Brown hair is getting a golden glow up this season. Latest statistics from Spate point out that searches for golden brown hair are spiking. The golden heat, refined luminosity and wealthy base make it the proper bridge between winter and spring. Forward, we break down precisely what defines the shade—and the right way to get it.
Featured ExpertsBrendetta Ashley is a star hairstylist and Schwarzkopf Skilled Digital Creative AmbassadorKadi Lee is a star hair colorist and co-founder of Intellectual Hippie Haircare & WellnessWendy Burns is a Henkel stylist for Schwarzkopf Keratin ColorGregory Patterson is a Sally Magnificence styling and coloration expertWhat Is the Golden Brown Hair Shade?
“Golden brown hair is a timeless tone that feels effortless yet refined and polished. It’s a warm base with seamless dimension of honey, caramel and amber tones—the perfect blend of brunette and blonde,” says celeb hairstylist Brendetta Ashley, who notes the secret is that the heat is managed so it doesn’t learn too heat or too ashy. Movie star hair colorist Kadi Lee notes that a part of the great thing about golden brown hair is that it may possibly look fluid and sunlit whereas nonetheless retaining depth.
Hairstylist Wendy Burns says that, when performed proper, golden brown hair offers the looks of being lit from behind by a candle. The heat, dimension and richness are key, however the best way gentle displays off the hair is what usually units this shade aside, she provides. Shade knowledgeable Gregory Patterson notes that it is that child bear fur coloration we have all grow to be obsessive about. “It is equal elements chocolate milk melted right into a golden comb of honey. Swirl them collectively, and you’ve got this medium-toned brown with a number of heat golden reflections,” says Patterson.
The way to Get Golden Brown Hair
Lee recommends asking your colorist “for a golden chestnut brown—something warm, dimensional and reflective rather than flat or overly dark.” She recommends thinking “warmth layered with intention, dimension that feels seamless and shine that reads healthy and effortless. Focus on tone-on-tone highlights, keeping the shade variance to three shades at most.” She notes that if you’re covering gray, you should begin with a base that closely matches your natural color to maintain softness, longevity and an easier grow-out. “From there, you can build in subtle, delicate lowlights to create depth or opt for a warm gloss to enhance richness without over-processing the hair.”
Ashley suggests bringing photo examples and asking for a “golden brown that has dimension in it to replicate honey and caramel tones. You don’t need the end result to be crimson or ashy; you wish to go for a natural-looking dimension.” Patterson recommends using a permanent warm golden brown shade as the base “to lead the party, tend to any unwanted existing tones and cover gray. I would only apply this to the base and would brush it down with a detangling brush to diffuse the line and create an extended ‘root melt’ for a seamless color blend.” Then he would layer a golden brown demi-permanent shade all over the hair after the first color processes to add shine and deposit more golden color throughout. “This will help blend all of these tones together, creating a beautiful and harmonious color effect, and will help to refresh and deposit tone on the mid-lengths and ends of hair.”
Ashley likes to tone hair with a golden beige to maintain balance. She notes that Schwarzkopf Professional Igora Vibrance in 4 gives great results for golden brown hair “because its demi-permanent formula gently refines the tone while enhancing shine and preserving the natural depth of the base. With subtle adjustments, it’s a universally flattering color that can be customized for many different skin tones.” If you want to try creating the color at home, Burns recommends a combination of Schwarzkopf Keratin Color ($12) in Intense Cocoa, Berry Brown and Champagne Brown. Patterson suggests trying Wella Color Charm Permanent Liquid Hair Color ($10) or Demi-Permanent Cream Hair Color ($10).
