When it comes to summer hair colors, blonde has always ruled the season. But if 2024 has taught us anything so far, it’s that brunettes are just as covetable. From espresso to tortoiseshell, there’s a shade for every season. Enter summer’s honey brown hue—a gorgeous brunette with loads of variation. While it’s true that every hair color has its range, honey brown uniquely offers something for everyone. The beauty of this color trend is that it adapts to your undertones to create different looks. “Honey brown embraces rich and light colors,” says celebrity hairstylist and colorist Reece Walker.
He explains that the trend takes inspiration from natural tones, making it ideal for everyone. For those who prefer deeper shades, a dark amber that borders chocolate will work best. On the lighter end of the spectrum are the golden and caramel tones. Like honey, they meld together to create a warm hue that just so happens to complement sun-tanned skin and beachy summer waves. “This trend is all about multidimensional tones with subtle, lighter pieces throughout the hair,” says celebrity hairstylist Laurie Heaps.
Whether you’re looking to liven up your signature brunette or are ready for a brand-new shade, here’s what you need to know about honey brown hair.
Featured Experts
- Reece Walker is a celebrity hairstylist and colorist
- Laurie Heaps is a celebrity hairstylist
What to ask for at the salon
It’s important to decide on the shade of honey brown you’d like to achieve. Maybe you want a light-medium hue that brings in ginger tones or something richer like golden amber. Regardless of your selection, Walker notes that it’s best to have photos on hand. “Bringing a few pictures of colors you like will help your colorists find the shades that are best suited for you.”
If you’re taking your hair from light to dark, Heaps recommends blending several colors to create a unique shade. “For a richer look, you can mix chocolate and golden brown and then play around with how light or dark you want to go,” she says. There’s also the option of highlights, which can add more dimension to your honey brown color.
How to maintain your honey brown hair at home
Build a better wash routine
Both experts agree that sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners work best to cleanse without stripping and dehydrating your hair. However, Walker adds that you should also be washing your hair less. “Overwashing can cause your color to fade faster,” he says. This is especially true when water quality comes into play. He recommends investing in a filtered showerhead to reduce minerals that can build up and make your color look dull and lackluster.
Incorporate hydrating products
Along with adjusting the frequency of washing, Walker notes that you’ll also need to include more hydrating products in your routine. “A rich mask or leave-in conditioner can go a long way in keeping your color looking fresh,” he says. Heap recommends looking for a color-toning option that replenishes moisture and helps emphasize the multi-faceted tones of honey brown hair.
Reduce the heat
We all know how damaging excessive heat can be to hair, especially when it’s been chemically treated. “Minimizing your use of hot tools is essential not just for your hair’s health but also to preserve your new color,” says Walker. The pro states that washing your hair in cold or cool water is also ideal for reducing frizz and locking in shine.
Expert-approved products
