Vintage Brunette Is One Of Our Favorite Hair Colors For Winter 2024

A rich, deep, and chocolaty brunette hue for winter may not sound groundbreaking, but there's something classic and timeless — aka quiet luxury — about the natural nature of brown. This is precisely why it's one of our favorite hair colors for winter 2024. The sleek and matte vintage brunette tone is reminiscent of the retro movie star era and stuns in its simplicity. Essentially, it's an elegantly understated 'do with an even easier keep-up routine. "I think this specific shade is trending because it's the opposite of the high-maintenance warm buttery blondes and coppers we've been seeing,"​​ Emaly Baum, a colorist and the founder of the New York City salon Beauty Supply, told Byrdie. "It's a fun switch that has a natural vibe but still provides a dramatic change."

Vintage brunette is chic, minimalist, and captivating with its mystery. In fact, we aren't seeing many teasylights, softer highlights, or balayage with this trend -– it's a straightforward, elegant brunette in pure form. Think Olivia Rodrigo and Mila Kunis. If you're ready to hop aboard the vintage brunette trend, here's some inspiration for your next hair appointment.

Vintage brunette is desirable for many reasons, one of them being its versatility. You won't have to put in a ton of forethought when it comes to styling your wardrobe with your rich, dark locks. The hue makes for a beautiful backdrop to just about any ensemble, making it an #OOTD lover's dream.

Vintage brunette is simple and classic, so it works particularly wonderfully with a sleek, minimalist aesthetic. Think neutrals, understated jewelry, and natural makeup. When it comes to lip color, aim for a deep burgundy hue to complement the hair color's richness. The trend also looks great with minimal hairstyling, though perhaps a few soft waves couldn't hurt.

While we may think of vintage brunette as more of an autumnal and wintertime tone, the trend can easily be worn year-round. You may find that your color lightens in the sunlight and becomes a warmer hue of chocolate brown if you spend a fair amount of time outdoors, but this is just as stunning. This also means it's perfect for those in the Southern Hemisphere, as our winter is their summer. This color is one we can all rock beautifully at the same time.

If you aren't a natural brunette but are eager to hop aboard this trend, the good news is that it's a fairly low-maintenance hair color, so you won't be spending as much time in the salon chair (or struggling at home). You'll also reap the benefits of a smooth, glossy mane thanks to the depth of the color. Your hair may just thank you for the break from the bleach.

For extra shine that makes you look even more luxurious than with regular vintage brunette hair, request that your stylist add gloss to your formula. If you have damaged hair, whether due to coloring or not, this trend is generally a great option due to its low upkeep and not needing to be lightened (unless you have very dark black hair).

If you're attached to cool tones and want the vintage brunette vibe but just a tad darker, remember that your hair truly is your canvas. The trend works on both long and short hair, with or without bangs. It's key to keep in mind, however, that returning to lighter hair after going vintage brunette will require patience and time.