As summer heats up, it’s not just blonds who are looking for a seasonal, sun-kissed refresh. If you’re searching for the just-right tone of brunette for the season, you need warm tobacco hair. This shade’s caramel and golden undertones bring the sun to your strands without the damage, while prioritizing an overall lived-in, elegant brunette look.
What is warm tobacco hair?
Brunette girlies know there’s more to a good color than just ‘brown,’ and among all the trendy shades, warm tobacco hair stands out as a summer must-have.
“The main difference between tobacco brunette and a traditional brunette is that the tobacco shade has warm undertones—think caramel, golden and amber, as it reflects smoky hues,” explains celebrity hairstylist and Wella ambassador, Briana Cisneros. “There are an infinite number of brunette shades; some can lean cooler or flat. This shade mimics the rich, sunlit tones of tobacco leaves, giving it a lived-in, dimensional glow. It’s often finished with a high-gloss shine, enhancing the smoky shine.”
And if there’s a look we’re loving right now, it’s ‘lived-in.’ For summer, warm tobacco is a shade that perfectly incorporates a sun-kissed look while still staying true to brunette roots.
Who should try warm tobacco hair?
“This shade has an earthy elegance with a hint of edge,” Cisneros says. “It’s perfect for someone who wants to look effortlessly chic and sun-kissed without overhighlighting or lifting the hair too much.”
In terms of trendy aesthetics, warm tobacco hair fits perfectly into the beachy, old money look we’ve seen dominate this season.
“I would say confident, grounded, approachable—but not afraid to turn heads!” adds Cisneros. “The overall vibe is relaxed luxury.”
In terms of a shade that fits your look, Cisneros explains that warm tobacco hair can be customized to complement your undertones. Those with warm and neutral undertones can expect the caramel shades to shine, while olive, golden and peachy complexions are particularly flattered by the blend of warm tones. On the other hand, tan to medium-deep skin tones will make golden tones pop and look radiant.
How to get the look
In a salon environment, your best friend is a reference photo. This will help ensure you and your colorist are on the same page. “You can also explain that you’re looking for a warm, dimensional brunette—something with golden and caramel tones, kind of like the rich, smoky tones of cured tobacco leaves,” says Cisneros. “You want it to feel natural, glossy and low-maintenance, not too high-contrast.”
For that gorgeous, shiny finish, you may want to add a gloss service at your salon. “For long-lasting shine and tone enhancement, ask your stylist about a Shinefinity Glaze in warm tobacco-inspired hues,” Cisneros advises. “It’s zero lift, zero damage and keeps your color luminous and rich. And for at-home maintenance, opt for the Wella Professionals Color Fresh Mask in Caramel Glaze ($26) or Golden Gloss ($26), depending on your preference of undertones. This will help maintain your warmth and shine between appointments.”
