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Dark suede blond went viral last year after Sydney Sweeney debuted the cool-girl shade, but now it’s the brunettes’ turn. “Suede brunette is inspired by the texture and depth of suede fabric—soft, muted, luxurious and tactile,” says colorist Ashlee Norman. “It’s more lived-in than a jet brown and lower-contrast than a traditional balayage, with an overall cozy, quiet-luxury feel that flatters most skin tones. Think of it as a soft, luxurious brunette with a smoky-suede dimension.”
Shvonne Perkins, colorist and Director of Education at Madison Reed, adds that “it’s perfect for brunettes craving a seasonal refresh without a dramatic change.” Ahead, we’re breaking down exactly what suede brunette is—and how to get it.
Featured Experts
- Ashlee Norman is a colorist and Schwarzkopf Professional Artist
- Shvonne Perkins is a colorist and Madison Reed’s Director of Education
- Brendnetta Ashley is a celebrity colorist and Schwarzkopf Professional Ambassador
- Carly Zanoni is a colorist and Schwarzkopf Professional Artist
What Is Suede Brunette?
“Suede brunette is the elevated evolution of the lived-in brunette,” says Perkins. “Inspired by soft, suede texture, it features taupe-leaning and cool-toned hues to feel modern and chic.” Celebrity colorist Brendetta Ashley notes that the shade isn’t red or ashy, but rather plush and velvety.
Colorist Carly Zannoi likens the trending shade to a vintage suede jacket in hair color form—rich and cozy, yet still polished and modern. “The base has gentle depth at the root, while natural tones are woven through the mids and ends to create movement and a lived-in glow. It never looks flat or overly dark; instead, it has that luxe, touchable finish that feels effortless.”
How to Get Suede Brunette Hair
Zannoi recommends asking your stylist for a “brunette that feels warm and understated—nothing overly contrasted or heavy.” She notes that “suede brunette is all about nuanced dimension, so I always recommend asking for subtle brightness placed where the hair naturally catches the light, rather than traditional highlights.” Ashley adds that “it’s helpful to specify that you want warmth without red and depth without going too dark.”
Perkins recommends bringing photo examples to the salon. “It can be easy to overdo it and go too cool, so emphasize that you’re looking for balance and variation—not a full smoky brunette,” she says. “Ask for seamless depth and dimension—think soft lowlights and subtle highlights that melt into the base,” advises Norman. She recommends a blend of beige brown, ash and violet tones to achieve a cool, neutral suede finish.
In the salon, Norman suggests using an ultra-blended highlighting technique, like AirTouch, with Schwarzkopf Professional’s BlondMe Precision Lightener to create seamless gradation without over-lifting. Following that, she suggests toning hair with a permanent color to subtly shift the natural base while also toning the highlights. She recommends IGORA ZERO AMM mixed in equal parts with developer and hair sealer to soften the contrast between the natural depth and pre-lightened hair. Both Zannoi and Ashley recommend colorists use Schwarzkopf Professional Igora Vibrance and/or Igora Royal to get the ideal soft, suede-like tone with a dimensional base and a velvety finish.
For brunettes interested in trying the look at home, Perkins has a few recommendations. “For at-home, you can enhance one’s natural brunette tones with Madison Reed’s ColorWonder in shade Iconic Bronde ($30), a cool-toned shade designed to subtly brighten while maintaining a smoky finish. It delivers that coveted winter polish with minimal upkeep,” she says. “Also, for medium to deeper brunettes, Madison Reed Color Reviving Gloss in Espresso ($25) would work great.”
How to Maintain Suede Brunette Hair
Between full color appointments, Norman recommends asking your stylist about glossing or demi-permanent touch-ups to keep the suede finish soft, luminous and lived-in. For at-home maintenance, she suggests using a toning mask to counter warmth as highlights fade and maintain that cool, neutral finish.
