53+ California Brunette Hair Ideas

California Brunette hair encapsulates the sun-kissed, effortless elegance synonymous with West Coast style. This brunette shade is not just a single color but a harmonious blend of varying brown hues, often enhanced with subtle highlights or balayage to mimic the natural lightening effect of the sun.

California Brunette Hair Advice

What sets the California Brunette style apart from other dye jobs is the careful blend of light and dark shades to give your locks a sunkissed quality.

• Whether you’re going to a stylist or feel up to doing an at-home job, start by framing your face with lighter shades since that’s where you’re most likely to get consistent sun exposure. Then, add pops throughout the rest of your locks, focusing mostly on the top layers of hair and the ends.
• Make sure you’re also picking highlight or low-light colors that are flattering with the hair color you already have. Going too dark or too light will ruin the natural, effortless, and beachy qualities this style is trying to emulate. As a rule of thumb, stick to ashy colors over copper tones, even if your hair naturally tends to take on a reddish quality in the sun.
• If you’re starting with medium or lighter brown hair already or a dark blonde, a beige-toned blonde dye is usually a safe bet. The darker your hair is, the more caramel-toned you should go with your choice.
• You’ll also want to consider your hair part before you commit to where to add in sun-kissed streaks. Changing your part often will affect how natural the lighter shades framing your face will look.
• If you’re doing your own coloring or going to a professional who isn’t familiar with this particular trend, start with a balayage rather than chunky highlights. This should help the color fade into your natural, giving it a much more lived-in appearance. It will also help extend the amount of time you can go between touch-ups since there won’t be any drastic regrowth.
• Once you’ve got the perfect coloring, make sure to style your hair to maximize the look. While California brunette looks good no matter how you style your hair, opting for waves and curls tends to look the most natural.
• If you have naturally straight hair or don’t want to pull out your hot tools every morning, a simple texturizing spray, like this one from Moroccanoil, can do wonders to help you pull off the sunny coastal look you’re trying to achieve.
• Since this look is inspired by the laid-back, beachy vibes of the Pacific Coast, California Brunette is notoriously easy to maintain. In fact, you can get away with just keeping up your normal hair care for the most part. If you want to maintain the color on your own without having to stop by the salon, just use a simple color intensifier for blond hair once every 3-4 washes.
• If you really want to make sure your new color looks pristine for as long as possible, consider adding a hair elixir, like this one, to your routine as well. Though this type of dye job shouldn’t involve intense bleaching, coloring your hair in any way will dry out your strands, especially if you already have delicate hair.
• An elixir can help make sure your locks stay moisturized, healthy, and bouncy. Glossing products, like the Dream Coat from COLOR WOW, also give hair a natural-looking shine.

California Brunette Hair Ideas

California Brunette Hair with Subtle Blonde Balayage

Embody the essence of the coast with this California brunette hair, featuring subtle blonde balayage. The long layers enhance the relaxed beach waves, creating a look that’s effortlessly chic and perfect for any sun-drenched occasion.

Sun-Kissed Ombré Highlights in Medium-Length California Brunette

This medium-length California brunette boasts sun-kissed ombré highlights, styled into a sleek lob. The gradient color adds depth and dimension, making it a stylish choice for those seeking a sophisticated yet beach-inspired look.

Short and Tousled California Brunette Bob

Capture a casual and chic vibe with this short, tousled California brunette bob. Infused with honey-gold highlights, it offers a playful and carefree style, ideal for a vibrant and energetic appearance.

Caramel Streaks California Brunette Hair

This long California brunette hair, infused with caramel streaks, is styled in loose, flowing waves. The warm highlights and gentle waves combine to create a soft, romantic look that’s both timeless and elegant.

Shoulder-Length California Brunette with Light Auburn Highlights

Embrace a modern and trendy look with this shoulder-length California brunette, featuring light auburn highlights. The wavy shag cut is fashion-forward and perfect for those wanting to make a statement with their hair.

