Trending: California brunette hair

Looking to refresh your brunette hair? Look no further than the coolest hair colour trend for brown hair, inspired by the West Coast.

California brunette hair is all about looking like you’re fresh back from a long, hot summer in Cali. Think warm, sunkissed locks bleached by sunny beaches and long outdoor hikes. And luckily you don’t need a plane ticket to get the California effect, it can be easily achieved on all shades of brunette with the help of carefully placed balayage or highlights. The best thing about this hair trend is that it’s super low maintenance and will look just as beautiful as it grows out – you’ll only need to visit the salon to refresh it every 6 months or so.

So, read on to discover your perfect shade of California brunette hair and start a Pinterest board to show your colourist.

Image: Instagram @rachelandhair

1. Classic california cool

This look works best on those with lighter natural brunette hair. Ask for a full balayage, up to 4 shades lighter than your own hair colour with a couple of lighter sections around the face. Effortless, beautiful and oh so California cool.

2. Babylights on dark hair

For those with darker brunette hair, using a babylight technique allows you to go a lighter while keeping a natural look. The fine highlight technique will grow out without leaving a harsh line at the roots, and can even help disguise greys – practical as well as beautiful.

3. caramel brunette

Many brunettes have a red undertone to their hair, which makes this caramel shade a great choice. Combine a full, subtle balayage blend with a warm-hued toner to achieve this glossy finish.

4. Sunkissed shading

Even though this look is high-contrast, it still looks super natural thanks to the sunkissed shade of blonde and careful balayage placement. Think about what colour your hair goes after a long summer – this is the shade you’re aiming for.

5. HONEY Hues

It’s easy to achieve this warm honey hue with the right toner layered over balayage. The toner will help harmonise your natural and bleached hair to create the perfect seamless blend.

6. so natural

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/708191110169926244/

This look is so so subtle, and that’s what makes it so beautiful. Ask for a balayage just one to two shades lighter than your natural hair colour to achieve this look. It’s the perfect way to experiment with colour on virgin hair.

7. surfer chic

This bold brunette look combines a chunky, cool toned blonde balayage with rich chocolatey sections for a fresh, Californian girl look. If you’re lifting your hair to this shade, it’s important to make sure the blend is seamless to keep a natural feel.

8. latte brunette

This warm, creamy latte shade is perfect for brunettes who want to experiment with going lighter. By using the balayage technique to achieve your lighter look, it will look just as beautiful as it grows out.

9. champagne shimmer

This creamy, champagne shade of blonde looks expensive and chic. Like all California brunette looks, it’s all about the blend here – make sure your balayage sweeps out with the lightest colour at the ends of your locks.

10. Chestnut gloss

This one is for the dark brunette girlies. Rather than going blonde, sweep a rich, warm toned conker shade through your hair for a glossy colour refresh without sacrificing hair health.

Californian brunette is the best way to enhance your natural shade without damaging your hair. Which look is your favourite?