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Winter is the perfect time to take your hair a few notches darker. The color category hosts endless interpretations of brunette, black, and even red shades that we know and love. Whether you want to go the drastic route and try out a jet-black hue for the first time or elevate your naturally dark hair with cherry highlights, there are plenty of options for you. To help get you inspired, we looked to some of our favorite celebrity moments and asked expert colorists for their advice on how to achieve the look. Ahead, find 10 darker hair color ideas we can’t wait to recreate.
Meet the Experts
- Cassie Cohen is a celebrity colorist at the Chris McMillan Salon based in Los Angeles, CA.
- Paula Peralta is a colorist and host of The Paula Peralta Show podcast.
01 of 10
Cherry Cola Highlights
Getty Images / John Nacion
Gemma Chan’s cherry cola highlights add an unexpected dimension to her natural dark base. The best part? It makes for the perfect low-maintenance hue, meaning you don’t need to be in the salon chair every six weeks. “Ask for softly painted highlights that are emphasized around your face (from the eyebrow down) and the ends of your hair,” suggests celebrity colorist Cassie Cohen. “It is always important to be clear on your desired tones. Here, that means dark, red-brown tones.”
02 of 10
Espresso Brown
Getty Images / Paras Griffin
Espresso brown will always be a yes in our book, and this timeless hue looks like pure magic on Zendaya. Reminiscent of an actual espresso bean that’s a bit cooler in tone, this hair color would work on just about anyone, regardless of your complexion. “Ask your hairstylist for a dark chocolate or espresso hue [from the roots to mid-lengths of your strands]. Then have them blend into a milk chocolate color through the ends,” says hair colorist Paula Peralta. “If you love the espresso tone but don’t want to commit, ask about a demi-gloss application instead.”
03 of 10
Rich Brown Ombré
Getty Images / Theo Wargo
Kendall Jenner has seemingly rocked every hair color over the years, but this rich brown ombré is one of our favorites. Thanks to the nature of ombré styles, it’s super easy to manage, meaning you may not need frequent salon touch-ups. Plus, it looks fabulous paired with warmer base colors. However, Cohen does note this particular technique looks best on long hair. “The longer length gives the illusion of a more sunkissed and natural highlighted look,” she explains. “This [style] on short hair could look contrived.”
04 of 10
Chocolate Caramel
Getty Images / Steven Ferdman
Here, Halle Berry showcases her signature chocolate base with caramel accents and ends. “[This color is] ideal for someone with warm undertones that wants to lean into brightness but keep it grounded with a dark base,” says Peralta. “Ask your hairstylist for all-over dimensional highlights with a milk chocolate root and light caramel ends.”
05 of 10
Jet Black
Getty Images / Dia Dipasupil
If you're in the mood to make a sharp change with your hair, we suggest going jet black. The one-dimensional hue is anything but boring, as seen here on Constance Wu. "This color can work for low, medium, and high-impact individuals that love a little drama," Peralta tells us. "If you’re ready to commit, ask your hairstylist for a permanent ash black color with a gloss top coat to maintain the inky, shiny look."
06 of 10
Peekaboo Poppy Blonde
Getty Images / Tommaso Boddi
Logan Browning is always serving us with the best hair inspo, and these peekaboo poppy blonde braids are the perfect example. What would initially just be a dark brown color has been upgraded with the addition of sandy and neutral tones. “This is a low-maintenance color that works best on neutral, dark bases, so the contrast of the highlight is strong,” says Cohen. “It is important to mention to your colorist you want ribbons or sandy blonde highlights that are placed in a peekaboo placement [to achieve a similar look].
07 of 10
Renaissance Red
Getty Images / Jeff Kravitz
Want something a bit more outside of the box? Stay away from shades of brown and black and go for a deep copper-red, instead. Sophie Turner stuns with renaissance red locks, which feature a red-violet undertone. “The balance of warm and cool tones make it gorgeous on most undertones,” shares Peralta. “Ask your stylist for a dimensional mix of copper and red tones.”
08 of 10
Dark Toasted Brown
Getty Images / Leon Bennett
For a brunette color that goes the extra mile, we can’t help but think of Kerry Washington and her dark, toasted brown hair. Combining both neutral and warm shades of the iconic hue, this style is great for those seeking a timeless color. “It’s important to ask your colorist for a neutral, dark base color with a shiny gloss,” says Cohen. “This overall look is best for those who have an existing dark hair color that needs to cover gray or enhance their natural color.”
09 of 10
Backlit Brunette
Getty Images / Emma McIntyre
When we say we’re obsessed with Selena Gomez and her backlit brunette color, we mean it. The dimension of this color is evocative of the sun setting on her hair. “If you’re a natural brunette, ask your hairstylist for dimensional highlights that are no more than 1-2 levels lighter,” shares Peralta.”It’s a low-maintenance way to brighten up your color without too much commitment.”
10 of 10
Golden Bronde
Getty Images / Gotham
If you have naturally brown hair or want to look as effortless as Bella Hadid, we think you’ll thrive with golden bronde hair. Peralta describes it as the “perfect light, lived in brunette color,” and we couldn’t agree more. “This color will work on anyone who wants to look naturally illuminated,” she adds. “Ask your hairstylist for a blended balayage effect with a light caramel tone.”
