22 dark hair colours that will flatter every skin tone

These are the dark hair colours you need to take note of!

Amra | November 1, 2018

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It’s that time of year again, when everything gets a little colder and our sudden need for a deeper hair colour sets in. Yes, it’s all about going for warm, rich and glossy tones during this season – which is why we’re starting to covet dark hair colours!

If that’s the case for you too, you’ve definitely come to the right place. Whether you’re looking to refresh your dark tresses or just want to know which dark hair shades will go with your skin tone, you’ll find everything you need, below.

22 flattering dark hair colours we’re expecting to go viral in 2019

Rihanna with medium length rich natural brown dark hair, with pink lipstick and matching pink dress on the red carpet — Rihanna’s dark hair is definition of goals. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

1. Natural dark brown

Best for:

Medium, olive and dark skin tones.

The details:

You can’t talk about dark hair colours without referring to this sultry natural dark brown shade that Rihanna pulls off, above.

If you’re looking for an elegant, one-dimensional shade to flatter you skin and also give your mane a new, glossy lease on life, this shade is all you need.

Emily Ratajkowski with medium cool brown straight long hair, wearing a red top and posing on the red carpet — Emily Ratajkowski’s dark hair is a red carpet fave. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

2. Medium cool brown

Best for:

Fair, medium and olive skin tones.

The details:

Want to go from natural light brown to something chicer and darker? Then you really can’t go wrong with Emily Ratajkowski‘s signature dark hair colour: medium cool brown.

We adore this one-dimensional shade as its made for all seasons! It’ll give your skin a natural glow in the summer and also bring a lovely warmth to your features in the colder months, too.

Editor’s tip: Thinking of getting getting a darker hair colour done? Whatever hue takes your fancy, we can’t stress enough of the importance of using a colour protect range.

Using the TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Colour Shampoo and Conditioner will help maintain your colour while sealing in shine to keep your mane looking vibrant.

Kat Graham with iced chestnut brown hair, wearing black netted top on the red carpet — We’re going nuts for this shade. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

3. Chestnut brown hair

Best for:

Medium, olive and dark skin tones.

The details:

Nutty dark hair colours, like this chestnut one, are a great alternative to medium cool brown hair and also have the same year-round appeal, too.

To really bring this shade alive, actress Kat Graham, has teamed it with a Chanel-inspired bob with bangs — and, you’ll earn extra style points if you do the same.

Tiffany Haddish with short wavy chestnut brown dark hair styled into loose curls, wearing a black top and posing on the red carpet — This flattering colour will bring warmth to your skin. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

4. Chestnut highlights

Best for:

Olive and dark skin tones.

The details:

For those ladies who are already rocking brown hair, opting for these chestnut brown highlights are an easy way to refresh and bring warmth your hair for the colder months.

Genevieve Buechner with bob-length brown bronze dark hair styled straight, wearing a yellow top with golden necklace on the red carpet — Just look at how it shines! Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

5. Bronze brown hair

Best for:

All skin tones.

The details:

A hint of both cool and warming gold bronze tones make this multidimensional hair colour great for all skin tones. And, with the right haircut, this shade can look as sophisticated (a la Genevieve Buechner) or as relaxed as you want it.

Olivia Palermo with glossy long golden brown hair on the red carpet, wearing black blazer with white shirt — This is the best year-round dark brown hair colour. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

6. Golden brown hair

Best for:

Fair, medium and olive skin tones.

The details:

Olivia Palermo’s golden, soft highlights on dark hair proves that brown hair doesn’t have to be one solid shade to look good. So, if you’re looking for hair colour ideas to liven up a dark base, try this.

Lorena Rae with long, dark honey brown hair, styled into loose tumbling waves, wearing black net top and posing on the red carpet — Drooling yet? Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

7. Dark honey brown hair

Best for:

Medium and olive skin tones.

The details:

Dark hair colours don’t always have to be ultra-dark! Take Lorena Rae’s dark honey brown hair colour for example, its medium brown base is given extra warmth with honey gold highlights.

This makes it a great colour to go for in the summer, as it has a sun-kissed, caramelised finish.

