California Brunette Hair Advice
What sets the California Brunette style apart from other dye jobs is the careful blend of light and dark shades to give your locks a sunkissed quality.
- Whether you’re going to a stylist or feel up to doing an at-home job, start by framing your face with lighter shades since that’s where you’re most likely to get consistent sun exposure. Then, add pops throughout the rest of your locks, focusing mostly on the top layers of hair and the ends.
- Make sure you’re also picking highlight or low-light colors that are flattering with the hair color you already have. Going too dark or too light will ruin the natural, effortless, and beachy qualities this style is trying to emulate. As a rule of thumb, stick to ashy colors over copper tones, even if your hair naturally tends to take on a reddish quality in the sun.
- If you’re starting with medium or lighter brown hair already or a dark blonde, a beige-toned blonde dye is usually a safe bet. The darker your hair is, the more caramel-toned you should go with your choice.
- You’ll also want to consider your hair part before you commit to where to add in sun-kissed streaks. Changing your part often will affect how natural the lighter shades framing your face will look.
- If you’re doing your own coloring or going to a professional who isn’t familiar with this particular trend, start with a balayage rather than chunky highlights. This should help the color fade into your natural, giving it a much more lived-in appearance. It will also help extend the amount of time you can go between touch-ups since there won’t be any drastic regrowth.
- Once you’ve got the perfect coloring, make sure to style your hair to maximize the look. While California brunette looks good no matter how you style your hair, opting for waves and curls tends to look the most natural.
- If you have naturally straight hair or don’t want to pull out your hot tools every morning, a simple texturizing spray, like this one from Moroccanoil, can do wonders to help you pull off the sunny coastal look you’re trying to achieve.
- Since this look is inspired by the laid-back, beachy vibes of the Pacific Coast, California Brunette is notoriously easy to maintain. In fact, you can get away with just keeping up your normal hair care for the most part. If you want to maintain the color on your own without having to stop by the salon, just use a simple color intensifier for blond hair once every 3-4 washes.
- If you really want to make sure your new color looks pristine for as long as possible, consider adding a hair elixir, like this one, to your routine as well. Though this type of dye job shouldn’t involve intense bleaching, coloring your hair in any way will dry out your strands, especially if you already have delicate hair.
- An elixir can help make sure your locks stay moisturized, healthy, and bouncy. Glossing products, like the Dream Coat from COLOR WOW, also give hair a natural-looking shine.
California Brunette Hair Ideas
California Brunette Hair with Subtle Blonde Balayage
Embody the essence of the coast with this California brunette hair, featuring subtle blonde balayage. The long layers enhance the relaxed beach waves, creating a look that’s effortlessly chic and perfect for any sun-drenched occasion.
Sun-Kissed Ombré Highlights in Medium-Length California Brunette
This medium-length California brunette boasts sun-kissed ombré highlights, styled into a sleek lob. The gradient color adds depth and dimension, making it a stylish choice for those seeking a sophisticated yet beach-inspired look.
Short and Tousled California Brunette Bob
Capture a casual and chic vibe with this short, tousled California brunette bob. Infused with honey-gold highlights, it offers a playful and carefree style, ideal for a vibrant and energetic appearance.
Caramel Streaks California Brunette Hair
This long California brunette hair, infused with caramel streaks, is styled in loose, flowing waves. The warm highlights and gentle waves combine to create a soft, romantic look that’s both timeless and elegant.
Shoulder-Length California Brunette with Light Auburn Highlights
Embrace a modern and trendy look with this shoulder-length California brunette, featuring light auburn highlights. The wavy shag cut is fashion-forward and perfect for those wanting to make a statement with their hair.
California Brunette Pixie Cut with Subtle Blonde Tips
This California brunette pixie cut, accented with subtle blonde tips, offers an edgy yet natural style. The short, textured look is a bold and chic choice, ideal for a fresh and contemporary appearance.
Ultra-Long California Brunette Hair
Experience the allure of ultra-long California brunette hair, complete with sunlit ends and a straight style with a hint of texture. This look exudes a sense of luxury and sophistication, perfect for those who love a dramatic and eye-catching hairstyle.
Soft Chestnut Highlights in Medium California Brunette
Medium-length California brunette hair with soft chestnut highlights is styled in elegant, smooth curls. The rich color and refined curls create a look of understated glamour, ideal for both casual and formal occasions.
Golden Honey Highlights in California Brunette Lob
This California brunette lob with golden honey highlights features beachy waves for a laid-back vibe. The light, sun-kissed highlights complement the casual wave pattern, making it a perfect choice for a relaxed and stylish look.
Short Choppy California Brunette Bob with Lightened Ends
This short, choppy California brunette bob with lightened ends offers a playful and spirited style. The dynamic cut and subtle color variation make it a fun and youthful choice, great for those who enjoy a lively and energetic look.
Seamless Blonde Ombre in Mermaid Waves
Extra-long California brunette hair with seamless blonde ombre is styled in enchanting mermaid waves. The smooth color transition and whimsical waves create a mesmerizing and dreamy look, perfect for those who love a touch of fantasy in their style.
