64 Dark Brown Hair Color Ideas That'll Have You Craving Chocolate

Confession: We have a serious craving for chocolate—not just the kind you eat, but rather hair colors inspired by the favorite dessert. No matter the season, dark brown hair is the right decision.

Whether you’re aiming for a medium shade with golden notes or full-on roasty espresso hair color, there’s a shade for you. There’s a reason so many celebrities choose to try brunette hair trends: The shade is low-maintenance and lovely, especially when paired with bright or dark pops of color.

Instead of choosing to agonize over grey balayage or red hair, dye your hair chestnut, mahogany, dark honey, or cocoa. Don’t be afraid to indulge your sweet tooth and take your hair in a new direction. In ponytails, braids, or androgynous haircuts, dark brown hair is truly striking.

The Best Products To Care For Dark Brown Hair

The Best Dark Brown Hair Ideas To Try

Golden Brown

Hair colors involving gold and silver are pure classics, so there’s practically no going wrong with them. We love this rich golden brown hair color as a transitional shade for fall since it’s so warm.

Iced Latte Brown

Add a touch of frost to your dark blonde hair with iced latte brown, a color combination that ruled social media all summer. If cool shades are most likely to flatter you coloring, this is the color to choose.

Grey Brown

Grey doesn’t have to mean one-dimensional. This dark brown and gray mix takes the grey hair color trend and flips it on its head, creating a youthful and multidimensional shade.

Pastel Brown

Love pastel hair colors, but not so sure about the maintenance routine they require? Minimize the time and effort involved with a pastel that blends into a dark brown base color. As an added bonus, it’s a more understated look.

Warm Brown

When winter settles in, all we wish for is cashmere blanket to wrap ourselves in. Think of warm brown as its hair color equivalent—at least in coziness. Be sure to schedule a consultation appointment ahead of your color service to ensure your stylist has time to tailor your color to your skin tone.

Warm Highlights

In the wide world of hair color, auburn really is one of the greats. This shade adds a touch of elegance to any dark brown ‘do—not to mention, a reflective glint of red every time your hair moves.

Metallic Brown

Feeling playful? Metallic brown is a great way to channel that emotion into your hair color. A splash of gemstone-like shine can liven up even the darkest brown hair color.

Sunset Brown

Fantasy colors aren’t worn out into the world as often as more classic blondes and browns, but we’re pro experimentation when it comes to sunset brown hair. Ensure you’re ready for the upkeep by consulting with a trusted hairstylist.

Neutral Brown

Stick to what you know, lady. A neutral shade of dark brown is the ultimate color chameleon.

Cocoa Brown

If you’re thinking about trying dark brown hair, cocoa brown was probably your first thought. The shade is a true brown with notes of red—beautiful, simple, and flattering. Cocoa brown hair is particularly beautiful on olive skin tones.

Cherry Brown

Is your stomach growling yet, especially considering this name? Cherry brown hair is one opulent shade away from chocolate brown hair, introducing notes of cool red to a deep brown base. We love this color for dark skin tones.

Mocha Brown

When you think mocha brown hair, imagine the perfect blend of espresso and hazel tones—café-inspired hair colors are so in. Like its delicious, rich namesake, this shade is best when served warm—warm undertones, that is. This shade is incredibly versatile, suiting all skin tones equally.

Burgundy Brown

Erring slightly more on the ultra violet hair side than cherry brown, burgundy brown adds a violet sheen to any mane. The cool-toned hair color looks lovely on medium skin tones, with the red notes adding extra dimension.

Dark Honey Brown

Here’s another shade for ladies with warm-toned skin. Just the way caramel hair color acts like a vacation in a bottle for blondes, dark honey brown hair makes brunettes’ skin glow. There’s a reason you see supermodels wear this color.

Chestnut Brown

Chestnut is a particularly luminous shade of dark brown. If you’re worried about winter hair color that looks flat or lifeless, stress no more—the reddish notes within dark hair colors will keep you feeling and looking vibrant until spring comes again. Chestnut brown hair color is a must-try.

Mahogany Brown

Not enough red for you? Try mahogany brown, a color so deep it hovers somewhere between brown and red hair color. It’s a vampy, dramatic take on brunette, and we love it on ladies with extra pale, cool skin.

