:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1265666171-crop-dea48e98f28f43458b7ffc8fceabad84.jpg)
Dahyembi Joi / 500px / Getty Images
Reyad Fritas, celebrity hair colorist and owner of the luxury salon Suite Reyad, once told us that anyone (yes, anyone) could go brunette if they wanted to. "Brunette will make your eyes and skin tone pop more than any other hair color," Fritas said. Indeed, dark brown hair isn't meant to blend into a crowd; it's a way to define your best facial features and complement your skin tone. We have good reason to believe that dark brown hair looks good on just about anyone, and looks just as lovely in the sweltering summer months as it does on dark winter days.
Is it a bold claim that dark brunette might be the universal color? Perhaps. We spoke to Nicole Tresch, a senior colorist at Rita Hazan in New York City, for her tips on going dark brown.
Choosing a Shade: “Choose a dark brown that is right for your skin tone. If you’re olive, it can be more ash. if you have warm undertones, keep it towards a velvety rich/golden brown," says Tresch.
Maintenance Level: Medium to high. "Hair color is more maintenance when you have a lot of grey or you’re changing it drastically from it’s natural color," Tresch notes.
Goes Great With: All skin tones and eye colors
Similar Shades: Illuminated brunette, ash brown, chocolate brown
Price: $150+ "Every colorist charges differently," according to Tresch. She suggests having a consult before your color appointment to get an official estimate.
With these 35 celebrity examples, we might be able to prove our theory that brunette looks great on everyone.
Scroll to see which celebs are our dark-brown hair ambassadors.
Mila Kunis
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1005441904-ce02d753d1084349a58358ddf8fcfdfd.jpg)
Getty Images
Mila Kunis' glamorous look includes a dramatic side part with all of her umber tresses swept over to one side. To get her silky shine without any pesky frizz or flyaways, apply a pump of John Frieda Frizz Ease Extra Strength Serum ($8).
Emily Ratajkowski
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1057614902-d5c8cbcb465d46038d38dae3688454f0.jpg)
Getty Images
Emily Ratajkowski's brunette locks have an easy, relaxed feel. If you want to obtain this sleek, yet carefree look (even on the hottest, most humid days) finish your hair routine with a spritz of Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Anti-Frizz Serum ($5).
Lupita Nyong'o
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1200670327-a23f81812c50455b832f31aa8ca1c5cc.jpg)
Getty Images
Lupita Nyong'o wears her dark-brunette shade in a sculptural up 'do. If you're styling curly hair between washes, use a reviving product like the Tresemme Between Washes Curl Revive Styling Foam ($6).
Rashida Jones
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1205167877-916090fc853647c3a9e7e38e8e865fcd.jpg)
Getty Images
While lobs have certainly been a popular hair trend, Rashida Jones reminds us that the classic bob never goes out of style. Paired with feathery bangs and gold statement earrings, her dark, single process locks look polished yet relaxed. Her shade plays beautifully against her hazel eyes.
Constance Wu
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1071549606-73ec9482aad74d14a07cdcc0c24f4c9b.jpg)
Getty Images
Constance Wu's dark-brown locks are twisted up in symmetrical '90s buns, with loose, wavy strands that fade into a lighter brown around her face. If you join in on the top knot craze, keep them intact with L'Oreal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hairspray ($12).
Viola Davis
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-952208944-34fc531b020248ec94c215c883d9477f.jpg)
Getty Images
Viola Davis's bouncy ringlets are a rich, dark-walnut shade, which brings a toasty warmth to her chic black ensemble. To keep your curls hydrated and free of frizz, try Bumble and bumble's Curl Anti-Humidity Gel-Oil ($30).
The maintenance level will depend on your natural color. "If you’re older, or have a lot of grey, avoid making [the color] too dark, as it can be aging and the regrow line will be very obvious every 10 days," says Tresch.
Gemma Chan
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1127328953-c6588c5b845e483e88196c9f5ed2ee30.jpg)
John Shearer/Getty Images
Crazy Rich Asians star Gemma Chan has a beautiful auburn shade melded throughout her rich, dimensional brown.
To keep your brunette looking this fresh and shiny between salon visits, use the Overtone Espresso Brown Healthy Color Duo ($43), a shampoo and conditioner combo that fortifies strands with ingredients like coconut oil and deposits pigment for a color boost.
Jada Pinkett Smith
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/032019-jada-pinkett-smith-lead-4b51421aef6445b8bdba2a17a64bea87.jpg)
Steve Granitz / Getty Images
Jada Pinkett Smith's swoon-worthy pixie cut has a few well-placed honeyed streaks along her matted down side part. For maximum staying power, secure your style with Ouai Matte Pomade ($24).