Who Says Brown Hair Is Blah? 23 Ideas For Dynamic Brunette Locks

Contrary to what you might have heard, blond folks don't have all the fun — at least as far as haircare is concerned. Of course, blond hair (and its fiery red cousin) is always going to be a go-to summer favorite. But that doesn't mean that people with blond and red hair have a monopoly on stunning locks. You might even be surprised by the health benefits of opting for dark hair in the summer. Extra sun protection for the win!

Still, as a color on its own, you might be tempted to think that brown is rather blah. After all, you don't see too many brown flowers out there. Fortunately, we have ample proof that brown hair is nothing if not drop-dead gorgeous thanks to such iconic brunette ladies like Audrey Hepburn, Sophia Loren, and Jackie O. In a time when blond women largely dominated the fashion scene, these style icons proved just how impressive the dark side can be — and kept the ball rolling for famous modern brunette powerhouses like Anne Hathaway, Angelina Jolie, and Penelope Cruz. From deep, autumnal mahoganies to fresh, sun-kissed bronds, we're here to prove once and for all that brown hair is anything but boring.

Chestnut brown is a vibrant shade of brunette that typically features warm and reddish undertones, though it stops short of going completely auburn. Color specialists often recommend chestnut hair for those whose skin features warm undertones, but a skilled professional colorist can easily customize the perfect chestnut shade for neutral and cool undertones as well. Though opting to completely alter your hair's color will undoubtedly call for regular maintenance (think every four to six weeks), asking for chestnut balayage can reduce the total number of touch-ups required to maintain this color.

Shades that compliment warm undertones are everywhere, but what about those who would prefer to own our neutral or cool undertones for the ultimate cool-girl look? Ash brown hair is a medium brunette shade that leans towards gray or silver, making it a perfect complement to cool skin tones. Even so, warm-tone complexions can still rock the color thanks to the universality of the brown tones mixed with it. Stylists typically recommend using a blue shampoo that protects the color, as ash tones are notorious for their ability to turn yellow and brassy if not properly cared for.

Whether you're looking to change your hair up drastically or subtly, bronze hair is a stunning and dynamic twist on baseline brunette hair. It's also especially flattering on darker skin tones and can make for an easy first step into the wonderful (but occasionally overwhelming) world of hair color for those whose natural hair color is already dark. Anyone can rock bronze hair, though it is excellent at accentuating warm tones. It's also surprisingly diverse; you can customize your favorite shade of bronze by asking for more of a golden or red hue.

Also known as "chocolate cherry hair" or "cherry cola hair," this hair color trend incorporates a deep, vibrant red into a rich, chocolate-colored base. It's still very much a variant of brunette hair, falling just short of true burgundy hair, which makes it yet another great option for those who want a change but don't want to do anything too drastic. The amount of red pigment can vary based on your preferences, ranging from a light auburn with a wine-colored tinge to true cherry red.

Another universally-loved brunette shade, chocolate is a deep, rich brown with red and gold undertones, though to achieve a true chocolate hue, those undertones are typically kept to a minimum — just enough to add dimension. The color is a great way to add warmth to your look, though it can definitely be worn by and flatter any skin tone. It's among the easier colors to maintain and brings with it a natural shine that is truly worthy of your dreamiest hair goals.

There's something to be said for classic colors like medium brown; after all, they're classics for a reason. Medium brown in particular is a universally flattering shade, able to accentuate any complexion. Furthermore, it can easily be customized to make certain features pop, such as a gorgeous pair of eyes. Plus, it's a great base if you think you might want to incorporate some more drastic changes later (like bold highlights or a striking auburn mane) but you're not quite ready to take the leap yet.

Dark brown, which some might consider the "classic" brunette, will always be a super-stylish crowd-pleaser. The color is versatile (after all, there are more than a few shades of "dark"), easy on your hair and skin, and relatively easy to maintain. You can keep it classic, or experiment with different colors, highlights, and lowlights. It makes for some seriously sleek hairstyles and can last for ages if you use balayage to achieve an ombré effect with your natural hair color. Really, what's not to love about the "classic" shade of brunette?

Strawberry brunette hair is a great stepping stone between brown and red locks. Though its name implies more of a pink hue, it can include any shade of brown with a subtle hint of red, auburn, copper, or other flavor of red. Think of it as a darker version of the classic strawberry blond. You can opt to incorporate your red tinge of choice all over or ease into it with reddish highlights. Remember to use color-protecting shampoo and give your hair a bit of regular TLC to protect it from fading and damage.

In case you haven't noticed, the 2000s are back in a big way. Of course, this includes the era's famous hair trends. Chunky highlights, with their bold contrast of dark and light shades, are a great way to get nostalgic and have a little fun with your hair. If you've been quietly waiting for the trend to come back this entire time you can even forgo your natural hair color altogether and opt for alternating dark lowlights and bright highlights to reach maximum contrast.

Sometimes, just one or two colors aren't enough, or maybe you're perfectly happy with one or two colors — you're just tired of basic blond highlights. Enter jewel tones, your new favorite hair trend. Okay, so jewel tones and jewel highlights (also dubbed peacock hair) aren't exactly new, but they're gaining big popularity. This style makes for an edgier look that incorporates hues that are deeply pigmented and reflect the color of gemstones like sapphire, amethyst, emerald, and ruby. Just remember that even with the highest level of care, these colors will eventually fade into lighter shades.

Reverse balayage is similar to the traditional balayage color-application technique, just with a few key differences. Where traditional balayage is mostly concerned with painting in highlights, reverse balayage uses the same application to paint in lowlights, creating dimension and depth throughout the hair. Think of it as a subtler version of the balayage you're already familiar with. Its subtlety, combined with the appealingly low maintenance required, makes reverse balayage a perfect option for beginner color connoisseurs.