Brunette hair shades tend to come back in style at the onset of autumn. The fall 2021 iteration of this color trend has been termed “expensive brunette.” 

Expensive brunette is intended to be an understated and tasteful look. Its foundational color is a rich and deep brown, complemented by highlights of other brunette shades like copper and bronze. It is essentially the brunette equivalent of multi-colored blonde hair, using fair highlights and lowlights in order to create depth and glossiness.

A number of celebrities have adopted expensive brunette. Model and socialite Hailey Bieber is probably the poster child of the hair color. Bieber has been slowly darkening her hair over the course of the pandemic, ultimately swapping her famous blonde color for an intense brunette one. Supermodel Gigi Hadid is another famous blonde who has made the switch for the fall, along with social media personality Sophia Richie, actress Blake Lively, and singers Billie Eilish and Ciara. 

The emergence of expensive brunette could signify a number of changes occurring in the wider culture. The first is the simplicity of the hair color. Most people are naturally dark-haired, so the upkeep required for the look is low. This is a sensible reflection of the limitations that the pandemic has imposed on services like salon appointments. 

Brunette Michela Kornfeld ’22 felt that this explanation was the most relatable for her. She said, “I’m happy that my hair color coincides with the popular hair color. I don’t have to do any work.”

Alternatively, some may have unintentionally adopted expensive brunette. With restricted coloring services, root growth made an organic return to dark hair somewhat inevitable. 

Health may be another factor. With Americans becoming more health-conscious, they may likewise be interested in sporting their natural hair colors. 

More diverse beauty standards could be another factor. With a decreased emphasis on emulating ideals such as blonde hair, it is plausible that people feel more freedom to embrace their natural dark hair colors.  

Sirajum Munira ’24 thought that there was merit to this argument. On the subject of natural brunettes returning to the color, she said, “Perhaps they’re embracing their natural features a lot more? If they are, I think that definitely makes a statement.”

Munira also felt that celebrities played an important role in the development of  the trend. “In the media, trends have usually been created once one person starts doing something and others follow and conform. Most times, we can follow the actions of people in authority, people who are famous, and people who are influential. In that sense, when we start to copy them, we rid ourselves of our own individuality. However, when celebrities begin to embrace themselves for who they are and their god-given traits, others will be more compelled to do the same,” she said. 

Chloe Yip ’23 had similar feelings. She said that the expensive brunette trend could signify its adoptees “not letting go of a past identity” and embracing their natural beauty.

The emergence of expensive brunette could signify a number of changes occurring in the wider culture. The first is the simplicity of the hair color. Most people are naturally dark-haired, so the upkeep required for the look is low. This is a sensible reflection of the limitations that the pandemic has imposed on services like salon appointments.