Have you spotted the latest buzz in hair color? Yep, it’s all about that gorgeous amber shade.
This warm and inviting hue is popping up everywhere – from your favorite celebrities to that stylish coworker you always get hair inspo from.
If you’re thinking of giving it a try you’re in the right place. This guide covers everything you need to know about amber hair color – from whether it’ll suit you to the must-have products to get the look at home, and even some pro tips on how to care for it.
So, whether you’re dreaming of a gentle touch of amber or a full-blown transformation, we’ve got your back. Grab your hair tools, and let’s go!
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Table of Contents
- What color is amber hair?
- The Most Popular Amber Hair Color Shades
- #1 Amber Blonde
- #2 Deep Amber Brown
- #3 Light Amber Brown
- #4 Butterscotch
- Is Amber a Warm or Cool Toned Color?
- Is Amber Hair Color Right for You?
- Which Hair Color Suits Me?
- How to get Amber Hair at Home.
- Which Are The Best Amber Hair Dyes?
- Best amber hair dyes at a glance.
- Watch and Learn: How To Dye Your Hair Amber At Home.
- How Long Will Amber Hair Dye Last?
- How To Care For Amber Hair.
- Parting words
What color is amber hair?
Amber is a shade of copper orange, just like the amber gemstone, and part of the red hair family.
If you are looking for a subtle shade of warm brown, amber is an easy choice.
Other color names that might be considered “amber” are dark orange, auburn, red-brown, deep copper and reddish blondes like strawberry blonde.
It is this varied palette that makes it so popular. It looks fantastic on most skin types, and its versatility makes it a great choice for any outfit.
Blend it with warm honey blondes to create a bright, sun-kissed look, or mix it up with darker coffee browns for a more intense effect.
Balayage, ombre, and other fashion color techniques suit this shade perfectly, as it ages well and fades beautifully.
Check out the latest looks for ideas and inspiration over on our Amber Hair Color Pinterest Board.
The Most Popular Amber Hair Color Shades
Here are the most popular amber hair color shades that are trending right now.
#1 Amber Blonde
Amber blonde is a fantastic way to enhance already golden hair. If you have pale skin and warm undertones, this shade will add warmth to your look while making you stand out from the crowd.
This shade can look almost strawberry blonde at times but has a much richer tone that distinguishes it from the reds or coppers that exist in other amber shades.
If you find most brunette looks too dark for your taste, try adding some gold into the mix for an interesting twist on your hair colour!
#2 Deep Amber Brown
Amber brown is an incredibly beautiful shade, and it’s easy to see why so many people love it. It looks great on all skin tones, has more depth than lighter shades of amber.
This shade shows much less contrast between darker roots and lighter ends. It looks almost like cinnamon with added layers.
The effect is a softer, stretched-out version of copper: warm and bright without much darkness at all. This makes it perfect for those who want a more orange-toned version of auburn.
#3 Light Amber Brown
This shade incorporates a bit more blonde, giving it a warmer tone than a standard dark amber. It also has much less orange than other amber colours, so it looks almost cool toned.
This unique colour is perfect for creating an intense contrast against fair skin, bright eyes and blonde hair without losing too much warmth in the mix.
It’s ideal if you want to stand out from the crowd but don’t want to go for any extreme shades – particularly if you’re just starting with fashion colours and experimenting with your look.
#4 Butterscotch
Butterscotch is a lighter, muted version of amber. It’s perfect if you want to warm up your hair without going too dark or intense.
This shade has more yellow and cream undertones than standard copper blondes and looks almost like a mix between honey and caramel – hence the name!
It works well with darker skin tones and adds depth to brown eyes. If you love butterscotch candies but don’t want such an intense colour change, this might be the best choice for you!
Is Amber a Warm or Cool Toned Color?
Amber hair color will suit people who have warm undertones in their skin, as opposed to those with a cool undertone.
People with a colder complexion look better in cooler shades of brown – think deep chocolate or black!
Those with warmer complexions should choose orange based colors like spiced amber or terracotta. Both look fantastic on all face shapes!
