Colour care for rich, glossy brunettes.
By Tara Young
There’s something undeniably captivating about a rich brunette hair colour; from your favourite snack-inspired tones such as chocolate brown, smoked cherry, glossy rich espresso, honey money pieces or caramel highlights to woodland-inspired shades like deep mahogany or light chestnut, the scope of brunette is almost limitless. And the vast spectrum of options within the brunette colour scale means there is a shade or tone that suits everyone.
But like with all hair colours, brunette hair requires some upkeep. Maintaining that deep, glossy brown hue can feel like an uphill battle against dullness, fading, and pesky brassiness poking through. So, whether you're a natural or faux brunette or want to ramp up your shade with a shine-enhancing pigment, these tips will give your hair that next-level vibrancy, from subtle tonal tweaks to ultra-nourishing treatments. Here's How To Enhance Your Colour:
Brunette Revival
Brunette hair is anything but dull. But if your brunette hair is has lost its lustre and looks a bit blah, reach for a colour-enhancing gloss or toner. These treatments work to revive your shade by adding a subtle boost of pigment and shine. A good gloss can extend the life of your salon colour between visits while making your hair look healthier and shinier.
Christophe Robin Shade Variation Mask in Ash Brown is perfect for cooling down warm, brassy tones while enhancing natural depth. The nourishing ingredients leave hair feeling silky and refreshed. To enrich lighter Chesnut tones and highlights, try Shade Variation Mask in Chesnut to glaze strands in a unique blend of dark caramel pigments and cocoa butter to help neutralise yellowing.
If you find red or orange tones popping up, neutralise them with My. Cobalt Shampoo and Conditioner - ideal for colour maintenance in between salon services, or My. Graphite Shampoo and Conditioner to add a graphite/ash tone to coloured dark brown hair and steel tones to coloured light brown hair.
Thirsty Hair
Healthy hair is shiny hair, and shine is what makes a brunette shade really pop. Lack of moisture can lead to a dull, flat colour that just soaks in the light instead of reflecting it, so keeping your locks hydrated is essential. Invest in deep conditioning masks to lock in moisture and keep your strands looking luminous.
Products like Oribe’s Masque for Beautiful Colour are packed with bioflavonoids and essential antioxidants. This luxe mask, alongside the Beautiful Color range, preserves and intensifies brunette shades, keeping your hair shiny and vibrant long after your salon visit.
Colour Is Falling Flat
If you feel like your colour is lacking dimension and you want to brighten things up a bit, opt for subtle highlights or balayage to bring your colour to life. The key here is maintenance, so to keep your highlights looking fresh, a colour-optimising wash regimen is a great place to start.
For a sulfate-free option that cleanses while preserving your hair’s natural oils, R+Co Gemstone Colour Shampoo and Conditioner are game-changers. This duo works to protect colour vibrancy while leaving your hair soft and healthy.
For bond-building protection reach for the Kevin Murphy Everlasting Colour range. It will extend the life of your hair colour while building strength and resilience, and help to maintain vibrancy between appointments.
UV Protection
Sun exposure can wreak havoc on colour-treated hair, leading to faded tones and unwanted brassiness. Just like you’d protect your skin from UV rays, your hair needs safeguarding, too. Using products designed to shield against environmental aggressors will ensure your brunette colour stays rich and glossy.
Chloe Zara Glossifying Hair Mist creates a lightweight barrier, defending against UV damage while nourishing the hair with botanicals. Spray it on before stepping out into the sun to keep your brunette shade intact.
R+Co SUN CATCHER Power C Boosting Leave-In Conditioner is a leave-in treatment that not only provides UV protection but also hydrates and strengthens your hair. Infused with vitamin C and antioxidants, it helps shield against environmental damage while enhancing shine and softness.
For curls try Kevin Murphy Motion Lotion Curl Enhancing Lotion, to defend hair from sun damage while adding definition and frizz control. It's ideal for those wanting to protect their curls while maintaining their brunette shade.
Gloss and Shine
The right styling products can make or break how your brunette hair reflects light. Opt for lightweight oils or creams that don’t weigh down your hair but still add shine and protection.
Kevin Murphy’s Shimmer Shine Repairing Mistis a lightweight, multi-tasking spray that enhances hair’s natural sheen while nourishing it with a blend of vitamins and antioxidants. Bonus: It smells incredible and adds a luxurious gloss to your locks.
Oribe Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil is a lightweight oil is infused with a blend of jasmine, edelweiss flower, and argan extracts that hydrate, smooth, and add a high-gloss finish. It’s perfect for giving your brunette locks an ultra-luxe shine without weighing them down.