Blonde vs. Brown Hair: Which Hair Color Is Better for You?

Blonde hair vs. brown hair is one of the most common beauty questions. Should you go blonde and lighten your hair — or stay brunette and rock rich brown tones?

If you're trying to decide between blonde and brown hair, you're not alone. I’ve switched between both shades over the years, and each one has its perks. In this guide, I'll walk you through the key things to consider so you can choose the most flattering hair color for your face, skin tone, and lifestyle.

---

Blonde Hair vs. Brown Hair: Quick Comparison

Blonde Hair vs. Brown Hair: Which is Better?

I’ve had both blonde and brown hair (and everything in between!).

In my experience, both colors are attractive – but one will definitely be a better fit for you.

Continue reading for 5 things to help you decide if blonde hair or brown hair is better for you.

How to Choose Blonde vs. Brown Hair: 5 Things to Consider

Below are five things to think about first.

1. Budget & Maintenance

Let’s be honest — going blonde can be expensive.

Most blondes I know (and myself included) need to get their roots touched up every 4–6 weeks. Balayage and highlights can extend this, but blonde = maintenance.

You can bleach your hair blonde at home, but it's risky unless you're experienced or careful (and patient!).

✅ Go blonde if: you're okay spending money on upkeep
💰 Expected cost: monthly salon visits OR at-home toning+lightening supplies

If you prefer budget-friendly hair, brunette shades are much more affordable and manageable.

Tip: Dirty blonde balayage is the lowest-maintenance "blonde option."

2. Hair Health: Is Your Hair Strong Enough for Blonde?

Bleach weakens hair — no way around it.

If your hair is:

• Strong

• Healthy

• Thick enough to handle processing

…then blonde can work beautifully.

BUT if your hair is:

• Thin or thinning

• Damaged

• Breaking easily

• Very fragile

❌ Avoid bleach until you restore strength.

Rule: Never go blonde when your hair is already struggling.

If your hair needs a break? Go brunette for a while. Brown shades can make hair look thicker, shinier, and healthier.

---

3. What Age Do You Want to Look?

Blonde hair has a way of softening features and adding brightness.

That's why many women over 40 choose blonde — it blends grays and gives a youthful glow.

Brown hair can look:

• Sleek

• Sophisticated

• Sharp and defined

✅ Want a youthful, beachy, bright look? Go blonde
✅ Want polished, elegant, striking features? Go brunette

4. What Was Your Childhood Hair Color?

This trick is SO accurate.

Check photos from when you were around ages 8–12. Your natural shade back then is often what flatters you best.

• Childhood blonde = usually looks great blonde

• Childhood brunette = brown shades likely suit your undertone better

You can always add highlights if you want a blend.

5. How Much Time Do You Have?

Blonde hair is a time commitment.

To maintain blonde hair, expect:

• Salon appointments or home bleaching every 4–8 weeks

• Toning to avoid brassiness

• Purple shampoo weekly

• Hydration + bond repair

Brown hair?
Much easier. Gloss every few months and done.

Summary:
Blonde = time + maintenance
Brown = minimal upkeep and healthy-looking hair

I’m a fan of just using Sun In and the John Frieda Lightening Shampoo and Conditioner daily to stay blonde.

Summary: Maintaining blonde means upkeep – which means spending 4-6 hours at a salon monthly and/or blocking time to bleach your hair blonde at home.

Pros and Cons of Blonde vs. Brown Hair

Below are the biggest benefits of each shade — from someone who has lived both!

Here are the top 5 benefits of being blonde and of being a brunette with brown hair.

✅ Benefits of Blonde Hair

• Fun, playful, youthful vibe

• Brightens your face

• Guys LOVE it (seriously!)

• Looks amazing in summer

• Tons of shade options (platinum, honey, caramel, champagne, icy blonde, strawberry blonde)

Blonde hair stands out — it has energy and sparkle.

✅ Benefits of Brown Hair

• Your hair will thank you (it’s easier on your hair!)
• It’s WAY easier to maintain
• It won’t wash out your face. It may make your eyes pop! (Think Zooey Deschanel)
• It’s great for fall and winter
• It may make your skin color look healthier
• Shinier, richer, healthier-looking

Brown = classic beauty. Think Megan Fox or Anne Hathaway.

Blonde vs Brunette Perception: What People Think

Blondes are often seen as:

• Fun

• Approachable

• Youthful

Brunettes are seen as:

• Intelligent

• Sophisticated

• Confident

Both looks have power — it depends what vibe you want.

My Experience Going Blonde vs. Brown (and Why I Went Blonde Again)

If you follow the Very Easy Makeup blog (check out the hair section!) and Very Easy Makeup YouTube channel, you know that I change my hair color…almost monthly!

I’ve been close to my natural hair color (dark blonde/strawberry blonde), SUPER blonde (with Wella T18), honey blonde (Wella T28 and by getting it professionally done), and brunette/dark brown (thanks to the John Frieda Brunette treatment and a HORRIBLY done hair coloring at a salon).

Ultimately, I like myself as a blonde more. When I look in the mirror and see blonde hair, I just feel fun, outgoing, and youthful.

