26 Light Brown Hair Color Ideas You'll Definitely Love

You know what they say—brunettes do it better, and we can’t really argue with that, especially when you look at light brown hair colors. There’s just something about a light brown mane that instantly adds a touch of glamour to any beauty look—which is why it comes as no surprise to us that lighter brunette hues are trending. As a matter of fact, the prettiest, lightest brown hair colors are popping up all across our social media feeds, from Pinterest to Instagram. Want to get in on the photo-worthy fun? Below, we’re sharing 26 light brown hair color ideas to try.

26 GORGEOUS LIGHT BROWN HAIR COLOR IDEAS

Ready to take the plunge and go lighter? Pick from one of these hair color ideas, and find the perfect light brown hair dye to bring your desired shade to life.

#1. COOL LIGHT BROWN HAIR

Cool, ashy hair colors have become quite popular as of late, and this cool light brown hue is no exception. The shade is most flattering on those who have warm undertones, as its cool hue will help perfectly balance your complexion.

Get the look: L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color in Cool Light Brown

#2. LIGHT AMBER BROWN

Amber is a beautiful color that falls between gold and orange. Try a light amber brown shade if your skin has pink undertones to add just the right amount of warmth to your look.

Get the look: L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color in Light Amber Brown

#3. LIGHT ASH BROWN HAIR

Remember when we said ashy hair colors were in? Well, it shouldn’t come as a surprise to you that light ash brown hair is next on our list! This chic, ashy hue pairs well with warm skin tones.

Get the look: L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color in Light Ash Brown

#4. LIGHT BROWN HAIR WITH PASTEL PINK ENDS

Want to add a pop of color to your light brown mane? We’re fans of incorporating a pretty pastel pink shade into the mix. Specifically, pastel pink ends! This light shade will add just the right amount of color without creating a stark contrast against your light brown base.

Get the look: L’Oréal Paris Colorista Semi-Permanent Hair Color in Soft Pink

#5. LIGHT BROWN WITH CHAMPAGNE HIGHLIGHTS

What’s prettier than one of the lightest brown hair colors? A light brown hair color with highlights—more specifically, dimensional, champagne highlights. Sounds pretty, right? We can’t help but think this color combo is a match made in hair heaven!

Get the look: L’Oréal Paris Frost & Design in Champagne

#6. LIGHT BROWN HAIR WITH CHOCOLATE LOWLIGHTS

Speaking of dimensional light brown hair colors, you don’t have to use highlights to get one. If you prefer to keep things on the darker side, lowlights may be a more appealing option. Have your colorist expertly place rich, chocolate brown lowlights throughout your light brown hair to do just that.

#7. LIGHT CHESTNUT BROWN HAIR

Try a light brown mane filled with warmth by giving light chestnut brown hair a go. This reddish-brown hair color happens to be right on par with the latest red-toned hair trends, giving you all the more reason to try it. 

Get the look: L’Oréal Paris Excellence Créme Permanent Triple Protection Hair Color in Light Reddish Brown

#8. LIGHT BROWN WITH LAVENDER ENDS

If pastel pink isn’t your thing, allow us to point you in the direction of lavender ends. When paired with a light brown base, we can’t help but ogle this soft yet out-of-the-box look.

Get the look: L’Oréal Paris Colorista Hair Makeup Temporary 1-Day Hair Color Spray in Pastel Lavender

#9. ROOTED LIGHT BROWN HAIR

If you’re starting with a dark hair color and prefer a low-maintenance mane makeover, rooted light brown hair is likely just what you’re looking for. This lived-in look features a smudged root that matches your natural hair color—AKA, as your roots start to grow out, no one will be able to tell! Genius, right?

#10. LIGHT BROWN WITH BALAYAGE HIGHLIGHTS

Speaking of low-maintenance hair color ideas, perhaps you’d like another option for light brown hair with highlights. Balayage highlights are the perfect way to add movement and definition to your light brown strands without constant upkeep. Since these hand-painted highlights are strategically placed and primarily focused at the ends of your mane, there’s no need to stress over a harsh line of demarcation as your roots grow out.

#11. LIGHT BROWN WITH A HONEY MONEY PIECE

Oh, honey, what a hair color this is! Make a statement with your light brown hair by pairing it with a honey-hued money piece. This warm blonde shade will add even more lightness to your face-framing strands. Talk about a red carpet-worthy ‘do.

