When choosing a new hair color for brown hair, it’s important to consider how different shades will show up against the base. Some colors will create a subtle effect, while others will lead to a dramatic change. Factors like your starting shade and whether you color all over or just highlights impact the end results.
How Hair Color Works on Brown Hair
Brown hair contains eumelanin pigment that creates warm undertones. When you add color on top of brown hair, the resulting shade is a blend of the artificial dye and your natural pigment.
Lighter colors like blonde will appear more subtle on brown hair. The warmth of the natural pigment will come through unless you use high volume peroxide bleach. Going darker produces an extremely natural look. Medium brown hair that is colored black will appear nearly the same.
Vibrant shades like red and purple will show on brown hair, but may seem more muted. The natural pigment mixes with the artificial color to soften the intensity. Using hair color remover beforehand lets the true shade come through.
Best Hair Colors for Light Brown Hair
If you have light brown hair, you’ll notice subtle color changes when you dye your strands. Here are colors that complement this starting shade:
- Blonde highlights: Babylights or face-framing streaks give dimension.
- Caramel: Adds warmth and brightens light brown.
- Strawberry blonde: Lightens with a pinkish tint.
- Medium brown: Makes hair richer without much change.
- Espresso: A darker shade of brown for contrast.
Best Hair Colors for Medium Brown Hair
Medium brown hair provides a beautiful base for brunette hues as well as some lighter shades. Here are winning color choices:
- Butterscotch: Bright yet natural-looking blonde.
- Chestnut: Deeper yet soft brown.
- Red: From bold copper to subtle auburn.
- Burgundy: Deep reddish brown.
- Ombre: Graduated color from roots to ends.
Best Hair Colors for Dark Brown Hair
The depth of dark brown hair makes an ideal background for richer shades. These options will look striking and natural:
- Black: Adds depth for a sophisticated look.
- Espresso: Slightly lighter alternative to black.
- Chocolate: Warm, milk chocolate hue.
- Caramel highlights: Provides subtle contrast.
- Plum: Deep reddish purple.
How to Get Bright Hair Colors to Show on Brown Hair
Vibrant shades like pink, blue and green can work on brown hair, but the natural pigment does mute the intensity. Here are tips to help bright colors pop:
- Use clarifying shampoo several times before coloring to strip natural pigment.
- Lighten strands first with bleach or hair color remover.
- Opt for semi-permanent instead of permanent dye. The peroxide won’t lighten as much, allowing truer color.
- Apply gloss or toner in the vivid shade after coloring to boost intensity.
How to Cover Gray Hair with Brown Color
For those with naturally brown hair that’s going gray, you can camouflage both issues with one solution. Here’s how to color over grays:
- Choose a brown shade that matches your original color.
- Use permanent color for longest lasting coverage.
- Target the most stubborn grays with an applicator brush.
- Refresh monthly roots before they grow out too much.
Coloring just the regrowth area each time maintains color without constantly redyeing the lengths.
Should You Go Lighter or Darker with Brown Hair?
Deciding between lightening or darkening your brown mane comes down to personal preference. Here’s how to decide:
- Go lighter if: You want a summery look or to enhance highlights. Avoid drastic blonde that will appear unnatural.
- Go darker if: You want richer color for fall/winter or cover grays. This gives a flawless effect.
- Stay in the medium brown family for subtle enhancement.
- Change seasonally – lighter in summer, darker in winter.
It also depends on your complexion. Lighter brown and blonde brings out paler skin. Darker brown and black complement olive or darker skin.
At-Home vs Salon Hair Color for Brown Hair
Should you DIY or visit a stylist for coloring brown strands? Considerations include:
- At-home: More affordable, convenient. Best for minor changes like covering grays or going a bit lighter/darker.
- Salon: A professional can customize the perfect shade and properly lighten or lift color. More expensive.
For more dramatic changes like ombre, balayage, vivid hues or major lightening, see a stylist. Otherwise, drugstore kits provide quality color you can apply yourself.
Examples of Different Hair Colors on Brown Hair
Seeing how various shades appear on brunette manes helps visualize the possibilities. Here are color examples on brown bases:
| Natural Shade | Dyed Color | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Light brown | Blonde highlights | Subtle brightness around the face |
| Medium brown | Copper red | Warm auburn tint |
| Dark brown | Black | Deeper, shinier brown |
Maintenance Tips for Dyed Brown Hair
Maintaining colored brown hair keeps it looking fresh and vivid. Follow these tips:
- Use sulfate-free shampoo and cold water washes.
- Apply weekly gloss or hydrating mask.
- Protect hair from sun exposure.
- Get a trim every 6-8 weeks to keep ends healthy.
- Use demi-permanent color for touch-ups.
Conclusion
Brown hair offers a blank canvas for dye experiments. Whether you want to enhance your natural color with highlights or try a bold new hue, there are endless options. From blonde to black to bright shades, the possibilities are unlimited. With some expertise about how different colors appear on brunette strands, you can achieve beautiful, long-lasting results.
