Reddish brown hair is a rich, warm hair color that combines reddish and brown tones. It falls somewhere between auburn and regular brown on the spectrum of hair colors. Reddish brown hair has elements of red, but is not as vividly red as a true auburn. It is a multi-tonal hair color that can range from light to dark.
Some key things to know about reddish brown hair:
- It is a blend of red and brown tones
- It is warmer and richer than regular brown hair
- It is not as red as auburn hair, but has more red than plain brown hair
- It can come in light, medium, and dark shades
- It is often described as “burgundy,” “chestnut,” or “mahogany”
In the sections below, we’ll explore the characteristics, shades, and styling tips for reddish brown hair. We’ll also look at how it compares to similar hair colors.
Defining Reddish Brown Hair
Reddish brown hair, also sometimes called “brownish red hair,” is not one single shade. Rather, it encompasses a range of shades that blend red and brown tones together. This results in a hair color that is simultaneously warm yet natural-looking.
Some key characteristics that define reddish brown hair include:
- A mix of medium to dark brown tones
- Varying levels of red tones, from subtle to more visible
- Warmer and richer than plain medium or dark brown hair
- Not as intense as a true auburn red hue
- Depth and dimension from the blend of colors
The amount of red and brown tones can vary from person to person, making reddish brown a highly customizable hair color. Some versions appear closer to a chestnut brown with subtle red highlights, while others look more clearly red-brown. This range makes reddish brown a versatile and adaptable hair color.
Shades of Reddish Brown Hair
Reddish brown hair encompasses a wide spectrum of shades from light to dark. Here are some of the most common shades of reddish brown hair:
Light Reddish Brown
– Sienna – A warm, golden brown with hints of red throughout.
– Russet – A soft, brownish orange shade with red undertones.
– Strawberry blonde – A blend of red and blonde tones resulting in a peachy, copper shade.
Medium Reddish Brown
– Auburn – A balanced mix of red and brown characterized by richness and warmth.
– Chestnut – A reddish brown with yellow undertones, similar to the hue of a chestnut shell.
– Copper – A metallic, reddish-orange shade.
Dark Reddish Brown
– Mahogany – A rich, dark red-brown resembling the wood of the mahogany tree.
– Burgundy – A deep reddish-brown, like the color of burgundy wine.
– Chocolate cherry – A cool-toned reddish brown, evoking the hue of cherries and chocolate.
| Light Reddish Brown | Medium Reddish Brown | Dark Reddish Brown |
|---|---|---|
| Sienna | Auburn | Mahogany |
| Russet | Chestnut | Burgundy |
| Strawberry blonde | Copper | Chocolate cherry |
As shown in the table, reddish brown hair comes in light, medium, and dark variants to suit different complexions and styles. A hair colorist can customize the shade by adjusting the ratio of red to brown tones.
How Reddish Brown Hair Compares to Similar Colors
Reddish brown is often confused with similar hair colors. Here’s how it compares:
Auburn
– True auburn hair has a stronger red/orange undertone compared to reddish brown.
– Auburn is a more defined shade, while reddish brown is blended.
– Reddish brown has more subtle hints of red rather than being overtly red.
Chestnut Brown
– Chestnut brown is dominant in brown rather than red tones.
– It has yellow/golden undertones compared to the redder bias of reddish brown.
– Reddish brown incorporates more red into its base color than chestnut brown.
Red
– Red hair does not have any brown tones, only copper/orangey shades.
– Reddish brown retains a brown foundation while red hair does not.
– The red in reddish brown is subordinate to the brown rather than being the dominant color.
So in summary, reddish brown stands apart from similar shades due to its blended, subtle mix of red and brown tones. The color strikes a balance between depth and brightness for a unique effect.
How to Get Reddish Brown Hair
Here are some ways to go reddish brown if you have different starting hair colors:
From blonde hair:
– Add medium brown lowlights and red highlights. Keep the base a light brown.
– Opt for a strawberry blonde shade to blend red into your blonde.
– Do an all-over color in a light reddish brown. Avoid anything too dark.
From black/dark brown hair:
– Lift hair color to a medium brown base first, then add red highlights.
– Carefully lighten small sections for a highlighted effect rather than full head color.
– Choose a mahogany or burgundy gloss to give dark hair a red tint.
From light brown hair:
– Boost color with an auburn or copper red shade.
– Add lots of warm, red-toned highlights throughout.
– Do an all-over color in chestnut or sienna reddish brown.
No matter your starting point, consult closely with a colorist to achieve the right hue of reddish brown for your skin tone and style. Careful color application is key.
Best Ways to Style Reddish Brown Hair
Reddish brown hair offers lots of versatility for styling. Here are some tips:
– Add loose waves to bring out dimension in the color.
– Braids, buns and updos create striking contrasts between the different shades.
– For short styles, incorporate choppy layers to maximize texture.
– Use sea salt sprays to add beachy, windswept texture that shows off color.
– Embrace the natural movement of reddish brown hair and avoid overly sleek styling.
– Try side-swept bangs to accentuate the warm color tones.
– Use gloss treatments to keep the color vibrant and avoid brassiness.
The rich nature of reddish brown hair lends itself well to casual, tousled hairstyles. Let the color be the star and keep styling unfussy.
Caring for Reddish Brown Hair
Reddish brown hair requires some special care to stay healthy and vibrant. Here are some tips:
– Use a color-safe shampoo and conditioner to keep color from fading.
– Wash hair less often since over-washing can cause excess fading.
– Rinse hair with cool water instead of hot to minimize color stripping.
– Apply a weekly hydrating hair mask to condition and nourish strands.
– Use leave-in treatments with UV filters to protect hair from sun damage.
– Get regular trims to remove split ends and keep hair healthy.
– Use a tinted gloss or glaze between color appointments to refresh tone.
– Avoid chlorinated pools which can leach color from hair.
With the right maintenance regimen, you can keep reddish brown strands looking rich, shiny, and luminous.
Who Can Pull Off Reddish Brown Hair?
Reddish brown hair is versatile and adaptable enough to suit many different complexions. Here are some tips for who can wear it best:
– Fair skin tones – Opt for light, coppery reddish browns like strawberry blonde or russet. Avoid very dark shades.
– Olive skin tones – Try medium tones like auburn or chestnut brown. The red tones will complement olive skin.
– Medium skin tones – Explore the full range of light, medium and dark reddish browns to find a flattering match.
– Darker skin tones – Go for deeper burgundy, chocolate cherry or mahogany shades. Avoid very light reddish browns.
– Cool undertones – Chestnut and chocolate cherry reddish browns flatter cool skin. Avoid orangey shades.
– Warm undertones – Reddish browns with gold, coppery tones enhance warm complexions.
No matter your skin tone, meet with a colorist to find your most flattering version of reddish brown. With so many options, you can make this color work for you.
Conclusion
Reddish brown hair is a dimensional, adaptable hair color that flatters many different complexions. It blends red and brown tones for a uniquely warm, inviting effect. Ranging from light siennas to deep burgundies, there is a shade of reddish brown for everyone. With proper care and styling, you can rock this color to get the perfect balance of natural and radiance.
