Done-Undone
@hairby_ashleyyy
Q&A with style creator, Ashley Hocevar
Stylist @ Trio Hair Studio in Solon, OH
How would you describe this look?
I would describe this look as done but undone hair. My favorite thing about this look is how we added Bombshell clip-in hair extensions.
We used a 1 1/4-inch curling iron to give her those loose waves. They’re pretty enough to wear to a wedding and casual enough for the local bar. It totally transformed her look and by the look on her face, she is delighted!
Any advice for someone considering it?
When doing extensions, you need to consider the care and the maintenance. Brushing gently and washing your hair gently is so important. You should never go to bed with your hair wet and always put it in a loose braid at night. For clip-in extensions, take your time when taking them out or it will rip your own hair.
Extensions are life-changing and give girls the confidence to face the world, but you need to be careful! Avoid going into chlorinated water or even the ocean. You pay a lot of money for the hair so you need to keep it as healthy as possible so it will last for you.
Chocolate Brown Layers
@hair.by.anabel
Q&A with style creator, Anabel Bautista
Professional Hairstylist @ The STUDIO in Valencia, CA
How would you describe this look?
I would describe this look as beautiful, shiny, and natural chocolate brown hair with long layers. What I love most about this look is how shiny and healthy her hair looks. It’s low maintenance, yet so elegant.
Any advice for someone considering it?
I recommend this look to clients that wish to have a beautiful, shiny, easy to maintain, and natural look. It’s great for any lifestyle and suitable for all hair types. If you love having long hair, long layers will add a little movement. We all love a little bounce in our hair!
To style, use a medium to large round brush. Smooth your root to mid area, then add a little bend to the ends. Always use a color-safe shampoo like Redken Color Extend or Pureology Hydrate Shampoo. I also recommend using a leave-in conditioner to help detangle. I like Pureology Perfect for Platinum Miracle Filler. This product is not only for blondes, but it’s amazing for brunettes as well. To add shine, I like using Pureology Hydrate Shine Max which will give you radiant shine and protect your hair from styling tools.
This brown complements almost any skin tone because it’s neutral. It has enough warm and cool tones, so it’s very flattering. Even though we are all very busy, we all deserve to look and feel great. Healthy hair is beautiful hair!
Natural & Romantic
@evalauuu
Q&A with style creator, Eva Lau
Hairstylist @ Kelvin Hair Salon Professional in Sarawak, Malaysia
How would you describe this look?
This is a very soft, natural, and romantic look. One of my favorite things about this cool brown shade is that it will be very flattering on most skin tones as it’s very soft and neutral. It creates a nice frame that brightens our features and make us look more radiant.
Any advice for someone considering it?
In Asian countries, there are a lot of people who would go for rebonding (relaxing) or perming. However, these are not recommended on bleached hair as it can be very damaging. This is why I would always recommend my client opt for this brown color as it does not require bleaching and is actually very easy to maintain, too!
The client can choose to touch up only the roots when it grows out, and the overall process will be much faster as compared to bleaching. Other processes can still be done and look healthy, however!
Rich Dark Chocolate
@makeupandfros_bylolo
Q&A with style creator, Logan McDaniel
Phase 2 Member @ Paul Mitchell The School Fort Myers in Fort Myers, FL
How would you describe this look?
I would describe this color as a rich dark chocolate and what I love most about it is that it’s a dark brown color that isn’t too dark! It’s very hard to find a good dark brunette that doesn’t resemble a black.
Any advice for someone considering it?
I believe this color looks best on skin tones that are light to medium, but in all honesty, it looks great on everyone!
Everyone can agree that a color always looks best when it’s fresh, so with that being said, you need to take the initiative and invest in some good take-home hair products.
I am at a Paul Mitchell focus salon, so if you want to achieve this color find a Paul Mitchell focus salon near you. There you can also purchase a good color-protecting shampoo, conditioner, and repair mask that will keep your color looking fresh and the integrity of your hair beautiful, strong, and healthy!
Natural Gloss
@hairartist.alexisvanvalin
Q&A with style creator, Alexis Van Valin
Redken Hair Artist @ The Retreat Salon in Fenton, MI
How would you describe this look?
I feel it is important to create a look that both captures the client’s vision while still complementing their features. This particular client wanted an overall ashy tone, so I chose an ash base and a more natural gloss that would best complement her skin tone and allow her blue eyes to really pop!
Any advice for someone considering it?
