More than 70% of the population have black hair, making it one of the most popular natural colors. But what if some of them want something lighter without going blonde? The good news is now’s the perfect time to go light brown. It’s great for its warm, sun-kissed look, which is stylish, versatile, and suits almost any skin tone.
The best part is that consumers don’t need a salon to get this shade—they can do it at home with a few dyes. If you think your customers may want to try a light brown hue, keep reading to find ten style inspirations to help them pinpoint what works best.
Table of Contents
What colors make light brown hair?
10 light brow hair color ideas worth trying
1. Light ash brown
2. Light copper brown
3. Light brown hair with highlights
4. Light golden brown
5. Honey caramel light brown
6. Light caramel balayage
7. Cinnamon light brown
8. Light brown ombre
9. Cappuccino bronde
10. Sandy brown face-framing highlights
Other ways to get light brown hair without using dyes or coloring products
1. Wigs
2. Hair extensions
3. Hair topper & bangs
Rounding up
What colors make light brown hair?
The light brown hair color is exactly what it sounds like—a soft, sun-kissed brunette shade with hints of honey. The lightest versions are a step darker than bronde, while deeper shades have a richer, chocolatey look. Depending on which ladies prefer, some shades might have a touch of red or an ashy tone.
Light brown hair looks great on almost everyone because it’s versatile and easy to customize. However, consumers must consider their skin tone and undertones to find their best shade. If they have warmed-toned skin, warmer shades will look great on them—though cooler, ashy tones will look great on cool complexions.
Note: Consumers will need hair dyes with built-in lighteners, especially if they have a darker base color. This helps reduce the necessary steps to get a light brown shade.
10 light brow hair color ideas worth trying
1. Light ash brown
Light ash brown, also called light mushroom brown, is a beautiful choice for women with a cool complexion. This shade has cool, silvery tones that give it a unique look. However, if consumers need to lighten their hair to get this color, it might develop some brassiness over time. Thankfully, using a blue shampoo can help cancel out any unwanted warmth and keep the color looking fresh and cool.
2. Light copper brown
Do women want to give their classic brown hair a fresh twist? Light copper brown is a trendy shade that combines warm bronze and soft apricot, like a lighter version of cowboy copper. Ladies can go for an all-over color or add honey and champagne highlights for extra shine and depth.
3. Light brown hair with highlights
Women can add fine blonde highlights (baby lights) to make their light brown hair look brighter. It’s a simple way to get a natural touch, especially if they choose highlights a few shades lighter than their base color. However, they can use brighter blonde streaks throughout their hair for a bolder look.
4. Light golden brown
Golden brown hair comes in many styles, but if consumers want a sun-kissed glow, light golden brown is the way to go. This warm shade blends sandy, golden, and bronze tones, giving it a natural, summery look with enough depth. It’s also a great choice if women want to go lighter without fully committing to blonde, and it looks great year-round (not just in summer).
5. Honey caramel light brown
If women want warmer hair color but aren’t ready to go all in with copper, honey caramel light brown is a great option. This rich shade blends warm caramel and honey tones, giving their hair a soft, glowing shine. It also leans more golden than red, making it a subtle yet stunning choice.
6. Light caramel balayage
Balayage is a highlighting technique where thin, hand-painted streaks are added to the hair for a natural, sun-kissed effect. It’s a perfect way to brighten the hair without looking overly styled. A warm caramel balayage, in particular, gives light brown hair beautiful depth, making it look chic, sophisticated, and effortlessly stylish.
7. Cinnamon light brown
Cinnamon hair is usually a deeper brown, but women can soften it to suit lighter shades. This rich color blends copper, chocolate, and bronze tones, creating a warm look without being too red. Ladies should consider this shade if they want to add depth and dimension to their light brown hair.
8. Light brown ombre
A light brown ombre can do just that if women want to lighten their hair without bleaching it all over. This style keeps the roots dark while gradually fading into a warm, sun-kissed brown at the ends. It’s a low-maintenance look that grows out beautifully without any harsh lines.
9. Cappuccino bronde
Inspired by the coffee it’s named after, this hair color blends deep coffee shades with soft, creamy tones. It’s a perfect balance between brown and blonde, with a naturally cool undertone—though consumers can warm it up with the right dye.
10. Sandy brown face-framing highlights
Women can enhance their features and glow their complexion with bright, face-framing highlights. This look combines a soft, sandy brown base with pale, wheat-colored highlights for a cool-toned finish. If women prefer a warmer touch, they can go for a nutty brown base with honey-toned highlights.
Other ways to get light brown hair without using dyes or coloring products
1. Wigs
One versatile way to enjoy light brown shades without touching the natural hair is with wigs. Women also have multiple choices available to them here:
- Lace front wigs can help create a natural-looking hairline while giving the illusion of real light brown hair.
- Women may also choose full-lace wigs. They offer more styling flexibility, including updos and parting in different ways.
- Another great option is to use a U-part of half wigs, especially if women want to blend them with their natural hair for a seamless look.
2. Hair extensions
Don’t want wigs? Women have more options with extensions. Here are some great types:
- Clip-in extensions are perfect for occasional light brown highlights or volume without commitment.
- Tape-in extensions are semi-permanent alternatives that blend naturally with the user’s hair. However, they need professional installation.
- Halo extensions are another no-damage option that wears like a headband for an effortless, natural look.
- Sew-in or weave extensions are a more long-term solution for women looking for a full light brown hair transformation.
3. Hair topper & bangs
If wigs and extensions don’t hit the right spot for women, they can try getting that light brown shade with hair toppers and bangs. Here are some options:
- Topper pieces are great for adding volume and light brown tones without committing to a full wig.
- Women can also try light brown, face-framing clip-in bangs for a fun but temporary change.
Rounding up
Light brown hair is an amazing alternative for anyone looking to change from darker base colors without going full blonde. The sun-kissed look is perfect for different activities and styles that look fantastic. Also, women don’t need a professional’s help to get this shade—they can use at-home color kits to do it themselves. They can also use wigs, extensions, and hair toppers/bangs if they don’t want to change their natural hair color.
