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Cool-toned brown hair is all the rage in 2024, and it’s easy to see why. These versatile shades bring an elegant, modern vibe to any look, perfect for those looking to update their style. Whether you prefer rich dark tones or softer light hues, there’s a chic cool-toned brown option for everyone. How do you choose the right one for your hairstyles? What are the best color ideas and balayage ideas to try? Let’s dive into 33 stylish cool-tone brown hair trends to inspire your next hair transformation.
Ash Brown Balayage
Ash brown balayage is a stunning way to incorporate subtle dimension into your hair. The mix of cool ash tones and natural brown shades creates a sophisticated look, perfect for those with medium or long hair. This style suits anyone looking to add depth and texture to their hair without the commitment of full dye. The cool tones balance well with various skin tones, making it a universal favorite. However, avoid this look if you prefer warmer undertones.
For hair care, consider using Redken’s Color Extend Magnetics Shampoo to maintain the color and keep the cool tones from fading. To ensure the balayage remains vibrant, a weekly mask like Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector will strengthen and protect your strands.
Cool Chestnut with Subtle Highlights
Cool chestnut with highlights is a refined take on traditional chestnut brown. The dark base is lifted with soft subtle highlights that add richness and dimension without overpowering the natural color. This look is ideal for those wanting to keep a natural look with just a touch of brightness. It’s particularly flattering for those with blue eyes or cool skin tones.
For upkeep, use the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Brass Toning Purple Shampoo to neutralize any unwanted warm tones. To keep your hair hydrated and shiny, opt for a leave-in conditioner like It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product.
Icy Brown Ombre
An icy brown ombre offers a unique take on the traditional ombre. The roots remain a rich brown while the ends transition to a cool, almost silver-like hue. This color combination creates a striking contrast, perfect for those looking for a bold, yet chic style. It works well on long hair and pairs beautifully with darker skin tones or deep eye colors.
To maintain this look, use Matrix Total Results Keep Me Vivid Shampoo and Conditioner to ensure the cooler tones stay fresh and vibrant. A gloss treatment like John Frieda’s Luminous Glaze Clear Shine Gloss can add extra shine and smoothness.
Mushroom Brown Bob
Mushroom brown is a trend that leans into cool, ashy shades, making it ideal for a bob cut. The mix of ashy browns and cooler light tones creates a voluminous, dimensional look. This short cut is perfect for those who want a low-maintenance, chic style that suits both oval and round face shapes. It’s particularly flattering on those with neutral skin tones.
To keep the ashy tones looking fresh, use a purple shampoo like Fanola No Yellow. Adding a texture spray, such as Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray, can help give the bob a bit more body and hold.
Soft Ash Brown Layers
For those looking for a more relaxed, lived-in style, soft ash brown layers are a fantastic choice. This medium-length cut features delicate layers that add movement and texture to the hair, while the cool ash tones bring a modern touch. This style is perfect for anyone with fine hair looking to add dimension without drastic length changes.
To keep your layers looking fresh, use Living Proof Full Dry Volume Blast to add lift and texture. The color can be maintained with Amika Bust Your Brass Cool Blonde Shampoo, which works wonders on cool-toned shades.
Frosted Mocha Highlights
Frosted mocha highlights add a layer of cool dimension to darker brown hair. The base is a rich mocha brown, while the highlights blend frosty, ashy tones, creating a beautiful mix of dark and light shades. This combination is perfect for those who want to embrace cool tones while keeping a bit of warmth. This look is ideal for long or medium hair, adding brightness around the face without overpowering the natural color.
For hair care, use Davines Alchemic Silver Shampoo to prevent brassy tones from creeping in and maintain the frosted effect. Adding a hydrating mask like the Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask once a week will help keep your hair soft and shiny.
Dark Chocolate Brown with Silver Tones
Dark chocolate brown paired with silver tones creates a stunning contrast that’s both bold and sophisticated. The deep dark chocolate base offers a rich backdrop for subtle silver highlights, adding a cool, metallic sheen. This look is best suited for those with medium to long hair and works exceptionally well on cool skin tones. It’s a great option for someone looking to elevate their dark color without committing to full-blown highlights.
To maintain this luxurious look, opt for Kérastase Reflection Bain Chromatique Shampoo, which protects color and adds shine. Use a color-depositing conditioner like Aveda Blue Malva Conditioner to keep the silver tones crisp and cool.
Cool Brunette with Face-Framing Highlights
A cool brunette with face-framing highlights brings a fresh twist to classic brown hair. The base is a deep, cool brown, while strategically placed light highlights frame the face, adding a touch of brightness. This look is perfect for medium or long hair and flatters most face shapes. It’s a subtle way to incorporate cooler tones without going for an all-over color change, and it’s especially stunning on brunettes with blue eyes.
