How come blondes always get fun hair descriptors like "ashy" or "strawberry" or "bleach-blond"? It seems that brunettes always get the catch-all "brown" label, while other shade ranges get down to specifics. But no more! Knowing exactly the shade of brunette you want is completely necessary when you're looking to dye your locks. Having a reference pic is one of the most essential tenets before any dye job, and we want to make sure you're prepared. Chestnut and chocolate are not created equal, and if you're looking to get one but accidentally get the other, you might be sorely disappointed.
Luckily, we're seeing a lot more celebs rocking the brunette look, which means we have a lot more cut-out options to bring to our favorite colorists. Whether you want a new all-over color, some highlights to liven your look, or are aiming for that super subtle undertone, these celeb looks have it all. From detailed highlights to ridiculously flattering balayages, these 39 very different, yet incredibly pretty, hair color ideas for brunettes will convince you that no brown shade is created equal. Here, your very own flipbook of gorgeous brown hair colors to peruse before you book your next salon visit.
Marisa Tomei's Auburn Brown
Mindy Kaling's Cool Light Brown Highlights
Keira Knightley's Golden Brown Undertones
Solange Knowles' 1970s Noir Waves
Amal Clooney's Lowlight Wavy Side Part
Ciara's Face-Framing Highlight
Kate Middleton's Dramatic Caramel Curls
Jennifer Lopez's Honey Brown Highlights
Dakota Johnson's Warm Brown Curtain Bangs
Kerry Washington's Dark Waves
Alexa Demie's Jet-Black 'Do
Tessa Thompson's Voluminous Curls
Vanessa Hudgens' Chocolate Locks
Alexa Chung's Mid-Brown Waves
Emilia Clarke's Highlighted Look
Camila Mendes' Polished Waves
Natalie Portman's Caramel Highlights
Shailene Woodley's Classic Brown Braids
Bella Hadid's Slicked Look
Gal Gadot's Coffee Tones
Lupita Nyong'o's Gorgeous Braids
Lily Collins' Shiny Look
Zendaya's Warm Blow-Out
Emily Ratajkowski's Girl-Next-Door Locks
Shay Mitchell's Easy Dark Bun
Jourdan Dunn's Long Curls
Keira Knightley's Sunkissed Brown Updo
Selena Gomez's Ombre Look
Ashley Graham's Chocolate Waves
Rihanna's Jet-Black Look
Alicia Vikander's Chestnut Locks
Lana Condor's Inky Side Part
Gayle King's Warm Waves
Rooney Mara's Sophisticated Bun
Emma Watson's Highlighted Updo
Kate Beckinsale's Hazelnut Waves
Ali Wong's Mahogany 'Do
Zoë Kravitz's Jet-Black Chop
Demi Lovato's Tumbling Curls
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