When it comes to spring hair colors, we’re used to seeing warm, sunny shades like honey brown and strawberry blonde on our Instagram feeds throughout the season. This year, however, a cool-toned brunette shade has taken the internet by storm—and we’re officially obsessed!
If you’re looking to switch up your brown hair for spring, you’re going to love smoky brunette hair color. Keep scrolling for everything you need to know about the trending ash brown shade, including how to achieve it, maintenance tips, and color inspiration.
Good hair day by @charmayne_edwardsandco.
What is smoky brunette hair color?
For those who love to walk the line between blonde and brunette, bronde hair color has always been a go-to. Well, smoky brunette is similar to the popular in-between shade, only with a cool-toned twist. While bronde hair typically features warm, golden blonde undertones, smoky brunette has ashy, smoky undertones. The result is a cool-toned, dimensional color that gives brunettes the subtle seasonal change they may be craving.
Good hair day by @lamajbackwards.
Who is smoky brunette hair color best for?
If you’re a natural brunette searching for a low-maintenance change that’s still super on-trend, smoky brunette is an excellent option for you. When it comes to choosing a shade that’s best for your skin tone, those with cool undertones in their skin will find the ashiness in smoky brunette extra flattering.
However, that’s not to say the shade is exclusive to certain complexions! If you have tan skin, dark skin, or pale skin with a warm undertone, your colorist can customize a smoky brunette hair color that perfectly complements your complexion.
Vitamino Resveratrol Color Radiance Moisturizing Shampoo
A moisturizing shampoo to give shine and preserve color-treated hair
Color Extend Brownlights Shampoo
An essential color-depositing blue shampoo to tone and neutralize brassy orange tones in highlighted, balayaged, or natural brown hair.
Color Extend Brownlights Conditioner
An essential color-depositing blue conditioner to help tone and get rid of brassiness in highlighted, balayaged, and natural brown hair.
Absolut Repair Instant Resurfacing Masque
A hydrating mask to deeply nourish damaged and weakened hair.
How do you maintain smoky brunette hair color?
Before you make the switch to smoky brunette hair color, it’s important to note that ashy shades can be challenging to maintain. On top of seeing your colorist for regular touch-ups (every six to 12 weeks, depending on your desired look and natural hair color), you should also commit to a color-protecting hair care routine.
Start by swapping your regular shampoo and conditioner for a system like L'Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Vitamino Resveratrol Color Radiance Shampoo and Conditioner. Enriched with antioxidants, this color-protecting duo cleanses and conditions while helping to maintain the vibrancy and shine of salon color.
If you’re lightening natural brown hair to achieve a smoky brunette shade, you’ll also want a color-toning shampoo like Redken Color Extend Brownlights Shampoo and Conditioner. This color-depositing system contains blue pigments that neutralize brassy orange tones in highlighted or natural brown hair.
Salon color can leave your strands dry and brittle—especially when bleach is involved. That’s why we recommend using a weekly hair mask like L'Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Absolut Repair Instant Resurfacing Masque. This formula deeply nourishes damaged, weakened hair with ingredients like gold quinoa and protein.
Eager to try smoky brunette hair color for yourself? Keep scrolling for five on-trend ideas to show your colorist.
The Best Smoky Brunette Hair Color Ideas To Try Now
Good hair day by @hairby_baileyc.
Subtle Smoky Brunette
If you desire a finished look that’s mostly brown with a slight touch of blonde, you’ll love this subtle take on smoky brunette.
Good hair day by @hairbymarissaangela.
Smoky Brunette Balayage
Fact: No matter what color trend you’re thinking of trying, balayage is always a win. Your colorist will hand paint soft, ash blonde highlights throughout an ash brown base for a dimensional, low-maintenance result.
This works particularly well for natural brunettes who want to keep root touch-ups to a minimum.
Good hair day by @thecurlcollectivephx.
Smoky Brunette Curls
Smoky brunette is truly stunning paired with curly hair. The natural texture enhances the depth and dimension of the shade.
Good hair day by @mr.roberthair.
Gray Smoky Brunette
If you want to go even smokier with your hue, ask your colorist for subtle hints of gray throughout your color.
Good hair day by @_merakiforhair.
Smoky Brunette With Money Piece
Add an extra touch of brightness to your smoky brunette shade with a blonde money piece. This face-framing highlighting technique is low-maintenance (but super impactful).
Interested in trying smoky brunette hair? Use our salon locator to book an appointment at a salon near you.
Vitamino Resveratrol Color Radiance Moisturizing Shampoo
A moisturizing shampoo to give shine and preserve color-treated hair
Color Extend Brownlights Shampoo
An essential color-depositing blue shampoo to tone and neutralize brassy orange tones in highlighted, balayaged, or natural brown hair.
Color Extend Brownlights Conditioner
An essential color-depositing blue conditioner to help tone and get rid of brassiness in highlighted, balayaged, and natural brown hair.
Absolut Repair Instant Resurfacing Masque
A hydrating mask to deeply nourish damaged and weakened hair.
