Going for a new hair color is no small commitment (time-wise or dollar-wise), so odds are you're motivated to do everything in your power to make sure that when that salon chair spins around and faces you toward the mirror, you're instantly feeling it. At Byrdie, we're in the business of making your hair decisions easier, and this time, we're here to specifically help you figure out the best hair colors for people with brown eyes.
So, if you're on the hunt for the most natural looking hair colors for brown eyes, you've landed in the right place. We consulted Team Byrdie's trusted celebrity colorist, Matt Rez from Mèche Salon in Beverly Hills, who helped us put together this handy gallery of hair color for brown eyes to show your colorist on the next trip to the salon. Read on to find a bevy of hair colors that pair beautifully with brown eyes
Meet the Expert
Matt Rez is a celebrity colorist from Mèche Salon in Beverly Hills, CA and is a Redken Color Ambassador. His clients include Ashley Benson, Olivia Holt, and Camila Mendes, and his work has been featured in Allure, Refinery29, and WhoWhatWear.
Not So Basic Black
Despite its neutral tone, black hair is anything but basic, especially when it accompanies the feature of brown eyes. This classic combination exudes sophistication and timeless beauty, as demonstrated here on Jodie Turner Smith.
The intense pigment of black hair creates a striking contrast that enhances the warmth and depth of brown eyes.
Black hair does a wonderful job of accenting dark features such as brown eyes and dark eyebrows. Lupita Nyong'o stuns in this naturally styled black up 'do.
Darkest Dimensional Brown
The base of this brunette is in the darkest brown category, says Rez, and touches of cinnamon and espresso highlights break up the color and add dimension. Rez created the above look on Eiza González knowing it would perfectly complement her brown eyes and olive skin tone.
"Highlights will keep the color from looking flat," Rez explains, adding that the look works especially well for super–dark brown eyes.
Out of the many daring hair colors Selena Gomez has sported, this dark dimensional brown strikes us as one of the most becoming.
Sun-Drenched Brunette
Looking to go a little lighter? This multidimensional look, which sits on the blonder side of brunette, is tailor-made for brown eyes. Exhibit A: Kaia Gerber's mesmerizing highlights.
Going for this look? Make sure you ask your colorist for what Rez calls "mid-light ribbons of auburn that melt into medium and light golden highlights, and enough of the medium-brown base color throughout the silhouette to keep from being a bronde."
According to Rez, this look is particularly ideal for medium-brown eyes. In addition, he says, "This brunette shade of hair has a multicolor and tonal dimension to complement those with more of the lighter olive to fair skin colors."
True Auburn
Branch a little further out of the brunette family with a fun, rich auburn. This look is great for "brown eyes that tend toward more honey, hazel, and olive," Rez says.
You can play with the levels of red in your auburn (and, of course, it will look a little different depending on the light). Emma Watson's look above, for example, is more of a subtle, brunette-leaning take.
Out of all of Julia Roberts's hair eras, her timeless 2007 auburn is undoubtedly one of our favorites.
Those with fair skin tones tend to choose auburn for their locks, but who could forget when Halle Berry proved that it can look killer on darker complexions, too?
Solid Golden Blonde
If you're looking for a blonde option, this golden honey shade looks particularly smoldering with brown eyes.
Singer-songwriter Tori Kelly is one of our favorite brown-eyed blondes. Her incredible curly texture and bright golden strands get all yeses from us.
If you're looking for more dimension in your color, try asking your colorist for the "4D blonde" technique, which guarantees a stunning level and tone.
Beyoncé's slightly cooler-toned take on the shade pairs beautifully with her complexion.
Copper Brown
Copper hair is a great complement to brown eyes. The rich, reddish tones in copper hair create a striking contrast with brown eyes, enhancing both their depth and vibrance.
Copper hair helps enhance the earthy warmth in brown eyes, making them a beautiful combination.
Kendall Jenner's brilliant copper color brings out the dark allure of her brown eyes.