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

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

      Have you noticed an increase in the number of fashionable brunettes appearing on your Explore and For You pages in 2025? Fashion enthusiasts on TikTok and Instagram are gravitating towards a particular shade poised to be one of the most popular colors this year: ash brown. Since we tend to spend more time than usual searching for hair inspiration (and have access to some of the industry's top stylists 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. Although we can't predict the future, the Who What Wear beauty editors have a talent for identifying the leading hair colors you'll be considering for your next salon visit. We're excited to present 13 of our favorite ash brown hair looks seen recently on celebrities, along with expert advice to help you achieve your desired ash brown hairstyle.

      What Is Ash Brown?

      If you are as passionate about trending hair colors as we are, you might already have a good sense of what ash brown is, but describing it can be tricky. Fortunately, hair color expert Sue Tyrrell provides a simple definition to guide you as you seek style inspiration, along with answers to any questions you might have about this effortlessly trendy color, including which color combinations work best. "Ash brown is a cool-toned brunette with smoky, silver undertones," she explains. When asking for this shade from your colorist, Tyrrell recommends requesting a neutral to cool brown without any red or orange warmth. It's also beneficial to bring a photo if you have a particular tone, vibrancy, or texture in mind.

      Is Ash Brown Easy to Maintain?

      Now for the big question: How much upkeep is needed to keep this shade looking salon-fresh after the first application? Tyrrell informs us that ash brown requires maintenance, especially if your natural undertones are warm. "Ash tones fade more quickly and can become brassy without proper care," she cautions. "You need to use the right at-home haircare." Consider this your reminder to stock up on the best color-safe shampoos, conditioners, and styling products to prolong the life of this chic shade, and don’t forget to arrange touch-ups with a trusted colorist to manage any fading before it starts.

      Continue reading to discover the best ways to style ash-brown hair, as favored by editors and colorists alike, showcased by fashionable celebrities and public figures, from Lily-Rose Depp to Daisy Edgar-Jones. Plus, find a selection of top products to keep your hair healthy and vibrant.

      Golden Beige

      (Image credit: Karwai Tang/Getty Images)

      Depp made an impression on the 2019 Met Gala red carpet with this beautiful shade created by colorist Cass Kaeding. It combines butterscotch blonde with soft ash and brown, featuring dark roots and light ends.

      Smoky Balayage

      Emily in Paris's Ashley Park is often seen with voluminous styles in ash brown. The look above was crafted by celebrity hairstylist and wig expert Clayton Hawkins, blending vivid shades of caramel brown, taupe, and gray throughout her hair.

      Money Pieces

      (Image credit: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)

      For a subtle ash-brown balayage, Tyrrell suggests pairing an ash-brown base with money pieces for extra flair. We're inspired by Ciara's look at the 2024 CFDA Fashion Awards, where she sported a tousled bun with face-framing pieces.

      Shadow Roots

      (Image credit: Marc Piasecki/Getty Images)

      Tyrrell also recommends adding depth to your ash-brown hair with shadow roots that "melt into a smoky brunette balayage." Hailey Bieber showcased this style with a bob at the Saint Laurent womenswear S/S 24 show, and it has remained a favorite in our minds ever since.

      Brass Tones

      If you prefer striking brass tones, consider replicating this sleek hairstyle seen on Emmy-winning news anchor Bianca Peters. Be sure to apply heat protection to your hair before using any heat and finish with a spray for shine and hold.

      Subtle Highlights

      Incorporating subtle blonde highlights into a base of mushroom-brown hair introduces just the right amount of intrigue and edge to wavy locks. This effortless style on Selena Gomez was crafted by celebrity hairstylist Marissa Marino.

      Gray Streaks

      (Image credit: Mike Marsland/Getty Images)

      Delicate strands positioned around the face can enhance skin tones and make the eyes appear brighter, especially against mousse brown shades, as seen in this classic bob worn by actress Hailee Steinfeld at the Sinners European premiere.

      Mocha Ash

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

      At the 78th annual Cannes Film Festival, Edgar-Jones captivated us with her sophisticated mocha ash hairstyle. While it lacks the blonde highlights found in many of our favorite ash-brown looks, we love how radiant her skin appears against it.

      Honey Dipped

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

Stunning doesn't even begin to describe it.