The brunette hair DEFINITELY makes my blue eyes super noticeable and my strong Polish features stand out, but the blonde just makes me feel happy, outgoing, and young.

Between a more natural blonde vs. a super light blonde, I actually like the super light blonde more too. So yes…I have brown eyebrows and very blonde hair. It’s obviously bleached blonde, but I don’t care (and neither do others!).

Plus, all guys seem to LOVE blonde hair…even if it looks fake!

How to Go Blonde at Home (Safely)

Want to go blonde at home? You can!

You can either bleach and tone your hair will Wella toner or simply go lighter with the right shampoo and lightening spray.

Two options:

🧴 Low-Commitment Lightening

• Sun In

• John Frieda Lightening Shampoo + Conditioner

• John Frieda Go Blonder spray

Gradual, easy, affordable.

🎨 Full Bleach + Tone

• Bleach kit + Wella toner (T18 for ash blonde, T28 for honey blonde)

• Deep conditioner weekly

Always use bond repair like Olaplex when bleaching.

Learn how to bleach and tone hair.

Want an easy way to go blonde? Just use the John Frieda shampoo and conditioner and Sun In. The John Frieda Sheer Blonde Spray will work too.

How to Go Brown at Home

My favorite way to go brown is to use the John Frieda Brunette Treatment.

It’s amazing!

Check out this YouTube video for a complete review.

You can also:

• Use semi-permanent glosses

• Add caramel highlights for dimension

Must-Have Products for Blondes

If you are going to go blonde, then you NEED a good purple shampoo, a good deep conditioning treatment, and a daily product to use before styling your hair.

Oribe Bright Blonde Shampoo

View on Amazon

It’s expensive, but it’s the best purple shampoo I’ve found!

Olaplex No 3 Deep Conditioning Treatment

View on Amazon

Use every 1-2 weeks to keep hair healthy and shiny.

It’s a 10 Leave-In for Blondes

View on Amazon

Use daily to de-frizz hair, detangle hair, and add moisture and shine.

Must-Have Hair Products for Brunettes

Fortunately, you don’t need much product if you have brunette hair. BUT…your hair will still benefit from using the right hair products!

John Frieda Brunette Shampoo and Conditioner

View on Amazon

My friend has the prettiest brunette hair. When I asked her what she uses, she shared that this was her secret! It’s literally the only thing she uses.

Olaplex No 7 Bonding Oil

View on Amazon

This is GREAT at making hair look shiny and healthy. Plus, it combats frizz.

FAQs about Blonde vs. Brown Hair

Have a question about blonde versus brown hair? Here are a few FAQs!

Have a question that isn’t addressed below? Please leave a comment!

Is Blonde or Brown Hair More Dominant?

Believe it or not – only 2% of the world’s population is blonde!

In the US, the percentage may increase to 5-10%.

So in reality – brown hair is definitely more dominant!

Women who may have had blonde or dark blonde hair in high school will realize that it gets darker by the time they are 25 years old or so.

Plus, only 2% of the world is blonde.

Is Blonde or Brown Hair More Common?

Brown hair is more common (naturally), but most women in the US get their hair colored.

About half of my friends are blonde – but it’s only because they all get their hair bleached blonde!

If you live in a sunny state like Florida, you will realize that basically, EVERY woman has blonde hair.

Is Blonde or Brown Hair Better for Pale Skin?

This one is tough!

I personally think that your natural hair color will look best on you if you have pale skin.

Brown hair will really make your eyes pop if you have pale skin. In my opinion, it also makes your features stand out more.

In contrast, if you have blonde hair and pale skin – your face can be a bit washed out. People may notice your blonde hair first vs. your face.

Either color can look good. In my experience, my skin tone looks better if I have brown hair and my eyes REALLY stand out when I’m a brunette. BUT…I like being blonde and my friends like how I look as a blonde more.

Is Blonde or Brown Hair More Slimming?

Honestly…I don’t think one is more slimming than the other!

If you want to look slimmer, you are better off getting a flattering haircut that compliments your face and by choosing clothing that flatters your body type.

Is Blonde or Brown Hair Prettier?

I think it just depends!

Brown hair looks rich, silky, and luxurious in my opinion.

But blonde is fun and noticeable.

I will admit that EVERY SINGLE GUY I know likes me as a blonde more…even when it looks too brassy, too orange, or obviously bleached blonde.

Is Blonde or Brown Hair More Flattering?

I think brown hair makes your skin tone look good and less washed out. Plus, your hair may be healthier and thicker if your natural hair color is dark blonde/brown and you keep it that color.

BUT…blonde is fun and youthful.

Both colors can be flattering.

Final Verdict: Should You Go Blonde or Brown?

Choose blonde if you want:

• A youthful, bright, playful vibe

• High contrast and eye-catching color

• Summer-ready energy

Choose brown if you want:

• Rich, healthy-looking hair

• Less maintenance

• A classic, sleek look

Either way — you can always switch later. Hair grows back!

More Articles by Very Easy Makeup

You may also like these related articles:

• Sun In Hair Lightener Review to Go Blonde
• Trendy Music Festival Outfits
• Fun and Flirty Summer Dresses