Coffee Brown

If you’re hoping for a wear-anywhere shade of brown that’s not quite as dramatic as mocha or espresso, we recommend giving coffee brown a try. The color is incredibly neutral, suitable for all skin tones and seasons.

Dark Bronze

Dark bronze hair is just luscious—there’s no other way to say it. The shade comes with hints of caramel and deep, deep brown, mixed so beautifully it’s impossible to ignore. On tan skin, dark bronze is a dream.

Espresso

Have you always wanted to dye your hair black, but can’t quite cheat on your brunette roots? Ask your stylist for espresso, a truly deep shade of brown that’s reflective and mesmerizing. We love the shade for winter, especially against very pale skin.

Milk Chocolate Brown

Milk chocolate doesn’t only make for a sweet treat—it’s pretty incredible as a hair color, too. This medium-dark shade comes with warm red notes, which makes it a great choice for olive-skinned ladies. Milk chocolate brown is a favorite of ours when it comes to fall hair colors. 

Dark Brown With Rose Gold Balayage

If you’ve been dying to try out the rose gold hair trend but haven’t quite committed, we have the perfect inspiration for you. Instead of taking your whole head lighter, ask your stylist to apply rose gold balayage over your dark brown hair. The resulting look is multi-faceted and shimmery.

Dark Brown With Copper Highlights

Not a girl who’s looking for pink balayage? Try copper highlights on your dark brown hair, adding extra warm notes into the mix. This look is fantastic for natural redheads looking to mix it up a little while still paying homage to their original copper hair color.

Cinnamon Brown

Unlike many other shades of dark brown, cinnamon brown is unique in its versatility. The red-brown shade can skew either warm or cool, making it a viable option for all skin tones.

Cappuccino Brown

Hair stylists disagree on the precise shade of cappuccino brown, but we say it’s a medium-dark brown with hints of gold through the mid-lengths and ends. It’s a beautiful transition shade for springtime, and will even last through the end of the summer.

Cola Brown

Curious about cola brown hair? Think of the way cola looks in the light—dark in the middle, with deep red where the light comes through. That’s exactly what inspires this soda-like shade, which looks incredible on cool-toned ladies.

Black To Copper Ombre

If you’re not quite convinced to dye your whole head dark brown, we love the look of an ombre that fades from black to copper. This hair color spectrum passes right through medium-dark brown, while still incorporating several other shades. It’s all the look and none of the commitment of being a brunette.

Bronde

Bronde (brown blonde) may have started as a dark shade of blonde, but the past year has seen stylists adapting it many ways. We like this color best when the base is a very deep brunette.

Dark Auburn

Girls with cool skin tones, this one’s for you. Dark auburn just barely counts as brown hair, but the purple-red shade wouldn’t be nearly as lovely without undertones of espresso.

Amber Brown

On the opposite end of the brown spectrum is amber brown, a color that’s remarkable in its versatility. The medium-dark shade includes plenty of blonde influence, creating a color that mimics naturally sun-lightened hair.

Beige And Brown Sombre

While amber brown hair contains visible bright sections, beige and brown sombre (subtle ombre) is a much more nuanced take on the transition. Come red carpet season, plenty of celebrities will be wearing this super versatile shade.

Caramel Brown

Caramel brown is basically the denim of hair color—it looks fabulous on everyone. No matter your skin color, the buttery shade will give you a glow.

Light Brown

Light brown hair has a reputation for mousiness, but the color can be beautifully multidimensional in the hands of the right colorist. When in doubt, ask your colorist about placing babylights throughout your mane.

Chocolate Brown Highlights

Brunette hair can fall flat, which is why you’ll see so many colorists suggesting a secondary shade. On black hair, chocolate brown highlights add a reflective quality that will make even the darkest shade pop.

Ombre Brown Highlights

The ombre technique mimics the way the sun naturally bleaches hair, leaving you with an authentic looking brown-to-blonde hair color. There’s a reason your favorite celebrity is already wearing this color.

Caramel Brown Highlights

Caramel brown highlights on brunette locks do more than just flatter your complexion. The bright pieces help create the illusion of thicker hair, just the way highlighter on the tops of your cheekbones makes them seem more defined.

Caramel Brown Ombre

Particular about the way your caramel is applied to your hair? Us, too. Ask your colorist about an ombre, which will help ensure the caramel grows out without any line of demarcation.

