When it comes to spring hair colour trends, brunettes are having a major moment this season. While blonde shades often dominate the warmer months, this season is all about celebrating the richness, depth and versatility of brunette hair. From glossy, deep chocolate tones to soft, sunlit balayage, the latest hair colour trends prove that brown hair can be just as dimensional and luminous as any blonde.
“Brunette is having a moment because it looks incredibly rich, healthy, and polished,” says celebrity hairstylist Carl Bembridge. “People are leaning towards more natural-looking colour that still feels luxurious, and brunette shades offer so much versatility with different tones and dimension.”
What makes this year’s brunette shades feel particularly fresh is the focus on warmth, shine and natural-looking movement. Colourists are leaning into tones that enhance the hair’s natural base, layering subtle highlights and lowlights to create a multi-dimensional finish that catches the light beautifully. The result is hair that looks expensive, effortless, and incredibly healthy.
Article continues belowSpring’s take on brunette is also refreshingly low-maintenance. Instead of dramatic transformations, the trend is all about enhancing what you already have. Think soft caramel ribbons through deeper bases, glossy espresso tones, and delicate balayage that grows out seamlessly. Whether you’re naturally brunette or considering a move away from lighter shades, these trending colours offer plenty of inspiration.
Ahead, we’ve rounded up six brunette hair colour trends that are set to dominate salons this spring, from rich, glossy brunettes to soft, sunkissed tones that feel perfect for the new season.
1. Rich Brunette
For those who love a timeless, glossy finish, rich brunette is the ultimate “expensive-looking” shade. As Bembridge explains, “Rich brunette is all about depth, shine and that expensive-looking finish. Think deep chocolate tones that look glossy and ultra healthy.” To achieve the look in the salon, he recommends asking for “a deep brunette base with slightly warmer tones to keep it on the rich side—super chocolatey with a gloss treatment to enhance shine.” The result is a deep, luminous brown that looks polished and healthy.
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These lightweight hair oil drops not only nourish and hydrate dry hair, but also add a subtle sheen and a delicate floral scent.
2. Toffee Brunette
If you’re looking for a brunette shade that feels warm, glossy, and effortless for spring, toffee balayage is the perfect choice. According to Laura Elliott, head stylist and educator at Neäl & Wolf, “Toffee brunette combines an intense golden caramel tone with a deeper mid-brunette base.” The result is a soft blend of chocolate, caramel and gold tones that creates what Elliott describes as a “reflective, youthful shine” and a subtle sun-kissed effect. The warm caramel highlights are particularly flattering on lighter olive skin tones, enhancing natural warmth while the deeper base keeps the overall look rich and balanced.
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3. Champagne Brunette
For brunettes who want a subtle lift going into warmer months, champagne brunette offers the perfect balance. Bembridge describes it as “a brunette base with soft champagne or creamy blonde highlights,” making it ideal for anyone who wants brightness without committing to full blonde. To keep the finish natural, he recommends “very fine highlights or balayage to keep the look soft and seamless.”
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As its name suggests, this hair mask is designed to give hair a luxe, expensive-looking finish—it works by brightening and freshening hair so that colour pops. In addition, hydrolysed vegetable protein complex works to protect and hydrate hair in the long term.
4. Mushroom Brunette
Cool-toned brunettes are also having a moment this spring, and mushroom brunette leads the trend. According to Bembridge, it's “a cool-toned, smoky brunette with soft ash undertones that feels very chic and understated.” To recreate the look, he suggests asking your colourist for “a cool brunette base with subtle ash or taupe balayage for a diffused, natural dimension.” The soft, smoky tones create a sophisticated finish that feels modern yet effortless.
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5. Molten Brunette
If you prefer warmer, dimensional colour, molten brunette delivers a glossy, multi-tonal finish. According to Bembridge, “Molten brunette is all about multi-dimensional warmth—chocolate, mocha and amber tones melting through the hair.” The look is achieved with “blended highlights or balayage through the mid-lengths and ends to create that soft, melted effect”—and the result is rich, reflective colour that adds depth while maintaining a luxurious, healthy-looking shine.
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6. Copper Brunette
Warm, radiant tones are another key trend, and copper brunette is a beautiful way to experiment without leaving the brunette family. “Copper brunette is a great way to introduce warmth while still staying brunette,” says Bembridge, explaining that the colour remains subtle with “just a hint of copper reflecting in the light.” In the salon, he suggests asking for “a brunette base with a soft copper gloss or delicate copper tones woven through the hair,” creating warmth and shine that feels vibrant yet wearable.
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If colour starts to fade between colour appointments, this semi-permanent colour-depositing hair mask will revive and intensify copper hues.
Add shine, boost colour, and increase hair hydration with this glossy hair serum.
How should you look after coloured hair?
Keeping coloured hair looking glossy comes down to hydration and protection. Bembridge says, “Coloured hair needs hydration and protection to keep it looking fresh.” He recommends using products designed specifically for colour care. “I always recommend using Color Wow Colour Security shampoo and conditioner. They are sulphate-free, which is perfect for coloured hair—it helps the colour last longer.”
He notes that adding a weekly hair mask can boost shine and strength, while styling products with heat protection are essential for maintaining healthy, vibrant colour.
Grace Day is a beauty editor and content creator. She has over 10 years of beauty-industry experience, spanning editorial, retail, and e-commerce, which gives her a unique understanding into how people shop for their beauty routines.
While studying for a history degree (specialising in the history of beauty) and working as a beauty adviser in department stores, Grace started writing her own beauty blog in order to share the products she discovered while dealing with acne. After graduating, she moved to Beauty Bay as beauty editor and content manager. Grace is currently a beauty contributor to Who What Wear. She has also written for Hypebae and PopSugar and works as a brand consultant and copywriter.