Good bye mousey, ash brown is in the house-y. Ahem! Cool, ash brown hair colors are rocking our world right now with their versatile, multi-dimensional gorgeousness.
It’s a shade that’s like that little black dress of the hair world – classic, versatile, and oh-so-chic.
It’s way more forgiving than other cool colors like platinum (goodbye, weekly touch-ups!), and it works its magic on pretty much every skin tone. Win-win!
We’re here serving up 15 jaw-dropping ash brown hair ideas that’ll take you from subtle chic to show-stopping glam. Whether you’re a hair color newbie or a seasoned chameleon, we’ve got something for everyone.
I’ve also teamed up with the color wizard herself, Enza Piazza, to bring you the ultimate guide to nailing that perfect ash brown look. Trust me, your Pinterest board won’t know what hit it!
Here’s everything you need to know about how to get the on-trend color that’s lighting up our lives and heads!
Table of Contents
- #1 Classic Ash Brown
- #2 Ash Brown Balayage
- #3 Ash Brown Ombre
- #4 Smokey Ash Bronde
- #6 Dark Ash Brown With Lowlights
- #7 Light Ash Brown Babylights
- #8 Ash Brown Root Melt
- #9 Deep Ash Brown
- #11 Ash Brown With Silver Highlights
- #12 Ash Brown Waves
- #13 Ash Brown with Lavender Hints
- #14 “Peek-a-Boo” Ash Brown Underlights
- #15 Ash Brown with Sage Green Accents
- Parting words
- Authors
#1 Classic Ash Brown
Why It’s a Game-Changer
Enza says, “Classic ash brown is like the Switzerland of hair colors – it gets along with everyone!” It’s perfect for those days when you want to look put-together without screaming “I just spent 5 hours at the salon!”
Who It’s Perfect For
According to Enza, this shade is a chameleon. “It flatters all skin tones, but it’s especially stunning on those with neutral or cool undertones,” she explains.
So if you’ve been blessed (or cursed?) with that “can’t-decide-if-I’m-warm-or-cool” complexion, this one’s for you!
Hot Tip! Invest in a sulfate-free shampoo. Your color (and your shower drain) will thank you. Plus, it’s a great excuse to splurge on that fancy shampoo you’ve been eyeing!
#2 Ash Brown Balayage
Why It’s Stealing Hearts
Balayage hair is a popular style for ash as it can help to add depth and dimension to the color. It gives you that “I just got back from a beach vacation” vibe, minus the sand in uncomfortable places.
Who It’s Perfect For
Enza chimes in, “This look is ideal for my clients who want that effortless, ‘I don’t try too hard’ aesthetic.” Translation: perfect for those of us who hit the snooze button one too many times!
Hot Tip! Schedule touch-ups every 12 weeks and befriend purple shampoo. It’s like a shield for brassy tones – keeping them out of your gorgeous mane!
#3 Ash Brown Ombre
Why It’s a Showstopper
Ombre hair is another popular style that really brings out the best in this color.
In ombre, the hair is gradually lightened from the root to the tip, giving a soft and natural look.
This look screams “I’m responsible, but I also know how to have a good time!” It’s like the mullet of hair colors, but way, way cooler.
Who It’s Perfect For
Enza says, “This is perfect for my clients who want a bold change without the commitment of full color.” In other words, it’s great for commitment-phobes (in hair, not relationships – I can’t help you there!).
Hot Tip! Deep condition like your life depends on it. Those lighter ends can get thirstier than me after a hot yoga class!
#4 Smokey Ash Bronde
Why It’s Turning Heads
Bronde is a style that combines brown and blonde tones, and it can be a great option for blending with ashy colors.
The hair equivalent of a smokey eye, it’s like your hair decided to throw a party and invited both brunette and blonde. The result? Pure magic!
Who It’s Perfect For
Enza dishes, “This look is a dream for those torn between going blonde or brunette. It’s the perfect middle ground!” If you’re indecisive like me at a buffet, this style lets you have the best of both worlds.
Hot Tip! Invest in a good purple shampoo, for the blonde tones in this shade. Use it once a week and watch your smokey ash bronde stay smokin’ hot!
#5 Ash Brown & Caramel Highlights
Why It’s Gorgeous
Highlights are a great way to add depth and dimension to an ashy brunette base.
