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. 

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.

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:

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:

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).

Once dry, use a wand or curling iron to add polish for this style:

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:

Or this even shorter length, which would make your hair feel thicker:

With either sun-kissed ends or an all-over colour, you can't go wrong.

billyxoxo