What is brown vs black hair?

Brown hair and black hair are both very common hair colors in humans, but there are some differences between them.

  • Brown hair is lighter than black hair and ranges in shade from light brown to dark brown. Brown hair can have warm undertones, such as red or golden, or cool undertones, such as ash or taupe.
  • Black hair is the darkest hair color and can have cool undertones, such as blue or purple, or warm undertones, such as auburn or copper. Black hair can also appear to have shine and depth due to its intense pigmentation.
  • Both brown and black hair can be straight, wavy, or curly depending on the person's genetics and hair care routine.
  • Brown hair is more common in Western and Central Europe, while black hair is more common in Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
  • Both brown and black hair can be dyed or highlighted to achieve different looks and shades. However, black hair can be more difficult to lighten or change because of its intense pigmentation.