Brown hair is one of the most common and versatile hair colours, and it can be paired with a wide range of shades to create a unique and stunning look. However, when it comes to dyeing or colouring brown hair, it can be challenging to predict which colours will show up and how they will interact with the existing pigment. In this article, we will delve into the world of hair colour and explore what colours will show up on brown hair, as well as provide some valuable tips and tricks for achieving the perfect shade.
Understanding Hair Colour Theory
Before we dive into the specifics of what colours will show up on brown hair, it’s essential to understand the basics of hair colour theory. Hair colour is determined by the presence of two types of melanin: eumelanin and pheomelanin. Eumelanin is responsible for brown and black colours, while pheomelanin produces red and yellow colours. The interaction between these two types of melanin determines an individual’s natural hair colour.
When it comes to dyeing or colouring hair, the goal is to either deposit colour onto the hair shaft or remove existing colour. The type of colour used and the condition of the hair will affect the final result. For example, if you’re trying to achieve a lighter shade on brown hair, you may need to use a bleach or high-lift colour to remove some of the existing pigment.
The Colour Wheel and Hair Colour
The colour wheel is a fundamental tool in hair colour theory, and it can help you predict how different colours will interact with each other. The colour wheel is divided into primary colours (red, yellow, and blue), secondary colours (orange, green, and violet), and tertiary colours (yellow-green, blue-green, blue-violet, etc.).
When it comes to brown hair, it’s essential to consider the colour wheel when choosing a new shade. For example, if you want to add warm tones to your brown hair, you can use colours that are opposite each other on the colour wheel, such as orange and blue. This will create a beautiful, multi-dimensional colour that complements your natural shade.
What Colours Will Show Up on Brown Hair?
Now that we’ve covered the basics of hair colour theory, let’s explore what colours will show up on brown hair. The answer to this question depends on the type of brown hair you have, as well as the condition and porosity of your hair.
Cool-Toned Brown Hair
If you have cool-toned brown hair, you may find that colours with blue or purple undertones show up more vibrantly. This is because cool-toned hair has a higher concentration of eumelanin, which absorbs warm colours and reflects cool colours.
Some colours that may show up well on cool-toned brown hair include:
- Platinum blonde: This colour will create a stunning contrast with cool-toned brown hair, especially if you have a lighter shade.
- Lavender: This colour will add a beautiful, cool-toned dimension to your hair, especially if you have a darker shade.
- Charcoal grey: This colour will create a sleek, sophisticated look on cool-toned brown hair, especially if you have a lighter shade.
Warm-Toned Brown Hair
If you have warm-toned brown hair, you may find that colours with golden or honey undertones show up more vibrantly. This is because warm-toned hair has a higher concentration of pheomelanin, which absorbs cool colours and reflects warm colours.
Some colours that may show up well on warm-toned brown hair include:
- Honey blonde: This colour will create a beautiful, sun-kissed look on warm-toned brown hair, especially if you have a lighter shade.
- Caramel: This colour will add a rich, warm dimension to your hair, especially if you have a darker shade.
- Cinnamon: This colour will create a stunning, multi-dimensional look on warm-toned brown hair, especially if you have a lighter shade.
Tips and Tricks for Achieving the Perfect Shade
Achieving the perfect shade on brown hair can be challenging, but there are some tips and tricks that can help. Here are a few:
- Consider your skin tone: If you have a cool skin tone, you may find that cool-toned colours show up more vibrantly on your hair. If you have a warm skin tone, you may find that warm-toned colours show up more vibrantly.
- Use a colour chart: A colour chart can help you predict how different colours will interact with your hair. You can find colour charts online or in hair colouring books.
- Do a strand test: Before dyeing or colouring your entire head of hair, do a strand test to ensure that the colour will show up as desired.
- Use a conditioning treatment: A conditioning treatment can help to open up the hair cuticle and allow the colour to penetrate more evenly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When it comes to dyeing or colouring brown hair, there are some common mistakes to avoid. Here are a few:
- Using the wrong type of colour: If you’re trying to achieve a lighter shade on brown hair, you may need to use a bleach or high-lift colour. If you’re trying to achieve a darker shade, you may need to use a deposit colour.
- Not doing a strand test: A strand test can help to ensure that the colour will show up as desired and avoid any unexpected results.
- Not using a conditioning treatment: A conditioning treatment can help to open up the hair cuticle and allow the colour to penetrate more evenly.
Conclusion
Brown hair is a versatile and beautiful canvas for hair colour, and with the right techniques and products, you can achieve a stunning shade that complements your natural colour. By understanding hair colour theory and considering your skin tone, hair type, and desired outcome, you can unlock the secrets of hair colour and achieve the perfect shade.