This subtle brunette has a very natural and dimensional look that will suit most any skin tone. If you are wondering if this color and style would suit you, it is always best to ask your stylist what would best complement your features.
It is also important that you are set up with a proper hair care regimen that is specific to your needs. A healthy canvas allows for the best results!
Noticeable Oak Brown
@11scissorspaperstone
Q&A with style creator, Evian Teh
Director @ 11 Scissors Paper Stone Hair Studio in Selangor, Malaysia
How would you describe this look?
This look is a natural look that complements the skin color and face shape of the client. When the client came to us, she gave us a pretty tough brief. She came to us with hair that was a much darker shade of brown, almost close to black, and it was slightly on the dry side.
“I want to have a look that is natural, but also noticeable, and I want to retain my length.”
The easiest way to be “noticeable” is to have super crazy colors and a total huge change from the previous look, but that wouldn’t meet the request of being “natural”. We decided to bring down her color down to a slightly lighter shade of natural oak brown, and also did hair treatment so that her hair would have a nice healthy shine to it. The treatment also brought out the oak brown color and lightened up her whole face.
Our favorite thing about this look is that it isn’t over-the-top. It is subtly different and natural, and most importantly it suits the client.
Any advice for someone considering it?
There are many different shades of brown and different types of brown suit different skin tones. You need to select the right brown that matches and enhances your skin tone. Browns are actually really fun to play with.
Your hair needs to be healthy so that it will look shiny instead of dull, lackluster, or dry. Hair care is very important and is something that a lot of customers overlook. We believe that healthy hair makes a huge difference with a hairstyle, especially for this sort of look. Constant brushing and at home care will help to maintain the shine.
If you personally like a hairstyle, you will wear it with a lot of confidence and carry the look well.
Dark Coffee Brunette with Honey Caramel Balayage
@hairbyrachelberglin
Q&A with style creator, Rachel Berglin
Hairstylist & Make-up Artist @ Halo Hair Studio in Walla Walla, WA
How would you describe this look?
This is a dark coffee brunette with honey caramel balayage.
What I love most about this look is how dimensional it is. The dark pieces and lighter pieces really contrast and complement each other.
I also love how low maintenance this look would be for someone who is already a brunette. The roots are kept dark and the colors added are blended in so that there will not be a line where the color grows out.
Any advice for someone considering it?
If you are already a brunette, you can get lighter caramel brown pieces painted in fairly easily. If your hair is lighter and you want to go darker at the roots, as well as have added dimension, it depends on what kind of maintenance you are willing to take on. A permanent dark color over lighter hair will be higher maintenance and usually more expensive. Many of my clients opt for a semi-permanent color so that their dark fades only a little by the time it grows out. This means they don’t have to come in as often and they don’t spend as much.
I recommend always using a salon-quality, color-safe shampoo and not washing your hair every day.
The neutral and warm tones in this hair color make it an easy universal color to have. If your skin tone looks better with ashy tones, you could wear this look, but ask your stylist to make the lighter pieces less golden and on the ashier side.
This style of this color can be adjusted for longer or shorter hair, and the tones can be adjusted to complement your skin tone.
Sunkissed & Tousled
@chloerosetubman
Q&A with style creator, Chloe Tubman
Hairstylist @ Vanity Hair in Carver, MA
How would you describe this look?
This is a natural, sunkissed balayage hair color that is styled with tousled, loose curls. I love how effortless and soft this hair color turned out and the blend I was able to achieve! It is very natural looking and pretty.
Any advice for someone considering it?
This hair color is perfect for a client who wants low maintenance hair. Balayage highlights never have a harsh line like traditional foils when growing out, especially an ombré style. It is the perfect look for any busy woman who can’t make it to the salon every four to eight weeks. It is also a great option for a brunette wanting to brighten up their hair without compromising integrity. Only a few levels of lift are needed to achieve the look.
Last but not least, ombré and balayage hair color styles are trending right now. Throw in a braid and it’s the perfect boho look!
Warm Toasty Balayage
@_amandawarrenhair_
Q&A with style creator, Amanda Warren Hair
Hairstylist @ Beleza Salon in Tulare, CA
How would you describe this look?
This balayage is a gorgeous warm tone that goes great with so many skin tones. I love the versatility with this color! You can make it darker for an easier transition and lighter to go with the seasons. You can also take it lighter or darker to help to go with each person’s skin tone!
Any advice for someone considering it?
