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Want to look fresh and fabulous without a lot of effort? Changing your hair color is the best way to crank your style up a notch.
But if you’re searching for a hue that gives your hair an instant transformation but still looks natural, go for a cool light brown hair color!
It’s a look that’s stylish all year round; in fact, it’s the go-to hair color of famous celebrities like Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez, and Anne Hathaway!
The only catch is light brown hair dye has become so popular that there are so many options for it on the market. So it might be hard to pick the right product that’s perfect for your needs and preferences.
To help you along, we’ve compiled a list of the best hair dyes for light brown hair in this article. This will help you pick the highest-quality product that delivers incredible results.
- No ammonia, silicones, parabens, or phthalates
- Uses a 60% oil blend with natural flower oils
- Works on all hair types and textures
- No mixing required
- Gluten-free and vegan
- Ammonia-free; has no parabens, sulfates, and phthalates
- Ammonia-free
- With keratin and silk amino acids
- Uses Revlon’s 3D Color Gel Technology
What Is Light Brown Hair Color?
Light brown hair combines the lightness of blonde hair with the darkness of brown hair, giving you the best of both worlds. It’s a very versatile hair color that can complement any style. Plus, it comes in different shades.
Here are some of the most popular shades of light brown:
- Golden Brown — a slightly darker shade of light brown that almost gives your hair a golden aura and your appearance a sun-kissed look.
- Light Golden Chestnut — a light shade of chestnut brown with warm undertones.
- Light Ash Brown — a light shade of ash brown that combines dirty blonde and brown hues with silver tones.
Different Types of Light Brown Hair Dye
So how do you achieve stunningly lush light brown hair? Well, you’ll need to use light brown hair dye.
Take note that not all hair dyes are made equal. There are different types of dyes that perform different functions and provide vastly different results.
The most popular types of hair dye for light brown hair are semi-permanent dye and permanent dye. Take a look at their differences below.
| Hair Dye Type | Best For | Different Forms | Method of Application | Function | Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semi-permanent | Those who want results for only a few weeks and want less-damaged hair | Dye that may or may not be mixed with developer | Applied every few weeks | Coats the hair shaft with color and clings onto the strands | Lasts for a few weeks |
| Permanent | Those who want long-lasting results | Dye mixed with developer | Applied every few months | Enters the hair cortex and alters the hair structure to change its color | Lasts for months |
What Should You Consider When Choosing the Best Light Brown Hair Dyes Shade for You?
Light brown is a beautiful, natural-looking choice for hair color. But as previously mentioned, it comes in different shades that suit different individuals.
So randomly selecting a brown shade is not a good idea. To help you choose the best light brown hair color for your specific needs, make sure to consider the following factors:
Your Skin Tone
The first step to picking the right shade is to consider your skin tone. Versatile shades of light brown hair dye like copper go with fair, medium, and deep skin tones.
However, some shades are a lot pickier.
Shades like golden brown flatter those with tan or golden skin the most. Light ash brown hair dye, on the other hand, is perfect for individuals with fair skin.
For those with dark skin tones, golden chestnut is the best choice.
Your Current Hair Color
Is your current hair color darker than light brown? If so, you may need to bleach your hair first before you can achieve the very light brown hair color that you want.
However, if the light brown shade of your choice isn’t too far from your current hair color, you may achieve great results with a high-quality boxed dye.
The same goes for those with graying or already gray hair. In fact, a lot of hair dyes on the market are meant to cover gray roots and strands completely.
While most boxed dyes are DIY-friendly, it’s still best to get your hair done by a professional hairstylist or consult one before dyeing your hair to make sure you achieve your desired shade.
Your Hair Type
Keep in mind that some hair dyes work best on specific types of hair.
If you have flat or straight hair, go for hair dyes with a multidimensional light brown color or get light brown highlights and lowlights to make your tresses look more voluminous.
If you have curly or kinky hair that’s naturally dry, it’s best to use gentle dyes that are free of harsh chemicals to prevent damage.
Hair Dye Formula
Changing your hair color typically requires the use of chemicals, but it’s important to avoid those that can damage your hair permanently.
These include ammonia and parabens that can dry out or damage your hair.
If you do choose a product with ammonia for dramatic, lasting results, make sure to deep condition your hair at least once a week after dyeing it.
As always, it is best to do an allergy test days before using any product to ensure you’re not allergic to the hair dye of your choice before fully applying it.
9 Fantastic Light Brown Hair Dye to Suit Your Needs
Not sure where to start looking for the perfect hair dye? We’re here to help you out.
In this list, we’ve selected 9 of the best light brown hair dyes out there. Check out their benefits and features to see which one is perfect for you!
Formulated with natural flower oils, this permanent hair dye gives you long-lasting color while keeping your hair visibly healthy at the same time.
