Brown hair comes in a wide range of shades, from light golden browns to very dark brunette tones. The darkest shades of brown hair are often referred to as “black brown” or simply “black.” However, true black hair has no brown tones in it at all. So what is the actual name for the darkest shades of brown hair? Keep reading to find out!
The Different Shades of Brown Hair
Brown hair color ranges from light to dark in the following general categories:
| Light Brown | Medium Brown |
| Dark Brown | Darkest Brown |
Light brown hair is a warm, golden shade that may have subtle blonde highlights mixed in. Medium brown hair is richer in tone and has no blonde – it can range from milk chocolate to dark chocolate hues. Dark brown hair is a rich chocolate brown with no red or blonde tones present. Finally, the darkest brown shade borders on black – it is an extremely dark brunette that looks black in some lighting.
Within each of those broad categories there are many more specific shades. For example, popular shades of light brown hair include caramel, honey, and chestnut. Medium browns include mocha, cocoa, and mahogany. For dark browns, think espresso, dark chocolate, or coffee bean.
When it comes to the darkest brown hair shades, common names include black brown, black cherry, blue black, and jet black. However, as mentioned earlier, true “black” hair has no brown tones at all. So what is the most accurate name for this ultra-dark shade of brown?
The Darkest Brown: Raven Brown
The darkest brown hair color that still shows some warmth and brown tones is most accurately described as “raven brown.” This nearly-black shade gets its name from the feathers of a raven, which appear jet black in some light but reveal warm brown tones when the light hits them.
Raven brown hair is a very dark brunette that borders on black but still has some brown tones. In daylight it can look simply black, but under sunlight a hint of chocolate brown may be visible. This makes it distinct from true black hair that has a colder, bluer undertone and no brown in it at all.
Some other key features of raven brown hair:
– Extremely dark, almost black shade
– Intense, saturated color with no red or blonde tones
– May reveal a warm brown base in bright sunlight
– No visible highlights or lowlights
– Slightly warmer and richer than true black hair
In the hair color spectrum, raven brown sits at the very end of the warm brown family. It bridges the gap between darkest brown and true black. This makes it ideal for those seeking a striking, edgy black shade with added natural warmth and dimension.
Achieving Raven Brown Hair Color
There are a couple options for achieving the trendy raven brown hair color:
Natural Hair: Those with naturally very dark brown or black hair may already have a raven brown color. However, sunlight exposure can cause the cuticle to open and lighten the hair over time. Regular touch-up gloss treatments are recommended to keep hair sealed and ultra-dark.
Hair Dye: For those with lighter hair wanting to go darker, raven brown dye is an option. Look for an intense brown black shade with warm, chocolatey undertones. Most brands will have a shade in this color family. It’s best applied to hair that has been pre-lightened for maximum saturation.
Maintenance is important for keeping dyed raven brown hair looking shiny and fresh. Use sulfate-free shampoo and deep conditioning masks to prevent fading over time. Refresh the color every 4-6 weeks with an at-home hair gloss or tinted conditioner.
Raven Brown vs. Other Dark Shades
How does raven brown hair compare to other ultra-dark brown and black shades? Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Hair Color | Description |
|---|---|
| Raven Brown | Very dark brown with warm undertones, almost black |
| Blue Black | Very dark brown with cool, blue undertones |
| Jet Black | Deepest true black shade, neutral undertone |
As shown above, raven brown stands out from other near-black shades thanks to its subtle warm, brown base. Blue black hair has more of a cool undertone, while jet black has a neutral base with no warmth or coolness.
Celebrities with Raven Brown Hair
Many celebrities have flaunted the stylish raven brown hair color on the red carpet:
– Beyonce – The queen B often wears her naturally dark hair in a raven brown hue with warm chocolate undertones.
– Megan Fox – The actress has switched between true jet black locks and a slightly warmer raven brown.
– Kendall Jenner – Whether natural or dyed, Kendall’s deep brunette tone is a stunning example of raven brown hair.
– Sophie Turner – Known for fiery red as Sansa Stark, Sophie became a raven-haired vixen after Game of Thrones.
– Demi Lovato – From ombre to pixie cuts, Demi has rocked various versions of the raven brown shade.
In addition to these celebs, raven brown is also commonly seen on fashion models walking the runway. The color pairs well with any skin tone and makes a bold statement for the cameras.
Caring for Raven Brown Hair
The ultra-saturated raven brown shade requires some special care and maintenance. Here are some tips:
– Use a color-safe, sulfate-free shampoo to keep the cuticle sealed and color locked in.
– Wash less frequently (every 2-3 days) to prevent fading from too much washing.
– Apply a deep conditioning hair masque 1-2 times a week to moisture and nourishment.
– Protect hair from sun exposure with hats or scarves to avoid lightening.
– Use an at-home gloss or tinted conditioner to freshen up the color every 4-6 weeks.
– Get regular trims to snip away dry ends and keep hair looking healthy.
– Use heat styling minimally and always apply heat protectant to prevent damage.
With the proper care, raven brown hair will maintain its ultra-sleek, shiny appearance and rich chocolatey color. Proper at-home maintenance between salon visits is key.
How Light Can You Go From Raven Brown?
For those with raven brown hair seeking to go lighter, there are options. However, it is a very dark starting point, so getting to a light blonde will take multiple sessions and patience. Here’s an overview of how light you can reasonably go from raven brown hair:
– Medium brown – With one round of lightening, raven brown can lift to a cocoa or chestnut medium brown.
– Light brown – It will take 2-3 rounds of gentle lightening to reach a light golden or ash brown shade.
– Dark blonde – After 3-4 processes, raven brown hair can achieve a dark honey or neutral blonde tone.
– Light blonde – Reaching a light ash or beige blonde is possible with 4+ rounds of lightening over several months. Patience is required.
It’s also important to use a toning shampoo after lightening to reduce unwanted brassy tones as the hair lifts. Doing these processes gradually is best for maintaining healthy hair and vibrancy. Consult a colorist to develop the optimal plan.
Conclusion
Raven brown hair is the richest, warmest shade of dark brown before it crosses into true black territory. Characterized by its near-black appearance with subtle brown undertones, raven brown has a lush, glossy look that stands out. As a natural hair color, it requires diligent maintenance to keep looking its best. When dyed, proper techniques and aftercare are needed to achieve an even, intense result. Raven brown is perfect for those seeking to join the dark side with a flattering, dimensional alternative to jet black hair. With proper care, this trendy ombre shade makes a striking statement.
