Pumpkin spice, nutmeg, ginger-there are plenty of hair color trends that draw inspiration from the spice cabinet. One of the most versatile, however, is a warm, inviting, cinnamon brown hair color. This cozy hue typically features a melange of soft brown and fiery red hues in equal proportions. If you’re looking for a new hue to rock this season, keep scrolling. Ahead, we’ll break down what, exactly, a cinnamon hair color looks like and offer a look at some of our favorite ways to rock the shade.
Cinnamon hair is a warm, medium-toned brown hue with a distinct reddish (or, depending on the hue, orangey) cast. As with most hair colors, however, cinnamon brown is super customizable. If you’re a natural brunette and don’t want to lighten your hair, you can opt for a dark cinnamon brown hair color with soft chestnut undertones. Those who favor a lighter mane, meanwhile, can opt for light cinnamon brown hair or add golden blonde streaks throughout a warm brown base for a multi-dimensional effect.
Types and Variations of Cinnamon Brown
- Cinnamon spice hair color is probably what you envision when you imagine cinnamon hair. The mid-toned reddish-brown hue is brought to life with dimensional highlights and lowlights, but it still stays toward the red end of the color spectrum.
- As you may be able to guess from the name, cinnamon brown hair leans slightly more brown than red. The medium brown hue is still on the warmer side, thanks to a blend of maple, nutmeg, and coffee hues woven throughout, but it’s far more subtle than a traditional cinnamon hair color. Try this medium cinnamon brown hair color if you’re a natural brunette interested in spicing things up-but not quite ready to take the plunge into redhead territory.
- This dark cinnamon brown hair color combines the warm, reddish-brown tones of cinnamon with the cool, rich hues of chocolate to strike the perfect neutral balance. If you have naturally dark hair-and don’t want to commit to bleaching it-this rich, dimensional shade is the perfect way to experiment with the cinnamon brown hair color trend.
- You don’t have to part ways with your natural hair color in order to lean into this autumnal hair color trend. Instead, opt for cinnamon highlights woven throughout a mid-toned brunette base.
- Lowlights create depth; ask your colorist for darker cinnamon brown lows if you rock a red shade and want a new texture.
- Give cinnamon brown hair a sun-kissed twist by reaching for a slightly more golden iteration of the fiery hue. You’ll still enjoy plenty of warmth-but with less noticeable redness.
- Balayage is a nice way to get a sense of the flavor of cinnamon brown hair without a full commitment. They’re similar to highlights in that they add piecey, sun-kissed brightness to your strands, but require less upkeep than the traditional method. This is because they’re painted on to start a few inches below the root, creating a gradual, lived-in look rather than the more intentional appearance of highlights.
- Highlights that are brighter around the face are known as money pieces, and they look pretty luxe in a cinnamon brown hair color. The face-framing streaks can help brighten up and add warmth to your complexion without the commitment of a full head of highlights (or an all-over hair color).
- The ombré hair coloring technique involves applying dye gradually from the mid-lengths to the ends of the hair. Done properly, it creates a subtle gradient effect, with the hair slowly transitioning from one shade at the roots to a different (typically, brighter) shade at the ends.
Begin by choosing a color of cinnamon brown that matches your skin tone. Warm undertones are typical of cinnamon brown, so it works best on people with warm or light skin tones. If your hair is dark and you want to add a hint of cinnamon brown to your hair, you may want to lighten it first. Follow the instructions on the hair dye package to mix the dye and developer in the mixing bowl. Divide your hair into smaller pieces and begin to apply the dye from the root to the ends, making sure to apply evenly. Work quickly to avoid uneven color. Follow the recommended processing time on the dye package, usually around 30-45 minutes. Once the processing time is up, rinse your hair thoroughly with lukewarm water until the water runs clear.
Select a color-treated shampoo and conditioner to help hold the color and prevent fading. Hot water can strip away color and natural oils, so consider washing your hair every two to three days. Heat styling can cause color to fade and damage hair, so minimize use of flat irons, curling irons, or blow dryers. For ongoing vibrancy between color sessions, consider a deep conditioner once or twice a week and a toning gloss like L’Oréal Paris Le Color Gloss One-Step In-Shower Toning Gloss (ammonia-free) to refresh tone and shine for up to ten days, depending on washing frequency.
Semi-permanent formulas offer a softer approach with fades over four to six weeks, while permanent shades provide longer-lasting color with regular touch-ups. When choosing products, you can explore options like best-sellers and color remixes that suit cinnamon brown goals, from dark cinnamon brown to lighter, more golden variations. If you want a low-commitment route, balayage or money pieces give the cinnamon vibe without full-root coverage, and they’re easier to refresh as it grows out.
- got2b Metallics Permanent Hair Dye, M68 Dark Ruby - bold, long-lasting color that leans toward red hues while remaining within a cinnamon-brown family
- got2b Color Remix, 093 Shocking Pink - a customizable semi-permanent option for accent tones or playful experimentation
- Bigen One Push 4C Cinnamon Brown - convenient, compact application in cinnamon brown tones
- Garnier Nutrisse 0% Ammonia CR4 Dark Brown - gentle option with rich brown base and cinnamon undertones
- Adore Semi-Permanent Haircolor 58 Cinnamon - suitable for temporary cinnamon-tinted results
- Dark and Lovely Fade Resist Permanent Hair Color 391 Brown Cinnamon - budget-friendly durable choice
- Color Charm Permanent Liquid Haircolor 356 4R Cinnamon Brown - reliable professional-grade cinnamon-brown shade
- Naturtint 5GC Deep Cinnamon Chestnut - semi-natural, long-lasting color with cinnamon warmth
- Paradyes No Bleach Cinnamon Brown Glossy Hair Tint - for non-bleach cinnamon browns with shine
We keep referring to cinnamon brown hair as autumnal, and it often is-but it doesn’t have to be. You can channel a summer vibe by blending ribbons of gold, wheat, and champagne blonde into a medium cinnamon brown base. For some, cinnamon evokes spicy candy over pies and leaves; for others, it’s a bold, vivid hue that stands out. If you’ve decided to commit to a cinnamon hair color, you’ll want to upgrade your hair care routine to keep strands looking their best: switch to color-treated formulas, maintain regular touch-ups, and protect hair from heat styling to maintain depth and shine.
| Shade | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dark Cinnamon Brown | Natural brunette | Minimal lightening, rich depth |
| Medium Cinnamon Brown | Warm brown base | Subtle, versatile, red-leaning |
| Light Cinnamon Brown | Blonde highlights | Dimensional, sun-kissed |
| Chocolate-Cinnamon Blend | Dark hair | Neutral balance, rich tones |
