The Dark Brown Hair Color Guide

(Image credit: Getty Images)

published 3 August 20

Sure, dark brunette hair seems like it's harder to play with—unless you're willing to put in serious time at the salon to lighten it—but trust us when we say that trying out a different look (opens in new tab) doesn't actually require a platinum hair makeover. (opens in new tab) With the help of 27 celebrities with rich, dark hair, we're showing you exactly how add color can be subtly added (opens in new tab) to your dark locks—from hints of red to purple accents and golden highlights. And if you want to go darker but aren't sure what to ask for at the salon, we've got you covered. Just bookmark your favorite and bring it to your hair stylist.

1/27

Jennifer Lopez

We're taking notes on how Lopez lightens her hair with all-over highlights, like these fine ribbons of blonde babylights.

2/27

Mindy Kaling

Light brown highlights painted just around the face are an easy way to add warmth to long, dark hair.

3/27

Rihanna

Fact: Rihanna's deep skin tone looks amazing with warm, reddish highlights, and a few auburn strips from her mid-lengths to ends give her long hair more dimension.

4/27

Indya Moore

A vampy red undertone adds depth to darker locks.

5/27

Zendaya

To capture Z's shade, ask your stylist for deep, rich roots that fade into warm milk chocolate waves.

6/27

Emma Roberts

Roberts' rich color comes from a smooth blend of espresso hues and golden-brown tones.

7/27

Phoebe Waller-Bridge

A cropped cut looks especially striking in a rich espresso shade.

8/27

Cameron Diaz

A throwback to when this blonde star turned her hair color all the way up to a deep chocolate-y brown.

9/27

Lily Collins

An ombre effect is one gorgeous way to lighten your hair if you have a dark chocolate-y hair color like Collins'. Ask your stylist for highlights that start at your ears for a subtle fade like this.

10/27

Rachel McAdams

If you have lighter brown hair, try going a tad darker to this chocolate-y hue that's at the halfway mark between brown and black.

11/27

Emma Stone

Stone plays off her signature reddish color with this red-infused shade of dark brown.

12/27

Kristen Stewart

Auburn hair + ribbon curls = red carpet gold.

13/27

Sofia Vergara

Sofia Vergara's always at peak mermaid, styling her long dark hair with shiny golden highlights.

14/27

Mary-Kate Olsen

Sleek and straight is the way to go for a medium brown color like Mary-Kate Olsen's.

15/27

Emily Ratajkowski

Always proof that brunettes can be bombshells, too (sorry, Marilyn), Ratajkowski's signature style is a lengthy, layered curtain of deep espresso-colored hair.

16/27

Lucy Liu

Lucy's signature black tresses look soft, shiny, and like everything we'd want in rich hair color.

17/27

Kate Middleton

This color shows that subtle highlights are very possible and very flattering in darker hues.

18/27

Zoe Saldana

We are *very* into Saldana's natural color, a shiny all-over raven black color.

19/27

Megan Fox

Megan Fox's dark, dark brown color perfectly complements her vixen vibe.

20/27

Margot Robbie

Margot Robbie trades in her usual blonde color for a rich nearly-black shade with violet undertones.

21/27

Lea Michele

Keep it interesting with medium brown highlights that start at the mid-lengths if you have long lengths like Michele's.

22/27

Bella Hadid

The younger Hadid sister styles her brunette locks with a sleek center part.

23/27

Victoria Beckham

The former Spice Girl has been blonde, but always comes back to her natural brown roots.

24/27

Amber Heard

Marie Claire cover girl Amber Heard (opens in new tab) looks stunning with darker hair, and is working an unusual ashy brown hue, here.

25/27

Beyoncé

Beyoncé goes for a unique reddish brown color with warmer blonde lowlights.

26/27

Kim Kardashian-West

If you're not ready to go fully raven-black, try a deep shade of espresso that maintains a little warmth.

27/27

Mila Kunis

Deep brunette waves and lots of shine are Kunis' signature look.

Taylore Glynn

Taylore Glynn is the Beauty and Health Editor at Marie Claire, covering skincare, makeup, fragrance, wellness, and more. If you need her, she’s probably roasting a chicken, flying solo at the movies, or drinking a bad Negroni at JFK.