#12. DARK BROWN TO LIGHT BROWN OMBRÉ

Another low-maintenance light brown hair color? Yes, please! Rather than sporting all-over light brown tresses, allow your dark brown hair to seamlessly transition into a light brown. The result? A beautiful, dark to light brown ombré.

#13. LIGHT BROWN HAIR WITH CARAMEL HIGHLIGHTS

If you love the idea of light brown hair with highlights, allow us to direct you toward the caramel version of this trend. Think about your favorite chocolate bars, and you’ll see what we mean. There’s just something about a swirl of caramel added throughout a milky chocolate base that’s oh so sweet!

Get the look: L’Oréal Paris Frost & Design in Caramel

#14. LIGHT ROSE BROWN

Chances are you’re familiar with the rose gold hair trend, but are you familiar with its sister shade? We’re talking about rose brown hair, which, as you can probably guess, features a brown base laced with beautiful rose gold touches throughout. Keep your base on the light side, and you’ve got a gorgeous light rose brown hair color!

#15. LIGHT BROWN TO DARK BLONDE OMBRÉ

Another light brown ombré option, this is an ideal color for those who already have light brown hair but want to go a little lighter without the upkeep. The transition of shades will be subtle, making it great for those who aren’t quite ready to make a dramatic hair change.

#16. LIGHT BROWN HAIR WITH COPPER HIGHLIGHTS

Like we mentioned, reddish-brown hair happens to be on-trend at the moment. One way to try it out for yourself is by adding copper highlights throughout a light brown base. The orangey-red shade is most flattering when paired with a warm, light brown base.

#17. NATURAL LIGHT BROWN

Sometimes it’s best to stick with the classics, which is why a natural light brown hair color is next on our list. You know what they say—fake it till you make it!

Get the look: L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color in Hi-Lift Natural Brown

#18. LIGHT BROWN WITH PLATINUM HIGHLIGHTS

Prefer a hair color that demands attention? Light brown with platinum blonde highlights will do the trick! While your base color is light, these bright blonde highlights will create some seriously gorgeous contrast. Consider trying platinum blonde balayage highlights for the perfect placement.

#19. LIGHT BROWN TO CREAM BLONDE OMBRÉ

For a less subtle take on the light brown to blonde look, have your colorist transition your brown strands into a beautiful cream blonde shade. This light blonde hue will pair nicely with a natural light brown hair color, lightening your overall look without the need for constant root touch-ups.

#20. LIGHT BROWN HIGHLIGHTS ON BLACK HAIR

What about if you’re starting with a black hair color? Well, you can actually add some light brown highlights into the mix to add dimension and lightness to your ‘do. This is a great option for those who want to gradually lighten their dark black hair or simply want to create subtle dimension.

#21. LIGHT GOLDEN BROWN HAIR

Go for the gold! Golden shades work well when paired with warm undertones, particularly those with olive skin tones.

Get the look: L’Oréal Paris Féria in Light Golden Brown

#22. LIGHT BROWN WITH PASTEL BLUE ENDS

We aren’t over the idea of adding a pop of color to a light brown base, and if you aren’t either, perhaps you’d like to try rocking pastel blue ends. This light blue shade will add just the right amount of color to your light brown mane.

Get the look: L’Oréal Paris Colorista Hair Makeup Temporary 1-Day Hair Color Spray in Pastel Blue

#23. DARK BROWN HAIR WITH LIGHT BROWN HIGHLIGHTS

Just as you can add dimension to black hair with light brown highlights, you can do the same with a dark brown mane. If you have espresso strands and want to lighten things up a bit, head to the salon for beautiful, understated definition!

#24. BLONDE HAIR WITH LIGHT BROWN LOWLIGHTS

Calling all blondes—if you’re envious of the light brown hair trend but aren’t quite ready to trade in your light locks, light brown lowlights may be just what you’re looking for. Consider it the perfect option for testing the waters on having a brunette ‘do.

#25. LIGHT BROWN WITH ESPRESSO LOWLIGHTS

While we're on the topic of lowlights, you can also add dimension to a light brown mane by mixing in just the right amount of darkness. How so? With deep, espresso lowlights! The contrast of shades will leave you with a mane full of movement and body.

#26. LIGHT BROWN WITH RED ENDS

Perhaps you’d prefer something a little more fun? If you want to add color that’ll make a statement to your light brown strands, look no further than red dip-dyed ends.

Get the look: L’Oréal Paris Colorista Hair Makeup Temporary 1-Day Hair Color Spray in Red

Next: 22 Reddish Brown Hair Colors We Think You Should Consider