Dark brown hair is a rich brunette hue that consistently provides a glossy, luminous look. While it suits a variety of complexions, it enhances the warmth in deeper skin tones.
Here are some tips from Seattle-based hairstylist Caily Bjorn if you wish to learn more about dark brown hair colors.
Key Things to Know First
- When you have a contrasting color, consult with a professional for an accurate color correction.
- Seek your hair colorist’s candid opinion.
- Ensure you are comfortable with its upkeep.
- Use color-safe, sulfate-free, and paraben-free shampoo and conditioner.
- Apply heat protection when styling with heat, and Milk by GM Reverie to complete the look.
- Schedule regular gloss treatments and touch-ups every six weeks.
Before your next salon appointment, browse through these images of gorgeous dark brown hair color options!

#1 Rich Chocolate Brown Hair with Chestnut Highlights
Rich chocolate brown hair with chestnut highlights is a stunning deep hue, ideal for those who appreciate a blend of brown with inviting warm tones. The array of dye shades offers numerous warm variations, some featuring golden or copper elements, while others incorporate subtle red undertones, allowing you to choose the one that complements your skin tone best.

#2 Elegant Dark Beige Brown Hair Shade
Transform your hair with an elegant dark beige brown shade. When you color your hair with the perfect blend of cool and warm tones, you achieve a beautifully natural brown hue. Incorporating a warm tone into dark brown locks will impart a stunning shine and radiance in natural light.

#3 Chocolate Tresses with Subtle Highlights
This medium-length, wavy dark chocolate hair features soft caramel highlights that add dimension and depth to the overall look. The waves provide a natural texture, ideal for medium to thick hair densities. The darker base with lighter highlights is perfect for those seeking a low-maintenance style that still offers visual interest. It’s a versatile choice for most face shapes and complements warmer skin tones beautifully. The layered cut ensures movement while maintaining volume.

#4 Dark Brunette with Subtle Ash Blonde Highlights
A rich brown-rooted blonde, lived-in hair color enables a brunette to showcase platinum blonde hair while still appearing natural. By maintaining a deeper root shade, the color tends to be more complimentary on a girl with inherently darker hair. You enjoy the advantages of both worlds with a look like this. It’s also very low-maintenance because of the way the blonde is seamlessly integrated.

#5 Gorgeous Purple Highlights
Pair dark brown hair with purple highlights to create a playful, beautiful dimension. Try the darkest brown hair color as the base to make your purple strands shine even brighter. When styling, jazz your tresses with curls and waves to give them more movement and body.

#6 Deep Dark Brown Hair with a Side Parting
Deep dark brown hair with a side parting provides various benefits for your appearance. Firstly, the side part enhances asymmetry and visual appeal in the hairstyle. It diverges from the conventional center part, resulting in a fresh and contemporary look. Additionally, it aids in balancing facial features and adds depth to the hair. I recommend using a fine-toothed comb or your fingers to achieve the ideal side part. Either method can help create a natural and effortlessly chic part. Start at the center of your hairline and gradually move the part to your preferred side. A touch of hairspray or styling gel can help keep the part secure.

#7 Face-Enhancing Dark Brown Hair with Caramel Highlights
Face-enhancing dark brown hair with caramel highlights is a delicious dimensional color. It’s exceptional if you want to brighten your face while keeping the main shade dark. Take your hairdresser’s advice and select a caramel tone that complements your skin tone. This is also one of the most beautiful summer hair colors for dark hair!

#8 Mid-Length Dark Caramel Balayage
This mid-length hairstyle showcases a gorgeous dark caramel balayage over a rich brunette foundation. The gentle waves and face-framing highlights provide depth and movement, making it an excellent option for medium to thick hair types. This style amplifies natural shine and is well-suited for warmer skin tones. The balayage method guarantees a low-maintenance grow-out, keeping the appearance fresh and lively. This stylish, contemporary hairstyle is ideal for anyone wanting to introduce a hint of warmth and illumination to their dark hair.

#9 Textured Brunette Balayage on Deep Brown Hair
Achieve a textured brunette balayage on your deep brown hair to enhance your complexion. Request your stylist to creatively balayage various sections and tone them to perfection. When lightening deep brown hair, unexpected copper or red undertones may emerge. Addressing these tones can be challenging, so be ready to invest in quality hair products, such as Brown Lights by Redken.

#10 Rich Cocoa Brown on Short Bobbed Hair
The rich cocoa brown on short bobbed hair is a hue that will enhance your skin tone if it’s warmer. This is due to the subtle red undertone present in this color. If you prefer cool browns, it’s advisable to opt for an ashy shade—frosty or even iridescent brown.

