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@hairdotcom
While blondes are known to "have more fun," and redheads make up only about 2 percent of the population, brown hair colors usually don't get any sort of exciting metaphorical spotlight. (In fact, "mousey brown" hair typically gets a bad rap for being boring or drab. See: Vivian Kensington from Legally Blonde.)
Well, unlike redheads, brown hair might be ubiquitous and therefore less exciting—but that doesn't make brown hairstyles any less sexy, gorgeous, and out-of-the-box. Below, find 40 shades of brown that'll convince you (once and for all) that blondes aren't the only ones having fun.
Choosing a Shade: The darker the shade of brown is from your natural hair color, the more noticeable your roots will be when they grow in.
Maintenance Level: For all-over color, you should expect to get your roots touched up every six to eight weeks. Those with lowlights or balayage will see softer root growth, and can space their appointments farther apart.
Goes Great With: Monochromatic nude eyeshadow, rich berry lip shades.
Similar Shades: Balayage brown hair, dark brown hair with highlights
Price: For all-over color, expect to pay between $80-$200, depending on where you live. For more precisely placed lowlights or balayage, expect to pay $100-$300.
Allover Warmth
If you want something super natural-looking and warm, hair painting might be for you. Although there are more efficient methods for more extreme color jobs, hair painting is perfect if you're looking for subtle, soft dimension and a rich glow like this.
Brown Babylights
Babylights (aka super-delicate, light highlights) may be most commonly associated with blondes, but they work for brunettes seeking a sun-kissed look too. (Rather than white-blonde, your colorist will probably customize a hue that's simply a few shades lighter than your natural color.)
Sand Beige
Aka, "almost blonde." The lightest brown you can go (while still falling under the "brunette" category) is probably this soft sandy beige. (Keep it as healthy as this shiny style with a good smoothing serum.)
Dark & Pigmented
We always encourage people to go for the bold and make the chop. (Find our favorite bob inspo here.) Choose a rich dark-brown color for instant grown-up, Victoria-Beckham vibes.
Dark to Light
Don't be afraid of a little contrast. For depth, this colorist enlisted babylights, strandlights (aka, a freehand coloring technique), and color-blocking for a major brown balayage moment, featuring ashy-blonde ends.
Coffee Roast
You don't have to be a coffee lover to appreciate deep, mocha-hued curls. Make a dark-brown color extra-dimensional with an extra-shiny style. (Find our best curly hair tips here.)
Light-Brown Braids
Make a statement with extra-long box braids in a warm, light-brown hue. (Top it off with a bandana for bonus points.)
Eggplant-Brown
We love purple hair and reddish tints—but a saturated, eggplant-hued brown takes the cake. It might be unexpected, but styled into a blunt, wavy bob? We have no choice but to stan.
Tinted Tresses
Give dark, saturated hair some extra dimension with some tinted, subtle highlights (and stunning beach-wave styling).