How to Get Ashy Brown Hair

When it comes to being a brunette, you may sometimes feel like your options for spicing up your hair color are limited. And if you’re blonde, there might be times when you want to go to the dark side without making a crazy change. Basically, we all crave some type of switch-up when it comes to the tint of our tresses from time to time. Enter ashy brown hair. This cool-toned brunette hue could be exactly the change you’re looking for. Below, learn how to try this brown hair color for yourself at home and how to care for it.

WHAT IS ASHY BROWN HAIR?

Ashy brown hair, as we mentioned above, is a cool-toned brunette hair color. It’s a departure from the brown hair colors that have warm undertones—think caramel, chestnut, and chocolate—that we often see. An ashy brown hair color can range from light to dark, so the level of darkness you choose to commit to is up to you. If you’re a blonde on the fence about switching sides, try a light ashy brown hair color. If you’re already a brunette, switch things up with dark ashy brown hair. You can even get creative by rocking a balayage ashy brown hair color, featuring a darker base and lighter ashy brown highlights throughout. It’s a perfect hue for the winter.

HOW TO GET AN ASHY BROWN HAIR COLOR

If you’re switching up your mane drastically from your natural hair color, you may want to go to a professional colorist to get your ashy brown shade. This is also a good idea if you’re a fan of the balayage technique, as it requires a trained eye to achieve precise, natural-looking highlights with permanent hair color. Of course, if you aren’t making a major change or consider yourself a DIY hair color pro, you can totally get this look at home, too! Check out our best at-home ashy brown hair colors, grab your gloves, and get ready to have some fun.

OUR BEST ASHY BROWN HAIR COLORS

Consider yourself a DIY pro? In that case, give yourself ashy brown hair from the comfort of your own home! Take your pick from any of our ashy brown hair color kits.

If you want a light ashy brown hair color try the L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference in Light Ash Brown, L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference in Cool Light Brown, or the L’Oréal Paris Excellence Creme in Light Ash Brown.

If you want a medium ashy brown hair color try the L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference in Cool Medium Brown, L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference in Medium Ash Brown, L’Oréal Paris Excellence Creme in Mocha Ash Brown, or the L’Oréal Paris Féria in Cool Medium Brown.

If you want a dark ashy brown hair color try the L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference in Dark Ash Brown, L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference in Cool Dark Brown, L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference in Cool Darkest Brown, or the L’Oréal Paris Excellence Creme in Dark Ash Brown.

HOW TO CARE FOR ASHY BROWN HAIR COLOR

Once you have your trendy new ‘do, you’ll want to care for it so your color can always look its best. Here are a few tips for keeping your cool-toned strands in shape:

USE COLOR-SAFE PRODUCTS

Of course, one of the most important things to do when coloring your hair is to swap your usual hair care line for one formulated for color-treated hair. And when it comes to ashy brown hair, you want to keep it brass-free and cool-toned. You can do this by adding a silver or purple shampoo and conditioner into your routine whenever you start to think your hair is becoming a little too warm. It’s basic color theory: The cool tone of these products will help to balance out that unwanted warmth. We recommend the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate Free Purple Shampoo for Colored Hair, L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate Free Purple Conditioner for Colored Hair, and the L’Oréal Paris EverPureSulfate-Free Anti Brass Purple Mask Treatment.

Get more brass-free tips in our article, What to Do if Your Brown Hair is Brassy.

SKIP THE HEAT

While we love voluminous curls and sleek, straight locks, give your hair a break from hot tools every now and then. Instead, opt for a heat free hair styling product like the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle Boost It Volume Inject Mousse. Let your hair air dry, add some mousse for volume or to help create bounce and texture, and go!

Tone At Home

Typically, a few weeks after coloring your hair–especially if you lighten it–you’d need to make an appointment with your colorist for a toning. Now, you can do it right at home with the L’Oréal Paris Le Color Gloss One Step In-Shower Toning Gloss. It enhances color and boosts shine in just 15 minutes. It’s another defense against brass. The best part: you can do it right in the shower, no gloves or mixing necessary.

Next: How To Find The Best Shade of Brown Hair For You