Remember to always do a strand test, use a conditioning treatment, and consider your skin tone when choosing a new shade. With a little practice and patience, you can become a hair colour expert and achieve the perfect shade on your brown hair.
| Colour | Effect on Brown Hair |
|---|---|
| Platinum blonde | Creates a stunning contrast with cool-toned brown hair |
| Lavender | Adds a beautiful, cool-toned dimension to cool-toned brown hair |
| Charcoal grey | Creates a sleek, sophisticated look on cool-toned brown hair |
| Honey blonde | Creates a beautiful, sun-kissed look on warm-toned brown hair |
| Caramel | Adds a rich, warm dimension to warm-toned brown hair |
| Cinnamon | Creates a stunning, multi-dimensional look on warm-toned brown hair |
By following these tips and tricks, you can achieve a stunning shade on your brown hair and unlock the secrets of hair colour.
What happens when you dye brown hair?
When you dye brown hair, the colour you choose may not always show up as expected. This is because brown hair has a lot of warm, natural pigment that can affect how the dye takes. If you’re looking to achieve a drastic colour change, you may need to bleach or lighten your hair first to remove some of the natural pigment.
The type of dye you use can also impact the final result. Permanent dyes will penetrate the hair shaft and last longer, while semi-permanent dyes will only coat the hair and fade faster. It’s also important to consider your skin tone and eye colour when choosing a hair colour, as certain shades can complement or clash with your overall appearance.
Will blonde dye show up on brown hair?
Blonde dye can be challenging to achieve on brown hair, especially if you’re looking for a light, platinum blonde shade. This is because brown hair has a lot of warm, natural pigment that can make it difficult for the blonde dye to take. If you want to go blonde, you may need to bleach or lighten your hair first to remove some of the natural pigment.
However, there are some blonde shades that can work well on brown hair. For example, a honey or golden blonde can complement the warm tones in brown hair and create a natural-looking colour. It’s also important to consider your skin tone and eye colour when choosing a blonde shade, as certain tones can look more flattering than others.
Can you achieve red hair on brown hair?
Red hair can be a bit tricky to achieve on brown hair, but it’s not impossible. The key is to choose a red shade that complements the warm tones in your brown hair. For example, a warm, auburn red can look great on brown hair, while a cool, blue-based red may not be as flattering.
To achieve red hair on brown hair, you may need to use a colour corrector or toner to neutralize any warm tones in your hair. You can also use a semi-permanent dye to add a reddish tint to your hair without making a long-term commitment. It’s also important to consider your skin tone and eye colour when choosing a red shade, as certain tones can look more flattering than others.
Will purple dye show up on brown hair?
Purple dye can be a bit challenging to achieve on brown hair, especially if you’re looking for a vibrant, bright purple shade. This is because brown hair has a lot of warm, natural pigment that can make it difficult for the purple dye to take. However, there are some purple shades that can work well on brown hair, such as a rich, plum purple or a deep, berry purple.
To achieve purple hair on brown hair, you may need to use a colour corrector or toner to neutralize any warm tones in your hair. You can also use a semi-permanent dye to add a purplish tint to your hair without making a long-term commitment. It’s also important to consider your skin tone and eye colour when choosing a purple shade, as certain tones can look more flattering than others.
Can you achieve pastel colours on brown hair?
Pastel colours can be a bit tricky to achieve on brown hair, especially if you’re looking for a light, delicate shade. This is because brown hair has a lot of warm, natural pigment that can make it difficult for the pastel dye to take. However, there are some pastel shades that can work well on brown hair, such as a soft, peachy pink or a pale, lavender purple.
To achieve pastel hair on brown hair, you may need to use a colour corrector or toner to neutralize any warm tones in your hair. You can also use a semi-permanent dye to add a pastel tint to your hair without making a long-term commitment. It’s also important to consider your skin tone and eye colour when choosing a pastel shade, as certain tones can look more flattering than others.
How can you maintain your hair colour?
To maintain your hair colour, it’s essential to use colour-protecting products and avoid using hot water or heat styling tools too frequently. You can also use a colour-depositing shampoo and conditioner to help keep your colour looking vibrant and fresh.
Regular touch-ups can also help maintain your hair colour. If you’re using a semi-permanent dye, you may need to reapply the colour every 4-6 weeks to keep it looking fresh. If you’re using a permanent dye, you may need to touch up your roots every 6-8 weeks to prevent them from showing.
What are the risks of dyeing brown hair?
There are some risks associated with dyeing brown hair, especially if you’re looking to achieve a drastic colour change. For example, bleaching or lightening your hair can cause damage and dryness, especially if you don’t use a conditioning treatment afterwards.
It’s also possible to experience an allergic reaction to the dye, especially if you’re using a permanent dye. To minimize the risks, it’s essential to do a patch test before applying the dye to your entire head. You should also follow the instructions carefully and use a conditioning treatment to help moisturize and protect your hair.