Lana Del Rey with long, wavy dark auburn brown hair, wearing Bardot top, with long split bangs and her hair styled into a half-up 'do — Dark hair with red highlights work so well together. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

8. Dark red-brown hair

Best for:

All skin tones.

The details:

Looking for head-turning hair colour ideas for your dark hair? Why not experiment with dark red shades, to get Lana Del Rey’s sexy, ’60s-inspired hue?

The warm red, cinnamon-y tones in this auburn shade work to counteract yellow undertones, making skin appear more neutral and luminous.

Vanessa Morgan with rose brown dark hair, wearing red top with white blazer jacket — Have you heard of this dark hair colour? If not, it’ll become your obsession! Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

9. Rose brown hair

Best for:

Olive to dark skin tones.

The details:

Rose gold hair isn’t just for blondes! As Vanessa Morgan demonstrates, combining the right shades of dark pink and medium brown will land you the colour of your dreams.

Getting these rose gold dark hair highlights is less drastic than bleaching your strands a lighter hue, but are no less dazzling.

an afro woman with long red braided hair smiling — If you’re after a truly autumnal look, try this. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

10. Cherry cola hair

Best for:

Dark skin tones.

The details:

If your base hair colour is a very dark brunette, or even jet black, adding a cherry tint into the mix will give your strands more life. Not ready to commit? Get cherry cola coloured braids or a wig and see how you like it!

Erin Robinson with long wavy red hair, wearing black top on the red carpet — Ariel would approve of this shade. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

11. Plum brown hair

Best for:

Fair to medium skin tones.

The details:

Want to make your cool brown or blue eyes really pop? Then we suggest you give this plum brown hair colour a go! It’s got so much depth and dimension to it, and if you’re looking for standout hair ideas for dark hair, you know what to do.

Editor’s tip: Giving your dyed hair some TLC is going to be easy with the Love Beauty And Planet Blooming Strength & Shine 2 Minute Magic Masque.Its a godsend for making hair easier to manage and style. Plus, it’ll leave your locks looking gorgeously vibrant.

Bella Hadid with shoulder-length '90s-inspired chocolate brown hair styled into a smooth blow out, wearing black and posing on the red carpet — Because who doesn’t want ’90s supermodel hair? Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

12. ’90s brown

Best for:

All skin tones.

The details:

Bella Hadid‘s latest dark hair transformation is the stuff ’90s dreams are made of! Inspired the popular supermodels of the era, this rich and mysterious shade is all everyone is talking about — and it’s easy to see why. Anyone else tempted to get a wispy fringe, too?

Recommended: ’90s party hairstyles that can still be worn today

Thandie Newton with shoulder-length curly dark hair with highlights in it, wearing black dress with small earrings — Getting highlights on dark hair that’s curly works, too. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

13. Chocolate ombre brown highlights

Best for:

Olive to dark skin tones.

The details:

If you’ve tested the waters with dark brown hair and are on the fence about taking your shade to the next level, let Thandie Newton’s chocolate ombre highlights melt your doubts away.

The contrast of dark roots and chocolate tips in this example, make for ultra-sexy and stylish outcome. But the best thing? This colour enhances curl patterns like a dream and is great for dye virgins.

Duckie Thot with long, wavy espresso brown curls with a fringe, wearing neon jumpsuit with matching earrings on the red carpet — This is how you should wear this colour. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

14. Espresso brown

Best for:

Dark skin tones.

The details:

Is this colour brown? Or is it black? This in-between espresso shade adds the perfect amount of depth and richness to already dark locks, making it ideal for ladies who are looking for hue full of drama.

To make this strong shade look softer, try styling it into loose, vintage curls, just like Duckie Thot has done.

Jasmine Tookes with long, wavy chocolate dark hair with caramel highlights, wearing a silver halterneck dress on the red carpet — Dark hair with caramel highlights never fails. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

15. Dark hair and caramel babylights

Best for:

Olive to dark skin tones.

The details:

Think dark hair is boring? This sophisticated brunette shade with caramel babylights will make you think again. When you have lengthy tresses like Jasmine Tookes, you can afford to play around with colour.