This combo is like pineapple on pizza – controversial to some, but absolutely delicious to those in the know. The cool ash brown base with warm caramel highlights? chef’s kiss
Who It’s Perfect For
Enza explains, “This is perfect for warmer skin tones or those who want to add a touch of warmth to their cool-toned hair.” It’s like having your caramel cake and eating it too!
Hot Tip! Invest in a good color-protecting conditioner. It will keep your hair supple and those ash and caramel tones vibrant and turning heads.
#6 Dark Ash Brown With Lowlights
Why it’s stunning
Lowlights are the opposite of highlights, and they involve adding darker shades to your hair.
They’re a great way to add depth and dimension to ash brown hair, and they can help to hide any unwanted red or orange tones.
Who It’s Perfect For
Enza chimes in, “This technique is fantastic for anyone with fine hair looking to add some oomph.” It’s like creating the illusion of thickness without the hassle of extensions. Magic? Maybe. Fabulous? Definitely.
Hot Tip! Treat yourself to a gloss treatment every now and then. It will make your hair shiny, eye-catching, and ready to party!
#7 Light Ash Brown Babylights
Why you’ll love it
Babylights are all about adding very thin, subtle highlights to the hair.
They’re so subtle and delicate, you’ll have people wondering if you’re naturally blessed or if you’ve got an amazing colorist (spoiler: it’s the latter).
Who It’s Perfect For
“Babylights are perfect for my clients who want a natural-looking enhancement,” Enza explains. “It’s ideal for first-timers or those who prefer a low-maintenance color.” In other words, it’s great if you want to dip your toe in the ash brown pool without diving in headfirst.
Hot Tip! Embrace your inner earth goddess and go for sulfate-free, natural shampoos. Your babylights will thank you by staying bright and beautiful. Plus, you get eco-friendly brownie points!
#8 Ash Brown Root Melt
Why It’s A Gooden
If you want to keep your style looking natural, you may want to try root stretch.
Root stretch is a technique that involves darkening the roots of your hair a few shades lighter than the rest of your hair. It’s a fabulous way to hide new root growth too. Also known as a root stretch or root smudge!
Who It’s Perfect For
Enza spills the tea: “Root melts are fantastic for my clients who want a seamless grow-out. It’s low-maintenance but high-impact.” Perfect for those of us who can’t be bothered with frequent touch-ups but still want to serve looks.
Hot Tip! Here’s a secret – dry shampoo isn’t just for oily roots. Use it to add texture and volume to your melt, especially where the colors blend. It’s like contouring, but for your hair!
#9 Deep Ash Brown
Why It’s Delicious
Enza says, “Deep ash brown is like the espresso of hair colors – rich, intense, and totally addictive.”
Who It’s Perfect For
“This shade is a dream for those who want to enhance their natural dark hair with a cool twist,” Enza explains. It’s perfect for my olive-skinned beauties or anyone looking to channel their inner mystery.
Hot Tip! Protect your luscious locks from the sun like by using a leave-in conditioner with SPF. Trust me, your hair will thank you when it’s still looking fierce at the end of summer!
#10 Ash Brown & Blonde Balayage
Why It Rocks
Imagine the lovechild of ash brown and blonde – that’s this look. It’s beachy, it’s beautiful, and it’s bound to make you feel like a sun-kissed goddess (even if the closest you are to a beach is your bathtub).
Who It’s Perfect For
“This is for my clients who want that high-contrast, eye-catching style,” Enza says. Perfect for those who like to make an entrance without saying a word.
Hot Tip! Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Use a weekly hair mask. Think of it as a spa day for your strands.
#11 Ash Brown With Silver Highlights
Why It Stands Out
Want to channel your inner storm goddess? This look combines the earthiness of ash brown with electrifying silver streaks. You can pair thin silver babylights with lowlights for a shimmering multidimensional look.
Who It’s Perfect For
“This is for my clients who want to make a statement,” Enza explains. “It’s high-fashion meets wearable art.” Perfect for those who see their hair as an extension of their personality!
Hot Tip! Treat your hair like the precious metal it is. Avoid harsh shampoos and conditioners – your silver streaks are delicate divas and need to be treated as such!
#12 Ash Brown Waves
Why It’s a Head Turner
This mermaid waves look is all about embracing your natural texture and adding a cool-toned twist. It’s beachy, it’s beautiful, and it doesn’t require sacrificing your voice to a sea witch.
