Are you intending to slightly change your hair by not making a drastic transformation? In case you are used to having dark brown hair for some time and desire a fresh look — or are naturally light brown and just want to add a little more flair, then this guide is for you.
We have searched for the most amazing 23 flirty and flattering light brown hair colour ideas to make you look like a new person, ideas taken from the celebrities who look great in this color. From ash brown hair to sun-kissed balayage, these styles cater to everyone who wants change that is not too much, is pretty and attractive at the same time, and can be a look for everyone.
If going blonde is not your thing, but going lighter and getting rid of the medium brown is what you’re all about, there’s the perfect light brown color for you at the end of this list.
Why Choose Light Brown Hair?
Naturally, among the entire spectrum, light brown hair is the most versatile shade. It lies between dark brown and blonde hair — it’s tender and warm and, at the same time, suitable for all skin tones.
It also includes having a light brown shade:
- Makes you look newer
- Requires less upkeep than blonde.
- Gives an organic as well as a volumetric look
- Matches perfectly to create highlighting or balayage
- Suits best with warm, cool and neutral skin tones
Now you want some of the best flirty and flattering light brown hair color ideas, right? Check out these 23 new ideas that will make you fall in love with your hair all over again.
1. Caramel Highlights
- Celebrity Inspiration: Olivia Wilde
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Celebrity Inspiration: Olivia Wilde. This is undoubtedly one of the best golden caramel shades. These highlights around the face of this dark- or medium-brown girl bring out her beautiful and natural look without becoming too blonde. They have a sun-kissed, beachy effect, thus giving off a gentle glow.
- Why it works: Deep-hued tresses find a midway solution with this shade, as it will make the hair brighter without fully crossing over to light blonde.
2. Auburn Highlights
- Celebrity Inspiration: Ana de Armas
Rather than limit yourself to blond hair, get an idea from celebrities! Auburn highlights can showcase your stunning red-gold blended tresses very effectively. Best for women with deep, dark brown hair who love everything intense and who want a change that people didn’t anticipate. That’s great for the girl with a warm and olive complexion.
- Best for: Olive and warm skin tones.
3. Sun-Kissed Brunette
The dark brown base with light brown highlights results in a glowing, natural look. The change from a deeper brunette to something brighter and more playful is smooth and effortless.
Stylist tip: Request hand-painted balayage to yield a soft, low-maintenance outcome.
4. Soft Brown
- Celebrity Inspiration: Alison Brie
A timeless soft brown that is most suitable for a light skin tone with warm undertones. This soft shade accentuates the facial features and brings out your beauty without too much contrast.
- Perfect for: Fair complexions with a peach-like hue.
5. Chestnut Brown
An inviting and bold colour? Chestnut brown hair, characterised by a warm, rich hue of light brown with reddish undertones, is just that.
Why we love it: The colour is rich and looks so natural without being too dark.
6. Dark Roots, Light Ends
- Celebrity Inspiration: Jessica Alba
Here’s a technique you could use: how about you change not only the dark brown hair roots but also the style of your hair for a completely different and somewhat new look.
- Low maintenance: Perfect for people who have a lot to do and not enough time.
7. Walnut
- Celebrity Inspiration: Mandy Moore
This traditional light brown is a mesmerising blend of warm and cool tones that not only lifts your complexion but also makes your eyes stand out.
- Style tip: To give the colour more dimension, try going for loose waveswith that clean style.
8. Fawn
- Celebrity Inspiration: Kate Mara
This ‘hair hue’ is almost blonde and falls somewhere in between brunette and blonde. Milk chocolate undertones produce the perfect shade of grey to go with your look.
- Best for: Neutral or cool undertones.
9. Golden Brown
Glossy golden highlights on ‘brunette hair’ make the hair look sun-kissed and gorgeous. People with warmer subtones might be glad to wear this shade.
- Bonus: It looks amazing on any length of hair.
10. Sandy Highlights
Mixing two quite cool colours, such as brown with a hint of ash-blonde at the end, gives birth to a superior summerish style.
Why choose this? It’s a great idea for you if you prefer the beachy hair color without actually dyeing your hair platinum.
11. Rich Cider
Slightly honey-caramel hues give both light brown hair soft depth and shine, forming a cultivated and modish look.
- Stylist tip: Apply layers to the hair to enhance the result.
12. Iced Coffee Ombre
Celebrity Inspiration: Sarah Jessica Parker
Shades of brown that are mixed are a perfect example of your favourite latte — so tasty and so stylish. The medium and light browns of the hair in this case go through each other, creating the most fabulous colour transition.
- Ideal for: those with brown hair who are looking for more nuances.
