Chestnut brown hair is a rich, warm brunette shade that flatters many different skin tones. The undertones in chestnut brown hair can vary slightly depending on how it is formulated by colorists. However, the main undertones are typically red and gold, which give chestnut brown its beautiful multidimensional look. Understanding the undertones in chestnut brown hair can help you determine if it will suit your complexion and enhance your natural features.
What are Undertones?
In hair color, undertones refer to the tones that are “underneath” the main color and affect its overall appearance. For example, chestnut brown hair contains warm red and golden blonde undertones mixed with a darker brown base color. These undertones influence the end result and how the color looks under different lighting conditions.
There are two main types of undertones:
– Warm undertones like red, gold, and orange add vibrance and dimension to hair colors. They complement skin with yellow, peach, or golden undertones.
– Cool undertones like ash and beige counteract warmth to create more muted hair colors. They suit skin with pink, red, or blue undertones.
Most natural hair colors contain a blend of both warm and cool tones. The dominant undertone impacts how warm, cool, or neutral a hair color ultimately looks.
What are the Main Undertones in Chestnut Brown Hair?
The main undertones found in chestnut brown hair are:
Red/Coppery
The red and coppery tones in chestnut brown add vibrance, dimension, and warmth. They reflect light to create that signature chestnut brown glow and shimmer. This undertone is key to achieving a natural-looking chestnut shade.
Gold/Golden Blonde
Golden undertones like those found in blondish browns prevent chestnut shades from looking too flat or dark. The gold tones interact with the red to boost vibrance and dimension. This keeps chestnut brown multidimensional and luminous.
Ash/Beige
Some chestnut shades have subtle beige-ash undertones. While warm tones dominate, a touch of ash helps soften and mute the redness for a more neutral chestnut brown. This creates a harmonious effect between the hair color and skin tone.
Brown
A dark neutral brown base provides the foundation for the red and gold tones. Brown is the main color, while the red and gold undertones add variation, reflectivity, and vibrance. Finding the right brown base is key to achieving a natural chestnut color.
How do Undertones Impact Chestnut Brown Hair?
The interplay of undertones in chestnut hair colors has the following effects:
Multidimensional Look
The combination of red, gold, and brown creates variety and dimension. Chestnut browns have lots of depth and interest compared to flat, monotone brunette shades.
Warmth and Vibrance
Chestnut browns look lively, luminous, and full of vitality thanks to the boosting effect of red and gold undertones. The warm tones interact to create intense color richness.
Flattering Tones
Chestnut brown’s mix of warm and subtle cool ash tones is immensely flattering. The red and gold prevent it from looking drab, while the ash creates balance. This makes it suit a wide range of complexions.
Natural Effect
Well-formulated chestnut browns never appear overly brassy or artificial. The brown base and blend of warm and cool tones helps mimic natural hair pigmentation.
Light Reflectivity
The red and gold tones reflect and refract light. This creates a multidimensional glow and shine that brings chestnut brown hair to life.
How do Undertones Complement Different Complexions?
Chestnut brown hair offers a palette of warm and cool tones to suit many different complexions:
| Skin Undertone | Complementary Chestnut Brown Undertones |
|---|---|
| Yellow/Golden | Warm red and gold |
| Neutral | Balanced blend of warm and ash tones |
| Pink | Ash undertones |
| Olive | Red, copper, and ash undertones |
The key is finding a chestnut brown shade where the dominant undertones play up your skin tone’s strengths to create harmony. Chestnut browns with only warm or only cool tones will be less universally flattering.
A chestnut formula with a balanced mix of red, gold, and ash tones suits the broadest range of complexions. It prevents the color from looking too brassy, muddy, or flat.
How does Styling Impact Chestnut Brown Hair?
Hairstyling techniques and products can minimize or maximize the appearance of undertones in chestnut hair:
Blow Drying
Heat from blow drying accentuates warmth and intensifies the presence of red/gold tones in chestnut brown hair.
Flat Ironing
The high heat of flat irons similarly brings out warmth and vibrance in chestnut shades.
Sun Exposure
Exposure to UV rays heightens the appearance of red and coppery tones in chestnut brown hair.
Anti-Frizz Products
Anti-frizz serums and oils can reduce natural shine and light reflectivity, muting the look of red/gold undertones.
Toner
Applying an ash-based toner can neutralize brassiness and tone down unwanted warmth in chestnut shades.
Gloss
Clear glosses boost shine and light reflectivity, playing up the radiance of red and gold chestnut undertones.
How does Chestnut Brown Hair Change Over Time?
Chestnut brown hair’s undertone mix and appearance will evolve with fading and oxidation over 4-8 weeks:
More Golden
Red tones fade more quickly than gold. This leaves chestnut hair looking progressively more golden blonde over time.
Warmer
Oxidation draws out warmth, causing chestnut browns to become progressively warmer, coppery, and reddish.
Brassy
Without toning, the oxidation process can make chestnut shades look quite brassy. The red undertones overwhelm the hair.
Dullness
Chestnut browns may start looking one-dimensional, matte, and muddy without the brightening effect of the red and gold tones.
Regular toning and glossing treatments help keep chestnut shades looking vibrant, shiny, and well-balanced over time. Avoiding brassiness is key to maintaining a natural, dimensional chestnut brown.
How Does Chestnut Brown Complement Different Eye Colors?
Chestnut brown is a versatile shade that complements most eye colors beautifully. Here’s how it pairs with different eye shades:
| Eye Color | Pairing with Chestnut Brown |
|---|---|
| Brown | Matches perfectly, intensifying eye color |
| Hazel | Brings out green/amber flecks |
| Green | Intensifies green in eyes |
| Blue | Creates striking contrast |
| Gray | Warm tones flatter and intensify |
For brown, hazel and green eyes, chestnut brown is specifically enhancing, as it contains flecks of those same colors that create a matching effect.
The warm red and golden tones in chestnut brown automatically make blue and gray eyes pop without being overpowering. Chestnut brown is universally flattering for making all eye colors sparkle.
Conclusion
Chestnut brown hair derives its signature warmth, shine, and versatility from its unique blend of red, gold, ash, and brown undertones. These tones combine to deliver a multidimensional color that flatters most complexions. Understanding chestnut hair’s base undertones allows you to predict how it will look on you and maintain the color over time through proper toning and glossing. With its timeless and naturally flattering blend of warm and cool undertones, chestnut brown is a classic shade suitable for anyone seeking medium-brown locks with radiant dimension and reflectivity.