11 Honey Brown Hair Colours That Add Instant Glow—No Matter Your Skin Tone
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TL;DR
Honey brown hair colour is a warm, golden-toned brunette shade that flatters all skin tones when customized correctly. This guide breaks down 11 salon-approved variations from bronze balayage to rooted melts, plus expert tips on care, placement, and the best cuts to enhance glow.
Why Everyone’s Asking for Honey Brown This Year
Lately, just about everyone sitting in my chair is asking for the same thing: that perfect soft golden-brown that’s not too brassy, not too blonde, and still feels rich and dimensional. And whether they know it or not, what they’re describing is honey brown hair colour.
This shade is everywhere right now, from TikTok to red carpets and for good reason. Honey brown strikes that sweet balance between warmth and depth. It flatters a wide range of skin tones, catches the light beautifully, and brings that healthy, sunlit glow we all want (without going full blonde).
But here’s the truth most blogs won’t tell you: not all honey browns work for every complexion. The secret is in the tone, the placement, and how it’s customized to you.
So in this post, I’m sharing 11 of my go-to honey brown styles, refined over years of behind-the-chair experience. Whether you're fair, olive, golden, or deep-toned, there’s a honey brown here designed to bring out your glow.
What Honey Brown Hair Colour Really Means
Honey brown hair color is a warm brunette shade with golden undertones, designed to add soft glow and depth to a wide range of complexions. It’s known for its subtle warmth, natural radiance, and versatility across hair textures and tones.
If you’ve ever fallen down a Pinterest rabbit hole, you’ve probably seen it mislabeled more times than you can count. It’s not orange. It’s not red. And it’s definitely not blonde. But it can reflect all three if the undertone isn’t tailored right.
Here’s what sets honey brown colour apart:
Primary pigments: golden-yellow and warm brown (sometimes with a touch of copper or beige, depending on the variation)
Common versions:
Light honey brown: for a sunkissed, soft contrast
Dark honey brown: for richer, brunette-rooted depth
Bronze honey: adds metallic warmth, especially on deeper bases
Honey brown vs. caramel vs. honey blonde:
Caramel brown leans more red-orange
Honey blonde is lighter and more golden
Honey brown lives right in the sweet spot; brown with golden glow, not brassy
Now that you know what you’re asking for, let’s match the right variation to your skin tone.
Match the Right Honey Brown Hair Colour to Your Skin Tone
Honey brown isn’t a one-size-fits-all shade and that’s exactly why it works so well.
The key is in the undertone and placement. The right version can bring out your glow, soften your features, and make your color look effortlessly natural. But the wrong one? It can turn flat, brassy, or just… off.
That’s why Jen created a free Hair Color Guide to help you pinpoint exactly which version of honey brown works best for your unique tone and base color. It’s packed with visual inspo, pro color pairing tips, and the insider tricks we use in-salon to nail the glow every time.
Trust me! once you see how customized your color can be, you’ll never look at boxed dye the same way again.
Choose From These 11 Honey Brown Hair Colour Styles
Below are 11 of our most-requested honey brown styles. These are salon-tested, stylist-approved, and tailored to fit real-life wear, not just Instagram trends.
Bronze-Honey Balayage for Deep Tones
Source: Instagram
If you’ve got deeper skin and want that golden glow without lifting too light, this is the one. Bronze-honey balayage builds dimension on a dark base. ˜it's like melted chocolate roots with warm honey ribbons through the mids and ends. It catches the light just right without looking too red or too loud.
I love this for anyone who wants that “rich, but soft” vibe. Plus, with seamless blending at the root, it grows out like a dream.
Keep it fresh: Use a sulfate-free shampoo to prevent the color from fading quickly. You can even add in a gloss treatment every few washes to give your hair added shine.
Soft Strawberry-Honey Blend for Fair Complexions
Source: Pinterest
This one is subtle but it makes a huge difference on fair skin. It blends light honey brown with just a touch of strawberry-gold warmth to give that candlelit glow without veering orange or copper. It has soft warmth that brightens the face, especially if you're naturally light or have a pink undertone.
It’s pretty on layered cuts or soft waves where the tone can really move. And because it’s lower lift, it’s less damaging than going full blonde.
