36 Gorgeous Brown Hair Color Ideas to Inspire Your Next Brunette Look
From rich chocolate to honey bronze, these hair shades prove that brown is anything but boring.
Whoever said that blondes have more fun seriously never saw a luscious brunette hair shade — sure, it may be one of the most most common hair colors, but there's a reason why brown is also considered the most universally flattering! From stunning light brown shades like caramel and honey brown to darker tones such as chocolate and chestnut, brown hair is truly versatile and can suit anyone, no matter what skin tone or hair length. Plus, you can play up any brown hair color with lighter highlights and ombré styles, which means that the possibilities are truly endless as a brunette (just think about the countless styles, shades, and coloring techniques out there!).
So whether you've been itching for a new hair color or you're simply looking to freshen up your current brown shade, take a look at these gorgeous brown hair color ideas to inspire your next major dye job. From velvety reddish hues to sunny balayage highlights, these celebrities definitely prove that brown hair is anything but boring — and if you're looking to go dark on your own, don't forget to check our best tips on how to dye your hair at home afterwards, too.
Chestnut Brown
You can't go any more classic than Meghan Markle's super-elegant, natural chestnut brown hair. To steal Meghan's look, ask your colorist to weave some subtle highlights and then finish with a chestnut brown gloss to keep your locks multi-tonal.
Honey Brown Highlights
Honey brown has never looked sweeter than on Jennifer Lopez, whose balayage highlights give her locks a gorgeously natural sun-kissed effect.
RELATED: What Is Balayage? Everything You Need to Know About the Hair Color Trend
Toffee Brown
Lily Collins' sleek, gorgeous locks is a sophisticated shade of warm brown toffee that not only brightens up her complexion, but also perfectly matches her flawless eyebrows.
Chocolate Ombré
It was just recently that Ashley Benson changed up her usual blonde mane for a dark brown, and we couldn't be more in love with the new rich chocolate shade — especially with the stylish dark-to-light ombré effect.
Deep Red Velvet
Want a more distinctive tone than a standard brown? This deep red hue in Zendaya's voluminous hair gives her dark brown base a fresh lift, and looks beautiful on darker skin tones. Not ready to fully commit? Try a temporary hair color to test things out.
Espresso Brown
Dark brown hair has never looked better than with a warm espresso shade like Priyanka Chopra's — especially with the subtle waves that add dimension and volume towards the end of her locks.
Rich Chocolate
For a go-to shade of brown that's both versatile and elegant, consider a rich chocolate color like Kiera Knightley's. Want to keep your hair looking shiny and lustrous like Kiera's? Don't forget to condition with every wash.
Subtle Ombré
Jenna Dewan's sleek and sultry bob gives "mom bob" a whole new meaning. To add dimension and create an ombré effect, the World of Dance host mixed in blonde and light brown below her roots. Don't forget to take good care of your look with these shampoos for colored hair.
RELATED: 38 Beautiful Ombré Hair Color Ideas
Soft Umber
Mandy Moore hasn't been a blonde in more than 15 years, and we can't blame her considering how amazing she looks with this medium brunette shade that gets ever-so-slightly lighter from roots to ends.
Dark With Caramel Highlights
Half brown, half blonde, all Chrissy. Just in time for summer, Chrissy Teigen lightened up her natural hair to a "bronde" shade with honey-colored highlights. Be sure to take good care of your fresh look with our easy tips to avoid ruining your color.
Dark Chocolate
Winona Ryder might have opted for cool black hair in her teens and twenties, but the super-dark brown she rocks now creates a similar impact without being as severe.
Shimmering Bronze
Issa Rae's deep brunette is brightened up by radiant bronze highlights that let her curls reflect light for plenty of shine.
Cool-to-Warm Combo
Alison Brie's chic lob starts out a cool, dark brown on top and ever-so-subtly shifts to a warmer medium brown on the ends.
Classic Highlights
Nothing wakes up medium-brown hair quite like highlights, as proven by Mariska Hargitay.
Tawny Brown
Alexis Bledel's warm, lighter brown shade is a perfect complement to her stunning blue eyes.
RELATED: 23 Flirty and Flattering Light Brown Hair Color Ideas for a Fresh New Look
Dark to Light Brown Ombré
Instead of going from brown to blonde light so many ombré styles, try transitioning from dark to a warm medium or light brown, like Lake Bell.
Icy Brown
Tyra's cool-toned light brown is absolutely captivating thanks to an almost shimmering finish on her straightened strands.
Burnt Sienna
While drenched in auburn highlights, Marisa Tomei's long locks still read as brunette thanks to a base of dark brown.
Rich Chocolate
If you want a versatile color that goes with any clothing and makeup palette, try a vivid chocolate shade like Lucy Liu wears.
Almost Auburn
Maya Rudolph's rich chestnut color almost crosses over into red territory, but still feels like a true brunette.
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