This color and style is perfect for a low maintenance color! The low key look of a balayage helps the outgrowth look natural and gives you a low maintenance color that has you visiting the salon as much or as little as you want.
Long Chestnut Brown
@jendoeshair
Q&A with style creator, Jennifer Gray
Hairstylist / Colorist @ Cerise Salon in Sacramento, CA
How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?
This is a chestnut brunette and my favorite thing about it is the different colors that shimmer through the whole canvas.
What products do you recommend to create and maintain this look?
To blow dry, I used a volumizing mousse and leave-in conditioner through the ends. After curling, I ran a light Argan oil through to loosen up the curl. To maintain her color, she has our Color Lock sulfate-free shampoo.
What type of client would you recommend this look for?
I recommend this look for anyone who wants to enhance their own natural brunette color. The front is highlighted along the hairline to give her that impact piece!
The color is low maintenance, dimensional and shiny, which really gives finer hair some texture.
Lived-In Dimensional Brown Hair
@rachelhope_hair
Q&A with style creator, Rachel Partain
Professional Hair Stylist @ Indigo Salon & Spa in Canton, MI
How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?
This look is a beautiful, fresh, lived-in, dimensional brown. My favorite thing about it is the color melt with the balayage. Going darker but not too dark, we didn’t want to wash out her skin tone.
What products do you recommend to create and maintain this look?
I recommend styling with Kevin Murphy Plumping wash and rinse to plump up her fine hair. I also recommend the Kevin Murphy Body.Mass and Bedroom.Hair for a nice, textured, beachy look. They give her hair a little grip without overpowering itwith products.
Lastly, I always recommend using the LOréal Mythic Oil Color Glow to keep her ends hydrated. This adds shine and moisture to keep her color looking fresh until her next visit.
What type of client would you recommend this look for?
I recommend this look for anyone that wants to go darker but not solid. Color melted hair can feel very fresh without going too dark.
Skin tones that are a little more cooler versus warm would be best for this shade. Beach waves (with the correct products) can be achieved on fine or coarse hair for anyone who loves the lived-in look. This look fits the lifestyle of clients who don’t wash their hair every day and can throw in a little dry shampoo/texture spray in and will be good to go for a few days!
This is an amazing color to go darker with when you are used to having light hair.
Effortless Fall Ombre
@color_by_giovannarita
Q&A with style creator, Giovanna Rita
Colorist @ Gigi Salon & Styling Studi in Astoria, NY
How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?
This is an extremely effortless fall ombré look. My favorite thing about is that it’s the perfect transition from summer to fall.
What products do you recommend to create and maintain this look?
To create the look of the waves, I always use a flat iron and a medium hold hairspray to keep the waves in place. For at-home care, I tell my clients that purple shampoo and a good hair mask are a must.
What type of client would you recommend this look for?
I recommend this look to the majority of my clients. I always suggest going a few shades lighter than their natural color so it gives their hair a sunkissed look.
The best part about this look is that it’s really for almost anyone with any hair color. It is beyond low maintenance (you only need to come into the salon at least twice a year), you can wear it year round, it’s easy to take care of, and it looks great with almost any hair style.
Toasted Chesnut Long Brown Hair
@_krystalbernier
Q&A with style creator, Krystal Bernier
Hairdresser @ Hair by Krystal Bernier in Kirkland, Quebec
How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?
I would describe this look as a rich chocolate brown base with a chestnut colored balayage.
My favorite thing about this look is that it’s lightened but still in the brown family, and that the color is painted off the root to keep the look pretty natural.
What products do you recommend to create and maintain this look?
To maintain this color, I recommend using haircare products for color (I love Redken’s Color Extend line). Before heat styling, I recommend using a heat protector (I really like Redken’s Medium Control Thermal Holding Spray) to keep the color from fading.
What type of client would you recommend this look for?
I recommend this look for people who don’t want to be at the salon every four to six weeks. It’s natural looking even after a year of not getting the color touched up!
This warm color suits olive skin tones well, but also works with pretty much any skin tone. This color was done on someone with very fine and frizzy hair, but would definitely suit any hair type!
Chestnut Waves
@simplychriskelley
Q&A with style creator, Chris Brooke
Hair & Makeup Artist / Licensed Cosmetologist @ Salon Khouri in Dulles, VA
How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?
This is a foil balayage paint using Kevin Murphy Color. Darker pigmented hair pulls warm, and to manipulate that to a beautiful chestnut is my favorite thing about this look.
