25 Hair Colors for Dark Brown Hair

Choosing a hair color for dark brown hair is always a safe bet. And while you may think of one shade when you imagine the hue, there are countless brown hair color variations to experiment with. It spans a spectrum of tones, finishes, and techniques that flatter many skin tones and hair textures.

If you’re considering dyeing your hair brown, use these ideas to choose a shade and maintain glossy, healthy‑looking color. Whether you prefer the moodiness of a bold espresso shade or want to brighten up your deep golden brown mane with highlights, keep reading. Ahead, we’re showcasing 25 dark brown hair color ideas we can’t get enough of—and sharing tips on how to secure these sleek looks for yourself.

Classic Dark Brown Hair Colors

If you’re someone who likes to keep things simple, try one of these timeless brunette hair colors for dark brown hair. They’re also helpful when picking an at-home dark brown hair dye.

1. Rich chocolate brown

Deep, luxurious chocolate brown hair is universally flattering, and as far as we’re concerned, everyone should try it at least once. This classy hue is simple to achieve at home with an expert formula like the L’Oréal Paris Excellence Creme Universal Nudes in Natural Dark Brown.

Best for: Light to deep skin tones with neutral or warm undertones and naturally brunette bases.

Key undertones: Neutral-warm.

Quick tip: Maintain shine with sulfate-free care and periodic glossing

Avoid: Over-toning with red-heavy formulas if you want a true neutral.

2. Espresso brown

Like a shot of caffeine for your complexion, a deep espresso brown hair color is a gorgeous way to wake up cool-toned fair skin. The shade usually is a well-blended mix of black and dark brown tones with a sleek, high-shine finish. Try this bold shade with the L'Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color in Cool Darkest Brown. It’s a polished hair color for dark brown hair for year‑round wear.

Best for: Medium to deep skin tones with cool or neutral undertones and naturally dark bases.

Key undertones: Cool-neutral.

Quick tip: Ask for minimal warmth at the salon and use a blue-based gloss between services.

Avoid: Lifting too light, which can expose unwanted red or orange.

3. Walnut brown

Walnut brown is a medium brunette with soft, neutral undertones—ideal when you want depth without going too dark. Achieve this natural hue with the L’Oréal Paris Excellence Creme Universal Nudes in Natural Light Brown.

Best for: Fair to medium skin tones and dark blonde to light brunette bases.

Key undertones: Neutral.

Quick tip: Keep dimension with subtle face-framing highlights and a color-safe conditioner.

Avoid: Over-saturating with too-dark toners that flatten the shade.

4. Mahogany brown

Mahogany hair color is a gorgeous blend of warm brown and reddish shades, like a subtle mix of chocolate and cherry. This color is full of richness and dimension and is a great pick for redheads looking to transition to brown (or vice versa). Check out the L'Oréal Paris Excellence Crème Permanent Triple Care Hair Color in Dark Mahogany for the deepest, richest shade.

Best for: Medium to deep skin with warm or neutral undertones and brunette bases.

Key undertones: Warm red-brown.

Quick tip: Refresh with red-brown glosses and limit lightening on the ends to keep saturation.

Avoid: Going too copper if you prefer a deeper mahogany.

5. Chestnut brown

If you’re looking for summer hair color ideas to try this year, consider chestnut brown. This blend of lighter brown and auburn tones paired with a darker base looks natural and sun-kissed, without leaning too light. Go for the L'Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color in Medium Chestnut Brown for a golden glow.

Best for: Fair to medium skin with warm undertones and brunette bases.

Key undertones: Warm golden-auburn.

Quick tip: Enhance reflection with a lightweight shine serum and UV-protecting care.

Avoid: Pushing highlights too light, which can read brassy on dark bases.

Warm Dark Brown Hair Colors

If your skin has a warm undertone, these toasty red and gold-toned dark brown hair colors will flatter you beautifully.

6. Dark brown hair with caramel highlights

Adding caramel brown highlights to natural or colored dark brown hair can be an easy and beautiful way to brighten up a deeper hue, especially after winter. Consider opting for babylights—this highlighting technique creates tons of luster and dimension without making your hair appear obviously lightened. This is an easy way to test hair color for dark brown hair that skews warm without going lighter overall. Go for a glowy caramel shade such as the L'Oréal Paris Féria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color in Sparking Amber.

Best for: Warm and olive undertones; naturally dark brunette bases.

Key undertones: Warm caramel and golden.

Technique tip: Babylights around the face or micro-foils with a root smudge keep brightness soft and blended.

Product/toner tip: Use a weekly blue-based gloss or anti-brass toning shampoo to keep caramel tones true.