Key benefits: Enhances natural hair color; long-lasting results; 100% gray coverage
Features:
- No ammonia, silicones, parabens, or phthalates
- Uses a 60% oil blend
- Works on all hair types and textures
For beautiful results without damaging your hair, Olia is the way to go.
The Garnier Olia Ammonia-Free Permanent Hair Dye can give you gorgeous brown hair without the use of harmful chemicals!
Instead of ammonia, it has natural flower oils in its formula that help propel the color deep into the strands, making the coloring process more effective.The result is intense, vibrant, and long-lasting color.
It’s also ideal for both full coverage and quick root touch-ups.
Plus, it has a no-drip formula for easy, mess-free application.
Even better, it contains no parabens or silicones that can dry out your strands or weigh down your hair with heavy residue.
On a tight budget? Go for this ammonia-free light brown hair dye brought to you by Revlon, a trusted brand with time-tested hair products.
Key benefits: 100% gray coverage; long-lasting, multidimensional color; natural-looking results
Features:
- Ammonia-free
- With keratin and silk amino acids
- Uses Revlon’s 3D Color Gel Technology
Definitely a fantastic light ash brown hair dye for all ages!
When it comes to hair dye, the fewer chemicals it has, the better it is.
This is why we adore Revlon’s Colorsilk, which gives you a lovely light brown hair color without the nasty odor that comes from ammonia.
Plus, its multidimensional color adds volume to flat or thin hair.
The added keratin and silk amino acids in its formula also improve the condition of your hair, making it shiny and silky.
No wonder it’s the go-to dye for those who want solid results without a hefty price tag!
A semi-permanent hair dye that can enhance natural or color-treated hair while leaving it looking vibrant!
Key benefits: Enhances/deepens color; gives all-around color and shine; deep conditions hair
Features:
- No mixing required
- Gluten-free and vegan
- Ammonia-free; has no parabens, sulfates, and phthalates
Want to try light brown hair without fully committing to it? Try this semi-permanent hair dye for a low-effort, low-commitment change!
Do you want a quick shift to light brown hair? Then using a semi-permanent dye may be perfect for you.
dpHUE Gloss+ offers a glorious shade of light brown hair that looks shiny and deep conditioned. Plus, this product doesn’t need to be mixed — just put it on your hair, leave it on for several minutes, then rinse it away.
This is ideal for use on all hair types. It’s also a great option for those who want to spruce up their looks without risking hair damage from permanent hair dye.
This amazing serum-based hair color cream ensures even application from root to tip, giving your hair a light golden brown shade while also protecting it from breakage.
Key benefits: Intense color; 80% less hair breakage; 100% gray coverage
Features:
- Repairs hair structure
- Comes with a protective pre-color serum
- Great for brittle or mature hair needing inner structure repair
For intense results without much fuss, this product is a solid choice.
Light brown hair dye that also offers deep conditioning? Yes, please!
The Schwarzkopf Keratin Hair Color Cream is amazing at taking care of your hair even as it colors it, leaving it looking healthy and vibrant — with up to 80% less hair breakage to boot!
This makes it ideal for those who already have brittle or mature hair but want to have rich and even-colored light brown hair.
Expect many compliments from friends and colleagues when you use this light brown hair dye!
We love this beloved brand that’s one of the go-to choices for hair dyes.
Key benefits: 100% gray hair coverage; nourishing hair color; up to 8 weeks of color
Features:
- Good for all hair types
- Combines ceramides, glycerin, and Pro-Keratine complex that protects hair as it colors
- Comes with a shampoo for a thorough post-coloring cleanse
For a hair color that’s always in style, go for the L’Oreal Paris Excellence Creme in Light Brown!
This salon-inspired hair dye is a great choice for those who like a more classic color.
L’Oreal Paris Excellence Cream also offers 100% gray hair coverage, so it will do a fabulous job of covering your stubborn grays with a lush light brown hue.
Its Pro-Keratine complex and glycerin content also work hard to help protect your hair, leaving it looking healthy and revitalized.
This is also great for root touch-ups.
This hair dye is definitely a win in our book as it provides fantastic results nicely and easily!
Key benefits: Natural-looking color; 3 salon tones and highlights in 1 step; 100% gray coverage with highlights and lowlights
Features:
- Adds tones and highlights to hair
- Comes with a conditioner that makes hair vibrant
- Uses Clairol’s exclusive ColorBlend technology
For getting authentic-looking light brown hair, you can’t go wrong with Clairol!
Naturally light brown hair doesn’t have one even color all throughout.
So if you’re after an authentic light brown look that comes with highlights and lowlights, this product may be a great choice for you.
It uses Clairol’s ColorBlend technology to create salon-worthy results that last for up to 8 weeks.
It also turns dull grays into vibrant light brown tresses!
We love this hair dye that works hard to color hair while nourishing it at the same time.
