Brunette Hair Trends: Styles, Care, and What’s Hot in London

When it comes to hair color, brunette hair, a natural dark brown to black hair color that ranges from warm chocolate to cool espresso tones. Also known as dark hair, it’s the most common hair color in the UK and one of the most versatile in London’s ever-changing beauty scene. Unlike bleached or pastel shades that demand constant upkeep, brunette hair works with your skin tone, your lifestyle, and your schedule. It doesn’t fade quickly, it doesn’t need toning every two weeks, and it looks just as good on a Monday morning commute as it does at a Friday night gallery opening.

What’s driving the trend now isn’t just color—it’s texture, cut, and how it’s maintained. Londoners are moving away from flat, one-dimensional brown and toward dimensional brunette, hair with subtle highlights, lowlights, and balayage that mimic natural sun-kissed depth. This isn’t the harsh foil-wrapped highlights of the 2000s. It’s soft, blended, and grown out with confidence. Salons like those in Notting Hill and Shoreditch are focusing on hair health, the condition of the strand, scalp, and moisture balance. That means more keratin treatments, protein masks, and less heat. The goal? Hair that looks rich because it’s strong, not because it’s coated in product. And it’s not just about the color. The cut matters just as much. Soft shags, textured bobs, and face-framing layers are everywhere—not because they’re Instagram-famous, but because they move with your hair and suit the way Londoners live: fast, practical, and effortlessly cool.

What you won’t see much of anymore? The super-sleek, straightened look that needs a blowout every day. Instead, you’ll find waves, curls, and even messy buns that look like they happened naturally. That’s because Londoners are choosing styles that last between washes, work in rain or shine, and don’t require a whole arsenal of tools. Brands like Moroccanoil, Olaplex, and local London-made lines are dominating salon shelves—not because they’re expensive, but because they actually repair and protect dark hair without weighing it down.

And if you’ve been told brunette hair doesn’t suit you? That’s outdated. The right shade—whether it’s a warm caramel base or a deep, ashy espresso—can make your eyes pop, soften your jawline, and even make your skin look brighter. It’s not about being blonde or red. It’s about finding the right version of brown that matches your undertones and your rhythm. Whether you’re in Camden, Chelsea, or Croydon, the women and men walking around with dark hair aren’t following a trend—they’re making a smart, sustainable choice.

Below, you’ll find real examples from London’s beauty scene: the salons people swear by, the products that actually work, the cuts that last, and the routines that keep dark hair looking rich without the hassle. No fluff. No hype. Just what’s working right now, on real people, in the city.