Ask a Hairstylist: The Best Hairstyles and Colours for Wavy, Brown Hair
Q: Hi Bill! I have fine, somewhat wavy hair that I've been dyeing various darker shades of brown for the past three years or so.
I've been trying to grow it out for a while, so I have about two inches of my natural hair colour, but the rest is getting very brassy.
Jen's hair is dyed darker brown, but turning brassy.
I decided to switch to a professional to get my colour done, but I'm not sure what would look best on me. All I know is that I want something fairly low-maintenance.
I'm also open to changes in the cut, as I've always just had it long with layers. I appreciate your help! — Jen
A: Jen, thank you for your consultation request. I agree that your hair has some brassy tones right now that aren't ideal with your skin tone.
I think you should move toward slightly lighter, neutral to golden browns. I like this lighter brown shade for you.
Natalie Portman at the 2011 Los Angeles premiere of 'No Strings Attached.'
Michael Germana/Star Max
If you stay close to your natural tone, it will be a lot more low-maintenance.
If your colourist is very skilled, add some tone on tone golden highlights using a balayage technique:
Minka Kelly at a 2011 Salvatore Ferragamo fashion show.
ACE Pictures
They should frame your face and be concentrated more at your ends, for a naturally sun-kissed effect. Again, very low-maintenance as it grows out.
In terms of your cut, I like this narrow fringe with the lighter colour for you:
Keira Knightley at the 2004 London premiere of 'King Arthur.'
Jenny Roberts/Landmark
Keep the layers long for tendrils when you put it up.
With a little help from an iron, you can add more movement and still keep it low-maintenance. First, air-dry your waves in place with a light setting lotion (like EVOLVh Ultimate Styling Lotion).
EVOLVh Ultimate Styling Lotion
Once dry, use a wand or curling iron to add polish for this style:
Crystal Reed at the 2011 Los Angeles premiere of 'Teen Wolf.'
Michael Germana/Globe Photos
These bangs can disappear quickly into your hair by pushing them to one side or the other.
For a bigger shift in style, consider taking up the length to your collarbone:
Lily James at the 2016 Los Angeles premiere of 'Pride and Prejudice and Zombies.'
Peter West/ACE Pictures
Or this even shorter length, which would make your hair feel thicker:
Rebecca Hall at the 2013 Los Angeles premiere of 'Iron Man 3.'
T. Leopold/Globe Photos
With either sun-kissed ends or an all-over colour, you can't go wrong.
billyxoxo
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