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Dirty Brunette: The Golden Brown Hair Trend Everyone Is Trying

dirty brunette hair
If you’re looking to switch up your hair color for summertime but can’t imagine parting with your dark brown hair, we have just the hue for you: the dirty brunette hair trend. Colorists have already dubbed dirty brunette the hottest color of 2019 and once you see this golden take on the classic shade, you’ll understand why.

What is the dirty brunette hair trend?

Dirty brunette is essentially the opposite of dirty blonde hair. Instead of having a blonde shade expertly blended with brunette lowlights, dirty brunette hair consists of a brunette base topped with warm golden highlights. This shade allows you to have all of the depth brown hues are known for combined with the warmth of blonde shades—without the high maintenance upkeep.

Much like dirty blonde hair, the point of dirty brunette hair is to have a natural-looking hue that appears warm and dimensional but is a breeze to care for and grow out. To create this shade, your colorist will simply paint golden blonde highlights over your brunette locks for a result that is still distinctly brunette. 

How do you care for dirty brunette hair?

Even though dirty brunette hair is a fairly low maintenance hue, you’ll still need to make some changes to your hair care routine.

First, we recommend swapping out your regular shampoo and conditioner for a system formulated to protect your color. We suggest the BiolageR.A.W. Color Care Shampoo and Conditioner system. The shampoo and conditioner are formulated with coconut milk and meadowfoam to help protect color-treated hair, leaving it soft and shiny with lasting color vibrancy.

Next, we suggest incorporating a nourishing deep conditioner into your weekly hair care routine. Even though blonde is not your final hue, your colorist will likely have to use bleach to create your golden highlights. It’s important to note that bleach will always damage your hair, but a hair care professional can help minimize the look and feel of the damage. We recommend Matrix’s Total Results Miracle Creator Multi-Tasking Hair Mask. This single-use formula intensely nourishes, revitalizes, and strengthens hair in just 60 seconds.

The beauty of low-maintenance hair colors is that you’re not expected to head back to the salon as often for touch-ups, but that doesn’t mean you can completely abandon your salon schedule. Instead of heading to the salon every six to eight weeks for root touch-ups, you may be able to stretch out your appointment every 12 to 16 weeks. Your stylist will come up with the optimal schedule to keep your locks in tip-top shape.

How does dirty brunette hair look best?

The best thing about dirty brunette hair is that it’s meant to enhance your natural color, which means you don’t have to make any changes to the haircut you know and love to absolutely slay this shade. If you’re looking to be a bit more daring with your haircut than you are with your hair color, however, we recommend a shag cut. We have it on good authority that it’s going to be the hottest haircut of 2019.

Dirty Brunette Hair Ideas To Try Now

Dirty Brunette

This classic take on the dirty brunette trend is the perfect way to lighten up your dark brown hair for summer.

Subtle Dirty Brunette

If you’re not truly ready to commit to a lighter hue, ask your colorist to add a few subtle pops of gold throughout your mane. It’ll be just enough color to upgrade your strands without completely changing your hue.

Dirty Brunette Ribbon Highlights

If you’re looking for a more dramatic take on dirty brunette hair, opt for ribbon highlights. These chunky highlights are the 2019 version of the streaky highlights you were obsessed with as a kid. 

Dirty Brunette Golden Chocolate Highlights

You don’t have to go totally blonde to take advantage of the dirty brunette trend. If you want to keep your hue a bit darker, ask your colorist to paint on chocolate brown lowlights with slightly golden ends. This color gives you all of the definition with way less bleach.

Dirty Auburn Brunette

Looking to add even more dimension to your dirty brunette locks? Ask for pops of auburn throughout your dark brown hair for a warm hue perfect for the beach.

Dirty Brunette Curls

Just in case you thought you couldn’t pull off dirty brunette hair on curls, we’re here to prove you wrong. The golden streaks on your dark brown hair really help your curls stand out!

Dirty Brunette Pixie

You don’t have to have long hair to try dirty brunette hair. A few strokes of gold is just enough to make your pixie pop.

Dirty Ash Brunette

Classic dirty brunette hair is all about warm, golden color, but opt for dirty ash brunette if you’re looking to slay a cooler hue.

Whatever you decide, we want to see your warm color! Use the hashtag #hairdotcom to tag us in your posts.

Interested in having a professional give you flawless dirty brunette hair? Use our salon locator to book an appointment with a stylist near you.

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