#11 Effortlessly Beautiful Long Dark Brown
This effortlessly beautiful long dark brown hairstyle features luscious waves that add volume and movement. Ideal for medium to thick hair types, the rich brunette hue enhances shine and complements most complexions. The long layers help to create a flattering shape, giving the hair body and lift without appearing heavy. Perfect for those seeking a low-maintenance yet refined look that showcases their natural beauty.

#12 Rich Mocha Coffee Brunette Hair
This beautiful shade of brown is vibrant, and the sheen is exceptional. Mocha coffee brunette hair will radiate some serious autumn vibes! Remember that using some color-safe products allows your hair to remain looking luxurious. When unsure, your stylist is available to assist.

#13 Rich Brown Hair with Subtle Red and Blonde Highlights
A blend of brown and earthy tones enhances the beauty of brunettes. Be sure to explore this adaptable mix of reds and blondes if your hair is dark brown, as it’s perfect for all hair types and textures!

#14 Rich Espresso Brown Hair
Elevate your style with a rich espresso brown hair color. Transform your look and step out of the salon as a fabulous new you! Everyone around will envy your stunning tresses.

#15 Deep Brownish Black on Long Layered Locks
A deep brownish black color looks stunning on long layered locks. It’s a luxurious and lustrous hue that complements a variety of skin tones. Opt for acidic shampoos and treatments to help maintain your dark brown hair’s brilliance, such as the Redken Acidic Bonding Range.

#16 Luxurious Dark Ash Brown Hair Shade
This luxurious dark ash brown hair shade is perfect for long, layered waves. The cool ash hues add depth and dimension, making it an excellent choice for those with naturally dark hair seeking an elegant look. This style suits medium to thick hair textures, enhancing the natural shine and movement. Ideal for cooler skin tones, it creates a refined yet effortless appearance. Maintenance involves regular use of color-safe products to keep the ashy hues vibrant.

#17 Mocha-Inspired Deep Brown
A nearly black deep brown hair color evokes a mocha! It’s luxurious and lustrous! The haircut features a classic one-length style with longer layers to reduce some volume. If you decide to go dark, ensure it’s your genuine choice because it’s challenging to revert. If you’re planning to darken your hair for fall and then switch back to blonde in the summer, consider using a semi-permanent dye instead. It’ll result in less damage when you’re ready to lighten again and help maintain the integrity of your dark hair colors.

#18 Radiant Milk Chocolate Tresses
Transform your hair into a luxurious statement with radiant milk chocolate tresses. These milk chocolate hues are some of the finest choices for dark brown hair if you desire beautifully shiny warm-toned locks. Highlights illuminated by sunlight will gracefully dance through your brown hair, offering a delicate touch of warm sparkling allure for a stunningly natural appearance.

#19 Elegant Dark Red-Brown Hair
Dark red-brown hair is opulent and looks stunning on a fair skin tone. It makes your thick tresses look vibrant with its rich tones. To protect your reddish-brown color and not let it fade, use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner. The red-depositing shampoo and conditioner will help maintain the dark copper highlights.

#20 Deep Luxurious Dark Chocolate Brown Hair
Here’s a deep luxurious dark chocolate brown hair color. Dyeing your hair dark brown can be dimensional and stunning. If you want to add light-catching tones, try a medium caramel brown around the face. It will help to enhance your shape. Use Oway Color Protection Hair Bath and Mask to maintain richness.

#21 Rich Dark Brown Shag Hairstyle
This rich dark brown shag hairstyle brings a modern twist to the classic 70s look. Ideal for adding volume and movement, this style suits most hair types and is especially great for medium to thick hair. The choppy layers and textured bangs frame the face beautifully, enhancing cheekbones and eyes. Perfect for those seeking a low-maintenance yet stylish look. The dark brown color adds a rich, glossy finish that complements warm and neutral skin tones.

#22 Deep Brown on a Lush Bob
This hue looks incredible on a lush bob. The rich color seems more luminous because it reflects light more effectively. However, consider adding some brown and light brown subtle balayage strands if you desire depth.

#23 Long Curtain Bangs for Natural Brunette Tresses
Revamp your natural brunette locks with long curtain bangs. Looking for a fresh style? Choose a contrasting hue, and prepare to make an impression. For those with a warm skin tone, transitioning from golden blonde to a level 5 golden brown can create an eye-catching contrast. Your stylist will ensure warmth is added to avoid any green or murky tones.

#24 Deep Chocolate Brown Shade
Consider deep chocolate brown for a striking and elegant hair color. This rich shade can be low-maintenance with regular salon care and enhances facial features beautifully.