7. Bronzed brown with red undertones

This fiery look is a warm, rich brown hair color infused with subtle reddish or auburn highlights. The result is a beautiful marriage of brunette and copper that shines beautifully in the sunlight. Get inspiration from the L'Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color in Chic Auburn Brown.

Best for: Medium to deep skin with warm or olive undertones; naturally brown bases.

Key undertones: Copper and red-gold.

Technique tip: Ask for painterly balayage or soft foilyage with a deeper root for seamless grow-out.

Product/toner tip: Refresh with a copper glaze every 4–6 weeks to prevent dullness.

8. Amber brown balayage on dark brown hair

Balayage is often done in shades of blonde, but it can be adapted for darker hair, too. We’re especially fond of how a bright, syrupy amber balayage pairs with naturally warm-toned brunette hair colors. Check out the L'Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color in Lightest Golden Brown.

Best for: Warm and olive undertones; level-4 to level-5 brunette bases.

Key undertones: Amber, honey, and golden.

Technique tip: Hand-paint pieces one to two levels lighter than your base and focus brightness at the mid-lengths.

Product/toner tip: Maintain reflect with a glossing mask and rotate in anti-brass care if the tone skews orange.

9. Auburn brown

Maybe you’ve flirted with the idea of becoming a redhead, but don’t want to give up the brunette life for good. If so, auburn brown hair might be for you. Try this vampy, in-between shade with L’Oréal Paris Féria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color in Auburn Rose.

Best for: Warm or neutral undertones; naturally dark brunette bases.

Key undertones: Red-brown with subtle copper.

Technique tip: Ask for fine lowlights and a root smudge to keep dimension rich, not streaky.

Product/toner tip: Use a red-brown glaze between color sessions to preserve depth and prevent orange fade.

10. Golden brown

Golden brown hair features a rich, deep brown base interwoven with shimmering golden strands. The effect is a warm, inviting color that looks especially gorgeous on those with tanned skin (either natural or faux). Look for the L'Oréal Paris Excellence Crème Permanent Triple Care Hair Color in Light Golden Brown for the right contrast.

Best for: Warm and olive undertones; dark brunette bases.

Key undertones: Golden and honey.

Technique tip: Try soft foilyage or micro-babylights and keep ends just one to two levels lighter than mids.

Product/toner tip: Support shine with a gold-enhancing gloss; if brass appears, balance with a neutral-ashy gloss.

Cool Dark Brown Hair Colors

Brown hair doesn’t have to lean warm every time. Cool, rich browns (ash and charcoal) are gaining momentum for their smoky, low‑brass finish. These cool-toned brown shades are versatile and gorgeous, especially on those with fair or cool-toned skin. Here are the next hair color ideas for dark brown hair—useful whether you see a colorist or choose at-home dark brown hair dye:

11. Ash brown

You can count on an ash brown hair color for a look void of red or golden undertones. Achieve the cool, almost silvery brown hue with L’Oréal Paris Excellence Creme Cool Supreme Permanent Gray Coverage Hair Color in Ultra Ash Dark Brown.

For cooler skin tones: Suits fair to deep complexions with cool or neutral undertones and naturally dark bases.

Neutralize warmth: Rotate a blue or blue‑violet gloss to counter red/orange; add a blue shampoo when brass appears.

Maintenance tip: Use blue shampoo 1–2× weekly, limit heat with protectant, and gloss every 4–6 weeks to keep tone crisp.

12. Smoky brown

A smoky brown is typically a medium brown hair shade with subtle, grayish-brown highlights woven throughout. However, the ashy effect can be achieved on dark brown hair too for a moodier look with plenty of dimension. Go for a grayish shade such as the L'Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color in Light Ash Brown.

For cooler skin tones: Complements cool undertones across fair to deep skin; ideal on naturally brown to black bases.

Neutralize warmth: Choose blue‑violet toners to mute orange or yellow; use a blue glaze if pieces skew coppery.

Maintenance tip: Wash with blue shampoo weekly (switch to a purple shampoo such as the L'Oréal Paris EverPure Brass Toning Purple Sulfate-Free Shampoo if yellow shows); protect from UV to prevent warmth.

13. Charcoal brown

Charcoal brown is a cool, deep shade that sits right on the cusp of black. However, the slight softness in this hue makes it more wearable than a true black, which can be overly-stark on some skin tones. Try this ultra-inky dark brown hue with L’Oréal Paris Excellence Creme Universal Nudes in Natural Soft Black.

For cooler skin tones: Flattering on cool/neutral undertones; also a smart pick for blending early grays.

Neutralize warmth: Keep a blue-pigmented gloss in rotation; avoid warm browns that can read reddish against charcoal.