Auburn Highlights

Auburn is one of those colors that just glows against almost any skin tone. Add it to your dark locks to help transition from winter to a brighter spring hair color.

Ash Brown

Red tones aren’t your style? Go beige instead with an ash brown hair color. This matte look has officially taken over the red carpet in the past year, so you’ll be right on-trend.

Shoulder Length Brown Hair

Modernize your brown hair with a lob that just brushes your shoulders. For an extra chic finish, visit your stylist for regular dustings to keep those edges sharp on your blunt cut.

Short Brown Hair

Falling in love with a shorter length? Make the leap and ask your stylist for a stylish short brown bob cut. You’ll look so good that you won’t even miss the extra inches.

Red Undertones On Brown

Everyone thinks about adding blonde accents to their hair, but opting for a red undertone is a bit more unexpected. We love a cherry soda shade that incorporates hints of magenta and plum hair.

Dip Dye Brown

Feeling creative? Talk to your colorist about a pastel dip dye over a brown base. This vibrant style makes the whimsical hair color trend feel exponentially more grown-up.

Rose Gold On Brown

Here’s a tricky hair color that will surely pay off: rose gold on brunette hair. We’re seeing this satin-like shade take over social media. Try it as a balayage or dip dye.

Platinum And Brown

Who says you can’t have your cake and eat it, too? If you’re an experienced blond, ask your stylist to add dark roots to your platinum blonde as a kind of balayage.

Babylights On Dark Brown Hair

During the summer, babylights are the simplest way to lighten up your dark strands. This technique replicates the natural highlights many children have, which means won’t feel overdone.

Burgundy Ombre

Don’t be afraid of color! Burgundy ombre is a punk rock way to add color to your brunette ‘do.

Burgundy Highlights

For a more subtle choice, ask your colorist to add burgundy pieces around your face.

Honey Brown Highlights

If you have medium or dark skin, honey brown highlights are your greatest ally. This warm shade will breathe new life into your base color.

Lavender Brown

For a funky touch, add a hint of lavender brown hair color to the ends of your hair. This technique can also help freshen up blonde ombre that you’re growing tired of.

Mushroom Brown

Don’t be afraid of a little fungus! This chic brown shade has been on top of colorists’ most-beloved lists for several years because it’s so versatile. To make the most of your minimalist shade, pair mushroom brown hair with long, wavy hairstyles.

Ultra Violet

Ensure your dark brown hair packs a bunch thanks to this purple-influenced play on moody color. Min Kim, L’Oréal Professionnel stylist, loves the color for those wanting to make a memorable entrance.

Cinnamon Brown

We already love cinnamon on our oatmeal and in our coffee—so why not in our hair? Cinnamon brown hair is happening in a big way. Don’t let this spicy trend pass you by.

Metallic Bronze

Like the goddesses of ancient mythology, make bronze work for you. This multifaceted, totally rich shade is a fit for any season.

Nude Brown

Send nudes—nude browns, that is. Undone is the new overdone in fashion, which means the best hair is the kind that doesn’t steal attention away from your face. Keep things casual with a nude brown ‘do.

Chili Chocolate

Spicy mama! Chili chocolate hair brings the heat.

Ash Beige

Keep it cool by trying ash beige hair color. The cooler the tone, the better your ultimate color will look.

Dirty Brunette

Live life on the edgy side with a color that blends blonde and brunette. The dirty brunette hair trend is an excellent way to hint at going blonde—without having to spend endless hours in the chair.

Charcoal Brown

Like to walk on the edge? We’ve got the perfect shade for you. Charcoal brown hair is a near-black shade that incorporates all the inky, ashy goodness you’ve ever wanted without dying your hair black. More nuance means better hair color.

 

Butter Babylights

Brighten up your dark brown hair with butter babylights, which are basically super subtle versions of standard highlights. The bright gold streaks will mimic natural sun-brightened pieces to make your complexion look even more tanned and summery.

Ashy Chocolate

Get in on the ash trend with a hair color that has a distinctive matte-looking finish to it. Ashy chocolate proves you don’t have to give up your vampy, dark hair color to give trends a try.

Ruby Brown

Shine like a precious stone with ruby brown hair, a red-tinged shade that adds just enough color to make you stand out without trading in your brunette status for redhead.