
How come blondes (opens in new tab) always get fun hair descriptors like "ashy" or "strawberry" or "bleach-blond"? It seems that brunettes (opens in new tab) 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. (opens in new tab) 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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