You've probably heard the played out saying that blondes have more fun or even that redheads are somehow more prone to being "fiery." In fact, brunettes are usually seen in movies as being serious, mousy, or even in need of a makeover because brown hair supposedly isn't interesting enough on its own. But every hair color, from natural to rainbow, is amazing in its own way. If you're in love with your dark tresses, you might not know that there are actually some things you shouldn't do to brown hair. You'd be surprised how many little things can actually be taking away from your otherwise flawless, chocolate hair game.
Whether you were born with naturally toasted tresses or you acquired your chestnut color from a box or the salon, there are some basic brunette dos and don'ts for every type. If you're like me, you want to make sure you're getting the most out of your look without breaking the bank. Thankfully, by checking out some of the most common mocha mane mistakes people make in their beauty and styling routines, you can save yourself time, money, and feel more confident knowing that you're giving your luscious locks the treatment they deserve.
1
Don't Expect Magic
Pretty much every single person with dark hair has contemplated going lighter at least once in their lives. Whether it's a change in the seasons or you're just wanting to switch things up, you should have some realistic expectations even if you're only adding highlights. Tiffany Sposato, a Pravana-certified hair stylist and colorist, says that a common mistake many brunettes make is that they expect to instantly go from a deep shade to a bright blonde hue. She advises that you take the bleaching in slow steps because overdoing it could seriously damage your tresses.
2
Don't Rush Things
Even if you're not doing a drastic all-over color change, highlights can still have a strong effect on brown hair. Don't feel bad if you've colored too frequently, though. Practically everyone is guilty of committing this chocolate hair cardinal sin. Stylist Kathy Galotti told Glamour that brunettes shouldn't color as often as their blonde counterparts. "Don't highlight any sooner than four months," she said. "If you do, you'll lose your natural color."
3
Don't Go Crazy With Dry Shampoo
Everyone has been there. You wake up late with no time to wash your hair, so you reach for the spray-in dry shampoo to remedy your oily residue situation. But before you cover your coif in dry shampoo, remember that it can leave your dark locks looking hazy, dusty, or even gray. So instead of going overboard trying to cover up your dirty tresses, try applying it the night before so the dry shampoo can really absorb by morning. If you're short on time, though, just make sure you work it in thoroughly so you don't leave the house looking like a skunk.
Try: Klorane Tinted Dry Shampoo for Brunettes, $12, Amazon
4
Don't Dismiss Your Cut
Brown hair can come in a range of depths and varieties. From the warmth of rich cocoa hues to the cool undertones of an ashy sepia, your color is so much more than "just brown." But a common mistake brunettes make is not coordinating their length with their color. "hair color should be inversely proportional to hair length," celeb stylist Rita Hazan told Marie Claire. "Shorter hair can go lighter, while longer hair should be warmer and deeper."
5
Don't Think "One Size Fits All"
One of the biggest things you shouldn't do to your brown mane is to treat it as if it has the same needs as every other color. Brunettes have some unique needs, too. For instance, did you know that dark hair absorbs more heat, which can cause damage? So it's super important to care for your hair's specific needs especially in regards to its color. The darker your shade, the more moisture and repair might need to be incorporated into your hair maintenance routine. Thankfully, Galotti told Glamour that there are conditioners and serums specifically for brunettes, too.
Try: Arvazallia Hydrating Argan Oil Hair Mask, $12.95, Amazon
6
Don't Ignore Your Skin
Whether your brown hair is what you were born with or something your picked out yourself, you should pay attention to your skin tone. The quickest way to wash out your face or make your complexion look dull is to ignore the color relationship between your tresses and your skin. Sposato says that it can be as easy as doing a gloss or semi-permanent toner to breathe new life into your brown mane. She says that if your skin is on the deeper or olive side, you can add some warmth to your strands. Conversely, if you're fair-skinned, you might want to do a little caramel gloss to give you a glow.