Maintenance tip: Alternate blue shampoo with color-safe care; add a violet mask monthly, such as the L'Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Anti-Brass Purple Mask Treatment, to keep the tone slate-true.

14. Mocha brown with ashy highlights

Mocha is already one of our favorite shades of brown hair, but with ashy highlights woven throughout, it’s downright stunning. Highlights can be tricky to achieve yourself at home, so we recommend visiting a colorist to nail this cool-toned color.

For cooler skin tones: Works on cool/neutral undertones; ask for ashy micro-babylights rather than warm honey strips.

Neutralize warmth: Tone with blue‑violet gloss on mids/ends; use purple shampoo if highlights pick up yellow.

Maintenance tip: Schedule glosses between lightening sessions and always use heat protectant to prevent dullness. Try the L'Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Heat Slayer Leave-In for up to 450°F heat protection.

15. Slate brown

Slate brown is about as cool as brunette hair color gets, with bluish silver undertones that shine in the light. This is a great option if you have natural grays and are looking for a stylish way to really own the look. Check out the L'Oréal Paris Féria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color in Downtown Brown for the coolest shade.

For cooler skin tones: Designed for cool undertones and naturally dark bases; pairs beautifully with silvering strands.

Neutralize warmth: Use blue‑violet toners to cancel brass before it surfaces; avoid golden glosses that add warmth.

Maintenance tip: Cleanse with blue or purple shampoo 1–2× weekly and refresh with a glossing mask for a metallic sheen. Try the L'Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Glossing 5-Min Lamination Hair Mask for shiny, healthy-looking hair.

Multi‑Dimensional Dark Brown Hair Techniques

Sometimes, two is better than one—especially with brunette color. These techniques add movement and depth while keeping your base dark and glossy.

16. Subtle red highlights

Adding red highlights to your dark brown hair is edgy, unexpected, and a fun way to switch up your look. Choose a subtle red shade, such as the L'Oréal Paris Excellence Creme Universal Nudes in Natural Dark Red, to find the perfect balance.

What starting base works best: Level‑4 to level‑5 brunette; natural dark brown or dyed a similar depth.

Grow‑out maintenance: Plan salon refreshes every 8–12 weeks; add demi‑permanent red glazes between appointments to maintain depth.

When to go to a colorist vs. DIY: Choose a colorist if you need lightening from very dark bases or have previous color/banding. DIY is fine for non‑lightening tints.

17. Ombré with honey ends

If you’re looking to flirt with blonde but don’t want to bleach your entire head, try an ombré with honey-colored ends. A professional stylist can ensure that the transition from your dark brown roots to the lightened ends is seamless (so your grow-out will be, too).

What starting base works best: Level‑3/4 dark brown; virgin or minimally processed hair lifts most evenly.

Grow‑out maintenance: Expect 10–12‑week trims and a root smudge/gloss every 6–8 weeks for softness.

When to go to a colorist vs. DIY: See a colorist if you want more than two levels of lift or if your hair is previously colored.

18. Dark brown hair with blonde highlights

Black hair with highlights has a ton of impact, but the contrast can sometimes be overpowering. For a more approachable take on this bold look, dark brown hair with highlights that have the same undertone as your base color (think: espresso and ash bronde or chocolate brown and honey).

What starting base works best: Level‑3 to level‑5 dark brown; match highlight undertone to your base for harmony.

Grow‑out maintenance: Refresh highlights every 8–12 weeks and add a gloss monthly to maintain tone and shine.

When to go to a colorist vs DIY: Go pro for high‑contrast looks, full‑head foils, or if you see color banding.

19. Plum undertones

Plum undertones lend dark hair colors a sultry, almost vampy vibe. Add a wash of violet to your dark locks with L’Oréal Paris Féria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color in Violet Noir.

What starting base works best: Level‑3 to level‑5 brunette; neutral/cool undertones take plum most evenly.

Grow‑out maintenance: Use demi or permanent violet glazes every 4–6 weeks; keep ends deep to avoid over‑lightening.

When to go to a colorist vs. DIY: See a colorist if you need lifting first, have resistant grays, or want a subtle violet‑brown blend.

20. Copper balayage

Copper balayage on dark brown hair can create what Gen‑Z recently dubbed as “cowboy copper” hair color—a leathery brown mixed with spicy burnt auburn. Consult your stylist to see how they can tweak this shade to complement your skin tone.

What starting base works best: Level‑4/5 brunettes with warm or neutral undertones.

Grow‑out maintenance: Low‑maintenance; space appointments 10–14 weeks and add copper glazes between visits.