Keep it fresh: Use a color-depositing gloss or tinted conditioner with gold and red undertones every few weeks. You might have to mix to color-depositing gloss to get your perfect match.
Dark Honey Brown Root Melt for Golden-Neutral Skin
Source: Pinterest
If you love depth at the root but still want that honeyed warmth through the lengths, this one’s it. A dark honey brown root melt blends seamlessly into lighter golden tones, giving you a lived-in, dimensional look that works especially well on golden or neutral complexions.
It grows out beautifully, hides regrowth longer, and looks amazing on thick or straight hair that needs soft contrast.
Keep it fresh: To keep the end of your hair looking fresh and shiny between salon visits, use the Redken Acidic Color Gloss Treatment at home.
Honey Face-Framing Money Piece on Brunette Base
Source: Instagram
This is the easiest way to try honey brown without a full-color commitment. The money piece frames the face with warm honey ribbons, set against a deeper brunette base. It’s glowy, flattering, and instantly brightens your complexion.
It’s ideal for medium to dark brunettes who want dimension without going full balayage. And it works on all textures, from straight to curly.
Keep it fresh: Spot-tone the money piece between full salon visits to keep it bright.
Glossy Light Honey Brown with Caramel Dimension
Source: Pinterest
If you love a glowy, golden look that’s just shy of blonde, this one hits the mark. It’s a light honey brown base with soft caramel accents. It's perfect for adding depth to fine or straight hair that can look flat with solid color.
The gloss finish adds that glassy shine, especially under natural light. Great for fair to medium skin tones who want warmth that isn’t overpowering.
Keep it fresh: Use a purple shampoo to keep your caramel highlights looking fresh and brass-free, and follow up with a hydrating hair mask to keep your hair moisturized, since purple shampoos can be drying.
| Hair Color Inspiration for Every Season |
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| Thinking about refreshing your color? From low-maintenance shades to skin-tone matching and trendy balayage, these posts will guide you: Explore these guides to find your perfect shade and keep your color looking gorgeous all season long. |
Honey Brown Babylights on Natural Black Hair
Source: Instagram
If you're starting with natural black or very dark brown hair, this is a soft way to ease into warmth. Honey brown babylights create a barely-there shimmer of gold that catches the light without looking streaky or bold.
It’s great for first-timers or anyone who wants dimension with low commitment. And because the lift is minimal, it’s gentle on your strands.
Keep it fresh: Use a bond-repair treatment weekly to protect hair and lock in shine.
Mushroom-Honey Hybrid for Cool-Toned Skin
Source: Instagram
Not every honey brown has to be golden. This one blends the soft, earthy feel of mushroom brown with just enough honey warmth to give cool-toned skin a subtle, wearable glow. It’s neutral, muted, and perfect if you’re avoiding anything that reads too warm or brassy.
Great on straight or wavy textures, especially if you’re leaning into that soft, low-contrast color vibe.
Keep it fresh: Go to the salon for a gloss with neutral or beige tones every 6–8 weeks to keep the color balanced. In between appointments, use a blue hair mask to combat brassiness.
Cinnamon-Honey Balayage for Medium Skin Tones
Source: Instagram
This one adds spice in the best way. Cinnamon and honey tones woven through a medium brunette base bring out the warmth in tan and olive skin like nothing else. It’s not too red, not too gold but a soft, sunlit warmth that moves beautifully in waves or curls.
I love this on clients who want to feel warmer without tipping full copper.
Keep it fresh: Use a UV-protecting leave-in to keep the tone from fading too fast, especially in sunlight.
Rooted Honey Brown with Auburn Melt
Source: Instagram
Looking for dimension without the upkeep? This melt blends a medium brown root into warm red honey undertones for a rich, lived-in look. It’s a little bold, but still polished, and it looks amazing when styled with big curls or waves.
Perfect if you want to dip into red tones without going full auburn.
Keep it fresh: Rotate in a copper or auburn toning mask every few weeks to keep those ends from looking dull. Pick the shade of the hair mask that best matches your hair tone.
Face-Lit Honey Halo for Curly & Coily Hair
Source: Instagram
This look is all about glow without compromising your curl pattern. Honey-toned highlights are strategically placed around the crown and hairline to create a soft, sunlit “halo” effect that lights up the face and adds beautiful contrast.
It’s subtle, protective, and works especially well on natural curls and coils.
