25 Light Brown Hair Colors That Are Super Low-Maintenance

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updated Jun 29, 2020

We fully believe that light brown hair is magic—it complements anyone and everyone. No matter your hair type, texture, eye color or skin tone, light brown hair is simply destined to look good. It's a universally flattering hair color and one that's perfect for displaying summery highlights. It also requires little to no maintenance (especially when compared to other popular hair color trends—like peach or platinum blonde). While it's never been a hair color that's gone out of style, its effortless upkeep and warm vibe is why we think it's especially popular right now.

This shade is popping up all over our social media feeds and gracing the heads of our favorite celebs. Whether it's J.Lo's golden brown red-carpet bob or Mandy Moore's caramel-hued waves, celebrities are inspiring us to commit to lighter locks. "The most flattering shades tend to be within 2 shades of your natural color. Any lighter results in a brassy tone, and darker can be harsh," says MATRIX celebrity colorist George Papanikolas.

Choosing a Shade: "If you have olive skin or darker complexion a cool toned brunette would be most suitable. If you have more pale complexion a warm toned brunette would compliment you best," says Joico Brand Ambassador Larisa Love.

Maintenance Level: Low. "Being a brunette is easier than being any other color because you don’t need to lift exponentially and brunettes fade slower," says Love.

Goes Great With: "Light brown can complement any skin tone but the underlining pigment is what’s important. Skin tone is a key factor of choosing the right shade of brunette."

Similar Shades: brown ombré, ash brown, honey brown

Price: "Price at the salon varies on your hair texture, length & history. The first appointment in the salon will probably be the most expensive to get you to the perfect shade of brunette you’ve been dreaming of," says Love.

So without further ado, go forth, and enjoy these 25 different variations of light brown hair.

01 of 25

Natalie Portman

Natalie Portman is one of Hollywood's most consistent supporters of light brown hair. In this Oscar-worthy look, her light brown locks are cut in a chic bob, and are highlighted with thin streaks of blonde hair on either side of her face.

02 of 25

Nicole Richie

Nicole Richie's light brown hair verges on blonde, but we're still counting it thanks to her darker roots. It looks like she's in the process of growing out the color, which gives it an effortless vibe.

03 of 25

Beyoncé

Starting with her raven roots and melding into a light-brown bob, Beyoncé's curled tips add some flair to her already chic look. To get the perfect curled tips on a short cut, try the Nano Ceramic Curling Iron ($60).

04 of 25

Alexa Chung

Though Brit beauty Alexa Chung has gone darker with her hair color, we're still not over this perfect light brown color. Her dark-to-light brown ombré is subtle, but showcases a bit of her signature edge.

05 of 25

Ciara

We can't decide what we like more, Ciara's soft feathery fringe or her multi-tonal brown hair that goes from dark to light and back again. "Dark hair that is going lighter always pulls warm, so unless you want a coppery-brown, it's important to use an Ash tone to balance out and neutralize the unwanted orange tones," says Papanikolas.

At-home care is essential. "I would highly recommend using professional products only," says Love. She recommends Joico Defy Damage Shampoo and Conditioner ($35/each) and K-PAK Color Therapy Luster Lock Spray ($22).

06 of 25

Emily Blunt

Emily Blunt is known to be a hair color chameleon. We have a special place in our hearts for the gradient, undulating light brown color she's sporting here, which almost borders on strawberry blonde.

07 of 25

Josephine Skriver

We can almost feel the summer sun when we look at Victoria's Secret model Josephine Skriver's one-shade light brown ponytail. Even though there aren't any obvious highlights or ombré happening, it still looks bouncy, bright, and dimensional.

08 of 25

Jourdan Dunn

Jourdan Dunn's light brown color is basically a master class in achieving the perfect gradient ombré. The color seamlessly transforms from dark brown at the root to caramel blonde at the ends, and her long layers add some texture to her sleek mane.