Noah Cyrus with shoulder-length dark black hair styled straight, wearing animal print top on the red carpet — Noah Cyrus’ mane proves that dark hair and blue eyes go well. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

16. Jet black hair

Best for:

Fair skin tones.

The details:

A solid, super-dark shade looks extra edgy when it’s on a long bob like Noah Cyrus’. If you’ve got fair skin and blue eyes too, this dark hair colour will work wonders on your features and make them stand out.

Ashanti with medium-length onyx dark hair styled straight, wearing a maroon jacket with hoop earrings on the red carpet — This sultry shade is timeless for a reason. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

17. Glossy black

Best for:

Olive to dark skin tones.

The details:

If you’re looking for a dark hair colour that has enviable shine and dimension all on its own, look no further than this glossy black hue. Asides from being great for dark skin tones, this classic shade works for olive skin tones, too.

Editor’s tip:Want to make your hair gleam? Just apply a few drops of the TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Colour Smoothing Serum through your lengths and watch as your locks begin to shimmer.

Constance Wu with dark brown hair with caramel highlights, styled into a low bun with loose tendrils at the front, wearing a pink and gold halterneck top with drop earrings — This combination is sophisticated and elegant. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

18. Subtle dark hair with chocolate brown tips

Best for:

Medium, olive and dark skin tones.

The details:

If you’ve got super dark hair like Constance Wu, getting chocolate brown tips will keep your look fresh and on-trend, all while making your ‘do ready for the season.

The best thing about these brown highlights on dark hair? They’re here for the long run, meaning they’ll work in winter and summer.

Pia Toscano with long, wavy ash brown hair styled into a ponytail, wearing a black bodysuit with silver choker and earrings on the red carpet — Ash brown hair is here to stay. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

19. Ash brown

Best for:

Medium to olive skin tones.

The details:

Another way you can give dark hair an icy seasonal lift? With ash brown highlights, which we spotted brunette beauty Pia Toscana flaunting.

Instead of going for all-over highlights though, she’s chosen to get a grey wash done throughout the ends of her mane and it’s giving us all kinds of winter vibes.

Back shot of Rihanna with sleek dark brown to grey dark hair styled into a sleek ponytail, wearing a red dress with a silver necklace on the red carpet — Go grey or go home. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

20. Smokey silver melt

Best for:

Olive to dark skin tones.

The details:

Let’s face it: colour melts are the best way to experiment with colour. And this gorgeous grey, dip-dyed look is a winner in our book.

So, if you’re an trendsetter wondering how to stay ahead of the curve during the colder months, you’ve got to try getting silver highlights on dark hair.

Leomie Anderson with straight, long blue-black dark hair, wearing buttoned blazer on the red carpet — What’s not to love about midnight blue dark hair? Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

21. Midnight blue hair

Best for:

Oliver to dark skin tones.

The details:

If you didn’t already want blue hair, you will after seeing it on Leomie Anderson.

We adore this blue-black shade as it is discreet enough for the office and also guaranteed to have you in the spotlight on your next night out. Let’s just say it comes alive at night time!

Justine Skye with dark brown hair with violet ombre ends, styled into loose waves, wearing black netted top and posing on the red carpet — Purple hair, don’t care! Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

22. Purple hair

Best for:

Dark skin tones.

The details:

Just because you’re darkening your hair, that doesn’t mean you can’t experiment with bold colours. We’re sure you’ll agree: Justine Skye‘s flattering purple shade draws attention to her stunning facial features while adding a playful edge to her overall look. Neat, right?

22 flattering dark hair colours we’re expecting to go viral in 2019

1. Natural dark brown

2. Medium cool brown

3. Chestnut brown hair

4. Chestnut highlights

5. Bronze brown hair

6. Golden brown hair

7. Dark honey brown hair

8. Dark red-brown hair

9. Rose brown hair

10. Cherry cola hair

11. Plum brown hair

12. ’90s brown

13. Chocolate ombre brown highlights

14. Espresso brown

Best for:

The details:

15. Dark hair and caramel babylights

16. Jet black hair

17. Glossy black

18. Subtle dark hair with chocolate brown tips

19. Ash brown

20. Smokey silver melt

21. Midnight blue hair

22. Purple hair

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