I also like the way the light hits the balayage against the darker hue. It’s all about application and knowing how you want your work to show.
What products do you recommend to create and maintain this look?
From the Kevin Murphy styling line, I used Body.Builder applied wet before the blowout. I then used Anti.Gravity before curling each section vertically at the midshaft only. I also sprayed the hair lightly in three sections lightly with Shimmer/Shine, then ran my fingers and hands through.
She also takes home and uses Kevin Murphy Hydrate Wash and Rinse.
What type of client would you recommend this look for?
This look is ideal for someone with a warm skin tone and dark hair (no lighter than a level 6) that wants dimension and low maintenance. The haircut can be curled or just sprayed with Anti.Gravity and twisted up into three buns while doing makeup, letting loose when you are done.
This application would need a touch up three to four times a year, but the color would need to be toned every eight weeks or so with a haircut if needed. This also helps with budget and time because you can be and out in an hour!
1. Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate color gives a dramatic look, but add in incredible shine and a half braid and you’ll be the talk of every room you walk into! This is a simple style to achieve using a Dutch (or upside down) French braid and a few curls.
Best Skin Tone and Hair Type:
Light to medium skin tones with a soft cool undertone look best in this chocolate brown hue. And for you ladies with LOTS of thick hair, this braid was made for you!
Tip:
Wondering how this braid stays in? Hiding bobby pins is hard, especially behind your head! Insert pins from the sides of the braid and push them up into the braid. Criss cross the pins to lock them in.
2. Red Flair
Adding a bright red highlight (or extension) is a great way to brighten up your beautiful dark brown hair without getting too crazy!
Best Skin Tone and Hair Type:
Medium skin tones that look great in blues, pinks, and red of course, wear this red flare great. Hair that is medium to thick in texture will make this curly pompadour style easy to achieve. First curl your hair using a 1-inch curling iron or wand, then move on to teasing down the center of your hair. Smooth the sides over and insert pins to finish the look.
Tip:
This is a great look for an evening out with your friends or special event. If you’re not ready to commit to the color pop, grab a clip-in extension, tease hair at the root, and clip it in!
3. Chocolate Caramel
Milk chocolate brown with flicks of caramel ombre’ at the tips is a great way to soften your dark brown hair. Adding tight curls and pinning the sides back into a Mohawk style brings this color to another level of fun!
Best Skin Tone and Hair Type:
Light skin tones that tend to gravitate towards warm colors in their wardrobe and make up look great in this rich and golden hue. Hair that is medium in texture and has natural curl or wave will help hold these curls in all day!
Tip:
This is a great transition color for a dark brown beauty who is starting her journey towards blonde! At each appointment, have your stylist add more highlights to your hair and bring them closer up towards the scalp for a slower more healthy way to lighten dark hair.
4. Gorgeous Golden Brown
Take your brown to another level with this warm and rich golden brown! It has the most subtle highlights that look as if the sun made them.
Best Skin Tone and Hair Type:
Light skin tones that look great in warm oranges, reds, and burgundy wear this color fabulously, while hair that is medium in texture and has natural wave will help to hold this wavy style best.
Tip:
To get these soft wavy curls, curl hair in two-inch sections with a 1-inch iron or wand. Let the curls cool completely, then softly brush through them. Use your fingers to gently arrange the waves and softly pin the sides back. Finish with your favorite hairspray.
5. Va Va Volume!
Rich, dark brown hair with a soft glow of mahogany paired with amazing volume and texture will turn all the heads in any room you enter! After curling hair, back brushing (backcombing using a brush instead of comb) is the secret to this incredible volume.
Best Skin Tone and Hair Type:
Light to medium toned skin with a cool undertone looks great paired with this rich brown, while hair that is long and wavy or curly will help to achieve this voluminous style.
Tip:
Love this look, but don’t quite have the length? Consider adding extensions for fullness and added length. Talk to your stylist about getting custom colored hair that will match your own so it will be your little secret!
6. Sophisticated Style
Timeless brunette beauty with subtle highlights of lighter brown and soft red meet to create a look that is both sophisticated and fun!
Best Skin Tone and Hair Type:
Light to medium skin tones look best in this rich hue. Hair that is a medium to light brown color is a great starting point to achieving this color. When adding the soft red and lighter brown highlights to this color, don’t go overboard! This is one of those times that less is more.
