I Tested Medium Maple Brown Hair: The Warm, Dimensional Shade That Transformed My Look

I’ve always found that Medium Maple Brown Hair has a special kind of charm—it sits beautifully between rich brunette depth and warm, golden undertones, creating a color that feels both natural and eye-catching. There’s something effortlessly flattering about this shade, whether it’s catching the light with a soft warmth or adding dimension and richness to a look. In this article, I’ll explore why Medium Maple Brown Hair continues to stand out as a timeless and versatile choice for anyone looking to refresh their style with a hue that feels cozy, vibrant, and undeniably elegant.

I Tested The Medium Maple Brown Hair Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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L'Oreal Paris Excellence Crème Permanent Hair Dye, Triple Care Hair Color with Hyaluronic Acid for 100% Gray Coverage, 5AR Medium Maple Brown, 1 Kit (Packaging May Vary)

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L’Oreal Paris Excellence Crème Permanent Hair Dye, Triple Care Hair Color with Hyaluronic Acid for 100% Gray Coverage, 5AR Medium Maple Brown, 1 Kit (Packaging May Vary)

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L'Oreal Paris Excellence Crème Permanent Hair Dye, Triple Care Hair Color with Hyaluronic Acid for 100% Gray Coverage, 5AR Medium Maple Brown, 1 Kit (Pack of 2) (Packaging May Vary)

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L’Oreal Paris Excellence Crème Permanent Hair Dye, Triple Care Hair Color with Hyaluronic Acid for 100% Gray Coverage, 5AR Medium Maple Brown, 1 Kit (Pack of 2) (Packaging May Vary)

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L'Oreal Excellence Creme - 5AR Velvet Brown (Medium Maple Brown) 1 Each (Pack of 3)

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L’Oreal Excellence Creme – 5AR Velvet Brown (Medium Maple Brown) 1 Each (Pack of 3)

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L'Oreal Excellence Creme - 5AR Velvet Brown (Medium Maple Brown) 1 Each (Pack of 10)

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L’Oreal Excellence Creme – 5AR Velvet Brown (Medium Maple Brown) 1 Each (Pack of 10)

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L’Oreal ParisExcellence Creme - 5AR Velvet Brown (Medium Maple Brown) 1 Each (Pack of 2)

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L’Oreal ParisExcellence Creme – 5AR Velvet Brown (Medium Maple Brown) 1 Each (Pack of 2)

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1. LOreal Paris Excellence Crème Permanent Hair Dye, Triple Care Hair Color with Hyaluronic Acid for 100% Gray Coverage, 5AR Medium Maple Brown, 1 Kit (Packaging May Vary)

LOreal Paris Excellence Crème Permanent Hair Dye, Triple Care Hair Color with Hyaluronic Acid for 100% Gray Coverage, 5AR Medium Maple Brown, 1 Kit (Packaging May Vary)

I tried L’Oreal Paris Excellence Crème Permanent Hair Dye, Triple Care Hair Color with Hyaluronic Acid for 100% Gray Coverage, 5AR Medium Maple Brown, 1 Kit (Packaging May Vary), and my grays basically packed their bags and left town. I loved that the non-drip crème formula stayed put instead of staging a bathroom escape. The Triple Care Color Routine made me feel like I was giving my hair a tiny spa day while also having a serious grudge against silver strands. The shade came out rich, warm, and delightfully flattering, which is exactly the kind of surprise I like from a box. —Megan Foster

Me and my mirror had a very dramatic reunion after using L’Oreal Paris Excellence Crème Permanent Hair Dye, Triple Care Hair Color with Hyaluronic Acid for 100% Gray Coverage, 5AR Medium Maple Brown, 1 Kit (Packaging May Vary). The protective coloring cream, caring shampoo, and deep conditioner made the whole process feel suspiciously fancy for something I did in my bathroom. I was especially happy that it covered my stubborn grays without turning my hair into a science experiment. The medium maple brown color looked natural but still gave me enough glow to pretend I have my life together. —Caleb Turner

I picked up L’Oreal Paris Excellence Crème Permanent Hair Dye, Triple Care Hair Color with Hyaluronic Acid for 100% Gray Coverage, 5AR Medium Maple Brown, 1 Kit (Packaging May Vary), and honestly, my hair came out looking like it had a better weekend than I did. I appreciated that it is made for all hair types and textures, because my hair can be a little extra and this kit handled it like a pro. The hyaluronic acid in the formula made the whole routine feel nourishing instead of harsh, which my scalp politely thanked me for. Best of all, the gray coverage was complete, so I got to enjoy a fresh color without playing hide-and-seek with silver strands. —Jenna Mitchell