What make this shade so flattering is its ability to flatter skin tones regardless of whether they are dark or light.
Not only will it bring out your complexion and add vibrancy to your overall appearance, but it will also play nicely against lots of different eye colors (including green especially).
If you’re not sure what undertones you have, just use our handy checklist below!
If you have cool undertones:
- Your skin tone is pink or pale.
- You blush easily!
- Jewel and pastel colors are so your thing.
- The color yellow washes you out and does not look good on you.
- You have blue not green veins in your wrist.
- Pearls and silver jewellery look awesome on you.
If you have warm undertones:
- You have red or golden tones in your natural hair.
- Your skin tone is golden, tan or olive.
- You might have freckles.
- You have green not blue veins in your wrist.
- You suit bright or rich shades better.
- Gold jewellery looks awesome on you.
Is Amber Hair Color Right for You?
If you’re not sure what colors will suit you, you can take our quick quiz!
Which Hair Color Suits Me?
How to get Amber Hair at Home.
Amber hair can be created using a variety of different hair dye shades. The only way to find your best hue is to try them!
Try going a shade darker and brighter with different brands’ colors until you find the one that suits you best.
Remember: if you ever need to lighten or lift any artificial color, it needs to be bleached first (to remove all traces of pigment) before you apply your new shade.
If not, the two will mix and it won’t take properly.
If your hair isn’t ready for such a big change just yet, try using semi-permanent fashion colors first.
This allows you to dip into the trend without making as drastic a change as permanent dye would – but don’t worry, you can still get beautiful results!
The amber hair trend is here to stay – so dive in and start experimenting!
Which Are The Best Amber Hair Dyes?
You’re in luck – most brands now produce an amber shade as part of their range, so it shouldn’t be too difficult to find one that’s perfect for you.
Check out the list below (we’ve included both permanent and semi-permanent options).
Best amber hair dyes at a glance.
| Hair dye | Looks like | Buy it now |
|---|---|---|
| L'Oreal Paris Superior Preference Light Amber Brown |  | |
| Adore Semi-Permanent Haircolor Spiced Amber |  | |
| L'Oréal Paris Casting Crème Gloss Semi-Permanent Amber |  | |
| L'Oreal Paris Feria, Sparkling Amber |  | |
| Smart Beauty Deep Amber Permanent |  | |
| Adore SemiPermanent Haircolor Rich Amber |  |
Watch and Learn: How To Dye Your Hair Amber At Home.
Here is a great video tutorial that guides you through how to get the amber allure at home DIY style.
How Long Will Amber Hair Dye Last?
Amber hair colors are fairly long lasting for a red shade, like most dark brunette shades.
If you’re going for a semi-permanent dye, it should last a few washes. You might be able to stretch it out a little longer by using cold water and washing less frequently.
For a permanent shade, the color will typically remain vibrant for up to 6 – 12 weeks.
Certain factors like how often you wash your hair, whether or not you use heat styling tools and how much product you put in can affect this though!
How To Care For Amber Hair.
There are a few simple things you can do to keep your hair looking healthy and vibrant after dyeing it:
Avoid using shampoos that contain sulphates or harsh detergents as these can strip away artificial color (and natural oils) from the hair shaft.
Sulphate free shampoo is typically much gentler and will help lock in any color you have left over.
Colored hair tends to be more porous than non-dyed locks, so try not to wash it too often. A couple of times a week at most! Dry shampoo will be your friend.
This helps stop the cuticle becoming damaged which could impact how long your color lasts for.
Use a weekly deep conditioning treatment to help restore moisture lost through heat styling, environmental exposure etc. This will leave your hair feeling silky smooth and looking shiny.
Parting words
So there you have it. That’s everything you need to know about this lustrious shade and how to get this vibrant look at home.
So next time you’re in the mood to add some glitz and glamour into your hair, keep awesome amber in mind! Good luck!
Found your perfect amber shade? We’d love to see it! Tag us on Instagram @colouredhaircare or Facebook and share your hair dye success stories. Looking for more hair care tips? Check out How to Look After Colored Hair: 11 Expert Secrets For Long-Lasting Color.