California Brunette Pixie Cut with Subtle Blonde Tips

This California brunette pixie cut, accented with subtle blonde tips, offers an edgy yet natural style. The short, textured look is a bold and chic choice, ideal for a fresh and contemporary appearance.

Ultra-Long California Brunette Hair

Experience the allure of ultra-long California brunette hair, complete with sunlit ends and a straight style with a hint of texture. This look exudes a sense of luxury and sophistication, perfect for those who love a dramatic and eye-catching hairstyle.

Soft Chestnut Highlights in Medium California Brunette

Medium-length California brunette hair with soft chestnut highlights is styled in elegant, smooth curls. The rich color and refined curls create a look of understated glamour, ideal for both casual and formal occasions.

Golden Honey Highlights in California Brunette Lob

This California brunette lob with golden honey highlights features beachy waves for a laid-back vibe. The light, sun-kissed highlights complement the casual wave pattern, making it a perfect choice for a relaxed and stylish look.

Short Choppy California Brunette Bob with Lightened Ends

This short, choppy California brunette bob with lightened ends offers a playful and spirited style. The dynamic cut and subtle color variation make it a fun and youthful choice, great for those who enjoy a lively and energetic look.

Seamless Blonde Ombre in Mermaid Waves

Extra-long California brunette hair with seamless blonde ombre is styled in enchanting mermaid waves. The smooth color transition and whimsical waves create a mesmerizing and dreamy look, perfect for those who love a touch of fantasy in their style.

Shoulder-Grazing California Brunette with Subtle Sun-Kissed Balayage

This shoulder-grazing California brunette features subtle sun-kissed balayage in a straight, sleek style. The light highlights add a touch of brightness, making it a sophisticated and polished choice for any occasion.

California Brunette Pixie with a Touch of Blonde

A California brunette pixie cut with a touch of blonde offers a textured, modern look. The short, edgy style is a chic and contemporary option, ideal for those who appreciate a minimalist yet striking appearance.

Mid-Back Length California Brunette with Caramel Swirls

Mid-back length California brunette hair with caramel swirls is styled in soft, bouncy curls. The warm tones and gentle curls combine to create a feminine and graceful look, perfect for those who favor a classic and charming style.

California Brunette Shag Haircut with Light Honey Undertones

This California brunette shag haircut with light honey undertones offers a messy yet stylish look. The layered cut and subtle highlights create a dynamic and fashionable appearance, great for a relaxed and trendy vibe.

Bright Face-Framing Highlights in Long California Brunette

Long California brunette hair with bright face-framing highlights is styled in natural, easy waves. The striking highlights and gentle waves provide a fresh and effortless look, ideal for a casual yet chic style.

Warm Blonde Hues in California Brunette

This California brunette features a chic blunt bob accented with warm blonde hues. The sharp cut and contrasting colors create a sophisticated and modern look, perfect for those who enjoy a sleek and refined hairstyle.

California Brunette with Subtle Copper Streaks

A California brunette with subtle copper streaks styled in a trendy, layered cut offers a contemporary and fashionable look. The soft streaks and dynamic layers make it a versatile and stylish choice for any occasion.

California Brunette Mid-Length Sunlit Tips

California brunette mid-length hair with soft, sunlit tips is styled in a casual updo. The relaxed style and gentle highlights create an understated yet elegant look, great for both everyday wear and special events.

Short California Brunette with Blonde and Auburn Highlights

This short California brunette with a mix of blonde and auburn highlights features a playful, tousled style. The combination of colors and dynamic texture make it a lively and spirited choice, perfect for those who love a fun and adventurous look.

Long California Brunette Hair with Golden Streaks

This long California brunette hair is beautifully accented with golden streaks, styled into loose, cascading waves. The warm highlights and soft waves combine to create a look that’s both romantic and effortlessly chic.