09 of 25

Mandy Moore

Although she was born and raised in New England, Mandy Moore truly embodies the California girl aesthetic. Her textured beach waves are complemented by her equally beachy golden-blonde ombré highlights. For similar texture and wave definition, try spritzing Verb Sea Texture Spray ($18) from mid-lengths to ends.

10 of 25

Cleo Wade

Cleo Wade's ringlet curls are the perfect shade of caramel. Replicate that perfect curl pattern by using a curling iron alongside a touch of MoroccanoilCurl Defining Cream ($14).

11 of 25

Jessica Biel

Jessica Biel is another celebrity who is synonymous with light brown hair with blonde highlights. This style here is classic Jessica: simple and beachy.

12 of 25

Gisele Bündchen

Gisele Bündchen is always seen with hair that's dyed varying shades of "bronde," or a brown/blonde hybrid color. Here, it's more brown than blonde, but her soft and subtle highlights could make you do a double-take.

13 of 25

Nina Agdal

We can't get over Nina Agdal's super soft blonde highlights. They meld into the rest of her brown hair so perfectly, they're almost too good to be true.

14 of 25

Chrissy Teigen

Chrissy Teigen has been a pioneer of the light-brown hair trend, and it's easy to see why. We love how the soft, sweeping waves in her long bob perfectly shape around her glowing skin.

15 of 25

Olivia Palermo

It's always exciting to check-in on Olivia Palermo, because you truly never know what hair color she'll be trying next. While she's prone to versatility, Palermo is known as a brunette, and this light-brown look fits her like a glove.

16 of 25

Sofia Vegara

Every photo taken of Sofia Vergara looks like it could be used for a luxury shampoo ad. Her long, golden brown locks have a full, beachy wave. If you want the same carefree look, there is literally a curling iron called The Beachwaver ($129).

17 of 25

Miley Cyrus

Here's a throwback for you: remember when Miley Cyrus had light brown hair? Here she is pictured on the red carpet with a lovely light-brown ombré look.

18 of 25

Cara Delevingne

While Cara Delevingne is known for her blonde hair and dark, thick eyebrows, we loved her light-brown hair moment. Her middle part and long waves were classic, but the rich, tawny hue was a delightful and beautifully executed surprise.

19 of 25

Karlie Kloss

Karlie Kloss is pictured here sporting a light-brown bob with sleek, straight locks, and a dramatic side part to boot.

20 of 25

Jennifer Lopez

We're always in awe of Jennifer Lopez, but this shoulder-length chop in this gorgeous brown/blonde color left us especially mesmerized. Her chestnut brown locks perfectly complement her bronzed skin.

Going brunette might seem easy enough but maybe don't try this at home—Papanikolas says, "There are so many factors when choosing the right shade and type of color technology that it's really recommended to see a professional to get the best result."

21 of 25

Ashley Tisdale

Ashley Tisdale is also a proponent of a black-to-light-brown ombré. Her jet-black roots transition into a chestnut brown, gradually lightening until ending with toasted brown tips.

22 of 25

Lucy Hale

Lucy Hale's hair color is hard to pin down, but the mystery only elevates it's wow-factor. In a certain light, it looks light brown and in another light, it looks dark blonde.

23 of 25

Shailene Woodley

Shailene Woodley's golden brown hair is a sight to behold, especially when styled in a deep side part and slicked back behind one ear. To mimic her shine, we'll be using Alterna Haircare Caviar Infinite Color Hold Top Coat Shine Spray ($32).

24 of 25

Jessica Alba

Jessica Alba, to us, is basically the poster child for light brown hair. She's been rocking the color for years, and it always looks fresh, light, and youthful. Her soft brown and caramel tones are beautifully accented with the her gold earrings and copper colored dress.

25 of 25

Miranda Kerr

Miranda Kerr's light brown hair looks best when styled in a wavy, textured lob. The key to this look is volume, which Kerr has at the roots of her hair. Try using Ouai Volume Spray ($26) for a similar boost.

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