If it feels like everyone is softening their dark winter hair for something a little lighter and more dimensional, you’re not imagining it. As we transition from winter into spring, one of the most requested hair color shifts isn’t a dramatic blonde moment—it’s a subtle, sun-kissed refresh. Enter: teddy bear brown hair. It introduces softer golden, honey, and caramel undertones to brown hair that feel brighter and airier—without committing to full-on blonde.
So if refreshing your winter brunette is high on your spring beauty to-do list, consider this your guide to achieving a color that feels lighter, glossier, and perfectly in-between. Ahead, top colorists share how to transition your shade seamlessly and what to ask for at the salon, so your hair looks effortlessly lifted—just in time for longer, sunnier days.
What is teddy bear brown hair?
According to hairstylist and colorist Hussein Sal, trendy teddy bear brunette is a warm, multi-tonal hair color that blends a rich, chocolate-brown base with soft golden, honey, or caramel highlights. “The idea is for the hair to mimic the cozy, multidimensional fur of a teddy bear, giving a natural yet dimensional glow,” he says. Think of this expensive-looking take on brown hair as a more sophisticated version of honey-brown hair that doesn’t give off an ashy, dull look and packs plenty of subtle depth, so the hair doesn’t feel flat or boring.
The key to getting teddy bear brown hair to look just right is to have the ideal amount of warmth—particularly goldenness—so that the hair appears “glowy.” Celebrity hairstylist Sienree Du says the base should be a medium brown shade, accented with diffused caramel-toned highlights that catch the light to create dimension that still looks natural and lived-in. “The color has a touch of golden hues to it that read as warm because of the cozy brown and dark brown combination,” she explains.
What to ask your stylist for before going teddy bear brown:
If you want teddy bear brown hair, how you describe it to your colorist is key. For starters, ask for a base color that falls within the dark-medium to light-medium brown range, giving a classic yet understated brunette hue that’s wearable across a variety of skin tones.
As for the highlights, opt for ones that complement the base with minimal contrast. “Ask for a sparkly brunette base with an iridescent glow,” Sal suggests. “This essentially means a neutral tone that’s not warm nor ashy.” Well-blended dark honey or golden caramel highlights (balayage works well for this look) prevent the hair from appearing heavily highlighted or full-on blonde. Du agrees and says the best way to create a sun-kissed look with reflective movement is to place a few dimensional highlights that are two to three levels lighter than the base, rather than ice-cool tones. For hair with a naturally warm brown base and hints of sun-kissed pieces, a gloss and toner may be enough to achieve this look.
How to maintain teddy bear brown hair color:
Getting teddy bear brown hair is one thing; maintaining it is another. Even though Sal calls teddy bear brunette a low-maintenance, “lived-in” color, he cautions that the wrong hair products, especially harsh clarifying shampoos and ones packed with sulfates, as well as some acid-based hair products, can dull the tone of the hair and cause unwanted red undertones to peek through. You also want to avoid purple- and blue-toned shampoos, which can dull the natural warmth that makes teddy bear brown hair so desirable.
Heat is another known culprit of damaged and wrecked hair color. Completely avoiding heat isn’t always feasible, so Du recommends always protecting the hair with a heat protectant when styling with any hot tool. Also, be mindful of tools’ temperatures to avoid compromising color and shine.
Pro hair glosses are also a godsend for bumping up color when necessary, since they temporarily enhance the tone while neutralizing brassiness and adding shine without a permanent commitment. At-home versions also work well. Since the teddy bear brown look exudes healthy, shiny strands, Du says a shower filter can be a game-changer. “It helps filter out the minerals in the water that can immediately shift color.”
The best teddy bear brown inspo:
Gilbert Flores//Getty Images
Hailey Bieber’s teddy bear brown hair
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Kaia Gerber’s teddy bear brown hair
Raymond Hall//Getty Images
Olivia Jade’s teddy bear brown hair
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Hailee Steinfeld’s teddy bear brown hair
Karwai Tang//Getty Images
Daisy Edgar-Jones’ teddy bear brown hair
Ernesto Ruscio//Getty Images
Khloe Kardashian’s teddy bear brown hair
Tommaso Boddi/2026GG//Getty Images
Alison Brie’s teddy bear brown hair
Elise Minton Tabin is an award-winning beauty journalist, editor, and expert with 20 years of experience. She started her career in public relations before shifting to editorial. Elise rose the ranks at NewBeauty magazine from an editorial assistant to Executive Beauty Editor, overseeing and reporting on all things beauty, plastic surgery, anti-aging, health, and wellness. A prolific content creator and trendspotter, Elise always knows what’s new, what works, and who’s the best to go to for treatments and procedures. She contributes to media outlets including InStyle, NewBeauty, The Zoe Report, Byrdie, Beauty Independent, The Aesthetic Guide, Bazaar, and more.