To maintain this style, use Schwarzkopf Professional BlondMe Tone Enhancing Bonding Shampoo for Cool Blondes to keep the highlights from turning brassy. For styling, use Bumble and Bumble Invisible Oil Primer to keep the hair soft and manageable.
Smokey Brown Balayage
Smokey brown balayage is the epitome of modern elegance. This balayage blends ashy brown tones with cool, smokey hues to create a soft, gradient effect. Perfect for medium to long hair, this style adds dimension and depth, making it great for those with fine or flat hair looking to enhance their natural texture. The cool undertones complement neutral and cool skin tones beautifully.
To care for this hairstyle, try Joico Color Balance Blue Shampoo to keep the balayage from developing unwanted warm tones. A styling cream like Ouai Hair Cream will help you maintain smooth, frizz-free waves.
Espresso Brown with Ashy Undertones
Espresso brown with ashy undertones is the ultimate color for those looking for a deep, cool shade. The dark, rich espresso base combined with cool, ashy tones gives the hair a modern twist, making it a perfect option for short or medium lengths. This style works particularly well on those with dark skin tones and darker eye colors, adding depth and dimension without any harsh contrasts.
To keep the ashy undertones vibrant, use Oribe Silverati Shampoo, which neutralizes any unwanted yellow or brassy tones. To add softness and shine, apply a serum like Kerastase Elixir Ultime to the ends of your hair.
Charcoal Brown Blunt Cut
A charcoal brown blunt cut is the perfect combination of sleek and edgy. The cool, dark charcoal tones bring a bold vibe to this short blunt style, creating a sharp, defined look that’s incredibly modern and fashionable for 2024. Ideal for short or medium hair, this cut works best on straight hair types, offering a polished finish. The deep, cool brown hues are especially flattering for those with cooler undertones and blue eyes, giving a stunning contrast.
For maintaining the cool charcoal tones, use Matrix Dark Envy Shampoo, which is designed for dark hair and neutralizes any red undertones. For styling, apply Kenra Platinum Blow-Dry Spray for a sleek and frizz-free finish.
Sleek Cool-Toned Brown Lob
The sleek cool-toned brown lob is all about polished elegance. This medium-length cut features smooth, straight locks with an even, cool-brown hue from root to tip. Perfect for those who prefer a refined, low-maintenance look, this lob offers a clean and chic silhouette, making it ideal for professional settings or casual everyday wear. It flatters all face shapes and works well with straight or slightly wavy textures.
For keeping this sleek style frizz-free and smooth, use Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother, which adds shine while taming any flyaways. To protect your color, opt for Pureology Strength Cure Shampoo and Conditioner, formulated for color-treated hair.
Rooted Cool Mocha
Rooted cool mocha is a beautiful balance between deep, dark roots and lighter mocha ends. This balayage look is perfect for those wanting a gradual color transition that maintains a cool, understated aesthetic. The mocha tones are cool, but with a hint of dimension for added depth. It works beautifully for those with long or medium-length hair, and is especially flattering on those with cooler skin tones or blue eyes.
To maintain the color and prevent brassiness, use Redken Color Extend Brownlights Shampoo. For additional hydration and softness, try Briogeo’s Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask.
Frosted Chestnut with Lowlights
Frosted chestnut with lowlights adds richness and depth to dark brown hair, offering a multi-dimensional effect. The chestnut base is accented with cooler, frosted tones, while lowlights add shadow and contrast. This style works well for medium or long hair, especially if you’re looking for a way to add volume and movement to your hairstyle. It’s perfect for those with neutral skin tones and works best on slightly wavy or straight hair.
To keep the color looking fresh, use Joico Color Balance Purple Shampoo to maintain the frosted tones. For styling, try Amika’s Glass Action Universal Elixir to smooth the hair and enhance shine.
Subtle Silver Brown Highlights
Subtle silver brown highlights are a chic way to introduce cool tones into darker brown hair. The highlights are soft and silver-toned, adding a touch of brightness without being too bold. This look is perfect for medium or long hair, giving a modern twist to classic brown. It’s especially flattering on those with darker hair who want to add a bit of lightness and dimension. This style works well for those with neutral or cool skin tones.
To maintain the silver tones, use dpHUE Cool Blonde Shampoo, which neutralizes any warmth. For softness and hydration, try using Verb Ghost Oil to add shine without weighing down the hair.
Dark Cool Brown with Ashy Blonde Ends
Dark cool brown hair with ashy blonde ends offers a sophisticated take on the ombre trend. The darkest brown roots provide a deep and rich base that gradually transitions to ashy blonde ends, creating a striking contrast. This look is perfect for long or medium-length hair, adding dimension and texture. The cool tones make it a great choice for those with natural dark hair who want to experiment with a lighter look without the commitment of a full dye.
