Dark brown hair is timeless, luxurious, and flattering for almost every skin tone. Whether you’re looking to add subtle dimension with highlights or want to experiment with balayage, dark brown hair can be transformed into countless stunning looks. If you’re considering a deep brunette shade or already have dark hair and want to spice it up, here are 13 luscious dark brown hair color ideas to inspire your next look.
Dark Brown Hair Color Ideas
Wondering if dark hair will suit you? The answer is most likely yes! Dark brown shades enhance your natural beauty and bring out the richness of your complexion. Plus, dark hair tends to make your locks look healthier and shinier. Below are 13 exciting ideas to help you embrace the beauty of dark brown hair.
Will I Look Good with Dark Hair?
One of the most common questions before going darker is, “Will it suit me?” Dark brown hair complements a variety of skin tones, from fair to deep complexions. It adds warmth and depth to lighter skin, while creating a rich contrast for darker skin tones. If you’re unsure, you can try temporary color options or consult with your hairstylist to test how dark brown will look against your skin tone. Also, incorporating lighter highlights can help ease the transition into darker shades.
1. Light Brown Money Pieces for Brunettes
If you’re new to dark brown hair but want to try something trendy, consider adding light brown money pieces around your face. This simple addition brightens your features and gives your hair dimension without committing to a full head of highlights.
Tips:
- Ideal for: Brunettes who want a subtle pop of color.
- How to Style: Ask your stylist to place lighter brown highlights around your face for an instant glow-up.
- Extra Tip: These face-framing highlights can make your skin look more radiant and fresh.
2. Dark Brown Hair with Chocolate Highlights
For a sweet and subtle touch, chocolate highlights on dark brown hair are a beautiful way to add warmth and texture. The deep, rich tones blend seamlessly and create a natural, sun-kissed effect.
Tips:
- Ideal for: Those with warm or neutral skin tones.
- How to Style: Blend chocolate highlights throughout your dark brown base to add dimension without the stark contrast.
- Extra Tip: A gloss treatment can enhance the shine and richness of both the dark brown base and the chocolate highlights.
3. Dark Brown with Cool Brown Highlights
Cool-toned highlights are perfect for adding contrast to dark brown hair. Think ashy browns or even icy tones that give your hair a modern, edgy twist without straying too far from the brunette palette.
Tips:
- Ideal for: Cool skin tones or those looking to neutralize warmth in their hair.
- How to Style: Opt for cool brown highlights that softly blend into the dark brown base.
- Extra Tip: Use a purple shampoo to maintain the cool tones and prevent any brassiness.
4. Shiny Brunette Balayage
Balayage continues to be a favorite for creating a soft, natural gradient. On dark brown hair, a shiny brunette balayage adds brightness and depth without harsh lines. This style is perfect for anyone looking for a low-maintenance color that still makes a statement.
Tips:
- Ideal for: All hair textures and lengths.
- How to Style: Focus on the mid-lengths and ends for the balayage, keeping the roots darker for a more natural grow-out.
- Extra Tip: A regular glossing treatment will keep your balayage looking fresh and shiny for months.
5. Loose Waves with Highlights and Lowlights
Adding highlights and lowlights to dark brown hair can enhance the natural texture, especially if you have loose waves. The blend of light and dark tones creates a multi-dimensional look that moves beautifully.
Tips:
- Ideal for: Wavy hair looking for extra dimension.
- How to Style: Use a curling wand to create loose waves and show off the different shades.
- Extra Tip: Opt for a mix of lighter highlights and darker lowlights to add depth and prevent the look from appearing flat.
6. Extra Long Brown Hair and Bangs
Extra-long brown hair is effortlessly chic, and adding bangs gives this look an extra bit of flair. Whether you choose blunt or curtain bangs, the combination of long dark brown hair and bangs is stylish and timeless.
Tips:
- Ideal for: Straight or wavy long hair.
- How to Style: Keep the hair sleek and smooth, using a serum to enhance shine.
- Extra Tip: If you’re hesitant about bangs, try longer curtain bangs that can easily be grown out or tucked behind your ears.
7. Warm Brunette Locks
Warm brunette locks with hints of caramel or honey give your dark brown hair a golden touch. This warm infusion brightens your overall look while maintaining the depth of dark brown.
Tips:
- Ideal for: Warm skin tones.
- How to Style: Subtly blend warm highlights into the lengths for a natural sun-kissed effect.
- Extra Tip: Use moisturizing products to keep the warmth from looking dull or dry.
8. Warm Chocolate Tones for Brown Locks
If you’re craving a rich, decadent hair color, warm chocolate tones are the way to go. This look adds dimension and richness without straying too far from your natural dark brown base.
Tips:
- Ideal for: Medium to dark skin tones.
- How to Style: Incorporate soft, blended chocolate tones throughout your hair, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends.
- Extra Tip: This color looks stunning on layered hair, as the different shades of brown enhance the layers.
9. Espresso Hair with Face-Framing Highlights
Espresso brown hair paired with lighter face-framing highlights is a bold and beautiful look. The contrast between the dark base and the lighter pieces around your face creates a striking yet sophisticated style.
Tips:
- Ideal for: Cool or neutral skin tones.
- How to Style: Keep the face-framing highlights subtle yet noticeable, blending them into the darker base for a cohesive look.
- Extra Tip: This is a great option if you want to try highlights without committing to a full head of color.
10. Piece-y Blonde Highlights on Black Wavy Hair
For a high-contrast, edgy look, add piece-y blonde highlights to dark brown or black wavy hair. This dramatic style gives you a rockstar vibe with a chic twist.
Tips:
- Ideal for: Wavy or curly hair.
- How to Style: Keep the blonde highlights minimal and strategic, focusing on just a few sections to maintain that edgy appeal.
- Extra Tip: Use a purple shampoo to keep the blonde highlights cool and free from brassiness.
11. Dark Auburn Brown Hair
Dark auburn brown hair is a beautiful way to add a touch of red to your dark locks. The reddish-brown tones add warmth and vibrancy, making this a perfect option for those wanting to experiment with color while keeping it understated.
Tips:
- Ideal for: Fair to medium skin tones.
- How to Style: Blend the auburn tones evenly throughout your hair, creating a subtle but striking effect.
- Extra Tip: Red tones can fade faster, so use color-protecting products to keep your auburn shade vibrant.
12. Astonishing Blonde Ombre Lowlights
Blonde ombre lowlights give your dark brown hair a gradual, sun-kissed transition. This look is perfect if you want to go lighter while keeping your natural dark roots.
Tips:
- Ideal for: Medium to long hair.
- How to Style: Start the ombre transition from the mid-lengths, blending blonde tones into the ends for a smooth gradient.
- Extra Tip: Regular deep conditioning treatments will keep your ombre ends healthy and shiny.
13. Dark Locks with Medium Brown Babylights
For a softer, more delicate approach to highlights, medium brown babylights add a touch of brightness to dark brown hair without overwhelming the overall color. This is perfect for a subtle change that still makes a noticeable difference.
Tips:
- Ideal for: Straight or wavy hair.
- How to Style: Apply babylights throughout your hair for a natural, sun-kissed effect.
- Extra Tip: Babylights grow out seamlessly, making them a low-maintenance option for those who want to brighten their dark brown locks without frequent touch-ups.
Conclusion
Dark brown hair offers an abundance of ways to add dimension, warmth, and personality. Whether you’re drawn to subtle highlights, bold face-framing strands, or rich auburn tones, these 13 luscious ideas will inspire you to jazz up your dark locks. With the right styling and care, your dark brown hair can shine and look luxurious, no matter which color variation you choose.