Choosing a brown hair color might seem simple, but there’s a pretty big difference between dark brown and a much lighter shade. Once you’re actually looking at your options, it’s easy to second-guess which one will give you the look you have in mind.
Your current hair color is a good place to start. From there, think about whether you want a subtle change or something people are more likely to notice. We’ll take a closer look at the brown shades from Motions Xpress, how they compare, and what to know before coloring your hair at home.
What to Consider Before Choosing a Brown Hair Color
Before you settle on a shade, take a look at the color you have now and think about what you actually want to change. That can help you rule out a few options right away.
- Your starting hair color: A shade can look different depending on the color underneath it. Going from very dark hair to a lighter brown, for example, isn’t the same as taking medium brown hair to a darker shade. If you already have color on your hair, be sure to check the directions before trying to make a big change.
- How much of a change you want: You don’t have to go dramatically lighter or darker every time you color your hair. You may just want to freshen up a brown that has faded or stay pretty close to what you already have. If you do want a bigger change, take a little more time to consider how different the shade you want is from the color you have now.
- Your gray coverage goals: Take a look at how much gray you’re working with and where it tends to show up. You might only be trying to cover a few grays around your temples, or gray coverage could be the main reason you’re coloring your hair. Keep this in mind when you get to the processing time, since stubborn grays may need a little longer.
Compare Motions Xpress Brown Hair Color Shades
Once you have a better idea of how light or dark you want to go, it’s time to look at the shade options. Motions Xpress has two brown options, plus a Dark Blonde shade that’s worth comparing if you’re leaning toward something lighter.
3.0 Dark Brown
3.0 Dark Brown is the deeper of the two brown options. It has a rich espresso brown color with natural warmth, making it a good place to start if you have a deeper brown in mind.
5.0 Light Brown
Want something a little lighter? 5.0 Light Brown has a soft chestnut color with subtle brightness. It gives you another option when Dark Brown feels deeper than the look you’re going for, but you still want to stay within the brown shades.
6.0 Dark Blonde
Dark Blonde may not be the first shade you think of when you’re looking for a brown hair color, but it can still be helpful to compare. 6.0 Dark Blonde has warm, golden blonde tones, so take a look at it alongside Light Brown if you’re deciding whether to stick with brown or go a little bit lighter.
Dark Brown vs. Light Brown: Which One Is Right for You?
If you keep going back and forth between 3.0 Dark Brown and 5.0 Light Brown, think about which one looks closer to the change you actually want to make.
- Go with 3.0 Dark Brown if: You have a deeper brown in mind and like the richer espresso look. If Light Brown seems a little too light for what you’re going for, Dark Brown may be the better fit.
- Try 5.0 Light Brown if: You like a softer chestnut brown and don’t want to go quite as dark. It’s a good one to compare if you want to keep your color on the lighter side of brown.
How Your Starting Hair Color Can Affect the Final Result
The color you have now matters just as much as the shade you pick. Two people can use the same brown hair color and end up with slightly different results because the color that’s already there affects how the new color turns out.
One way to think about it is to look at how different your current color is from the one you want. If your hair is already brown, are you trying to make it a little deeper or lighten it up? If the shade you want is much lighter or darker than where you’re starting, there’s more to consider than the color name on the package.
It’s also worth thinking about anything else you have recently done to your hair. Motions Xpress can be used on relaxed or chemically straightened hair, but wait at least seven to ten days after a chemical treatment before coloring.
If you have permanent color on your hair and want to go lighter, keep in mind that permanent hair color won’t lift artificial color that’s already there. Simply choosing a lighter shade may not give you the change you’re expecting. If you’re trying to make a bigger jump from previously colored dark hair to a much lighter shade, it may be worth talking with a professional about what it will take to get there.
How to Use Motions Xpress Brown Hair Color at Home
Once you’ve decided on a shade, you’re ready to color. Before you get started, take a little time to set everything up.
1. Read the Directions
It can be tempting to skim the directions and figure things out as you go, especially if you’ve colored your hair before. But it’s worth reading them all the way through before you start. You don’t want to be trying to figure out the next step when you already have color on your hair.
Keep the directions close by while you’re coloring, too. If you forget the processing time or aren’t sure what comes next, you can check instead of guessing.
2. Complete the Recommended Tests
Don’t skip any testing that needs to be done before you color your hair. Even if you’ve used hair dye plenty of times before, the FDA recommends doing a skin test before every use.
This is also a good time to do a strand test. Testing a small section first can give you a preview of how the color may turn out before you apply it all over. Check the directions that come with your Motions Xpress color for when and how to do each test.
3. Prep and Section Your Hair
Hair color can get messy, so wear something you won’t be upset about staining and cover the area where you’ll be working. It also helps to have everything you need nearby before you open the color.
From there, split your hair into a few sections. They don’t have to be perfectly even. Just make sure they’re small enough that you can work through your hair without losing track of where you’ve already applied the color.
4. Mix and Apply With Gloved Hands
One thing that makes Motions Xpress a little different from some at-home hair colors is that you don’t need a mixing bowl or brush. Put on the gloves that come with your color, then follow the directions for mixing it in your hands.
Then, apply the color to your hair the way you would a shampoo, working it through with your gloved hands. Go section by section so the color reaches all of the areas you want to cover.
5. Follow the Recommended Processing Time
Motions Xpress works pretty quickly, so you won’t have to sit around with color on your hair for long. How much time it needs depends on the shade you’re using and what you’re trying to cover.
Darker shades can process in as little as five minutes, while lighter shades or stubborn grays may need up to 10 minutes. Stick with the recommended processing time rather than leaving the color on longer than directed.
6. Rinse and Condition
Once the processing time is up, rinse your hair thoroughly. You don’t need to shampoo again after using Motions Xpress.
From there, condition your hair and style it however you normally would.
Once you’ve found the brown shade you want, Motions Xpress Permanent Hair Color keeps the at-home coloring process pretty simple with a no-bowl, no-brush application and a short processing time.
FAQs
Should I choose dark brown or light brown hair color?
Think about your current hair color and how much of a change you want to make. Dark brown may be a better fit if you want a deeper, richer color. Light brown makes sense if you want to stay on the lighter side. Your starting hair color matters too, so keep that in mind when comparing shades.
Can brown hair color cover gray hair?
Yes. Motions Xpress Permanent Hair Color is designed to cover gray hair. How long you leave the color on can depend on the shade and the gray you’re trying to cover, so check the directions before you start. Stubborn grays may need up to 10 minutes to process.
How do I know what brown hair color will look like on my hair?
Your starting hair color can give you an idea of what to expect, but results can vary from person to person. A strand test is one way to get a better idea of how a shade will look on your hair before you color your whole head.
How long does Motions Xpress Permanent Hair Color last?
Motions Xpress says the color can last anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks, depending on your hair texture, how often you wash your hair, and your usual hair care routine. You may notice new growth or fading sooner, though, which is why Motions Xpress recommends refreshing your color every 4 to 6 weeks as needed.