Who It’s Perfect For
Enza says, “This is ideal for those with naturally wavy hair who want a low-maintenance yet stylish look.” In other words, it’s perfect for hitting that sweet spot between “I tried” and “I’m effortlessly chic.”
Hot Tip! Sea salt spray is your new best friend. It’s like bottling the ocean minus the sand in uncomfortable places. Spritz, scrunch, and go!
#13 Ash Brown with Lavender Hints
Why It’s Unique
Imagine if a unicorn and a cool girl had a hair lovechild – that’s this look. It’s whimsical, it’s unexpected, and it’s guaranteed to make you smile every time you look in the mirror.
Who It’s Perfect For
“This is perfect for my creative clients who aren’t afraid to experiment with color,” Enza shares. If you’ve ever thought about dyeing your hair a fun color but were too scared to commit, this is your gateway look!
Hot Tip! Invest in a color-depositing conditioner. It will give you lavender hues a little color pop every time you wash your hair, keeping it vibrant and happy.
#14 “Peek-a-Boo” Ash Brown Underlights
Why It’s Special
Here we have the sneaky little sister of highlights – underlights! It’s like having a secret party underneath your hair. Business on top, party underneath!
Who It’s Perfect For
Enza explains, “Peekaboo highlights are great for those who want to experiment with color but need to keep things office-appropriate.” It’s perfect for living that Hannah Montana double life – the best of both worlds!
Hot Tip! Touch up those underlights every 8-10 weeks to keep them poppin’.
#15 Ash Brown with Sage Green Accents
Why it’s Different
Oh. My. Gosh. Imagine the coolest ash brown you’ve ever seen, now sprinkle in some subtle sage green accents. It’s like Mother Nature herself decided to do your hair!
Who It’s Perfect For
Enza’s eyes light up as she explains, “This look is perfect for my adventurous clients who want to make a statement without going full-on rainbow.” If you’ve been itching to try fashion colors but don’t want to commit to a full head of green, this is your ticket to Coolsville, population: you!
Hot Tip! This look requires a bit more TLC than your average ash brown, but trust me, it’s worth it. Enza advises, “Touch up the green accents every 4-6 weeks to keep them vibrant. And always, always use cool water when washing.”
Parting words
And there you have it, my fabulous hair warriors! 15 ash brown ideas that’ll have you sprinting to the salon faster than you can say “balayage.” Remember, hair is the ultimate accessory – have fun with it!
So, which look are you dying to try? Drop us a line and let’s chat! And don’t forget, bad hair days are just opportunities for fabulous hat days. Until next time, keep those locks lovely and those spirits high!
Found your perfect shade? We’d love to see it! Tag us on Instagram@coloredhaircareorFacebookand share your hair color stories. Looking for more hair care tips? Check out How to Look After Colored Hair: 11 Expert Secrets For Long-Lasting Color.
Our Research & Review Process
To ensure our recommendations are as comprehensive and reliable as possible, we’ve undertaken an extensive research effort.
We cite scientific evidence and journals, collect real user reviews and gather impartial perspectives from hair stylists, users, and experts in the field.
Additionally, we conduct hands-on testing by using products and applying hair dyes not only on our own locks but also on real human hair extensions and hair pieces of different hair type, textures and lengths.
This rigorous approach allows us to provide you with insights into which products genuinely live up to their promises.
As always – please consult with a professional hair colorist or stylist for advice on how to color your own hair at home. It’s different for everyone!
With over two decades of passionate hair dyeing experience, I've experimented with nearly every shade imaginable. My journey began long before blogging; as an award-winning copywriter in London and New York, I shaped narratives for iconic brands. However, when friends sought advice during lockdown for at-home hair dyeing, I realized my true calling. Beyond being your hair color expert, I'm a mom of two girls, wife to artist Tony, and an avid soccer player! View all posts I’m Enza Piazza, your go-to hair stylist and color consultant with over 23 years of professional salon experience bringing vibrancy and life to hair of all hues. My Italian roots from sunny Sicily infuse passion into every snip and color, a passion that’s been recognized with top honor awards including bridal and party hair at the National Hairdressers Federation’s Championships.After training in Surrey, UK’s most prestigious salons including Head Master Academy, I embraced the entrepreneurial spirit and set up Enza Hair Styling, offering tailored hair care for 13 years, and treating each client like family. Away from the salon, I cherish moments as a proud Nonna to grandson Joseph and as a playful companion to my Jack Russell, Bo. View all posts
