Sophie Turner Goes Dark: What Her New Shade Means for 2026 Hair

Sophie Turner has swapped her long-associated blonde for her darkest hair colour in years, debuting a rich brunette moment as she prepares to step into the role of Lara Croft in a new Tomb Raider adaptation. Celebrity colour changes often signal what clients start requesting in salons a few weeks later—and this one taps into a wider shift we’ve been seeing across the UK: deeper, glossier shades that look expensive, photograph beautifully, and are relatively low-fuss to maintain compared with high-lift blonde.

But going darker isn’t as simple as “box dye and done”. For anyone considering a similar move—whether you’re naturally fair, highlighted, or previously bleached—there are smart, stylist-approved ways to make brunette look dimensional rather than flat, and to keep it from fading warm or dull. Here’s what Turner’s change tells us about the direction of hair colour this year, plus practical steps you can take if you’re tempted to join the dark side.

Why ‘going dark’ is back (and why it feels modern)

Darker hair shades never truly leave, but they cycle in how they’re worn. Right now, the preference is for brunette that looks intentional: glossy, tonal, softly contoured around the face, and tailored to skin tone rather than a one-note brown. The camera-ready finish matters too—deeper shades reflect light differently from blonde, which can read instantly polished in photos (and under winter lighting).

In UK salons, many colourists have also noticed clients gravitating towards lower-maintenance colour services. A deep brunette can be easier to maintain than frequent blonde top-ups—especially if it’s built with a root-smudge, subtle ribbons of lighter brown, or a demi-permanent gloss that fades gracefully. Turner’s shift sits neatly in that space: dramatic enough to feel new, but classic enough to remain wearable beyond a single red-carpet moment.

• Brunette reads luxe when paired with high shine and soft dimension.
• It flatters a wide range of complexions when the undertone is chosen carefully.
• It can reduce salon frequency compared with high-lift blonde—depending on your base and technique.

What to ask for in the salon: translating the look, not copying it

The biggest mistake people make when going darker is asking for “dark brown” without discussing undertone, depth level, and how the colour will behave over their current hair history. Turner’s new shade reads as a deep brunette that still looks soft—not inky or harsh—which usually means the colour has been customised with a balanced undertone and likely finished with a high-gloss toner or glaze.

To replicate the feeling of the look (rather than a carbon copy), ask your colourist to consult around these essentials:

• Depth: Do you want a level 4–5 (deep brunette) or something closer to a level 3 (very dark brown), which can feel more dramatic?
• Undertone control: Neutral/cool brunettes can look chic but may require careful toning; warmer brunettes can look naturally radiant but may turn brassy if not managed.
• Dimension: A single-process dark colour can look flat on previously lightened hair. Many stylists recommend adding subtle lowlights, a root melt, or softly placed babylights for movement.
• Porosity plan: If you’re currently blonde or highlighted, your mid-lengths and ends may grab pigment quickly and fade unpredictably. A professional fill (adding missing warm pigments) is often used to keep brunette from going khaki, greyish, or patchy.

Real-world next step: Before booking, take two photos to your consultation—one in natural daylight and one indoors. It helps your stylist match the depth and shine you want in both settings.

From blonde to brunette: what changes in your routine

When you go darker—especially from blonde—your routine should shift from “neutralise brass” to “protect tone and boost shine”. Darker colours can fade, and they can also reveal dryness more easily if the surface isn’t smooth. Many stylists recommend focusing on gentle cleansing, colour-safe conditioning, and regular glossing services to maintain reflectiveness.

Here are practical, non-fussy upgrades that make the biggest difference:

• Wash cooler and less often: Lukewarm water and spacing out washes can help slow colour fade.
• Use a colour-protect shampoo: Especially if your hair has been pre-lightened and is more porous.
• Add a weekly nourishing mask: Not because brunette “needs” it, but because shine reads as health on darker shades.
• Heat protection every time: Heat can dull shine and accelerate fading.
• Book a gloss/toner refresh: A salon gloss can bring back vibrancy without re-colouring the whole head.

If your brunette starts pulling warm faster than you like, ask your colourist about a neutralising gloss rather than reaching for overly pigmented purple products. Over-toning can sometimes leave deep shades looking flat or muddy.

The Lara Croft effect: why character-led colour trends spread fast

Celebrity hair changes tied to major roles have a habit of influencing mainstream requests—think of how certain fringes, bobs, and colour palettes spike when a film or series drops. With Turner stepping into an iconic action-hero role, her darker shade is likely designed to feel strong, timeless, and camera-proof—exactly the qualities many UK clients ask for when they want a “grown-up” change.

What’s especially wearable about this moment is that it doesn’t require an extreme cut or a high-maintenance technique to feel impactful. For many people, the most transformative aspect is simply depth. Darker pigment can make hair look thicker and more defined, particularly when styled sleek or with soft waves that catch the light.

Key Takeaways

• Sophie Turner’s darkest shade in years reflects a wider move towards deep, glossy brunette that looks polished on and off camera.
• Going darker from blonde often needs a professional approach (including undertone planning and sometimes a “fill”) to avoid patchiness or odd fading.
• Ask for dimension—root melts, lowlights, or a gloss—so brunette looks expensive rather than flat.
• Shift your routine towards colour protection and shine support: gentler washing, consistent conditioning, and heat protection.
• The simplest next step is a consultation with daylight photos to agree your ideal depth, tone, and maintenance schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will dark brown hair fade back to blonde if I’m currently highlighted?
Not on its own. Darker colour typically fades gradually—often warmer—rather than “returning” to blonde. If your hair is very lightened, you may see quicker fading, which is why many colourists recommend gloss refreshes.

Do I need to ‘fill’ my hair before going brunette?
If your hair is bleached or very highlighted, many stylists do recommend a fill (reintroducing underlying warm pigments) so the brunette doesn’t look hollow, greenish, or uneven as it settles.

What’s the difference between a toner, a gloss, and a permanent dye?
A toner or gloss usually adjusts tone and adds shine with less commitment, while permanent colour deposits pigment more deeply for longevity and coverage. Your stylist will choose based on your current colour, desired depth, and maintenance preference.

How do I stop dark brunette turning brassy?
Brassiness is often warmth showing through as colour fades. A salon neutralising gloss can help, as can colour-safe care and reducing heat. Your colourist can also adjust undertones at your next appointment to keep the shade balanced.

Is darker hair lower maintenance than blonde?
Often, yes—especially compared with frequent high-lift highlighting. However, dark shades still benefit from tone maintenance (glosses) and shine care, particularly if you’ve previously lightened your hair.