When choosing a brown hair color, two popular options are ash brown and neutral brown. Both provide beautiful brunette tones, but there are some key differences between the two shades. Understanding the characteristics of ash brown vs. neutral brown can help you pick the right one for your hair goals and complexion.
Ash brown hair has cool undertones, ranging from light tan to dark brown. It works well for neutralizing unwanted warmth and brassiness in hair. Neutral brown is a versatile shade that flatters most skin tones. With beige-brown hues, it creates soft and natural brunette looks.
Here’s a closer look at how ash brown and neutral brown hair dyes compare:
What is Ash Brown Hair?
Ash brown hair contains low levels of warm pigments. The color typically ranges from light brown to dark brown with strong grayish-blue undertones. Here are some key features that define ash brown hair:
– Cool-toned – Ash brown shades have a cool undertone which helps neutralize brassiness and warmth in hair. The blue/violet pigments counteract yellow/orange tones.
– Grayish tone – In sunlight, ash brown hair can take on a grayish cast. This results from the low levels of warm pigments in the color.
– Works well with cool complexions – The cool undertones of ash brown are particularly flattering on people with fair, pinkish skin that has cool undertones. The color accentuates blue eyes.
– Provides a fresh look – For people with naturally warm hair, ash brown serves to tone down brassiness and create a trendy, modern look. It provides vibrancy to hair.
– Rich dimension – Variations of light and dark within ash brown hair provides depth and visual interest. Subtle highlights and lowlights prevent the color from looking flat.
– Fades gradually – With its dark tone, ash brown hair color lasts a long time between dye jobs. The gray undertones help disguise new growth.
– Dries out hair – To deposit the cool pigments, ash brown hair dye contains more ammonia than warm shades. This can dry out and damage hair over time. Proper conditioning is a must.
What is Neutral Brown Hair?
Neutral brown hair contains a balance of warm and cool undertones. This versatile shade of brown flatters most complexions. Here are some defining traits of neutral brown hair color:
– Balanced undertones – Neutral brown hair has a mix of beige-brown and ashy tones. This balance of warmth and coolness gives a natural, soft look.
– Universal flattering color – With its composite undertones, neutral brown works well on anyone, from very fair to deep complexions. It brings out the beauty of different eye colors.
– Subtle and soft – Neutral brown makes a pretty, low-key statement. The harmonious undertones create a gentle, understated effect. It lets natural beauty shine through.
– Healthy shine – Without a strong pigment bias, neutral brown hair reflects light naturally and takes well to conditioning. It brings out vibrant luminosity in hair.
– Seamless blending – Smooth gradations between existing hair color and neutral brown highlights/lowlights prevent obvious regrowth lines.
– Requires frequent trims – Because it blends so subtly with natural hair, the demarcation at the roots with neutral brown is less noticeable. More trims will be needed to maintain the look.
– Less color payoff – For people desiring a dramatic change, neutral brown delivers more subtle results. Significant pre-lightening would be required for vivid color payoff.
Ash Brown vs Neutral Brown Hair
Here is a side-by-side comparison of the major similarities and differences between ash brown and neutral brown hair dye:
| Ash Brown | Neutral Brown |
|---|---|
| Cool-toned | Balanced warm + cool tones |
| Counteracts brassiness | Seamless blend with natural hair |
| Intense color results | Subtle, soft color results |
| Grayish cast in sunlight | Rich natural shine |
| Flatters cool complexions | Universally flattering |
| Provides depth and dimension | Multidimensional beige-brown shades |
| Long lasting color | Requires frequent touch up trips |
| Can dry out hair over time | Leaves hair healthy-looking |
When comparing ash brown vs neutral brown hair, you can see some clear differences. Ash brown makes a striking statement with its icy tone and deep color. Neutral brown imparts universal appeal with a warm, yet cooled-down brunette shade.
Which Brown is Best for Your Hair?
Choosing between ash brown and neutral brown hair dye depends on several factors:
Skin tone
– Cool skin: Ash brown is ideal for people with fair skin and pink or ruddy tones. The cool shade complements the complexion beautifully.
– Warm skin: Those with peach undertones in their skin can wear neutral brown most flatteringly. The toned-down warmth in the hair color harmonizes with warm skin.
– Neutral skin: Lucky folks with neutral skin look stunning in both ash brown and neutral brown shades. Go with personal preference.
Existing hair color
– Warm hair: Ash brown neutralizes brassiness and orangeiness in hair with warm undertones. It transforms hair from yellow/gold to trendy grayish-brown.
– Cool hair: For hair that’s already neutral to ashy, boost dimension with neutral brown. Ash brown could look too icy.
– Porous hair: Pre-lightened or porous hair soaks up more pigment. Neutral brown adds softness. Ash brown could deposit too intensely.
Desired look & maintenance
– Low maintenance: Neutral brown requires more frequent touch-ups. The regrowth blends in seamlessly though.
– Dramatic change: Ash brown makes a bold statement for blondes going brunette. Neutral brown looks more natural.
– Wear with cool tones: Ash brown paired with lavender, slate gray, mint, etc. creates a chic, modern aesthetic.
– Wear with warm tones: Neutral brown works with corals, rich greens, brick reds and other warm hues.
Best Practices for Application
To get optimal results from ash brown or neutral brown hair dye:
– Strand test – Try a strand test first to assess the color payoff on your hair. Adjust the formulation if needed.
– Shampoo before – Use a clarifying shampoo 1-2 days before coloring for better dye uptake. Remove any product buildup.
– Protect skin & eyes – Apply petroleum jelly on skin near the hairline. Wear gloves and eye protection.
– Section hair neatly – Clean sections allow thorough saturation and an even finish. Use clips to separate strands.
– Follow timing – Leaving dye on too long or not long enough affects results. Carefully follow the recommended time.
– Rinse thoroughly – Residual dye can cause further color development and lead to mismatched tones. Rinse until water runs clear.
– Deep condition – Hydrate and replenish hair with a weekly deep conditioning mask after coloring. Combat any drying effects.
Following the product instructions and patch testing first allows you to achieve a beautiful, long-lasting ash brown or neutral brown shade. Schedule a trim or root touch-up about every 4-6 weeks to maintain your fresh, salon-worthy hair color at home.
