Are you a brunette looking to switch up your hair color? With so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. From subtle highlights to bold balayage, we’ve got you covered with these 8 color tips every brunette should follow. Not only will these tips help enhance your natural beauty, but they’ll also ensure that your new hair color stays vibrant and healthy for weeks to come. Keep reading for all the expert advice you need!
Highlights
Highlights are a classic way to add dimension and depth to your hair. For brunettes, caramel or honey-toned highlights can complement warm undertones in the skin, while ash blonde or platinum highlights can create a cool contrast.
When getting highlights, it’s important to consider how much contrast you want between your natural hair color and the highlight shade. If you’re looking for a subtle change, stick with a shade that’s only slightly lighter than your natural color. For a more dramatic look, go for something significantly brighter.
Another thing to keep in mind is placement – where the highlights will be placed on your head can affect the overall look of your hairstyle. Face-framing highlights around the front of the face can brighten up dull complexions and draw attention to facial features like cheekbones and eyes.
Whether you want just a touch of lightness or full-on beachy vibes, highlights are an easy way to switch up your hair color without going too drastic!
Balayage
Balayage is a hair coloring technique that has gained immense popularity in recent years. This French word means “to sweep” or “to paint”, and that’s precisely what the stylist does while creating this look. Balayage involves painting color onto sections of hair freehand, without using foils or other tools to separate them.
One significant advantage of balayage over traditional highlighting techniques is its ability to create a more natural-looking effect. The colors are applied where sunlight would naturally hit your hair, giving you a sun-kissed glow that looks effortlessly chic.
Balayage can also be customized to suit different skin tones and styles. A good stylist will take into account everything from your skin tone to your lifestyle when coming up with the perfect look for you.
Another great thing about balayage is how low maintenance it can be! Because the color application isn’t as precise as with traditional highlights, there’s no need for frequent touch-ups. In fact, some people may only need to visit their stylist every six months or so for a refresh.
If you’re looking for an easy-to-maintain, natural-looking color change that complements your features perfectly, then balayage might just be the right choice for you!
Lowlights
Lowlights are a great way to add depth and dimension to your brunette locks. Unlike highlights, lowlights involve adding darker shades of color to your hair instead of lighter ones. This technique can be used to create the illusion of thicker, fuller hair or simply add some variation to an otherwise flat color.
One thing to keep in mind with lowlights is that they should be strategically placed throughout your hair for the best effect. Your stylist will likely focus on areas where you naturally have shadows or depth, such as around the nape of your neck or along your part line.
Another benefit of lowlights is that they tend to last longer than traditional highlights because there’s less contrast between the added color and your natural shade. However, keep in mind that all coloring techniques require maintenance and touch-ups over time.
If you’re interested in trying out lowlights but aren’t sure if it’s right for you, talk to a professional stylist who can help guide you towards the best options for your hair type and desired look.
Root Touch-Ups
Root touch-ups are a crucial step in maintaining your hair color and keeping those pesky grays at bay. Whether you have balayage, highlights or lowlights, root touch-ups ensure that your hair color looks fresh and vibrant.
One tip for successful root touch-ups is to match the new color to your existing shade as closely as possible. This ensures that there’s no noticeable difference between the rest of your hair and the newly colored roots.
Another important factor to consider is timing. Experts recommend touching up roots every 4-6 weeks, depending on how quickly your hair grows. Waiting too long can result in a stark contrast between the root area and the rest of your hair.
When it comes to application, using a brush or applicator bottle can help distribute color more evenly along the roots. It’s also important to start with small sections of hair near the front of your head, where gray hairs tend to be more visible.
Make sure you’re using high-quality products specifically designed for coloring at home. This will give you better results and minimize damage to your locks.
By following these tips for root touch-ups, you’ll be able to maintain beautiful and vibrant brunette locks all year round!
Glosses and Toners
Glosses and toners are a popular solution for brunettes who want to add a little bit of shine or tone down the brassiness in their hair color. Glosses are semi-permanent dyes that can be used to enhance your natural hair color while adding some depth and shine. Toners, on the other hand, are used to neutralize any unwanted tones in your hair.
One of the great things about glosses is that they tend to fade gradually over time, so you won’t have any harsh lines as your roots grow out. This makes them a low-maintenance option for those who don’t want to spend too much time or money maintaining their color.
Toners can also help maintain your color by neutralizing any unwanted brassiness that may occur after coloring. They usually come in shades of blue or purple which help cancel out warm tones like yellow or orange.
When choosing a gloss or toner, it’s important to consider your skin tone and eye color since certain shades will complement you better than others. If you’re not sure what shade would work best for you, consult with a professional hairstylist who can recommend the perfect product based on your needs.
Incorporating glosses and toners into your hair care routine is an easy way to keep your brunette locks looking vibrant and healthy without having to commit to more intense coloring methods.
The Right Products for Your Hair Type
Choosing the right products for your hair is crucial to maintaining its health and color. For brunettes, it’s important to consider your hair type when selecting shampoos, conditioners, and styling products.
If you have fine or thin hair, look for lightweight formulas that won’t weigh your strands down. Products with volumizing properties can also help give you more body and lift.
For those with thick or coarse hair, moisturizing products are key. Look for shampoos and conditioners that contain ingredients like argan oil or shea butter to help hydrate and soften your locks.
If you have curly or wavy hair, seek out products specifically designed for curls. These typically offer extra moisture to combat frizz and enhance definition.
No matter what type of hair you have, always opt for sulfate-free formulas. Sulfates can strip away natural oils from the scalp and leave your strands feeling dry and brittle.
Don’t forget about heat protectant sprays if you regularly use hot tools on your hair. These will help prevent damage from blow dryers, flat irons, curling irons, etc., ultimately keeping your color looking fresh longer!
How to Care for Your Colored Hair
Caring for colored hair is essential if you want to maintain its vibrancy and luster. Here are some tips on how to care for your colored hair.
Use a color-safe shampoo and conditioner. These products will help keep the color from fading or washing out too quickly. Additionally, avoid washing your hair every day as it can strip away natural oils that protect the color.
Try not to subject your hair to excessive heat styling. Heat can cause damage to your strands and fade the color faster. If you must use heat styling tools, always use a heat protectant spray before using them.
Consider getting regular trims to prevent split ends from forming as they can make the color look dull and lifeless.
Fourthly, moisturize regularly with leave-in treatments or deep conditioning masks made specifically for colored hair. This helps keep your locks hydrated and prevents breakage caused by dryness.
Protect your strands when spending time outdoors by wearing a hat or applying UV protection sprays designed for colored hair. Sun exposure oxidizes pigments in dyed strands leading them looking brassy over time.
Following these tips will ensure that you get the most out of your colored locks!
Conclusion
There are many color options available for brunettes to enhance their natural beauty. From highlights to balayage, lowlights, root touch-ups, glosses and toners – by following the tips shared in this article you can choose the perfect hair color for your skin tone and style.
Remember that maintaining colored hair requires consistent care and attention. Use the right products for your hair type, protect it from heat damage, and nourish it with regular deep conditioning treatments.
By taking these steps you can achieve a gorgeous head of colored hair that will turn heads wherever you go!
