10 Sweet Caramel Hair Ideas That Are On Trend Right Now.

Evidence Based

Fact Checked

Ahhh, sweet, sweet caramel hair.

That heady blend of brown and blonde that’s all sun-kissed, beachy, alluring and lustrous. The toasted blonde, light brown look has got our heads in a spin.

From catwalk to sidewalk, it’s everywhere we look right now. And it’s easy to see why.

Caramel hair is versatile and suits all skin types, making it one of the most lusted after colors hitting the top trend lists this year.

Choosing a caramel hair shade can be daunting if you’re new to the hair coloring world. Lucky for you we’re here to explore the best caramel hair ideas to help inspire your next look.

#1 Caramel Balayage

This is a subtle caramel balayage that’s perfect for those wanting to dip their toes into the caramel trend.

The dark roots gradually blend into a sweet caramel color that frames your face perfectly.

#2 Honey Caramel Highlights

Honey caramel highlights warm up dark hair tones.

If you’re scared of commitment, this is the perfect caramel shade for you. A few caramel highlights can go a long way in adding dimension to your hair.

#3 Dark Caramel

This deep caramel hair color is perfect for those with darker skin tones.

The richness of the hair color complements sun-kissed skin and pairs well with warm weather outfits in fall.

#4 Caramel Ombre

Caramel ombre is a beautiful blend of darker roots that gradually transition into a caramel color at the tips.

This stunning look will add character to your hair and make a statement.

#5 Caramel Babylights

Babylights are tiny highlights that give a subtle sun-kissed look.

This caramel hair idea is perfect for those looking to add subtle dimension to their hair and create a natural-looking effect.

#6 Caramel Blonde

This caramel hair color is light and bright.

Lightened caramel blonde gives a soft, sun-kissed look that’s perfect for summer. It’s ideal for those that want to add lighter shades into their hair without going blonde.

#7 Toffee Caramel Balayage

Toffee caramel hair color is perfect for those wanting a darker shade of caramel.

This hair color adds depth and warmth to any hair color and is perfect for those with cooler skin tones.

#8 Caramel Hair with Bangs

Adding caramel hair highlights to your bangs can give your hair a unique and edgy look.

The caramel highlights add dimension and texture to your hair and can make your features pop.

#9 Golden Caramel Hair

This caramel hair shade is perfect for those that want to add a warm golden glow to their hair.

Golden caramel hair suits any skin type, and the warm golden hue pairs perfectly with summer outfits.

#10 Caramel Money Piece

Caramel money piece hair is the perfect way to draw attention to your face.

This hair color incorporates a bit of caramel in the face-framing strands, making your eyes and cheekbones pop.

How can I care for my caramel hair?

Once you have the caramel color you love, you’ll need to look after it with color-friendly products to keep the color vibrant and locked in for longer.

Once a week, use a really nourishing deep conditioning mask to help re-moisturise and repair your hair.

In between colorings, you can also try an at-home keratin treatment. This will help to restore the bonds in your hair and lock the color to make it last for longer.

The best way to avoid any orange tones appearing is to use a brunette shampoo and conditioner to tone down any brassiness.

And don’t forget to always follow our most excellent advice in How to look after colored hair and keep it luscious for longer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What color is caramel hair?

Caramel is a creamy colored sensation. A dark blonde/light brown blend of sun-kissed tones that add depth and dimension to any look.

It’s a deeper, darker blonde than other warm blonde colors like honey, but not as light or cool as ash blonde.

It’s toffee-colored hues are a great face-framing color that makes green and blues eyes really pop.

From dark brown caramel tones to golden brown, warm caramel and beige blonde, the range of caramel shades and hues work amazingly as a brown base for other on-trend styles – like ombre, caramel balayage and caramel highlights.

It’s a warm, rich color that knits well with dark roots for a on-point, grown-out look. 

Check out the latest looks for ideas and inspiration.

caramel color ideas pinterest board

Is caramel hair blonde or brown?

Whether caramel color is blonde or brunette is a great question!

The color is mostly a golden-brown base, but it does have some blonde and red undertones as well.

Many people think that this shade is blonde, but just as many would call it brown. It’s a unique color because it shines like copper and blends with strawberry blonde tones, too.

It’s is the same tones as the equally delicious butterscotch or toffee.

Altogether it’s a rich, creamy golden brown that’s neither one nor the other!

Is caramel hair a warm color?

This is a warm color for warm skin tones, so avoid it if you have cool tones with pale skin as it might wash you out.

It is a warm color because it has undertones of red in it.

Different shades can draw different tones of red depending on whether it’s more blonde or brown.

That’s not to say you can’t cool it down.

Adding ashier blonde highlights, cool brown balayage and baby lights can work if you have a more neutral skin tone.

Will caramel color suit me?

Your undertones will tell you whether you have the right natural coloring to go with caramel.

Use our checklist to see if caramel is right for you!

If you have warm undertones:

  • You have red or golden undertones in your hair.
  • Your skin tone will be golden, tan or olive.
  • You have green veins in your wrist.
  • You suit bright or rich shades.
  • You probably have freckles.
  • Gold jewellery looks awesome on you.

If you have cool undertones:

  • Your skin tone is pink or pale.
  • You prefer wearing jewel and pastel colors.
  • The color yellow does not look good on you.
  • You have blue veins in your wrist.
  • Pearls and silver jewellery look awesome on you.
warm or cool skin tones infographic

Take the quiz!

If you’re not sure if you have warm or cool undertones or you simply want to find out what kind of colors are best suited to you, you can take our quiz!

Which Hair Color Suits Me?

You can also try on some virtual hair colors with the Best apps to change your hair color this year!

Can I get caramel hair at home?

Of course! Caramel is an easy color to try out yourself at home. The color results you’ll achieve all depends on what color you hair is now.

If your hair is light brown to dark – try blending caramel hues with your dark or brunette hair to add texture and a warm caramel brown color.

Ombre and balayage looks will be perfect for you. If you want to go all over caramel, you may need your hair pre-lightened first to a blonde base to achieve the gorgeous golden effect.

If your hair is light blonde and lighter – you’re good to dye your hair all-over or you can add subtle rich highlights, lowlights or babylights.

Experiment with darker tones and lighter hues for multi-dimensional fabulousness.

Parting words.

Remember that there is no right answer when choosing a caramel tone for your hair – the only way to find out which one suits you best is by trying different colors.

So go ahead and experiment with our suggestions here, or use them as inspiration for creating your own style!

Whatever happens, we wish you luck on your journey towards achieving perfect locks.

This article was written by:

  • Nicola Freeman, Creative Director & Content Lead
    Creative Director & Content Lead

    With over two decades of passionate hair dyeing experience, I've experimented with nearly every shade imaginable. My journey began long before blogging; as an award-winning copywriter in London and New York, I shaped narratives for iconic brands. However, when friends sought advice during lockdown for at-home hair dyeing, I realized my true calling. Beyond being your hair color expert, I'm a mom of two girls, wife to artist Tony, and an avid soccer player!