Relaxed Wavy Bob  California Brunette

Medium-length California brunette hair is given a sun-kissed touch with balayage, styled into a relaxed, wavy bob. This hairstyle exudes a laid-back charm, perfect for a casual yet fashionable appearance.

Effortless Beachy Waves in Long California Brunette

Long California brunette hair featuring subtle blonde ombré is styled in effortless beachy waves. The gentle color transition and relaxed wave pattern make this hairstyle ideal for a natural and easy-going look.

Medium California Brunette Hair with Honey-Gold Highlights

Medium-length California brunette hair is enhanced with honey-gold highlights, styled in a sleek, straight cut. The smooth texture and warm highlights offer a polished and sophisticated style.

Long California Brunette with Rich Caramel Highlights

Long California brunette hair is elevated with rich caramel highlights and styled into voluminous, bouncy curls. The curls add a playful and lively dimension, making this hairstyle perfect for a bold and glamorous look.

Layered Tousled Style in Medium-Length California Brunette

Medium-length California brunette hair with soft auburn streaks is styled in a layered, tousled manner. The subtle color and dynamic layers create a chic and fashionable look, ideal for a modern and stylish appearance.

Flowing Natural California Brunette Hair with Bright Blonde Ends

Long California brunette hair with bright blonde ends is styled in a flowing, natural look. The lightened ends add a sun-kissed effect, making this hairstyle perfect for a soft and feminine style.

Medium California Brunette with Sunlit Copper Balayage

Medium-length California brunette hair featuring sunlit copper balayage is styled into a chic, wavy lob. The warm balayage and gentle waves combine for a stylish and contemporary look.

Elegant Waves in Long California Brunette with Subtle Chestnut Highlights

Long California brunette hair with subtle chestnut highlights is styled in smooth, elegant waves. The gentle highlights and refined waves create a sophisticated and graceful hairstyle, perfect for any formal or casual occasion.

Medium-Length California Brunette with Light Ash Blonde Highlights

Medium-length California brunette hair is given a modern touch with light ash blonde highlights, styled in a trendy, straight manner. The cool highlights and sleek styling make this hairstyle a chic and fashionable choice.

Long California Brunette Hair with Soft Rose Gold Tips

Long California brunette hair with soft rose gold tips is styled into luxurious, full-bodied curls. The curls add volume and glamour, making this hairstyle perfect for a dramatic and luxurious look.

Medium California Brunette with Golden Honey Lowlights

Medium-length California brunette hair with golden honey lowlights is styled into a casual, beach-inspired bob. The relaxed cut and warm lowlights create a laid-back and inviting style, ideal for a carefree and sunny look.

Long California Brunette with Shimmering Silver Streaks

Long California brunette hair accented with shimmering silver streaks is styled in loose, flowing layers. The layers add movement and dimension, making this hairstyle perfect for a soft and elegant appearance.

Medium-Length California Brunette with Rich Mocha Highlights

Medium-length California brunette hair is given depth with rich mocha highlights, styled in a smooth, layered cut. The warm highlights and soft layers create a look that’s both chic and versatile.

Natural Soft Waves California Brunette Hair

Long California brunette hair featuring sun-kissed blonde balayage is styled in natural, soft waves. The balayage adds a radiant touch, making this hairstyle perfect for a gentle and feminine style.

Medium California Brunette with Caramel and Blonde Highlights

Medium-length California brunette hair is enhanced with a blend of caramel and blonde highlights, styled in a chic, tousled lob. The mixed highlights and relaxed styling create a fashionable and contemporary look.

Medium-Length California Brunette with Subtle Honey and Copper Tones

Medium-length California brunette hair with subtle honey and copper tones is styled in a playful, wavy manner. The gentle highlights and relaxed waves create a fun and spirited look, ideal for a lively and youthful style.

