Brunette Hair

About Brunette Hair

The term “brunette” actually covers a staggering range of shades, from the indeterminate dark brown/blondes to the deepest black colors. In general usage, however, the term refers to most moderate to dark shades of brown, most frequently for women (men with brown hair are usually just referred to as dark-haired). The term itself comes from the French word “brun” – directly translated as brown, though often used as “brunet” as a nickname for someone with brown hair.

Genetics

The brown pigmentation of hair comes from the melanin polymer, which is also responsible for skin color, including tans. Brown is a dominant gene, meaning that someone carrying the gene will have brown hair, though their other genes will help determine the precise shade. Brown hair is one of the most prevalent hair colors in the world, and only pure black hair can be found more frequently.

The range of skin colors associated with brown hair is nearly as vast a rainbow, though most brunettes have dark eyes. Occasionally, natural blonde or red hair will darken over time, resulting in a brown-haired individual with light-colored eyes.

Strands of brown hair are medium-thick, with approximately 100,000 hairs on the head. This is mid-range for different natural hair colors, and while most individuals with brown hair have no immediate concerns for thinning hair, they should take the same precautions anyone needs to adequately protect and care for their hair.

Brightening Brown

Brown hair with highlights.

Brown hair can be brightened into a multitude of hues through various hair styling and coloring techniques, including:

• Highlights: Adding honey, ginger, almond, russet, or other light highlights to brown hair adds texture and dimension to the hair. Be careful not to go too many shades lighter to avoid a streaked appearance, and note that darker brown shades do not show red highlights well.
• Hair Accessories: Dark shades show off glittering hair pins, head bands, and decorative comes far better than lighter hair colors, particularly in updos and other formal hair styles.
• Natural Lightening: Most brown shades will lighten naturally with exposure to sunlight, and they will develop red and blonde tints depending on each individual’s genetic makeup. To create natural highlights in unique patterns (and ensuring that more than the top layer of hair is lightened), wear braids or ponytails to expose different strands.

Brown-Dyed Hair

Individuals who do not have naturally dark hair can easily find shades to complement their skin tone, and the key is to look for a good contrast. Very pale skin may seem even more washed out next to a light brown style, but a richer, darker brown will appear sultry and exotic. Adding highlights and lowlights are other ways to customize a brown hair color to meet individual needs and preferences.

Because all dyes eventually fade, it is important to use hair products specially formulated to preserve the color as long as possible. These color-care products should be used as soon as the hair is colored, and some designer brands even include small amounts of dye in the shampoo or conditioner to prolong the color.

Caring for Brown Hair

The biggest concern when caring for brunette hair is keeping it vibrant and healthy. Brown hair by its very nature appears duller than other shades, and products that boost hair’s natural shine will help keep a vibrant glow to any brown hue. Drinking plenty of water and using regular hair moisturizers will also preserve the shine, and UV sun protectants are necessary, particularly if using the sun as a natural brightener.

Celebrities with Brunette Hair

While blondes and redheads may be more memorable, Hollywood has seen hundreds of delectable dark-haired divas, including:

• Actresses Catherine Zeta-Jones, Alyssa Milano, and Elizabeth Taylor
• Country singer Shania Twain
• Desperate Housewives star Eva Longoria
• Model Carmen Electra

Many additional celebrities have opted for brown locks at different points in their careers, including Madonna, Britney Spears, and Ashley Olsen. With brown shades becoming increasingly popular, more celebrities are sure to choose different shades of brown each year.

In Conclusion

Brunette hair is one of the most popular colors, and with proper care it can be one of the most stunning as well. Rather than insulted as “dirty” or “mousy” shades, brown hair can be vibrant, sultry, and sensational with different highlights, accessories, and styles. With such versatility, there is a rich brown shade suitable for everyone.