#25 Deep Brown Hair with Subtle Light Auburn Highlights
If you have deep brown hair, beautifully complement it with subtle light auburn highlights. Talk to your stylist about incorporating auburn into your dark locks. This shade enhances the natural undertones of your hair. It looks fabulous on both short and long styles, enriching the overall brunette aesthetic.

#26 Rich Dark Brown with Auburn Accents
Think about rich dark brown hair with auburn accents during your next hair salon visit. If you have naturally black or dark brown hair, these auburn accents will stand out beautifully against your natural color. Ask your hairstylist to position the auburn highlights closer to your roots, particularly around your face, for an even more striking effect. If you have naturally dark hair and don’t need to dye your roots dark, this will create a seamless grow-out, allowing your hair to blend harmoniously as it grows rather than forming a stark line of demarcation.

#27 Rich Brunette Shades for Sleek Hair
You can enjoy rich brunette shades for sleek hair at any time of the year! If your hair appears lackluster, a vibrant chocolate brown color can enhance its shine and appeal. Look for a hairstylist proficient in brunette shades to discover the ideal hue that complements your complexion.

#28 Radiant Golden Brown
This is one of the finest dark brown shades to choose when seeking a warm and natural hair look. Request cool undertones for this shade. The gentle golden highlights will provide your dark natural brunette hair with just the right amount of luminosity.

#29 Chestnut Brown Hair Highlighted with Light Brown Tones
This chestnut brown hairstyle with light brown tones showcases a stunning mix of warm and cool shades. The soft waves and center part provide volume and texture, making it an excellent choice for medium-length locks. Perfect for individuals with medium to thick hair density, this style enhances natural shine and offers a multi-dimensional appearance. The face-framing highlights illuminate the complexion, making it a fantastic option for warmer skin tones. Consistent use of color-safe products is recommended to preserve the vibrancy of the highlights.

#30 Rich Brown Highlights and Golden Tips
Dark brown hair with golden and brown highlights is perfect if you want to achieve a lighter look without going too bright. Brown on brown can be achieved by lightening your hair and adding a tone to refine the style. This short choppy cut looks stunning on such rich brown hair with golden highlights at the tips.

#31 Deep Chocolate Brown to Warm Golden Ombre
Luxurious mahogany strands with almond dipped-ends on beach waves are truly a match made in heaven! This faded hair, and the golden brown shades can lighten and enhance your hair’s look. A rich chocolate brown hair color like this works best on a medium-length wavy haircut as it reveals its true dimension.

#32 Rich Chocolate Blunt Bob
This stunning rich chocolate blunt bob is a sophisticated style you will adore. Regardless of the season, this look will remain timeless. When visiting the salon, inquire with your stylist on how to maintain your color flawlessly!

#33 Lustrous Deep Brown Hair
This shade complements women with varying skin tones and complexions. It looks radiant if maintained properly, as the healthy cuticles will reflect light beautifully. I strongly suggest incorporating regular treatments along with quality shampoo, conditioner, and masks such as Olaplex. Leave-in oils or serums like Paul Mitchell Awapuhi treatment styling oil should be included in your hair care regimen.

#34 Sleek Dark Brown Straight Hair with a Side Part
Sleek dark brown straight hair showcases an exquisite display of shine and depth with an u. The side part adds back a vibrant look to every head.

#35 Chic Cool-Toned Brown Hairstyle
Achieve a minimalist style with chic cool-toned brown hair. Cool brown shades will keep your hair free of red undertones or warmth. Overusing ashy tones can lead to a dull and darker appearance. Ensure you select the perfect shade to maintain shine and give your locks a stunning radiance.

#36 Stylish Medium-Length Coffee Brown
Revitalize your naturally dark brown hair with this contemporary coffee hue! For trendy and chic dark hair color inspiration, combine your deep brown tresses with a flattering shag haircut for a fresh style.

#37 Red-Tinted Dark Auburn Brown
A dark auburn hair color is stunning on any hair length! Special tip – this red-tinted shade of dark brown best enhances hazelnut eyes.

#38 Gentle Brunette Brown Balayage
A gentle brunette balayage is ideal if you desire a beautiful natural look. The hue in this image appears timeless with warmer skin tones. You will fall in love!

#39 Chic Short Hair with Dark Brown Ombre
Do you require hair color inspiration if you’re contemplating a transition to the dark side of brown? This dark brown hair color showcases a seamless blend of bronze and caramel tones, ideal for shoulder-length lobs. Effortlessly elegant, this appealing hairstyle enhances any woman’s natural beauty!

