve silver ash brown, your stylist will incorporate notes of metallic silver throughout an ash brown shade like mushroom brown for a look that’s seriously on-trend.
Cocoa
Reminiscent of a steaming cup of hot chocolate, cocoa brown is a rich, deep, dimensional hue that looks stunning on any skin tone.
Medium Brown
If you’re not interested in going too dark or too light, medium brown is the ideal middle ground. Not to mention: This neutral shade flatters any complexion.
Chestnut Brown
Chestnut hair color is on-trend year after year, and we’re not surprised. The reddish-brown shade is universally flattering and can be worn dark and sultry or on the lighter side.
Dark Brown With Blonde Face-Frame
For an on-trend look with tons of contrast, ask your colorist to paint bright blonde face-framing highlights onto your dark brown base color. It may seem dramatic, but we promise, the risk is worth it!
Dark Ash Brown
Dark brown ash contains subtle hints of gray, which gives the shade a sultry, cool-toned finish.
Interested in trying brunette hair? Use our salon locator to book an appointment at a salon near you.