Is Blonde or Brown Hair Better? Find the Best Color For You.

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Is blonde hair or brown hair better?

Should you lighten your hair and go blonde, or stay a brunette?

If you are having a hard time deciding which color is best for you, you are not alone!

I’ve often debated between blonde hair and brown hair. Which is better? If you are like me, you are not alone.

Thankfully, this hair guide is all about brown hair vs. blonde hair. Continue scrolling to help you decide which color is best for you.

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.

5 Things to Consider Before You Choose Blonde Hair vs. Brown Hair

Below are five things to think about first.

1. How Much Money Do You Want to Spend?

Most women I know with blonde hair get their hair professionally done…at least every 4-6 weeks.

You can bleach your hair blonde at home (check out these YouTube videos), but that is for the risk-averse women out there!

If you want to go blonde, be aware that you will have to spend quite a bit of money to keep it blonde (unless you don't mind your roots showing!).

2. How Healthy Is Your Hair?

Bleaching and dying your hair blonde can cause damage over time.

If your hair is healthy, then go ahead and go blonde!

If your hair is starting to thin, it may be better to go easy on your hair and go brown for a bit.

Takeaway: Do NOT go blonde if your hair is damaged and/or thinning.

3. What Is Your Age and How Old Do You Want to Look?

If you want to look younger, go blonde. For some reason, people associate blondes with youth!

Many women who are past the age of 50 go blonde because it blends in nicer with white hair.

Summary: Go blonde if you want to look younger.

4. What Was Your Hair Color When You Were in Middle School?

If you had blonde hair in middle school (think ages 8-12) then you will probably look good blonde!

If your hair was dark brown or black, then brown or brunette color will probably look better with your skin tone. You can always add lighter streaks or highlights if you want to add some more color to your hair.

Summary: The most flattering hair color for your skin tone and eye color is the color of your hair when you were in middle school.

5. How Much Time Do You Have?

If you want to go blonde (and stay blonde), expect to get your hair done every 4-6 weeks. That means spending an hour at home doing it yourself or 3-5 hours at the salon getting it done.

BUT…there are some products you can use to go blonde quickly at home!

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.

Is Blonde or Brown Hair Better? Benefits of Each Color!

Is Blonde or Brown Hair Better by Very Easy Makeup

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

5 Benefits of Blonde: Why Blonde May Be Better for You

Why go blonde? Here are 5 things I love about being blonde!

Reasons to Have Blonde Hair

It’s fun.
You can switch up the shade of blonde (platinum blonde, natural blonde, strawberry blonde).
It’s youthful.
Guys like it.
It’s perfect for summer.

5 Benefits of Brown Hair: Why Being a Brunette Is Better

Here are 5 GREAT things about being a brunette.

Reasons to Have 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.

Perceptions of Blondes

Do blondes really have more fun? I don’t think people actually believe that.

But…blondes do seem to look more approachable (according to studies).

Perceptions of Brunettes

Are brunettes smarter? I don’t think that’s a true perception, but brunettes do tend to look a bit more sophisticated and serious vs. a blonde.

My Experience: Blonde vs. Brown Hair – Why I Decided to Go 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

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.

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.

Cheap Ways to 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.

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

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

Olaplex No 3 Deep Conditioning Treatment

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

It’s a 10 Leave-In for Blondes

It's a 10 for blondes to strengthen hair, detangle hair, and protect blonde hair — It's a 10 (for Blondes)

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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

John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Shampoo and Conditioner for Brunettes and Brown, Shiny Hair — John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Shampoo and Conditioner

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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

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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.