Important: This article is for informational purposes only. Please read our full disclaimer for more details.
Caring for brunette hair involves adopting a routine that emphasizes hydration, color preservation, and overall hair health. By following these expert-backed tips, you can keep your hair vibrant, shiny, and free from damage.
1. Use Color-Safe Products
Preserve the richness of your brunette shade by using shampoos and conditioners specifically formulated for color-treated hair. Look for products that are sulfate-free and paraben-free, as these ingredients can strip color and moisture. Popular options include L’Oréal Paris Elvive Color Protect Shampoo and Josh Wood Colour Brunette Shampoo, both designed to prevent fading and brassiness.
Additionally, incorporating a purple or blue-toned shampoo occasionally can neutralize any unwanted warm or orange tones in brunette hair.(1) & (2)
2. Deep Condition Regularly
Hydration is vital for brunette hair, particularly if it’s color-treated. Using a deep conditioning treatment once or twice a week can restore moisture, prevent dullness, and add softness. The L’Oréal Paris Elvive Color Vibrancy Repair Mask is an excellent choice, as it targets color-treated hair specifically.
For a DIY alternative, you can use natural ingredients like coconut oil, argan oil, or avocado to create your own moisturizing hair mask. These ingredients are rich in fatty acids and vitamins, which deeply hydrate the hair.(1) & (3)
3. Limit Hair Washing
Frequent washing strips the natural oils that protect your hair and can cause color to fade faster. Ideally, wash your hair every two to three days. On non-wash days, use a high-quality dry shampoo, such as Batiste Dry Shampoo or Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk, to absorb excess oil and maintain a fresh appearance.
Excessive washing can also lead to scalp dryness, which may contribute to flaking. Consider incorporating scalp care products like exfoliating scrubs once a month to maintain a healthy scalp.(4)
4. Rinse with Cool Water
Hot water can weaken the hair’s cuticle, leading to increased frizz, dullness, and fading. After shampooing and conditioning, always rinse your hair with cool or lukewarm water. This practice helps seal the cuticle, lock in color, and enhance shine.
To make this step even more effective, try a final rinse with apple cider vinegar diluted in water. This natural remedy balances the pH of your hair and boosts shine.(6)
5. Protect from Heat Damage
Heat styling tools, such as flat irons and curling wands, can dry out your hair and lead to fading. Minimize their use, and when you do style with heat, always apply a heat protectant spray, such as Redken Extreme Play Safe or TRESemmé Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray.
Using tools with adjustable heat settings can also reduce damage. Keep the temperature below 350°F (175°C) to protect your strands.(5)
6. Touch Up Color with Care
When refreshing your brunette color, focus on regrowth areas to prevent overlapping dye on previously colored sections. Overlapping can lead to uneven tones and unnecessary damage. Consider using professional-grade root touch-up kits, like the Clairol Root Touch-Up Kit, for a quick fix between salon visits.[Source: (2)
7. Use Gloss Treatments
Gloss treatments are an easy way to maintain the richness and shine of brunette hair. These can be done at home or in a salon and work to refresh the color while adding hydration and a luminous finish. Try at-home options like John Frieda Luminous Glaze Clear Shine Gloss or professional salon treatments like Redken Shades EQ Gloss.(3)
8. Be Ingredient-Savvy
Check product labels for nourishing ingredients like keratin, lipids, and argan oil, which help maintain moisture levels and strengthen hair. Avoid products with harsh chemicals like silicones, sulfates, and alcohols that can cause buildup or dryness.
Switching to clean beauty brands, such as Briogeo or SheaMoisture, ensures your hair receives gentle yet effective care.(5)
9. Shield from Environmental Damage
UV rays, pollution, and harsh weather conditions can all dull your brunette color. Protect your hair by wearing a hat, scarf, or using products with built-in UV protection, like Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Heat/UV Protective Primer.
Chlorine from pools can also strip color, so use a protective swim cap or coat your hair with a leave-in conditioner before swimming.(7)
Final Thoughts
Brunette hair thrives with consistent care and protection. By choosing the right products, limiting damage, and maintaining hydration, you can keep your hair vibrant, healthy, and full of life. Remember, small adjustments to your routine can make a big difference in maintaining your gorgeous brunette shade.
