18 Stunning Ash Brown Hair Ideas to Inspire Your Next Look
Ash brown hair is a cool-toned hair colour that is achieved when you mix brown and grey shades together. While most brunette hair colours are warm, ash brown prizes itself on being a lot cooler, making it a perfect option for those who prefer icy tones. This stunning colour can be worn as an all-over colour, with subtle highlights, or with a full-on balayage or ombre dye job.
Another reason why this hybrid shade is so popular? It looks amazing on everyone and can be tailored to work with any skin tone, hair length and hair texture. To prove it, we’ve shared the 18 trending ash brown hair colours we’re keeping on our radar, below.
Ash Brown Sombré
There’s no denying how popular silver hair is! If you want to try the look in a subtle way, this ash brown sombré (aka soft ombré) is the perfect way to get in on the trend.
All Over Dark Ash Brown
Like any new hair colour, you must first decide whether or not getting ash brown hair will work to complement your skin tone. But that’s where we come in: after all, no one wants a hue that will wash them out!
So, if you have tanned to dark skin, give this dark ash brown shade a try. It will work to provide a brightening effect for your overall appearance, helping enhance your natural glow! Credit: @mistywind
Graduated Medium Ash Brown Balayage
The one key thing to know about ash brown hair is that it works great as a starting shade for graduated colour styles, just like this medium ash brown balayage look. This would work just as well using the ombre technique, melting together numerous hues in one style! Credit: @caroliiine_k
Editor’s tip: Keep your colour looking vibrant for longer with the Love Beauty and Planet Blooming Colour Shampoo and Conditioner. With organic Muru Muru Butter, this vegan wash and care duo helps to nourish and enhance colour treated hair.
Ash Brown Blend
Transition your cool ash brown hair colour to a warmer and glossy hue, like this Instagrammer, to give your look the best of both worlds!
By blending in the warmer hue with the crisp, grey undertones, this style will work for almost all complexions – seriously, it’s a no-brainer! Credit: @rachellemariano.che
Ash Brown Hair With Highlights
It’s not all about full-on dye jobs, don’t you know? Sometimes even the smallest addition can make for a big style update. Take this ‘do for example, we love how this medium ash brown shade has been lightened with a full head of highlights, giving more impact and dimension to the finished look. Credit: @jeida11
Dark Ash Brown Hue
If you have naturally very dark tresses, yet don’t want to go as far as lightening them a bright blonde hue, dark ash brown can still provide you with a much-needed style update. Credit: @themaneartistry
Smokey Balayage
Ash brown hair has a rather muted finish, which is why many ladies use the shade to balance out red tones within their hair, or as a starting point for adding further colour.
Want something that’s unique and a little mysterious? Then layer your medium ash brown with a light ash brown shade for a smokey balayage finish. This will look amazing for fair skin ladies, without washing out your complexion. Credit: @tashabobasha83
Icy Ends
Torn between trying out different hair colour trends? Why choose when you can get a 3-in-1 look? Pairing a dark ash brown hue with contrasting shades of deep grey and icy, platinum blonde, you’ll create a stunning finish which looks incredible on all complexions, especially those with yellow or olive undertones. Credit: @rubyna.kim
Editor’s tip: Keep strands in tip-top condition by adding a weekly hair mask to your routine. Formulated especially with coloured hair in mind, the sulphate free TRESemmé Colour Shineplex Mask offers intense nourishment to lacklustre strands while the infused Camelia Oil helps boost colour vibrancy and shine.
Cool Ombre
ash brown hair. Credit:Instagram.com/hairby_mayu_
Ash brown hair is known for its cool tones, which makes it unique compared most other brown hair shades that are warmer. So, if you love the cool finish that you get from ash brown, make this striking ombre your next look. Credit: @hairby_mayu_
Tonal Ash Brown
Get the most out your ash brown hair colour by subtly blending it with a colour a shade or 2 lighter. This will give your ‘do an uplifting finish and, best of all, it will suit just about everyone! Credit: @hairbykaileee
Stark Contrast
If you’ve been praying to the hair gods for a style that’ll stand out, then this dark ash brown shade (with clashing violet tones) is the style for you. And to show off each of those intricate colours, we suggest opting for a set by soft waves. Credit: @rachellemariano.che
Ash Grey Highlights
Dip your toes in the ash brown trend with face-framing highlights. Credit: @zcellentbeautysalon
Medium Length Ash Brown Hair
This blow-out on medium length ash brown hair is picture perfect from all angles. Credit: @hairbymina_colorist
Ash Brown Hair With Platinum Highlights
Ash brown and platinum hues are a match made in heaven! Team them together with an ash brown base and platinum highlights sliced through. Credit: @roxybeautytouch
Editor’s tip: If you have light ash brown hair, try a toning shampoo like the Nexxus Blonde Assure Purple Shampoo. This will help keep your colour cooler and prevent colour fade.
Ash Brown on Short Hair
Don’t let short hair stop you from living your best hair colour dreams. We love how the all-over ash brown colour doesn’t distract from the cut of this chic bob. Credit: @do_yeonist
Ash Brown Curly Hair
Add caramel and ash brown highlights through curly hair to add dimension, and for the gorgeous finish of course. Credit: @constancerobbins
Cool Ash Brown
Cool tones like this ash brown balayage are great for those with warm-toned skin. Credit: @hairby_brendaa
Curly Hair With Light Ash Brown Highlights
This super ashy look really helps this beauty’s natural curls pop! If you want the same, you’ll need to covet this gorgeous light ash brown hue.
