Brunette vs black hair color – what’s the difference? Most people associate the term “brunette” with a brown hair color.
While that’s technically correct, the term also refers to a large spectrum of hues ranging from light brown to black hair color. The thing about black hair is – it’s not really “black.” It’s more of a deep dark brown that makes it look black due to various combinations of undertones and textures.
That being said, hair dye marketed as brunette usually refers to medium to dark brown hues, while those marketed as black hair color usually refer to dark black hues.
How do you pick the best shade of brunette vs black hair color for your complexion? Here’s everything you need to know to steer clear of a huge color mishap.
Undertones 101: Figuring Out Your Skin Tone
Before you grab the first brunette or black hair color kit you come across, you need to determine your skin’s undertone. A hue that looks great on someone else may not have the same flattering effect on you.
To figure out what your skin tone is, examine the color of the veins on the inside part of your wrist. If they have a greenish tint to them, it means you’re warm-toned. Your skin may give off a yellowish or golden hue, and chances are you also have hazel, amber, brown, or dark brown eyes. If gold jewelry complements your skin compared to silver, it is likely because you are warm-toned.
On the other hand, if your veins have a bluish tint, it means you’re cool-toned. It may give off a pinkish hue, and you may also have green, gray, or blue eyes. If silver jewelry looks better on you compared to gold pieces, it is likely because you have a cool skin tone.
If your veins appear to be the same color as your skin, or you find that gold and silver jewelry both look great on you, it means you have a neutral undertone. Neutral-toned individuals have a wider range of hair colors to choose from.
Brunette vs Black Hair Color: Picking the Right Hue
Choosing the best shade of brunette or black hair color for your undertone is the difference between giving your skin the glow-up you never knew you needed vs. making it look washed out. When looking for the perfect hue, you need to play the name game. There are certain color buzzwords you need to check for.
If you come across hair colors with words like platinum, ash, or champagne, those apply to cool hues. These tend to have a calming effect on the skin. On the other hand, color kits with words like copper, bronze, or golden apply to warm hues. These add warmth to the skin.
Best Brunette Hues for Warm and Cool Tones
If you’re cool-toned, the most flattering brunette hair color shade for your undertone includes:
- Cool brown
- Light brown
- Medium-ash brown
- Walnut brown
These shades tend to have violet, green, and bluish undertones, which work well to balance out any redness in fair and medium skin tones. They also serve as a great base color if you want to add blonde or lighter-colored highlights.
Darker hair colors in the brunette family, such as dark brown or walnut brown, have a stunning impact on fair skin tones (think Katie Holmes). If a statement look is what you’re after, then, by all means, go for it!
On the other hand, if you’re warm-toned, the most flattering brunette hair colors for you include:
These different shades are extremely versatile and add a nice, subtle warmth to the skin. The deeper mocha and chocolate hues are especially flattering on individuals with medium to dark skin tones (think Zendaya).
Best Black Hues for Warm and Cool Tones
If you’re cool-toned, the most flattering black hair colors for your undertone include:
- Jet black
- Dark espresso
- Natural black
- Platinum/icy black
Jet black, as a statement color, flatters individuals with fair and light skin tones. However, their skin also needs to have a rosy undertone as opposed to greenish or blue.
If you’re warm-toned, the most flattering black hair colors for your undertone include:
- Cherry black
- Off black
Try Something New Today
Brunette vs black hair color – what’s the verdict? The truth is they are both amazing colors that complement a wide range of skin tones. Before you dismiss them as flat and one-dimensional, try out the shades we’ve highlighted in this post. You might be pleasantly surprised by the results.
Need some color inspiration? Check out these trendy long brunette hairstyles you might like.
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