Tip:
Simple waves created using hot rollers make this look easy to achieve. Working in two-inch sections, roll hair horizontally around rollers and secure, alternate rolling towards the face and away from the face. Keep volume to a minimum on the top by only wrapping halfway. Let your curls cool completely then shake them out with your fingers. Use a brush to smooth if needed.
7. Contrasting Highlights
Radiant dark brown hair paired with contrasting blonde face framing highlights creates texture and fun!
Best Skin Tone and Hair Type:
Medium to darker skin tones that look nice in warmer colors wear this hue well. Hair that is medium to thick and has a soft wave or curl to it will help to achieve this curly style.
Tip:
No time to curl your hair? Try some no iron alternatives! Do a Google search for rag rollers, headband curls over night, and no iron curls — you might be surprised what you’ll learn!
8. Bombshell Brunette
Rich golden violet hue is beautiful paired with full volumous curls! The best part is they are easy to achieve!
Best Skin Tone and Hair Type:
Any skin tone can pull off this beautiful brunette! Hair that is naturally thick and wavy or curly make it easy to get this style. Start with a volumizing mousse then blow hair out with a round brush. Next, curl hair going away from your face, let the curls cool completely, then shake them out. For extra volume, flip hair over and spray with your favorite hairspray. Let it dry a minute, then simply flip back over!
Tip:
Keeping long, colored hair hydrated is key. Make sure to use a deep conditioner once a week. My favorite is Pravana’s NEVO 60 sec deep treatment. In only 60 secs (1 minute!), it gives you soft, shiny, longer lasting color.
16. Girl Next Door
Sweet curls, a natural looking brunette and a longer fringe bring the girl-next-door look to another level! The best part is it that this look is easy to maintain and will always get you noticed.
Best Skin Tone and Hair Type:
Light skin tones that have a warm undertone wear this nature-inspired brunette well. Hair that is in good condition, medium in texture and naturally straight will make achieving this look easy.
Softly round brush your fringe and curl your ends in larger sections (2 – 2 ½ inch) on a 1½-inch iron or wand. Let your hair cool, then separate the curls slightly, leaving some curls in large sections.
Tip:
Not all hair color must be permanent. If you are naturally brown and want to give a new shade a try without the commitment, ask your stylist for a glaze or overlay.
This gives you a glossing of shine and color that will fade off in 5-8 weeks. If you love it, continue with the glazes, or you can go for something more permanent!
17. Striking Brunette
Long brown waves, rich color and bold makeup make this look extremely striking. The trick to these gorgeous waves? Only curling the middle of the hair, then sliding the ends through your curling iron! Easy and beautiful.
Best Skin Tone and Hair Texture:
Light to fair skin tones with a cool undertone pair nicely with this soft brunette, while hair that is medium in texture and naturally straight is the perfect palette to create these waves.
Tip:
Hair not quite reaching these lengths? Ask your stylist about custom colored extensions to match your color. Explore the possibility of clip-ins so you can choose when to wear them and take them out!
19. Curlilocks
Amazing curls with warm brown tones creates a beautiful and easy to maintain style.
Best Skin Tone and Hair Type:
Medium skin tones that have a warm undertone wear this color well. Hair that is naturally brown is an easy base to add soft ombre’ highlights that are kept a warm light brown to give that golden glow.
Thick and naturally curly hair makes it easy to achieve this style, but wavy or straight hair can have it too, just with a little more work! After hair is dry, curl small sections with a ½-inch curling iron. After all curls have cooled, scrunch to break them up a bit without changing the shape too much.
Tip:
When styling ultra curly hair (natural or curled), it’s important to avoid the frizz! Start with a frizz fighting gel or mousse and add a shine serum or oil (my favorite is the Pravana NEVO Hydra Pearls) to your hands before you start manipulating the curls.
20. Soft Mocha
Soft and sleek, this look has both! Tone on tone highlights varying within two levels of light and darkness create a beautiful palette.
Best Skin Tone and Hair Type:
Light to medium skin tones that look great in blues, violets, and dark reds wear this color great, while hair that is naturally or colored a medium brown will be able to achieve the tone on tone brown highlights easily.
Tip:
Keeping hair healthy and trimmed will make this straight and sleek style easy to attain. Stop in the salon every 6-8 weeks for a trim to keep your ends nice and use a deep conditioner weekly to maintain moisture.
Long-haired brunette beauties have limitless options. Step out of your box and try a new style, a new color, or both, like any of these long brown hairstyles!
