The "Expensive Brunette" Hair Color Will Make You Feel Like a Million Bucks
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"Expensive brunette" is not a nickname (although, if the shoe fits) — it's a hair-color trend that has had everyone, including celebrities in Hollywood, flocking to their hairstylists for a winter refresh. Hair-color treatments, in general, are pretty expensive, but this name refers to a specific color that makes you look and feel like a million bucks the second you walk out of the salon.
This hair-color trend is more about the finish of the hair than the color itself. "Expensive brunette is all about a luxe feel, focusing on dimension, shine, and hair health," celebrity hairstylist Liam Curran tells PS. The look is ultrashiny and glossy, as if you just got a blowout and color touch-up the day before. It comes on the heels of the liquid hair trend, which is all about creating a smooth, mirror-like appearance in the hair's surface. Want to learn more? Keep reading for expert tips on how to get the look as well as how you can maintain it at home.
Experts Featured in This Article
Liam Curran is a celebrity hairstylist and Tangle Teezer ambassador.
What Is Expensive Brunette Hair?
Step one of achieving the expensive-brunette hair color is booking an appointment with a professional. "Expensive brunette is not an all-over color," Curran says. Therefore you won't be able to achieve it with a box of hair dye. Your hairstylist will come up with the best color for you based on a number of factors (skin tone, eye color, lifestyle, etc.). "If you're interested in trying out expensive brunette, explore dimension, high shine, depth, intermixed tones, and custom blends with your stylist." The key to looking "expensive" is having a beautiful hair color that complements you perfectly, and then focusing on maintaining its shine and smoothness.
How to Maintain Expensive Brunette Hair
"When coloring your hair any color, it's always important to maintain a healthy condition," Curran says. That means using hair masks to deep condition regularly and minimizing heat damage as much as possible. Keep scrolling to see our favorite examples of the expensive brunette hair color — plus products to help you get (and maintain) the look at home. Don't worry: it won't cost you nearly as much as it will look like it did.
To keep the high-shine finish in your hair, try a hair gloss. The best (and most long-lasting) results come from an in-salon treatment, but you can also DIY the look with at-home options like the L'Oréal Le Color Gloss One Step Toning Gloss ($16) or the Madison Reed Color Reviving Gloss in Glassa ($25).
How to Style Expensive Brunette Hair
The best way to add that liquid hair-level shine is to use hair oils or shine sprays when styling the hair. Some of our favorites include the Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil ($30) and Amika Top Gloss Hair Shine Spray ($29).
Also, don't forget to brush. You've likely heard the old wives tale that brushing your hair 100 times gets it looking better than ever. That's not necessarily true, but a good hairbrush can help smooth frizz (which, in turn, can lead to shinier ends). If you're ready to take the plunge, keep scrolling for some expensive brunette inspiration you can bring with you to your next salon appointment.
![Shoulder-Length Expensive Brunette Hair](https://media1.popsugar-assets.com/files/thumbor/NjigPyJ-NjFj8-Gjh_9xytqhFds=/fit-in/792x1188/filters:format_auto():upscale()/2024/11/08/826/n/1922153/2e3070bd76900d1a_GettyImages-2176367335.jpg)
Shoulder-Length Expensive Brunette Hair
This shoulder-length expensive brunette hair has a severe side part. The cut is kept mostly all one length, which gives the hair a thick and full appearance. The color is a chocolate brown with an ultra-glossy sheen.
![Short Expensive Brunette Hair](https://media1.popsugar-assets.com/files/thumbor/RJQChagnXq1B2Re-Vxwi3_VO_hQ=/fit-in/792x528/top/filters:format_auto():upscale()/2024/11/08/826/n/1922153/81832f36516d523a_GettyImages-2176229892.jpg)
Short Expensive Brunette Hair
Expensive brunette hair looks great at any length, even a bob. The key is to make sure the hair looks shiny from any angle, which is especially easy after you've chopped off all of your dead ends.
![Cool-Toned Expensive Brunette Hair](https://media1.popsugar-assets.com/files/thumbor/SGjSyKUZNsCQ-wKH0oZWzg06bU4=/fit-in/792x1188/filters:format_auto():upscale()/2022/01/12/949/n/1922153/aab17b938dbc446b_GettyImages-1352242414.jpg)
Cool-Toned Expensive Brunette Hair
If you have cool undertones, a cooler take on expensive brunette hair will look best on you. Unsure of your undertone? Find out here.
![Warm-Toned Expensive Brunette Hair](https://media1.popsugar-assets.com/files/thumbor/ndffmvrEx0btz-LRRYm7DvL9wcY=/fit-in/792x1188/filters:format_auto():upscale()/2022/01/12/855/n/1922153/7a55cf8f82b051c4_GettyImages-642144506.jpg)
Warm-Toned Expensive Brunette Hair
Expensive brunette hair looks great with warmer tones woven in, especially if you have a warm undertone. The cohesive shades will help bring out your best features.
![Straight Expensive Brunette Hair](https://media1.popsugar-assets.com/files/thumbor/VtK7kToMISudLP4rh2Yh96k_FiQ=/fit-in/792x528/top/filters:format_auto():upscale()/2022/01/12/950/n/1922153/a9c6272c8cd4a0af_GettyImages-1348849962.jpg)
Straight Expensive Brunette Hair
Expensive brunette hair looks great when you combine it with a sleek, straight style. Flat iron it for a liquid hair effect.
![Curly Expensive Brunette Hair](https://media1.popsugar-assets.com/files/thumbor/Dqe0NrB-ZfV92AqiMZAoh8f08yQ=/fit-in/792x528/top/filters:format_auto():upscale()/2022/01/12/855/n/1922153/21774edc66087950_GettyImages-1187682421.jpg)
Curly Expensive Brunette Hair
Maintaining the expensive brunette look on curly hair is easy, but hairstylists say you should avoid excessive brushing. Stick to applying hair oils and shine sprays to define your curl pattern and add extra dimension (that looks extra expensive) to the hair.
— Additional reporting by Renee Rodriguez
Jessica Harrington (she/her) is the senior editor of PS Beauty, where she oversees coverage around makeup, skin care, hair, tattoos, and more. With more than eight years of industry experience, she has interviewed countless celebrities, reported on hundreds of beauty trends, and swatched more lipsticks than she can count. Prior to PS, Jessica worked for publications such as Makeup.com, Skincare.com, and The Zoe Report.
Renee Rodriguez (she/her) is a staff writer and social producer for PS. She writes across all verticals, but her main areas of expertise focus on fashion and beauty content with an emphasis on reviews and editor experiments. She also produces social content for the PS TikTok and Instagram accounts.