Ask a Hairstylist: The Best Hair Ideas for Brown Hair
Q: Hello, I would really like to participate in the hair consultation. I have a lot of hair. Currently, it is not dyed—it's a cool, ashy light brown, and I get a few wiry white hairs.
Andrea wants a new look for her ash brown hair.
My natural texture is thick, dense, coarse and wavy, but I chemically straighten it (Japanese thermal reconditioning).
Andrea has thick hair that she chemically straightens.
I've had the same style for a while and would like a little change. I'm especially interested in a new colour, maybe something that would pump it up a notch. Thanks very much! — Andrea
A: Andrea, if I sound like a downer, sorry in advance... I am going to tell you the same thing I tell everyone who has really gorgeous hair:
Leave it alone!
The depth of your natural colour is beyond beautiful. That could never come out of a bottle.
The length and shine of your hair is hair commercial-worthy.
Okay, I've said my piece… now on to the fun stuff!
This cut has the perfect amount of layering and the perfect length of layers:
Ashley Greene at the 2010 Super Saturday to Benefit Ovarian Cancer.
Barry Talesnick/Ipol/Globe Photos
You will have more versatility to wear it straight or in waves, with an off-centre part or a side part:
From The Skincare Edit Archives
Ashley Greene at the 2010 Teen Choice Awards.
Graham Whitby Boot/Allstar/Globe Photos
These warm highlights would work with your base colour as well.
Here is a similar cut worn straight with a flatter side-swept bang:
Olivia Wilde at the 2012 Los Angeles premiere of 'Deadfall.'
Russ Elliot/AdMedia
This darker, glossy colour would also be stunning with your blue eyes. When you go lighter, you get more damage. Darker, way less damage. Something to keep in mind.
A lower-commitment colour would be to lighten the ends and underneath, with a few highlights from the eyebrows down:
Jessica Biel at the 2010 MTV Movie Awards.
Star Max
This length and super-soft amount of layering can handle any part.
If long layers are not for you, then this bob would be super-cool with your natural colour:
Keira Knightley at the 2011 Toronto premiere of 'A Dangerous Method.'
GTCRFOTO/ImageCollect
Add these highlights and you have an edgier look:
Emilia Clarke at the 2016 SAG Awards.
Peter West/ACE Pictures
Still pretty, but a bit more sultry.
Have fun exploring your new look!
billyxoxo