Long California Brunette Hair with Deep Chestnut Lowlights

Long California brunette hair with deep chestnut lowlights is styled in elegant, flowing curls. The rich lowlights and soft curls create a sophisticated and luxurious hairstyle, perfect for a graceful and refined appearance.

Medium California Brunette with Light Sandy Highlights

Medium-length California brunette hair with light sandy highlights is styled in a relaxed, straight bob. The light highlights and sleek cut make this hairstyle a chic and effortless choice, ideal for a modern and understated look.

California Brunette Hair With Long with Beachy Waves

Experience the essence of the coast with long California brunette hair, featuring beachy waves and subtle blonde balayage highlights. This hairstyle exudes a relaxed and sun-kissed vibe, perfect for a natural and effortless look.

Loose Tousled Curls in Mid-Length California Brunette

Mid-length California brunette hair is brought to life with sunlit auburn streaks, styled in loose, tousled curls. The warm highlights and playful curls create a lively and inviting appearance, ideal for a vibrant and fun style.

Extra-Long California Brunette with Honey Gold Highlights

Extra-long California brunette hair is elegantly accented with honey gold highlights, styled in a sleek and straight manner. The smooth texture and warm highlights combine for a polished and sophisticated look.

Chic Wavy Bob Cut California Brunette

Shoulder-length California brunette hair featuring caramel ombré is styled in a chic, wavy bob cut. The gradient color and soft waves provide a fashionable and modern style, perfect for a trendy and stylish appearance.

Long California Brunette with Soft Chestnut Lowlights

Long California brunette hair is enhanced with soft chestnut lowlights and styled in luxurious, bouncy waves. The rich lowlights and voluminous waves create an elegant and glamorous hairstyle, perfect for a sophisticated and refined look.

Trendy Straight Lob California Brunette

Medium-length California brunette hair with subtle ash blonde streaks is styled in a trendy, straight lob. The cool highlights and sleek cut make this hairstyle a chic and contemporary choice, ideal for a fashionable and modern look.

Extra-Long California Brunette with Sun-Kissed Copper Highlights

Extra-long California brunette hair featuring sun-kissed copper highlights is styled in natural, flowing waves. The light highlights and gentle waves create a soft and feminine style, perfect for a relaxed and graceful appearance.

Shoulder-Length California Brunette with Rich Mocha Balayage

Shoulder-length California brunette hair with rich mocha balayage is styled in playful, spiraled curls. The deep balayage and dynamic curls combine for a fun and spirited look, ideal for those who enjoy a lively and energetic hairstyle.

California Brunette with Bold Honey Blonde Highlights

Long California brunette hair is given a striking touch with bold honey blonde highlights, styled in a sleek, polished manner. The vibrant highlights and smooth texture create a sophisticated and luxurious style, perfect for a chic and polished look.

Casual Tousled California Brunette with Soft Rose Gold Accents

Mid-length California brunette hair with soft rose gold accents is styled in a casual, tousled manner. The gentle highlights and relaxed styling provide a laid-back and inviting look, ideal for a carefree and easy-going style.

Beach-Inspired California Brunette

Extra-long California brunette hair with light sandy streaks is styled in beach-inspired loose waves. The sunlit highlights and soft waves create a summery and relaxed hairstyle, perfect for a beachy and natural look.

California Brunette with Golden Caramel Lowlights

Shoulder-length California brunette hair with golden caramel lowlights is styled in a chic, layered bob. The warm lowlights and dynamic layers make this hairstyle a fashionable and versatile choice, great for a stylish and contemporary look.

Elegant Cascading California Brunette

Long California brunette hair accented with shimmering bronze highlights is styled in elegant, cascading curls. The lustrous highlights and soft curls create a luxurious and romantic hairstyle, perfect for a glamorous and refined appearance.

Smooth Straightened Lob California Brunette

Medium-length California brunette hair featuring deep espresso tones is styled in a smooth, straightened lob. The rich color and sleek cut provide a polished and sophisticated style, ideal for a chic and elegant look.