2025 is shaping up to be the year of brunettes, and there’s one shade that’s stealing the spotlight: chestnut. This warm, rich color is universally flattering, making it a go-to choice for anyone looking to add depth and dimension to their look.
Chestnut hair isn’t just popular—it’s versatile, natural-looking, and easy to customize for different skin tones and styles. Whether you’re a brunette looking to refresh your color or ready to dive into darker hues, chestnut is the perfect pick. Curious about how to make this timeless shade work for you? Let’s dive in!
Is Chestnut Hair Color Warm or Cool?
Chestnut hair is a rich, multi-dimensional blend of reddish-brown tones. While it can be tailored to complement your skin tone, this shade is typically a medium brown with warm undertones, adding natural depth and vibrancy.
What Is the Difference Between Auburn and Chestnut Hair Color?
Auburn and chestnut may seem similar, but they’re quite distinct. Auburn is a broader term that encompasses a variety of red shades, ranging from soft, subtle reds to vibrant cherry tones. In contrast, chestnut is a warm, reddish-brown hue that leans more brunette, offering a richer and more grounded look.
How Do You Care for Chestnut Hair Color?
Chestnut hair color is stunning, but like any shade, it requires regular maintenance to keep it looking vibrant and healthy—both at home and in the salon.
Salon Maintenance
To maintain your chestnut shade, schedule touch-ups every 8 to 10 weeks. A demi-permanent color service can refresh the tone while adding shine. Consider incorporating face-framing balayage highlights for added dimension and to make your chestnut color pop.
“The beauty of this tone is that it fades gracefully,” says colorist Abbie Addotta, “as long as you maintain it with stylist-recommended shampoo and conditioner at home.”
At-Home Care
While chestnut hair has red tones, it’s not as challenging to maintain as brighter red shades. However, you’ll need to adjust your routine with color-protecting products to keep your hue looking fresh:
- Shampoo and Conditioner: Swap your usual products for a color-safe system designed to protect and prolong your shade.
- Weekly Deep Conditioning: Add a weekly hair mask to your routine to nourish strands and maintain vibrancy, especially if your hair feels drier after coloring.
- Heat Protection: If you use hot tools regularly, always apply a heat protectant to protect your hair and prevent damage.
Good News for Chestnut Shades
Unlike some lighter or brighter shades, achieving chestnut hair often doesn’t require bleach, making it less damaging to your hair. With the right care routine, you can enjoy a rich, vibrant chestnut shade that’s both stunning and easy to maintain!
The Best Chestnut Hair Color Ideas to Try Now
Black with Chestnut
Thinking about going bold with black hair but not ready to fully commit? Black with chestnut is the perfect way to ease into darker tones. This look blends rich black with warm chestnut hues, adding depth and dimension while softening the intensity of a full black shade. It’s a striking yet approachable option for those experimenting with darker hair.
Subtle Chestnut
If you’ve always been a brunette, adding red tones to your hair can feel like a big step—but it doesn’t have to be intimidating. Subtle chestnut highlights are the perfect low-key way to ease into the shade. These soft pops of warmth blend seamlessly with your natural color, giving your hair a touch of red without going all in. It’s a subtle yet stunning way to refresh your look!
Amber
While chestnut hair is a timeless classic, colorists are constantly reinventing it with fresh variations—like brown amber. This warm, radiant shade combines chocolate, gold, and auburn tones layered onto a brunette base, creating a luminous and multidimensional effect. It’s the perfect update for anyone looking to add a touch of warmth and richness to their hair.
Ash
Ashy brown is the ultimate cool-girl hair color that’s trending everywhere. This beige-tinted shade offers a subtle, effortless vibe that’s flattering on a variety of skin tones. Think of it as the “no makeup” makeup for your hair—understated, natural, and oh-so-chic.
Face-Framing
Face-framing highlights are all the rage, but who says they have to be blonde? Chestnut face-framing highlights are a gorgeous way to brighten your look while adding warmth and dimension. These subtle pops of color draw attention to your features and seamlessly enhance your overall hue for a fresh, glowing finish.
Light Chestnut
For those with light brown hair considering a touch of red, light chestnut is the ideal middle ground. This warm, soft shade blends light brown with subtle red undertones, creating a natural, radiant look. It’s the perfect way to experiment with red tones while keeping your hair light and approachable.
Dark Chocolate Chestnut
Rich, sultry, and absolutely irresistible—dark chocolate chestnut is the perfect blend of warmth and depth. Much like the decadent sweets of Valentine’s Day, this shade exudes sophistication and allure. Best of all, it’s a universally flattering option that complements every skin tone, making it a go-to choice for anyone looking to elevate their look.
Red
Channel your inner ginger with a red-influenced chestnut shade that combines warmth and richness in one striking color. This bold variation of chestnut hair blends vibrant red tones with earthy brown hues, creating a fiery yet sophisticated look. Perfect for those who love to stand out, this shade is sure to make a lasting impression and turn heads everywhere you go.
Chestnut and Caramel
Infuse your chestnut hair with caramel tones to carry a touch of summer into every season. This warm, sun-kissed combination creates a radiant, multidimensional look that’s especially stunning on a blunt bob. Chestnut and caramel deliver the perfect balance of richness and brightness for an effortlessly chic style.
Curly Chestnut
One of the best things about chestnut hair is its versatility—it looks stunning on every hair texture. However, it truly shines (literally!) on curly hair, where the warm tones and natural dimension enhance each twist and coil. The result? A rich, vibrant look that’s full of depth and movement.
Chocolate
Who needs chocolate bars when you can have chocolate chestnut hair? This rich, melting blend of deep brown and warm chestnut tones creates a luxurious and irresistible look. It’s so stunning, don’t be surprised if your friends are inspired to book their own salon appointments after seeing your new hue!
Maple
Maple is a darker, moodier twist on chestnut hair that evokes cozy vibes, like cashmere sweaters and chilly nights by the fire. This rich shade blends deep brown tones with subtle warmth, creating a color that’s both mysterious and inviting. If you’re looking to add a touch of vampy elegance to your look, maple is the perfect choice.
FAQs
1. Is chestnut hair color warm or cool?
Chestnut hair color is typically a warm shade, blending reddish and golden brown tones to create a rich, vibrant hue. However, it can be customized with cooler undertones for those who prefer a more neutral look.
2. Does chestnut hair suit all skin tones?
Yes! Chestnut hair is a versatile shade that flatters nearly every skin tone. The key is adjusting the depth and warmth of the color. For fair skin, lighter chestnut shades work beautifully, while deeper chestnut tones complement medium to dark skin tones.
3. How do I maintain chestnut hair color?
To keep chestnut hair vibrant, use color-safe shampoo and conditioner, and incorporate a weekly deep conditioning mask to maintain moisture and shine. Regular touch-ups every 8-10 weeks can refresh the tone, while heat protectants are essential to prevent damage when styling.