To maintain this look, use a sulfate-free shampoo like L’Oréal Paris EverPure Blonde Shampoo to protect the ashy tones. For styling, use TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Heat Protect Spray to keep the hair sleek and frizz-free.
Ash Brown with Chunky Highlights
Ash brown with chunky highlights is a throwback to 90s trends with a modern twist. The ashy base provides a cool, neutral foundation, while the bold, light chunky highlights add a playful yet sophisticated dimension. This look is ideal for short or medium hair, adding volume and interest, and is particularly flattering for those with cool skin tones and blue eyes. It’s perfect for anyone who wants a bold yet wearable update to their hair.
To keep the highlights vibrant and the ash tones crisp, use Fanola No Orange Shampoo to prevent any brassiness. A leave-in conditioner like Kérastase Discipline Keratine Thermique can help protect the hair and keep it sleek.
Smokey Brown with Icy Blue Tones
Smokey brown hair with icy blue tones is a bold and adventurous style perfect for 2024. The cool, smokey brown base is enhanced with icy blue streaks or undertones, creating a striking contrast that’s both edgy and chic. This look works best on long or medium hair, especially for those wanting to make a statement. It’s perfect for cool skin tones and those with darker hair looking for a unique, modern twist.
To maintain the vibrancy of the blue tones, use a color-depositing shampoo like Overtone’s Blue for Brown Hair. A hydrating treatment like the Ouidad Curl Immersion Triple Treat Deep Conditioner will help keep the hair soft and healthy.
Muted Chocolate Brown Layers
Muted chocolate brown layers offer a soft, understated look that’s timeless yet modern. The rich brown base is subtly muted with cool undertones, and the layered cut adds movement and volume. This style works well on medium to long hair and is a great option for those looking for a low-maintenance yet chic style. It’s particularly flattering on those with fine hair looking to add dimension without compromising on length.
To enhance the layers and add texture, use Bumble and Bumble Thickening Spray. For color protection, try Joico K-Pak Color Therapy Shampoo to maintain the richness of the muted brown tones.
Frosty Espresso Brown with Babylights
Frosty espresso brown with babylights offers a sleek and polished look that blends deep dark brown tones with delicate, frosty highlights. The espresso base is enriched with cool, light babylights that create a soft, dimensional effect. This style is perfect for long or medium hair and is especially flattering for those with cooler skin tones or lighter eyes. The babylights add subtle brightness without overpowering the deep color of the espresso base.
For hair care, use the Joico Blonde Life Brightening Shampoo to keep the babylights fresh and free from brassiness. For added shine and smoothness, apply the Kérastase Elixir Ultime Oil to maintain a glossy finish.
Dark Mushroom Brown Pixie
The dark mushroom brown pixie cut is the perfect mix of cool tones and edgy style. The dark mushroom brown base has a cool, ashy undertone, making it modern and chic, while the short pixie cut adds a daring, playful touch. This style is ideal for those with fine hair, as the layers can add dimension and volume. It’s a great option for anyone looking to experiment with shorter lengths while keeping a sophisticated, cool-toned look.
To keep this pixie cut looking fresh and polished, use Aveda Control Paste for texture and hold. For maintaining the cool brown color, opt for Redken Color Extend Brownlights Shampoo.
Cool Mocha Brown with Gloss Finish
Cool mocha brown with a gloss finish is all about achieving a luxurious, rich color with plenty of shine. The cool undertones of the mocha brown give it a refined, elegant appearance, while a gloss finish ensures that the hair looks smooth and radiant. This look is perfect for long or medium hair and works especially well for those with cooler skin tones or dark eye colors, enhancing the overall richness of the style.
To maintain the gloss finish, use a shine-boosting product like John Frieda Frizz Ease Extra Strength Serum. For keeping the cool mocha color intact, try using dpHUE Cool Brunette Shampoo.
Icy Brown Bob with Shadow Roots
An icy brown bob with shadow roots is a modern and trendy option for those wanting a cool-toned, low-maintenance hairstyle. The icy brown shade offers a soft, cool tone throughout the bob, while the shadow roots provide contrast and make the color easier to maintain. This style works beautifully on short or medium-length hair, and the bob cut adds a structured, sleek finish. It’s ideal for those with cool skin tones or blue eyes, as the icy tones create a striking contrast.
To care for this look, use Pureology Hydrate Shampoo and Conditioner to keep the color vibrant and the hair smooth. For styling, apply Living Proof Perfect Hair Day 5-in-1 Styling Treatment to maintain a sleek, frizz-free bob.
Cool-tone brown hair is a versatile and timeless option that can be adapted to various lengths and styles. From subtle highlights to bold ombres, there’s a chic brown look for everyone. What cool-tone brown trend will you try next? Let us know in the comments below, and don’t forget to share your favorite looks!
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