13. Soft Spice
- Celebrity Inspiration: Allison Janney
The addition of light nutmeg or cinnamon colours can produce a delicate and radiant look. It can also give off warmth but not to the extent of covering your features.
- Best for: fair and neutral skin tones that need a little extra pop.
14. Coppery Ombre
Would you like to colour some of your hair? Request a light brown to copper ombre to create volume and heat, especially on longer hair.
- Perfect match: Fantastic when paired with wavy or curly hair.
15. Sandy Brown
Celebrity Inspiration: Diane Lane
A colour melt of warm and cool browns that are blended, creating that rich caramel look, is classic and a new creation. This new shade is perfect for a modern and elegant lifestyle and will be the best for those who prefer ultra-thin hair.
- Tip: Use sulphate-free shampoo to perpetuate your colour.
16. Rich Toffee
A warm, medium-light brown that has a strong contrast with bright eyes or fair skin. This one solid, monotone colour is a bit dramatic, but still a very practical option to wear.
- Stylist advice: Also good for straight hair and textured hair alike.
17. Blonde Babylights
Blonde baby lights stand out softly around the face and give light brown hair depth and a brighter look. This is an ‘ideal solution’ if you have a fuller jawline or rounder shape, as it will narrow your face and accentuate your cheekbones.
- Good for: Giving some surface to sleek or fine hair.
18. Brilliant Bronze
Also proving its point, warm, luminous, light brown hair that is a shade lighter in golden brown on a dark-skinned person is a crowd-pleaser.
- Pro tip: You can always maintain hair shine with a small amount of hair gloss between professional visits.
19. Dark Ash
If you possess cooler tones, a cooler ash brown hair gives off an edgier, modern and refined ‘vibe’, an aspect that long hair extensions or loose curls will elevate this season. Shortcuts are great for the convenience they offer.
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- Great for: Cooler tones and those who prefer dressing in a minimal style.
20. Glossy Gold
- Celebrity Inspiration: Heidi Klum
From dark brown roots to a glowing golden shade that is only their tips, this is the crowning glory of a cool brown-haired person. The high shine is enough that there will be no need to scrabble, and the sophisticated look is fine for glam events.
- Tip: Use a shampoo that has a purple hue in it to stop orange spots from appearing in your hair.
21. Honey Ombre
- Celebrity Inspiration: Ashley Tisdale
This chic ombre from medium-light down to golden honey is exceptional in that it is extremely flattering and brings about the feature softly.
- The effect: the look of a romantic, shining, and the most beautiful goddess.
22. Rosy Brown
The copper creates a rose-gold shiny glow on the hair that is very faintly light brown. Interestingly, the current fashion level has that shade in a much more elaborate way.
- Best for: Fashion-forward brunettes.
23. Almost Blonde
- Celebrity Inspiration: Rita Wilson
This colour is like the beach, where there is neither darkness nor total light. It is forever young and shiny!
- Perfect for: A very light blonde hair that doesn’t make any serious commitments.
Light Brown Hair Maintenance Tips
When you’ve got the colour you’ve always wanted, don’t forget about how to maintain it properly so it stays glowing:
- Opt for non-ammonia and no-sulphate salts shampoos
- Air-dry your hair, if possible
- Treat your hair to a deep conditioning fix once a week
- Go for purple shampoo in case you want to achieve both bright gold and ash tones
- Next, see the colourist for glossing or toning about every 6-8 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
Is light brown hair not high maintenance?
It sure is. Especially with a mix of your natural roots, the light brown hairstyles are much more hassle-free than the blonde ones.
Can light brown hair flatter all skin tones?
Without a doubt. Those light brown hair colours, which come in the three types – cool, warm, and neutral – go well with every skin colour and thus can be customised to flatter every complexion.
How is light brown different from ash brown?
While light ash brown hair shows some grey or blue shades when inspected closely, light brown hair usually gives off some yellow and golden shades, which are warmer hues.
Do I have to get my deep brown hair bleached to get light brown hair?
Sometimes. First, you need to look into two factors: your natural hair colour and its state of health. Then get professional advice and help. A professional stylist can help lift colour gently with minimal damage.
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Final Thoughts: Ready to Make the Change?
The light brown hair colour is a great solution for those who want to go a few shades lighter with their dark brown hair, revive their medium brown hair, or add some warmth to the natural shade.
With these 23 refreshing and nice-looking light brown hair colour ideas, you can get a new and attractive look very easily. Starting from the ashen hue to the chestnut brown hair, you will find your match.
Do not forget to save the ones you like the most, bring them to the hair salon, and get used to the idea that your fall-in-love moment is nearer than you think!
