For the last two years one particular shade has dominated everything from fashion, jewellery and interiors, to nails, make-up and hair: rose gold. And while its popularity doesn’t seem to be waning, when it comes to hair, it’s blondes who’ve been having all the fun… until now.

Brunettes take note, because rose brown is your shade for the season. Whether you’re a cappuccino bronde or have deep chocolate lengths, this colour update can be tailored to suit pretty much everyone.

What is rose brown hair and what does it look like?

“Rose brown offers a variety of possibilities for brunettes to play around with,” says colour expert Alex Morton, from Jamie Stevens Hair. “It can range from a rich slightly purple-red to soft blush pinks and gives dark hair a flavour of something new and fun.”

Sounds pretty Insta-worthy, right? And not only is this shade kinder to hair than rose gold (bleach is less likely to be involved), it’s super-flattering and is tipped to be the hottest shade for festival season. 

Who should go for rose brown hair?

“Rose brown is the perfect choice for brunettes who want to dip in to the pastel trend and try out subtle pink-toned hues, without resorting to bleach,” says Sarah Black, colour expert at Linton & Mac, and winner of the 2017 L’Oréal Colour Trophy.

“The fade on darker hair (purple/red tones) is minimal as we’re working with the natural pigment of the hair emphasising the undertones. If you have mousey hair the pinky-rose tones will fade out and leave you with a beautiful warm golden blonde.”

What’s the technique?

“To achieve rose brown hair, we add pink and caramel tones through the brunette hair,” says Camilla Lund, colourist at SALON64. “This is applied in the same way as balayage, with the technique of free painting and a combination of highlights. Depending on the individual’s hair, bleach may be required, but Olaplex or hydrating conditioning treatments can be applied for minimal damage.”

For those with very dark bases ask your colourist to add a little balayage to the ends of the hair, then add the rose or smokey tone over the top. The colours to create rose brown work really well on brunettes that tend to go orange or red as the cool rose tone helps to neutralise any unwanted undertones.

“The beautiful pigments created to make this tone are high shine conditioning and bespoke to each individual,” says Kelly May, senior stylist and colourist at Neville Hair and Beauty. “But it’s important to use the right products to reduce colour fade. Kérastase Reflection Bain Chroma Captive Colour Radiance Protecting Shampoo, £18.60, and Kerastase Reflection Fondant Chroma Captive Condition, £22.90, are great as they will prolong the shine and rose tone in your hair.”

Scroll down for three hair boosters that will keep your rose brown colour intact. 

Bb.Color Gloss

Dubbed “an in-real life filter for colour-treated hair” this glossing treatment instantly enhances your shade without depositing colour. Meaning you’ll stay rosy for longer.

£26, bumbleandbumble.co.uk

Paul Mitchell Ultimate Color Repair Shampoo

When it comes to coloured hair it’s important to choose a shampoo that is sulphate-free to minimise how much dye is stripped from the hair. This contains a high protein content that will lock in colour and repair strands from damage.

£17.95, paulmitchell.co.uk

Aveda Color Conserve Conditioner 

Designed to keep your hair vibrant for longer it seals cuticles to lock in colour while also de-tangling to reduce breakage and damage. Oh, and it smells like a wildflower meadow. Pure heaven.

£22, aveda.co.uk

Images: Unsplash / Instagram