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Color Hair Dark Brown to Light Brown

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36 Gorgeous Brown Hair Color Ideas to Inspire Your Next Brunette Look

From rich chocolate to honey bronze, these hair shades prove that brown is anything but boring.

Best Brown Hair Color Ideas

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Whoever said that blondes have more fun seriously never saw a luscious brunette hair shade — sure, it may be one of the most most common hair colors, but there's a reason why brown is also considered the most universally flattering! From stunning light brown shades like caramel and honey brown to darker tones such as chocolate and chestnut, brown hair is truly versatile and can suit anyone, no matter what skin tone or hair length. Plus, you can play up any brown hair color with lighter highlights and ombré styles, which means that the possibilities are truly endless as a brunette (just think about the countless styles, shades, and coloring techniques out there!).

So whether you've been itching for a new hair color or you're simply looking to freshen up your current brown shade, take a look at these gorgeous brown hair color ideas to inspire your next major dye job. From velvety reddish hues to sunny balayage highlights, these celebrities definitely prove that brown hair is anything but boring — and if you're looking to go dark on your own, don't forget to check our best tips on how to dye your hair at home afterwards, too.

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Chestnut Brown

You can't go any more classic than Meghan Markle's super-elegant, natural chestnut brown hair. To steal Meghan's look, ask your colorist to weave some subtle highlights and then finish with a chestnut brown gloss to keep your locks multi-tonal.

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Chocolate Ombré

It was just recently that Ashley Benson changed up her usual blonde mane for a dark brown, and we couldn't be more in love with the new rich chocolate shade — especially with the stylish dark-to-light ombré effect.

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Espresso Brown

Dark brown hair has never looked better than with a warm espresso shade like Priyanka Chopra's — especially with the subtle waves that add dimension and volume towards the end of her locks.

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Rich Chocolate

For a go-to shade of brown that's both versatile and elegant, consider a rich chocolate color like Kiera Knightley's. Want to keep your hair looking shiny and lustrous like Kiera's? Don't forget to condition with every wash.

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Soft Umber

Mandy Moore hasn't been a blonde in more than 15 years, and we can't blame her considering how amazing she looks with this medium brunette shade that gets ever-so-slightly lighter from roots to ends.

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Dark With Caramel Highlights

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Dark Chocolate

Winona Ryder might have opted for cool black hair in her teens and twenties, but the super-dark brown she rocks now creates a similar impact without being as severe.

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Cool-to-Warm Combo

Alison Brie's chic lob starts out a cool, dark brown on top and ever-so-subtly shifts to a warmer medium brown on the ends.

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Classic Highlights

Nothing wakes up medium-brown hair quite like highlights, as proven by Mariska Hargitay.

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Dark to Light Brown Ombré

Instead of going from brown to blonde light so many ombré styles, try transitioning from dark to a warm medium or light brown, like Lake Bell.

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Icy Brown

Tyra's cool-toned light brown is absolutely captivating thanks to an almost shimmering finish on her straightened strands.

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Rich Chocolate

If you want a versatile color that goes with any clothing and makeup palette, try a vivid chocolate shade like Lucy Liu wears.

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Almost Auburn

Maya Rudolph's rich chestnut color almost crosses over into red territory, but still feels like a true brunette.

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Dark With Blonde Highlights

An unexpected way to brighten up very dark brown hair: medium-to-light-toned blonde highlights that stand out in beautiful contrast.

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Warm Coffee

Who doesn't want hair like the Duchess of Cambridge? Each time she steps out of the house, Kate proves a great blowout makes every hair color look even better — and her favorite products certainly help too.

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Golden-Touched Brown

"Brown hair" doesn't have to be synonymous with "boring hair." Add a hint of drama by asking your stylist to apply highlights just a couple shades lighter.

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Subtle Dark Ombré

See how Courteney's hair is just slightly warmer towards the ends? Try adding a hint of lighter brown shades along the bottom few inches of hair for a super subtle ombré look.

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Highlighted Chestnut

Bring summer into your hairstyle all year round with brilliant bronze highlights like Sofia Vergara's. If you have long hair, add layers to show off all your gorgeous shades.

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Dark Chocolate With Subtle Highlights

Megan Fox's simple, deep brown works with any complexion. For more dimension in the shade, though, ask your stylist to add some subtle highlights!

RELATED: The 15 Best Hair Colors for Olive Skin

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Brown Cinnamon

Emma Watson's rich brown hue is perfect for anybody who likes a low-key color that looks great even when it fades.

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Multitonal Mahogany

If you have naturally dark hair and want a dye job that looks great even as it's growing out, try delicate red shifts starting halfway down your face.

Contributor Sam's enthusiasm for makeup is only rivaled by their love of all things relating to cats.

Marci Robin is a former senior beauty editor for GoodHousekeeping.com.

Editorial Fellow Hannah is an editorial fellow at Good Housekeeping, where she loves to cover home, health, entertainment, and other lifestyle content.

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Color Hair Dark Brown to Light Brown

Source: https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/hair/g2453/brown-hair-color-ideas/