Keep it fresh: Stick to co-washing and deep condition weekly to keep curls defined and color vibrant.
Full-Panelled Honey Brown with Shadow Roots
Source: Instagram
If you want full brightness but zero hard grow-out lines, this is your look. Honey brown panels run through the mids and ends while a soft, shadowed root keeps the whole thing grounded. It’s bold without being too bright, and wears beautifully on thick, straight hair.
This one’s great for anyone who wants glow but doesn’t want to see their roots in two weeks.
Keep it fresh: To keep the end of your hair looking fresh and shiny between salon visits, use the Redken Acidic Color Gloss Treatment at home.
Maintain Honey Brown Hair Colour Like a Pro
The simplest way to maintain your color between appointments? Pigment-depositing conditioners. They’re easy to use, super gentle, and help top up the tone without needing to re-dye or gloss.
We love recommending the Wella Color Fresh Masks in salonas they come in several warm and neutral shades that keep honey tones rich, soft, and shiny. You just apply them in the shower once a week (or every other, depending on fade) and rinse like a deep conditioner.
Tips to make your color last:
Use a sulfate-free, color-safe shampoo
Rinse with cooler water to slow fading
Limit heat styling or always use a heat protectant
Apply a Wella Color Fresh Mask weekly for a pigment boost
This simple routine keeps your honey brown looking glowy, not dull or orange until your next touch-up.
These Haircuts Maximize the Honey Brown Hair Colour Payoff
Even the most beautiful color can fall flat without the right cut. Honey brown tones thrive on movement, light reflection, and shape so pairing your shade with a haircut that adds flow or contour makes a huge difference.
Here are a few go-to cuts we love for honey-toned styles:
Face-framing layers: These pull light toward the front, showing off any honey money piece or balayage detail.
Long curtain bangs: Perfect with root melts or lighter ends s they soften the face and break up solid color beautifully.
Blunt lob (with texture): The shine on a glossy honey brown really comes through on sleek, structured cuts. Add soft bends or ends for extra depth.
👉 If you're not sure which cut fits your vibe, check out our free haircut guide, it breaks down pro tips by hair texture, length goals, and styling effort.
FAQs About Honey Brown Hair Colour
What color is honey brown hair color?
Honey brown is a warm brunette shade with golden undertones. It sits between medium brown and caramel, offering a sunlit glow without going too red or too blonde. It has soft, dimensional warmth that flatters a wide range of skin tones.
What skin tone suits honey brown hair?
Almost all, as long as the undertone is customized. Deeper skin tones pair beautifully with bronze or golden honey; olive tones love amber blends; fair skin pops with light honey and strawberry-gold reflects; and golden or neutral tones can wear nearly any variation.
Is color 27 considered honey brown?
Color 27 (in hair extension charts) is often labeled as “Honey Blonde”, but it can resemble a light honey brown depending on the brand. It typically leans more golden-blonde than true brunette, so not a perfect match for traditional honey brown, but close if you’re going lighter.
Does honey brown hair need bleach?
Not always. If your natural hair is medium brown or lighter, a high-lift color may do the trick. But for darker bases, especially dark brown or black, lightening is usually needed to achieve the warmth and dimension honey brown is known for. A stylist can help you lift safely while keeping your hair healthy.
What is the most attractive brown hair color?
It depends on your skin tone and personal style, but honey brown consistently ranks high because of its glow, softness, and versatility. It adds just enough brightness without looking too bold or overdone, which is why it's one of our most requested shades in-salon.
Final Word From Haiirology
Honey brown hair color is one of those rare shades that feels timeless and trend-forward all at once. When done right, it adds glow, softness, and dimension in a way that works on nearly every skin tone and texture.
But the real magic is in the customization. Whether you go for subtle babylights, a bold face-framing piece, or a rich balayage blend, how it’s applied matters just as much as the shade itself.
If you’re thinking of trying honey brown or upgrading your current color, don’t guess.
Use our free Hair Color Guide to find the variation that fits your undertone, base color, and maintenance style.
And when you find your perfect match? Tag us on Instagram@HaiirologyByJen, we’d love to see your glow-up.
Find your perfect honey brown hair colour with 11 stylist-approved styles for every skin tone - plus expert care tips, haircut pairings, and a free guide.