Style Hair The Most Stunning Brown Hair Colors To Try By Kaitlyn Yarborough Kaitlyn Yarborough Part of the Southern Living team since 2017, Kaitlyn Yarborough is a Georgia native living in Austin, Texas, who covers a wide variety of topics for both the magazine and website, focusing on culture and lifestyle content, as well as travel in the South. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Updated on May 22, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Photo: @thebalaybabe_ Brunettes, take note—because it's an exciting year to be you. Between warm tones like cinnamon, chestnut, and caramel; and cool ones like ash, cacao, and burgundy; brown hair color opens up a world of possibilities that feels anything but boring. It's the ultimate base color that can go in a million different directions, starting with something as simple as a few strokes of balayage. From season to season, this versatile hair shade makes it easy to revamp and revitalize your mane. Feeling dull? Hit the refresh button with touches of honey and caramel. Feeling bold? Make your mark with moody mocha or earthy ash. Whatever you do, don't sleep on these fresh and fabulous brown hair color ideas to try this year. 01 of 22 Chocolate Ombré @natalieannhair This color combo doesn't quit. Melting a dark mocha base into bronzed chocolate ends, this ombré look is made for those who want to embrace their dark locks for the cooler months, but don't want monotone color. 02 of 22 Cinnamon Brown @mizzchoi It's spicy, alright. This cinnamon brown makes any brunette look warmed-up and cooler-than-cool in an instant. 03 of 22 Sparkling Mocha @wavesofhairbyjayme Stay on the dark side, featuring the subtlest of baby balayage highlights. The blunt long cut makes it even more stylish. 04 of 22 Melted Caramel Ombré @megan.e.grimm You can't go wrong with caramel. It instantly revives brunette strands and transitions from season to season seamlessly. 05 of 22 Hazelnut Balayage @nikkilee901 We'll take our mocha with a few shots of hazelnut, please. Stylist Nikki Lee added subtle touches of light to a deep base. 06 of 22 Ginger Brown @hairbybritny If you naturally find warm tones appealing, try taking warm brown to the next level by adding a gingery red tint to your base color. Lighter strands brighten up the face. 07 of 22 Ash Brown @hair_bynikki85 This cool-toned color goes almost mushroom brown. Sticking with only cool to neutral brown and blonde shades is the ultimate key to getting the earthy tint on this angled lob by stylist Carolynn Judd. 08 of 22 Cold Brew Brown @thebalaybabe_ These locks look like our iced coffee after we pour in a splash of almond milk and watch it slowly melt its way down. The deliciously rich ombré finish is just what we ordered. 09 of 22 Soft Chestnut @mizzchoi Wait, this isn't natural? Colorist Cherin Choi took dark brown hair and transformed it into a warm chestnut shade that looks absolutely made for her happy client. 10 of 22 Bright Bronde @stephengarrison Nothing says summertime like a deep brunette with golden rays of sunshine. It's melted together to make the look gloriously easy to grow out. 11 of 22 Cacao Brown @riawna Tip-toeing the line between brown and black, this cacao shade is a dark brunette's dream. It adds the perfect amount of depth and richness to already-dark locks. 12 of 22 Tortoiseshell Balayage Pinterest/Stay Glam A mix of chocolate, caramel, honey, and golden blonde, this brown hair color is as multi-dimensional as it gets. And with highlights applied below the crown, this mesmerizing look will grow out seamlessly. 13 of 22 Balayaged Money Piece @hair_bykate If you would prefer to keep your natural color or go all-over dark brown at the salon, you can still add a touch of bright color by highlighting the pieces of hair that frame your face on each side. It's the most flattering spot for hair color. 14 of 22 Golden Brunette @katiecartwright901 Bring the sunlight to you with a headful of golden blonde babylights that give fresh life to classic brown hair. Babylights subtly blend with this brunette's natural color. 15 of 22 Contrasting Babylights @hairbyolya Liven up ultra-dark espresso locks with ashy babylights. It's low maintenance with a high return on style, which is exactly what we need during busy months. 16 of 22 Rose Quartz Brunette @coloredbycaitlin Take a walk on the wild side in 2021—because what's there to lose? Make sure you ask for color that is easily transitional to avoid constant touch-ups. 17 of 22 Honey Balayage @stephengarrison Nothing brightens up a chocolate base like warm blonde balayage. It's perfectly piecey and enviously sun-kissed, courtesy colorist Stephen Garrison. 18 of 22 Smoky Brunette @hellorae_hair Talk about a total smoke show. This color melt blends dark cacao with smoky ash tones, and that's just about as cool as it gets. 19 of 22 Warm Bronde @styled_by_carolynn It's the Switzerland of hair color: Neutral, but always making a good impression. Take your summer blonde into fall by blending warm brown and honey shades. 20 of 22 Tawny Touches @gardneredmunds Don't forget about tawny brown. The warm caramel-esque color deserves a little love and makes this bob even more razor-sharp chic. 21 of 22 Cherry Cola Balayage Instagram/@lorealpro With hints of honey-caramel brown and deep burgundy red, this doesn't make you choose between all the beautiful color options. These striking highlights show just the right amount of creative spirit. 22 of 22 Burgundy Brown @chrisgreenehair When you're a brunette on the outside, but a redhead in your soul, this rich burgundy by colorist Chris Greene will meet you halfway. This warmed-up shade is perfect for summer or fall. Frequently Asked Questions How do you know what color to dye your brown hair? Dye brown hair in a shade slightly (one or two steps) lighter or darker than your natural color. The slight variation will enhance your hair color's natural hue by adding richness or brightening it, depending on your preferences. How to care for brown hair after dyeing it lighter or darker? To maintain hair coloring after dyeing it, adhere to practical guidance like waiting to shampoo, using lukewarm water when showing, and avoiding sulfates in shampoo and conditioner. Additionally, avoiding too much heat exposure from hair tools or the sun can help protect your hair's coloring. Was this page helpful? 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