AMERICA FERRERA
Dark waves with subtle highlights like America’s look effortlessly gorgeous.
KIM KARDASHIAN
The new mom’s shorter cut and deeper brown appears “much healthier and more exotic,” says hairstylist Chaz Dean, creator of WEN. Keep the sheen with his Spring Orange Blossom Cleansing Conditioner ($29), which is meant to be used on it’s own—skip the shampoo.
JENNIFER LOPEZ
After her Jenny-from-the-block-era bold, blond-ish locks, this warm, multidimensional brown is softer and more natural.
JENNIFER GARNER
A mid-range brown can work on a lot of different women, though medium and olive complexions may find that a beachy brown washes them out. Whatever your hue, maintain it with L’Oréal’s new Color Vibrancy shampoo and conditioner ($4.99 each).
NAYA RIVERA
“Celebrities going bolder has given many women the confidence to change up their color,” says Dean. To wit: Naya’s look goes from auburn to a light, orange-y brown with chunky highlights.
MICHELLE DOCKERY
This rich, single-tone shade of Michelle's medium to dark brown hair works well with her pale, peaches-and-cream complexion, says Cutler/Redken styling and grooming expert Jenny Balding.
JESSICA BIEL
“She has a beautiful mixture of dark and lighter brown with some flecks of blonde,” says Balding. Jessica’s color is a very tame version of a new trend called splashlighting, in which the lightest highlights hit at mid-shaft for a shiny, reflection-like effect.
MAGGIE Q
A rich shade like this deep, copper–spiked brown ought to stay that way. Avoid products with lather, which can strip hair of color, natural sheen, and richness.
HANNAH SIMONE
“This beautiful, rich mocha fades to a softer, lighter brown toward the mid-shaft and ends,” says Dean, noting that the color is especially flattering against olive skin.
LILY COLLINS
“Lily’s lighter brown ends add some warmth to her skin color,” says Balding. “This is a perfect way to slightly brighten a mousy color—it still looks very natural, but gives the color strength.”
NAOMIE HARRIS
Subtle chestnut highlights give very dark brown hair a lift. “If you have a similar skin tone and dark brown hair, it’ll add a lovely glow,” says Balding.
RACHEL BILSON
A cooler chocolate color with generous highlights works well with a light tan. “This is great if you have some warmth to your skin tone already or are looking for a softer, more sun-kissed brunette look,” says Balding.
ANA ORTIZ
A warm brown with hints of red glows against olive skin. Boost what you were born with—or maintain your shade between dye jobs—with John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Gloss ($10.29).
LEIGHTON MEESTER
“Right now, it’s very popular for brunettes to put some sun-kissed highlights in their hair, especially from mid-length to ends, to give a more natural, organic feel,” says Balding. Case in point: the caramel highlights through Leighton’s warm brown.
KRISTIN KREUK
“Kristin's rich brunette locks are beautiful,” says Dean of the star’s deep ash brown with hints of mahogany. But if you’re going to go darker, be sure you’ve thought the decision through: “Removing dark color from your hair can take a serious toll if not done properly.”
WENDY WILLIAMS
Lighter brown on top of auburn creates a pretty mix, but taking your hair many shades lighter can lead to damage if you’re not careful. Keep color-treated hair healthy by applying SheaMoisture Deep Treatment Masque ($10.59) weekly.
