13 Low-Maintenance Ash-Brown Hair Inspirations That Are Effortlessly Chic, According to Stylists

13 Low-Maintenance Ash-Brown Hair Inspirations That Are Effortlessly Chic, According to Stylists

      Have you observed a noticeable increase in the number of fashionable brunettes populating your Explore and For You pages in 2025? The fashion influencers on TikTok and Instagram are gravitating towards a specific hue that is anticipated to be one of the year's major trending colors: ash brown. Given our tendency to spend more time than most scrolling for hair inspiration (and having some of the industry's leading hairstylists and color experts just a message away), we felt it was time to delve into this trend and share our predictions for what we hope to see more of. While we can't predict the future, the Who What Wear beauty editors have a talent for identifying the hair colors you'll likely consider for your next salon appointment. We're excited to present 13 of our favorite ash-brown hair looks recently showcased by celebrities, along with recommendations from a color expert to help you achieve your desired ash-brown locks.

      What Is Ash Brown?

      If you're as passionate about trending hair colors as we are, you probably have a good idea of what ash brown resembles, but defining it can be more difficult. Thankfully, hair color expert Sue Tyrrell provides a straightforward definition to guide you in your quest for style inspiration and addresses any queries you may have about this effortlessly stylish color trend, including which color combinations work best. "Ash brown is a cool-toned brunette with smoky, silver undertones," she explains. When you ask your colorist for this shade, Tyrrell suggests requesting a neutral to cool brown with no red or orange warmth. Bringing a photo reference can also be useful if you have a specific vibrancy, texture, or tone in mind.

      Is Ash Brown Easy to Maintain?

      Now, for the crucial question: How much upkeep is needed to maintain this shade's salon-fresh appearance after the initial application? Tyrrell informs us that ash brown does require maintenance, particularly if your natural undertones are warm. "Ash tones fade more quickly and can become brassy without proper care," she cautions. "The right at-home haircare is necessary." Take this as a reminder to stock up on high-quality color-safe shampoos, conditioners, and styling products if you want this chic hue to last, and be sure to schedule touch-ups with a reliable colorist to address any fading proactively.

      Continue scrolling to discover the best ash-brown hair ideas adored by editors and colorists alike, as showcased by stylish celebrities and public figures, from Lily-Rose Depp to Daisy Edgar-Jones. Plus, shop for a selection of top products to keep your strands looking vibrant and healthy.

      ### Golden Beige

      (Image credit: Karwai Tang/Getty Images)

      Depp made a striking entrance on the 2019 Met Gala carpet with this gorgeous shade crafted by colorist Cass Kaeding. It blends butterscotch blonde with subtle ash and brown, featuring dark roots and light ends.

      ### Smoky Balayage

      Emily in Paris's Ashley Park often sport high-volume ash brown styles. The one shown above was created by celebrity hairstylist and wig expert Clayton Hawkins, who combined vibrant shades of caramel brown, taupe, and gray throughout her hair.

      ### Money Pieces

      (Image credit: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)

      For a soft ash-brown balayage, Tyrrell suggests adding money pieces to an ash-brown base for extra interest. We’re inspired by Ciara’s look at the 2024 CFDA Fashion Awards at the American Museum of Natural History, where she wore a tousled bun with face-framing pieces.

      ### Shadow Roots

      (Image credit: Marc Piasecki/Getty Images)

      Tyrrell also recommends incorporating dimension into your ash-brown hair with shadow roots that "melt into a smoky brunette balayage." Hailey Bieber showcased this look with a bob at the Saint Laurent womenswear S/S 24 show, which has stayed in our minds ever since.

      ### Brass Tones

      If striking brass tones align with your style, consider emulating this sleek look seen on Emmy-winning news anchor Bianca Peters. Remember to apply ample heat protection to your hair before using any heat styling tools and finish with a spray for shine and hold.

      ### Subtle Highlights

      Adding delicate blonde highlights to a mushroom-brown base gives just the right amount of allure and edge to wavy hair. This effortless look, styled by celebrity hairstylist Marissa Marino, was worn by Selena Gomez.

      ### Gray Streaks

      (Image credit: Mike Marsland/Getty Images)

      Light strands strategically placed around the face can brighten complexions and enhance eye brightness, particularly against mousse brown tones, as seen in the classic bob Hailee Steinfeld wore to the Sinners European premiere.

      ### Mocha Ash

      (Image credit: Stephane Cardinale - Corbis/Getty Images)

      At the 78th annual Cannes Film Festival, Edgar-Jones dazzled with this refined mocha ash style. While it lacks the hints of blonde present in several other favorite ash-brown hairstyles, we

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13 Low-Maintenance Ash-Brown Hair Inspirations That Are Effortlessly Chic, According to Stylists

Stunning doesn't even begin to cover it.