25 Chestnut Hair Color Ideas to Inspire Your Next Salon Visit

If you’re looking for brown and brunette-level contrast with the warmth of a bold red, auburn, or blonde, chestnut hair color just might be your new favorite shade.

As for what the chestnut hair color actually is? “Chestnut is a perfect combination of red and brown shades,” says Michelle Cleveland, celebrity hairstylist and owner of Hair Addict Salon & Extension Bar. “When combined, it takes on the look of a chestnut, which is where it gets its name from.”

But it’s not as simple as just combining two colors together; it’s a rich, multidimensional hue that falls within the brunette family with a twist, says Danielle Keasling, hairstylist and Ulta Beauty team member. “Infused with a subtle warm, reddish-golden undertone mostly seen in outside light, it’s brown hair with a luxurious, sunlit glow,” Keasling explains. “While brown or brunette shades can range from ashy to deep espresso, chestnut hair is defined by its subtle warmth, giving it an extremely healthy appearance and incredibly polished feel.”

Despite how chic the shade is however, it’s surprisingly low-maintenance, and even as it grows out, it looks completely natural. “Chestnut hair is also universally flattering, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to add warmth and depth to their hair,” Keasling continues.

No matter your aesthetic or preference, or if you identify as a lazy girl when it comes to beauty, there’s at least one—or a few—chestnut hair color styles that are sure to suit your vibe and lifestyle. Here’s everything you need to know about the trending shade.

“Chesnut is a rich, warm shade of brown with subtle red and golden undertones, creating a natural and earthy appearance,” Christine Bellemare, co-founder, owner and lead stylist at Maven A Collect, tells Glamour. “It often reflects light beautifully, showcasing a soft shimmer of warmth, and is versatile enough to complement a variety of skin tones.”

It’s also especially easy to embrace the shade if you already have dark blonde or brown hair. “All brown and brunette hair naturally has warm reddish undertones, making chestnut an effortlessly easy addition,” Bellemare continues. “It instantly elevates any shade of brunette And brings out the glow in any skin tone giving a warm, sun-kissed look.”

How to find the best shade of chestnut for your skin tone

“Anyone can pull off a chestnut glow by adjusting the intensity to complement their natural skin tone,” says Renée Valerie, director of R+COLOR Education and R+COLOR Collective member. “A comprehensive consultation with your colorist will ensure you find the ideal chestnut shade, considering your skin tone, complexion, eye color, and maintenance commitment, so you always look effortlessly polished.”

That said, to determine the best shade of chestnut for your skin tone in the meantime, Bellemare suggests you identify your skin tone and whether that’s warm, cool or neutral.

“From there, take into consideration your natural hair color to determine the best shade of chestnut, says Bellemare. “For lighter hair, a lighter chestnut shade will add warmth and dimension without overwhelming your natural base. ”For darker hair, rich, deeper chestnut tones will blend more seamlessly while adding shine and vibrancy.”

How to maintain chestnut hair color at home

As is usually the case with dyed hair, you’ll want to use color-protecting and -preserving hair care. “For maintaining shine and ensuring long-lasting color, I highly recommend R+Co BLEU Primary Color Shampoo & Conditioner,” says Valerie.

Keasling agrees, recommending Matrix Instacure Build a Bond to preserve the warm tones. “Also use daily heat protection spray such as Biolage thermal setting spray if you’re using hot tools is a must,” she says. “You want to preserve that richness and shine. Thermal sprays protect the color from fading with a added benefit of memory and hold.”

Bellamare suggests Wella Professionals Color Fresh Mask as well. “It’s a great choice for maintaining your color at home.”

Are you inspired yet? Ahead, see 25 of the best chestnut hair colors to try, according to stylists and colorists.