Key benefits: Long-lasting color; 100% gray coverage; nourishes hair
Features:
- Has a blend of triple fruits (avocado, olive, shea)
- Non-drip formula
- Good for all hair types
Amazing coverage and incredible moisturizing action: this is Garnier’s guarantee.
How do you dye your hair light brown without damaging it in the process? Well, get the Garnier Nutrisse Nourishing Creme in light brown!
This hair dye performs two functions: it colors hair and nourishes it with natural ingredients like avocado, olive, and shea oil.
The color also penetrates deep into the hair, leaving you with a rich, radiant light brown color that stays on longer!
This foam delivers a gorgeous light brown shade without hassle — a great choice for those who want easy-to-apply hair dye!
Benefits: 100% gray coverage; long-lasting color; nourishes and softens hair
Features:
- Comes in foam that spreads through hair easily
- No drips, no mess
- Comes with after-color conditioner
Love trying out new hair products? Hair dye foam is definitely worth a shot!
With your busy schedule, finding time for self-care may be difficult at times.
That’s why it’s important to find a hair dye that’s easy to use but still gives you incredible results and full coverage, making it easy for you to access those hard-to-reach areas at the back of your head.
Fortunately, the John Frieda Precision Foam Color promises exactly that! This foam easily spreads on your hair and into the roots for all-over coloring, which is important if you want evenly beautiful light brown hair.
This permanent hair color offers a better color for a better you — a great way to spice up your life!
Benefits: 100% gray coverage; silky hydrated hair; radiant color and shine
Features:
- Free from ammonia, parabens, and other chemicals
- Enriched with plant ingredients
- Vegan and cruelty-free
If you’re searching for hair dye from a socially responsible brand, turn to Naturtint!
Naturtint Permanent Hair Color provides an alternative to regular hair dyes by offering one free from chemicals like ammonia, parabens, artificial fragrances, and the like, while still delivering stylish, fabulous results.
It’s a good choice to use for covering those stubborn grays and replacing them with a light golden hue that makes your hair look deeply vibrant and gorgeous.
Its plant ingredients also help nourish and moisturize your hair, leaving it soft to the touch and shiny to boot.
How Do You Apply Light Brown Hair Dye?
The process of applying light brown hair dye typically involves the following steps:
- Gather all the tools and products you need, including your hair dye, developer, mixing bowl, gloves, brush, and comb. Lay them all out on a clean, flat surface.
- Wrap an old shirt or a towel around your shoulders to protect your clothing.
- Put on gloves to protect your skin and nails from hair dye.
- Divide your hair into sections with a comb and a few hair clips.
- Mix the color cream and developer together.
- Use a brush to apply the mixture onto each section of your hair. Start at the roots and work your way toward the ends.
- Allow the dye to develop on your hair for 30 – 45 minutes.
- Rinse the dye out of your hair thoroughly, then use a conditioner to soften your strands and counteract the drying effect of your hair dye. Leave your conditioner in for at least 3 – 5 minutes for maximum moisturization.
Most, if not all, do-it-yourself hair dyes have specific instructions on how to apply their product to your hair. For best results, make sure to follow these guidelines religiously.
How Do You Maintain Your Light Brown Hair Color?
In order to keep your light brown color fresh for longer, hairstylists recommend the following aftercare tips:
- Use blue shampoo and conditioner to cancel out brassy tones.
- Use color-safe products, preferably those specifically designed for dyed brunette hair.
- Avoid going out in the sun and exposing your hair to pollutants.
- Avoid applying too much heat on your hair
- Deep condition your hair frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Go from Dark Brown to Light Brown Hair?
If your hair color is darker than light brown, then you may need to lift it with bleach first instead of just using the lightest brown hair dye around.
Immediately using light brown hair dye for dark hair may not give you the desired results, especially if your hair has already been previously dyed.
However, dark hair that hasn’t been dyed yet can be lightened up to 2 shades even without the use of bleach.
Is Dyeing Your Hair Light Brown Damaging?
Dyeing your hair may cause certain side effects, such as brittleness and loss of volume. This is especially true for those who bleach their hair before dyeing it.
So to avoid damaging your hair, you can follow these tips:
- Use moisturizing shampoos and conditioners
- Avoid using blow-dryers or curling irons
- Make sure to wait 4 to 6 weeks before dyeing your hair again
- Choose hair dyes with moisturizers or moisturizing agents
Get the Best Light Brown Hair Dye That Can Make You Look Like a Star
Using light brown hair dye is a great way to change the color of your hair while making sure you get a soft, natural-looking hue.
The best part is that light brown matches different skin tones and never goes out of style!
So why not experiment with your hair by going light brown today? Feel free to pick a product from our list above to get started and achieve the lovely light brown locks of your dreams.
Want to discover more hair color trends?
Check these out:
