Hair Colors That Will Make Your Look Stand Out
Explore gorgeous hair colors from warm brunette and honey blonde to bold red and dimensional balayage shades to find your next perfect look.
Changing your hair color can completely change how you feel when you look in the mirror. Maybe your current shade feels a little boring, or you want something that makes your features stand out without going too far. The right hair colors can add warmth, make your complexion look brighter, or give your style a completely new personality. But with so many shades to choose from, picking one is not always easy. From natural brunettes and soft blondes to rich reds and bold fashion colors, these ideas can help you find a shade worth trying.
1. Warm Chocolate Brown Hair for a Rich, Natural Look
Chocolate brown is one of those hair colours that are never a risky choice. It will have the depth to make the hair look rich and natural without loosing its gloss. Chocolate colours are better for when you’re looking for a definite change without straying too far from brunette. They can also be used to add volume to long layers, waves, and curls as the light falls on various parts of the color.
The shade can be kept consistent for a more traditional look or a slightly lighter shade can be used around the face. Just a few caramel brown highlights can enhance the entire look of a hair color without doing a full highlight. If you have natural dark hair, discuss the creation of warm hair with your colorist, instead of going for a much lighter color. The outcome is less complicated to take care of and yet the same fresh and polished look.
2. Honey Blonde Hair for a Soft Golden Glow
Honey blonde falls in between golden blonde and light brown. It can give warmth to hair without the appearance of being too yellow, which can be a good choice if you prefer to have blonde-colored hair that is natural and soft. The combination of the shade and the loose waves is very attractive, as the gold highlights catch the light as the waves move. May also be applied as a balayage or highlights over a darker base colour.
Honey highlights are an option if you’re not ready to move on to an all-over blonde. Request the brighter areas to be focused on the face and mid-lengths, not at the roots. This means it has a more relaxed grow-out and won’t need constant maintenance of a nice blonde colour. Medium brown hair can also look fantastic with honey highlights, for a warm and dimensional look.
3. Caramel Highlights for Brunette Hair
Brunette highlights can add a whole new texture to brunette hair without stripping away its natural depth. The warm color browns make a contrast with the darker base and can make long layers stand out. They are especially good around the face as the lighter strands reflect the light and draw attention to the features.
It is more important to have a good amount of highlights than the placement of them. A trick that makes very few caramel pieces look more natural than even stripes from roots to ends. The popularity of the balayage method is one reason, as the color can fade in gradually over the darker hair. For a more low maintenance look, maintain the light color throughout, with the roots close to whatever natural color you have.
4. Copper Hair for a Warm and Bold Statement
Copper hair is not just a color; it’s a personality. It has the potential to be a soft strawberry copper, bright orange copper or burnt copper, depending on the formula used. This makes it very easy to use and flexible. A toned down copper brings a touch of class and simplicity, whereas a lighter tone adds a significant impact. The color will really pop on textured hair, where the various hair surface reflects the warm colors differently.
When deciding to use copper, consider your level of maintenance. Some red and copper colors fade more quickly than darker ones, so it is important to take measures for color care if required. Use color treated products and, as much as possible, avoid excessive heat. Try copper balayage or warm copper highlights if you’re afraid of going all the way. The shade can always be deepened at a later stage.
5. Burgundy Hair for a Deep, Dramatic Look
If you’re looking for something darker but still different from traditional brunette, then Burgundy is a great choice. It is a deep red/purple color that looks almost brown in shade, and will appear more red or berry in bright light. It’s that little adjustment that makes it attractive. Burgundy is not as intense as a blazing red, but can have a dramatic impact.
This color is especially suitable for the colder seasons of the year, but it doesn’t need to be reserved for that time of year. Burgundy hair can appear refined all year around when styled with soft waves or straight hair. If you have very dark natural hair, you can add a lightening tint that is lighter than burgundy if you want to achieve the look without too much lightening. Inquire from your colorist how noticeable the red tones are when you are normally lit in your home and outdoors.
6. Ash Brown Hair for a Cool-Toned Finish
If you’re a brunette fan but want to minimize any warmth in your coloring, ash brown is an excellent choice. Cool beige, taupe and smoky tones of the shade bring a more subdued appearance. It can also appear especially contemporary on straight, sleek locks due to the cooler shade which provides the hair with a clean look. It is softer and more dimensional on waves.
A little more care is needed to keep an ash tone, if it needs to be maintained, since the color may get too warm over time. Your stylist may suggest a toning service for your hair color depending on your color base and the type of color service you receive. If you’re looking for something more subtle, you can opt for ash-brown balayage instead of a full head change! The cooler pieces can help to add dimension, while simultaneously maintaining your natural brunette coloring.
7. Jet Black Hair for a Sleek and Striking Style
The colour is dark, shiny and distinct making a deep impact with the jet black. It can create a really nice effect when you have a short blunt haircut, have a bob, layers, or waves. Black will help to define a contrast between itself and the rest of the look, and is easier to pair with lighter brown hues than others, which makes it a great option if you want to make your hair a standout element of your style.
Just before getting really black, keep in mind that black color can be hard to clean up afterwards. For people who often change their hair color, try going with a deep espresso or close to a brown. These shades provide much the same richness but provide greater flexibility. No matter what you select, a glossy look is important. Dark hues tend to appear flat when the hair is dry, so avoid over colouring and conditioning frequently to keep a natural shine.
8. Golden Blonde Hair for a Bright, Sun-Kissed Look
The golden blonde creates warmth and brightness to the hair and can also make a really sunny look. It can be soft and buttery blonde or a bit more golden in color, and you can go with whichever you prefer! Golden blonde can appear stunning in long, layered and shoulder length cuts where the various tones can catch light.
Depending on the color of your hair and its condition, it might need several sessions if you’re going from darker hair. Boning up to the color can help prevent damage to the hair and allow your stylist to add to the color. Another option that is viable besides full blonde is to go for a shade or two of blonde highlights. They can add additional lightness without the need for each strand being lifted, making maintenance easier in the future.
9. Face-Framing Blonde Highlights for Extra Brightness
Face-framing highlights are a great way to alter your entire look without taking the time to shampoo your hair red, blonde, or gray. Lightening around the face at the front can make the haircut appear more vibrant and create contrast. There are soft beige blonde, honey, caramel and brighter blonde options available, depending on base color, and desired contrast.
The ideal face-framing highlights are highlights that flow into the other hair color with a natural look, rather than appearing like two stripes. The width and placement can be varied by your stylist and will depend on the haircut you get. Whether it’s a curtain bang, long layer, or shoulder-length, lighter pieces can be strategically placed in a way that enhances them. For a subtle transition, request a money-piece effect that is not that extreme.
10. Balayage Hair Colors for a Low-Maintenance Look
It is still a popular technique called balayage, which gives dimension without the need for a strong line of color at the roots. The lighter shades are blended down the length of the hair, creating a natural sun-kissed look. Balayage can incorporate caramel, honey, beige, copper or even cool blonde shades depending on the base. It is effective for a variety of hair colors and lengths.
The best thing is the grow-out. The color doesn’t have to be inserted into a specific root to end pattern, so it will stay lovely when your natural hair grows. But that doesn’t mean that there is no maintenance involved in balayage. Occasional refreshes, toners and gloss treatments might still be beneficial. Before deciding on brightness, inform your stylist of the frequency you can actually go to the salon.
11. Rose Gold Hair for a Soft, Trendy Finish
Rose gold hair is created with a blend of pink and warm golden colors for a serene shiny metallic look. When applied as a blonde hair tint, it may be subtle, or much more noticeable when applied as a fashion shade. This color will look particularly beautiful when the hair movement occurs due to the different ways the pink and gold tones are reflected by the various strands.
Rose gold can be made over a light base, which means the final color is hinged on the original. For blonde hair, this might require less preparation, and for darker hair, it may be necessary to lighten the hair first. For a shorter-term solution, try a semi-permanent tint or color. This allows you to use the shade without having to permanently change your hairstyle. If you’re looking to keep the old color in the picture, then keep it simple.
12. Espresso Brown Hair for a Sophisticated Finish
Espresso brown comes across as a darker version of dark hair with a less severe brown hue. It’s a good option if you prefer a dark, subtle hue with a natural look. The shade can appear almost black in shade, but may show warm or neutral browns in the sun. Works great for straight and waved hair.
This colour is also convenient in the event you would like something relatively easy to maintain. Espresso is much closer to many natural brunette shades, so it can be less dramatic than a fashion color or blonde of the grow-out than it may be of a blonde or fashion color. Apply a clear or tinted coat of gloss to add shine and maintain smooth surface. A few small chocolate pieces will avoid making the dark base look flat when an extra dimensional effect is desired.
13. Pastel Pink Hair for a Playful Hair Color Change
Pastel pink is for those who wish their tresses to be as different as possible from the traditional brunette or blonde. Soft rose, dusty pink, peachy pink and pale lavender-pink are vastly different in mood. Pastel hues are especially fun on layered cuts, textured waves and shorter cuts where the color is integrated into the haircut.
The key is the light base that is typically needed for a true pastel finish. If you have naturally dark-colored hair, it will take some time to lighten to an appropriate level, and it may require lightening to get there. Pastel colors are often not very durable, either, so that may be part of the fun as well! For those who enjoy trying out new things, a temporary color may help you determine how it will appear on your hair before making a more permanent investment.
How to Choose the Best Hair Color for You
Which Hair Color Is the Easiest to Maintain?
Hair colors that are very close to your natural shade are typically more manageable as they don’t show up as much in the grow-out. These can be useful shades: chocolate brown, espresso, natural brunette, or subtle balayage. Blayage or highlights can make an all-over blonde appear lighter if you prefer lighter color, and can lessen the number of root appointments you have to make.
What Hair Color Will Make Hair Appear Thicker?
Contrast can create a sense of dimension in the hair, as darker, dimensional shades can make hair look fuller. Espresso, chocolate brown, and brunette colors with a hint of caramel or warm tones may look great. Fines can appear less dimensional when in very flat, one dimensional color, and when highlights are placed carefully, you can create the illusion of movement.
Which Are the Most Popular Hair Colors for Women?
Some of the most common highlights are chocolate brown, honey blonde, caramel highlights, copper, burgundy, ash brown, golden blonde, espresso, balayage and face-framing highlights. It all depends on natural hair and maintenance goals, as well as personal preference. A colorist can also mix together a couple of tones to get a more personalized look.
What Hair Color Should I Get?
Make sure you take into account your natural hair color, skin tone, eye color, lifestyle and maintenance. Take pictures of colours that you like and contrast them using natural light. Also, let your stylist know what you don’t want. This can be as helpful as describing your desired outcome.
How Can I Maintain Colored Hair and Keep It Fresh?
For color-treated hair use the products designed for it; use the right water temperature for washing; avoid excessive heat; and follow your stylist’s maintenance routine. Some colors may require a gloss or toner to keep them bright for checkups. It’s also important to condition regularly as good hair reflects light more effectively and color looks richer.
Final Thoughts on Choosing Your Perfect Hair Color
Deciding on a new hair color does not need to be about mimicking the newest trend, or making a radical change, as long as everyone else is doing it. The ideal shade is the one that suits your fashion, maintenance schedule and the change you are willing to make. Even a light chocolate brown might make a difference, and copper, burgundy, rose gold or pastel pink will totally alter your look.
Before sitting in the salon chair, think about what you want to achieve. Need more heat? More brightness? Less visible maintenance? Strong contrast? Or just a new look of your natural colour? The answers can whittle down your options in no time.
If they have any examples, display them to your stylist and talk about what is possible with your existing hair. A great color will look awesome the first day and will make sense as it grows during that first day.
The right color for hair can transform not only your hair, but your perception of yourself.
