18 Super-Pretty Reasons You're About to Dye Your Hair Ash Brown Rn (2024)

The weather is droppin' in degrees, and while you're prepping to trade in your summer 'fits for your fall boots, cozy sweaters, and tights, you may also want to switch up your hair color for the new season. Fall 2024's biggest hair color trend I'm calling? Ash brown hair. Hear me out: It's basically the antithesis to the warm shades you see all spring and summer—in, like, the best way possible. "Whereas warm brunette shades look lighter and richer, ash brown colors are usually deeper with a smoky, matte-like finish," says Nina Rubel, colorist at Rob Peetoom in NYC.

You also can choose to incorporate how much or how little ash brown you want in your hair. Another huge trend atm? Baby-highlighted pieces, which give you just a touch of something different if you're like me and aren't ready to take the full plunge just yet. But before you book that appointment—because, yes, ash brown hair requires the help of a professional colorist—keep reading for a few things you should know. Plus, 18 super-pretty ideas to kickstart your inspo—don't forget to DM them to your colorist.

Colored in a balayage-like technique, this picture is the perfect example of how great ashy tones can look on a brunette. The model still has that rich brunette depth, but the ash tones cool up the ends.

Fact: Dark, brown-black roots are a great way to complement some of the lighter tones in your ash brown hair color. I love how the highlights are kinda piece-y in this look—it's such a pretty contrast.

Dubbed a "Whisper Highlight," this next look shows that a subtle touch of ash brown can bring to life super deep brunette colors. This long-layered haircut perfectly accentuates the cool tone.

Beige is the perfect balance between cool and warm tones—this beige leans on the cooler side, making it a stepping stone into ash brown hair. If you usually go with a warmer coloring, this is a way to incorporate the trend without going all the way to the other side of the color wheel.

You heard it here first: Baby-lighted hair is going to be *all* over your Instagram feeds come fall and winter. This right here is the style to do if you want everyone to wonder what it is you did that makes you look so good.

I like to think of "Mushroom" hair as an earthier ash brown color. Emrata rocks it here with a mega-volume blowout with curls that showcase the shade.

If you aren't really into the highlighted look, you'll love this all-over ash brown hair color. The result is soft, creamy, and super subtle (like, subtle enough that you can go lighter come spring or summer).

A couple of face-framing pieces take this ash brown hair color to the next level. Don't you love how they brighten up the entire face?

Balayage—i.e. hand-painted highlights—is a great way to get in on the ash brown hair color trend if you're looking for something a bit more subtle. The roots remain nice and dark, but the lengths have some ashy—but blended!—highlights for contrast.

The longer length of this ash brown hair is a great way to show off the dimension of your color. Look closely and you'll see the prettiest combo of cool undertones.

Just because you want to try ash brown hair doesn't mean you have to go super dark. This style looks great with a medium-brown base and silver-toned highlights.

This ash brown hair color is all about shine. Hot tip: One of the easiest ways to keep your color looking fresh is to (A) load up on heat protectant before heat styling and (B) avoid prolonged sun exposure, says Rubel.

Trying to amp up the smoke factor of your ash brown hair? Go for a base that's a little lighter, and ask your colorist for a smoky, matte-like finish.

There's so much dimension and shine going on in this ash brown hair color, which brings out the deep-brown base. (Psst: Swipe through for this colorist's pretty epic before-and-after shot).

I love how this ash brown hair color leans a bit more gray than some of the other options. Go for this look if you want something extra cool-toned and ashy.

A teensy bit of mauve gives this ash brown hair color a slightly purple tone when you look closely. And, like, can we just talk about how good this color looks when styled in loose beach waves?

A few soft-brown highlights against the face make this ash brown hair color super approachable for anyone on the fence. I mean, what's not to love?

The silver ends on this ash brown hair color make it a super-pretty option for long bobs or asymmetrical cuts. Just run a flat iron through your ends to recreate this sleek AF texture.