When to go to a colorist vs. DIY: Colorist for any lightening or bespoke placement. DIY for toning refreshes only.

Trendy Dark Brown Hair Colors

Yes, dark brown is timeless—and right now, very trend‑driven. These ideas combine classic depth with 2025‑ready tones and placement. Here's your next hair color for dark brown hair:

21. Tortoiseshell

Like your favorite tortoiseshell frames, this multi-faceted hair color features warm caramel, honey, and gold tones woven throughout dark brown hair. Your stylist may use several techniques to achieve the dimensional color, including balayage, babylights, or shadow rooting (or even all three).

Trendy now: Warm, multi‑tonal ribbons are rising; see Glamour’s raffia bronde for woven, multi‑tonal blends.

22. Tiger eye

The tiger eye brown hair trend starts with a deep base, which makes it a great option for those with naturally dark hair. Then, reflective light brown, red, and gold highlights are spun throughout for a timeless and eye-catching look.

Trendy now: Gemstone‑inspired bronze and gold accents keep trending on dark bases; see recent breakdown of tiger‑eye color from The Right Hairstyles.

23. Color melted

Color melting is a technique that involves blending your root color with highlights or balayage for a blended, “melted” gradient of color. This results in a softer look with a much easier grow-out than traditional highlights. Because color melting is a technique, not a color, it can be adapted to any hue. Try keeping your dark brown roots intact and melting them with a bright amber balayage for a warm, sunny look.

Trendy now: Low‑maintenance, seamless gradients are big this year; editors are calling out soft fades from sombré to bronde. For example, check out Byrdie's 2025 hair color trends.

24. Sombré

Meet sombré, a darker, moodier (and lower-maintenance) take on the classic ombré look. This subtler technique results in a more diffused, softer effect than a classic ombré where the shifts in shade are more apparent. Try it with two similar hues, like maple and mahogany.

Trendy now: Subtle, low‑contrast gradients continue to surge; pros highlight sombré and the ombré revival with softer transitions (Who What Wear).

25. Bronze babylights

If you are craving dark brown hair with highlights, consider bronze babylights. These soft, handpainted streaks help create brightness around the face without looking stripy or overly “done.”

Trendy now: Micro‑fine babylights show up repeatedly as a natural‑looking way to brighten with easy grow‑out, according to Marie Claire.

How To Care For Your Dark Brown Hair Color

Once you’ve colored your hair, adjust your routine to keep your new hue vibrant and fresh. The right routine protects any hair color for dark brown hair from fading. Keep reading to learn how.

Protect your color

When rocking color-treated hair, it’s beyond important to choose products that are formulated to protect your color while keeping your hair looking and feeling healthy. Reach for the sulfate-free L’Oréal Paris EverPure color-care collection—specifically the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Bond Repair Shampoo with Citric Acid and L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Bond Repair Conditioner with Citric Acid. This system gently reinforces weak internal bonds in color-treated, bleached, or damaged hair to help prevent breakage and leave strands feeling stronger. It cleanses without stripping and conditions to smooth, detangle, and maintain color vibrancy.

Schedule regular touch‑ups

Even if you opt for a permanent hair color, it’s important to schedule regular appointments with your stylist for touch-ups, treatments, and trims to keep your hair looking (and feeling) its best. How often you’ll want to hit the salon varies depending on your hair type, color, and texture, so consult with your stylist to determine a schedule that works for you.

Between salon visits, give your mane a boost with the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate‑Free Glossing Shampoo, a glycolic‑acid formula that gently cleanses without stripping. Follow with the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate‑Free Glossing Conditioner, which moisturizes, detangles, and helps seal the cuticle for light‑reflective gloss. Once a week, incorporate the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate‑Free Glossing 5‑Min Lamination Hair Mask, a treatment that smooths the hair fiber for a laminated, mirror‑like finish in just five minutes.

Protect against heat damage

Daily habits impact how long and well your color holds up. If you use hot tools, shield hair with a heat protectant like L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Heat Slayer Leave In, which helps defend up to 450°F and smooths frizz. Apply to damp hair before blow‑drying and to dry hair before flat‑ironing or curling.

Avoid fading

UV exposure and harsh washing can speed up fade on brunette color. Choose a color‑care duo with sun protection like the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Color Vibrancy Protecting Shampoo and L’Oréal Paris Elvive Color Vibrancy Protecting Conditioner. The gentle, color‑safe formulas help cleanse without stripping, condition to smooth and detangle, and include UV filters to help defend against fade so dark brown hues stay glossy, soft, and vibrant as long as possible. 

Next Up: How To Find the Most Flattering Brunette Hair Color for Your Skin Tone

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris