9 Hair Rules Every Brunette Should Know

As a proud brunette, I admit I've tried every other hair color possible (sorry for the damage, strands) and always return to my roots. I love my naturally dark tones, but knowing how to care for brunette hair isn't as much of a no-brainer as you might think. For those with brown hair, there are so many transformative products that create vibrant color, all while preventing breakage, repairing damage already done, and encouraging shine and manageability.

Keeping darker hair happy and healthy can start in the shower, where you need to be sure that you're using brunette-friendly shampoos and conditioners that clean and add softness to your hair without fading or dulling your color. Then, as you go throughout your week, it's important to remember to protect your hair against sun damage, as blondes aren't the only ones who see the consequences of sun's harsh effects on hair. Using a lightweight (but powerful) SPF hair mist lets you enjoy your time outside while keeping your hair from breaking and becoming brittle in warm temperatures. So, read on to learn how to embrace what nature gave you (or your awesome colorist) by keeping your brunette hair strong, healthy, and absolutely luminous.

Cleanse Your Hair With A Brunette-Friendly Shampoo

Tressa Watercolors Mocha Drench Shampoo, $12, Amazon; Design Essentials Henna Deep Cleansing Shampoo, $11, Amazon

For darker hair shades, it's important to protect your natural or color-treated hair with a product that caters to your unique hue. The Mocha Drench brunette-friendly shampoo is a great everyday cleanser for those with brown hair because it saturates hair in dark chocolate tones — filtering out any red or brassy hues that can mess with the shade you want. One user calls it the best color depositing shampoo they've found so far because it leaves hair feeling "clean, shiny, and silky." And on weeks when you've gone a little overboard with hair mousses, creams, and sprays, have a deep-cleansing brunette wash on hand. This Design Essentials one is formulated with hydrolyzed oat protein to strengthen hair weakened by too much styling, and its henna formula makes sure your color remains rich and vibrant.

And Hydrate With Moisturizing Conditioner For Dark Shades

TIGI Bed Head Brunette Goddess Conditioner , $12, Amazon; Aveda Madder Root Conditioner, $24, Amazon

Just like choosing a shampoo specifically formulated for brunettes is vital to hair health and vibrance, so is finishing your shower routine with a conditioner made for brunettes. This Bed Head conditioner is enriched with essential nutrients to boost your hair's strength and shine. Most importantly, it will ensure that your color doesn't fade and your strands don't become dull or brittle. This root conditioner from Aveda is a great match for darker hair tones, too, especially if your brunette hair naturally contains a little red. It's created with clover and sweet almond extract to deep condition and nourish hair, while its henna extract ensures brunette tones stay bright.

Or Wash With Hair Duo That Works Together For Warmer Brunette Shades

Tigi Catwalk Fashionista Brunette Tween Shampoo & Conditioner , $26, Amazon

If you want to do everything possible to revive your brunette locks, the Aminoshield technology in this shampoo and conditioner set is blended with rich oils and horse chestnut extract to hit refresh on your brown hair, and make it more radiant. Plus, the conditioner works overtime to protect against breakage and keep your hair smooth and shiny as it dries. One user says she finally loves her hair after using these products because they "not only brightened and brought out highlights, but made hair very manageable."

Shower A Few Times Per Week & Use Tinted Dry Shampoo On Off Days

Klorane Tinted Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk for Brunettes , $10, Amazon

Showering every day (especially in hot temps) can strip your hair of the essential oils it needs to stay strong, shiny, and healthy. On your off days, instead of using any dry shampoo, use a tinted one that caters to your dark shade. This oat milk-infused spray cleans hair of excess dirt and oils and restores your hair's volume when it starts to fall flat. Plus, the oat milk works to soothe and restore your hair's softness and vibrant color so it always looks like you came straight from a salon appointment.

Protect Your Hair With An SPF Lightweight Hair Mist

Aveda Sun Care Protective Hair Veil , $32, Amazon

Blondes aren't the only ones who have to worry about sun damage — as a brunette, you should protect your hair from drying out and breaking by using products that contain a strong SPF. This UV-defense mist has wintergreen and cinnamon bark oils that protect hair from sun damage. It also conditions and detangles hair with shea butter, coconut, and palm oils, so you'll never have to see the after-effects of spending a fun day in the sun.

Remember That A High-Gloss Hair Glaze Is A Brunette's Best Friend

John Frieda Liquid Shine Clear Hair Glaze , $8, Amazon

If you want to revive your hair's tone and texture without making a costly salon appointment, snag this salon-inspired formula for brunettes. Its technology gives dark hair shades a high-gloss shine and a silky smooth texture. Whether you decide to use this product every day or once a week for a deep 20-minute treatment, you'll see your hair's vibrance and texture improve over time with continued use. Bonus: This glaze fills in your hair's damaged areas and improves its overall strength.

Or Apply A Color-Enhancing Treatment To Keep Your Dark Hair Looking Salon-Treated

Nevo Color Enhancer Treatment Cocoa Brunette By Pravana, $25, Amazon

If your salon visits are few and far between (I know the budget struggle), then you'll love this brunette color-enhancing treatment that keeps your color looking brand new. After you apply it to your hair, your deep cocoa color will be intensified, and you'll have glossy shine, plus much stronger locks. Pro Tip: For the best color results, apply this enhancer to your hair once a week before you shower, keeping it on for 15 minutes before rinsing.

All-Natural Henna Hair Color Is A Better Alternative To Box Dyes

Caca Marron Mama Hair Henna by LUSH, $41, Amazon

This all-natural box dye alternative contains henna, cocoa butter, and essential oils that create a gentle natural mixture, which when mixed with warm water and applied to hair, produce amazing dark hair tones. This brick has indigo and ground coffee that coats your hair in a deep brown color, and it also has nettle powder to soothe your scalp. Users love this product because it gives hair a luxurious shine.

Makeup Hues Can Further Enhance Dark Hair Tone — Try Rosy Blush & Peach Balm

NARS Blus h, Orgasm, $30, Amazon; Tonymoly Mini Lip Balm (Set of 3), $14, Amazon

Makeup hues can make hair tones appear more vibrant, especially if one's skin is on the fairer side. Using a long-lasting rosy blush on your cheeks can ensure darker hair tones don't throw off your balance — this one's formulated to feel lightweight on your skin, and it has a slight shimmer to give you a natural-looking glow. Marie Claire suggests switching your lip color to a peachy tone, too, to create a fresh-faced look that matches beautifully with darker hair tones. This three-pack of fun peach toned balms have smooth applications that keep your lips moisturized, all while delivering eye-catching color that lasts all day. Plus, one fan said, "I have tried a lot of peach scented/flavored skin and body care, and this is the best peach scent. I will definitely be re-upping on this product once it is gone."

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