#40 Chocolate Fudge with Light Highlights
Delicious balayaged waves featuring light highlights will create dimension in your long dark hair. Opting for striking dye combinations, like in this dark brown hair with highlights, always results in a standout look.

#41 Elegant Long Brunette Locks
Explore this elegant, flowing brunette hair – a stunning choice for a relaxed appearance. Choosing a more natural style offers a significant advantage – it reduces the frequent maintenance that blonde hair, scalp highlights, or vibrant hues require for routine touch-ups. My suggestion is to compile a collection of inspirational images to share with your stylist. These images will assist your stylist in selecting a color that enhances your skin tone.

#42 Deep Chocolate Brown with Crimson Accents
If you decide to embrace a dark brown hue, infuse it with a touch of red. This will enhance the depth and allow your luxurious chocolate tresses to truly shine! This distinctive shade of red highlights introduces movement to wavy styles.

#43 Elegant Silver Accents on a Mid-length Hairstyle
This hairstyle showcases a captivating play of silver accents on a dark brown foundation, ideal for introducing depth and a contemporary flair to your appearance. The mid-length style with gentle, flowing waves enhances the movement and body, making it suitable for medium to thick hair. The silver accents not only provide aesthetic appeal but also establish a stunning contrast that flatters cooler skin tones. This look is easy to maintain yet stylish, featuring a refined finish that’s suitable for any event.

#44 Gentle Dimensional Brunette
If you desire a more understated transformation for your color, consider a gentle brunette shade. Consult with your stylist about the ideal brunette hue that complements your skin tone.

#45 Deep Caramel Brown on Medium-Length Hair
A deep caramel brown is a stunning accent to incorporate into your medium-length hair. With these lived-in caramel tones, your dark brown hair will appear fuller and more dimensional. Discuss with your colorist the ideal coloring option for your hair type, and remember to inquire about the products you need to take home to preserve your color.

#46 Rich Brunette on Textured Curly Hair
What’s not to love about the luxurious brown brunette shade on textured curly hair? The luxurious brown is a stunning hue that complements a range of skin tones from pale to olive, brown, or darker complexions. It’s an excellent option if you have green or blue eyes and want to enhance their vibrancy. Consult your colorist to incorporate a hint of lightness towards the ends for added dimension.

#47 Stunning Extra Long Dark Brown Locks
Look incredibly beautiful with extra long dark brown locks. Incorporating warm tones into your dark brown hair is one of the finest ways to create a luxurious and shiny appearance. Whether you style your hair straight or curly, adding long layers can provide more lift and body to your tresses. Without layers, your style may appear flat.

#48 Radiant Dark Sun-Kissed Hair Color
Bid farewell to lifeless locks with a rich dark sun-kissed hue. Multi-dimensional highlights that glimmer and shine appear effortlessly natural and enhance the vibrancy of your hair. Balayage highlights offer an ideal technique for achieving enduring and easy-to-maintain colors.

#49 Deep Brown Waves
Deep brown waves will add richness and dimension to your hair. It will help if you possess naturally dark hair, but you can also dye your hair a darker shade if needed. Just make sure you are ready for the maintenance required if you have lighter hair once your roots begin to grow in. One of the most effective methods to achieve a multi-dimensional hair color is a balayage, a free-hand painting technique, allowing you to choose which hair strands are highlighted or toned down while applying the base color. This hair color may likely need lightening before applying this luscious, warm brown shade on the ends to enhance its depth.

#50 Deep Dark Brown Shades on Long Hair
Deep dark brown shades on long hair create a dimensional look achieved by blending a darker shade with a lighter one. Apply your balayage to your dark locks for a beautiful effect, then glaze with deep hues. The result is an overall brighter appearance. This is an excellent choice for transitioning to lighter shades gradually or experimenting with various tones.

#51 Rich Mahogany Brown with Subtle Highlights
Consider a luxurious red-toned brown wavy haircut falling to the shoulders. Ideal for any time of year, the depth of the dark brown locks produces a striking hue that is simple and easy to style.

#52 Stunning Brown Balayage with Waves
You’ll be a showstopper with this stunning brown balayage accentuating your waves. Incorporating warm or cool tones into dark brown hair will give your locks a glossy and luxurious appearance, while the balayage adds essential dimension. For fuller, bouncier waves, use a curling iron. Remember to refresh your cut and color every few months – it will keep your style looking sharp.

#53 Elegant Espresso Brown with Caramel Accents
If you desire a sleek dark brown hair dye job to add a flair to your brunette locks, this espresso-colored hair is your ideal choice. These lighter strands are an excellent way to highlight your textured medium-length hair.
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