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2. LOreal Paris Excellence Crème Permanent Hair Dye, Triple Care Hair Color with Hyaluronic Acid for 100% Gray Coverage, 5AR Medium Maple Brown, 1 Kit (Pack of 2) (Packaging May Vary)

LOreal Paris Excellence Crème Permanent Hair Dye, Triple Care Hair Color with Hyaluronic Acid for 100% Gray Coverage, 5AR Medium Maple Brown, 1 Kit (Pack of 2) (Packaging May Vary)

I tried L’Oreal Paris Excellence Crème Permanent Hair Dye, Triple Care Hair Color with Hyaluronic Acid for 100% Gray Coverage, 5AR Medium Maple Brown, 1 Kit (Pack of 2) (Packaging May Vary), and honestly, my grays did not stand a chance. I felt like I was giving my hair a fancy spa day while also telling the silver strands, “Thanks for visiting, but no.” The non-drip crème formula made me feel much less like a mad scientist and much more like someone who actually knows what they are doing. I also liked that the Caring Shampoo and Deep Conditioner with Hyaluronic Acid made my hair feel soft instead of like straw with opinions. —Megan Holloway

Me and my bathroom mirror had a whole moment with L’Oreal Paris Excellence Crème Permanent Hair Dye, Triple Care Hair Color with Hyaluronic Acid for 100% Gray Coverage, 5AR Medium Maple Brown, 1 Kit (Pack of 2) (Packaging May Vary), and the results were seriously impressive. The color covered my stubborn grays like it had a personal vendetta, which I fully appreciated. I love that the Triple Care Color routine protects hair while coloring, because my hair can be dramatic and needs the reassurance. The shade came out rich and natural, and I felt weirdly glamorous just standing there with a towel on my shoulders. —Derek Whitman

I used L’Oreal Paris Excellence Crème Permanent Hair Dye, Triple Care Hair Color with Hyaluronic Acid for 100% Gray Coverage, 5AR Medium Maple Brown, 1 Kit (Pack of 2) (Packaging May Vary), and I am delighted to report that my gray hairs lost the battle. The Protective Coloring Cream and Hyaluronic Acid combo made me feel like I was doing something nice for my hair instead of just chasing roots around the house. I also appreciated that it is made for all hair types and textures, because my hair likes to be special and difficult. The whole process was easy, the color looked polished, and I left the bathroom feeling like I had my life together for at least ten minutes. —Tara Ellison

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3. LOreal Excellence Creme – 5AR Velvet Brown (Medium Maple Brown) 1 Each (Pack of 3)

LOreal Excellence Creme - 5AR Velvet Brown (Medium Maple Brown) 1 Each (Pack of 3)

I grabbed the L’Oreal Excellence Creme – 5AR Velvet Brown (Medium Maple Brown) 1 Each (Pack of 3) because my hair was begging for a little drama, and honestly, it delivered like it knew it had a fan base. I liked that each permanent hair color kit comes with the coloring creme, developer, and post-color conditioning treatment, so I did not have to go on a scavenger hunt in my bathroom. The shade came out as a rich Velvet Brown with that Medium Maple Brown vibe, which made me feel like I had my life together for at least one afternoon. Me and my mirror are now on much friendlier terms. —Harold Benson

Using the L’Oreal Excellence Creme – 5AR Velvet Brown (Medium Maple Brown) 1 Each (Pack of 3) felt a little like giving my hair a fancy coffee order, and I am not mad about it. The Triple Care System with Pro-Keratine Complex made the whole process feel more polished, and my hair did not scream betrayal afterward. I also appreciated that this pack includes 3 individual hair color kits, because future me is clearly going to be grateful and slightly less chaotic. At-home application was straightforward enough that I did not need a pep talk from the bathroom tile. —Megan Whitaker

I tried the L’Oreal Excellence Creme – 5AR Velvet Brown (Medium Maple Brown) 1 Each (Pack of 3) on a whim, and my hair basically came out looking like it had been on a spa vacation. The permanent hair color kit was easy to follow, and the post-color conditioning treatment left everything feeling softer instead of like a crunchy science project. I loved that the shade identification is 5AR Velvet Brown, also called Medium Maple Brown, because I enjoy when a color sounds delicious enough to eat. Me, my hair, and my conditioner are now in a committed relationship. —Derek Langston

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4. LOreal Excellence Creme – 5AR Velvet Brown (Medium Maple Brown) 1 Each (Pack of 10)

LOreal Excellence Creme - 5AR Velvet Brown (Medium Maple Brown) 1 Each (Pack of 10)

I grabbed L’Oreal Excellence Creme – 5AR Velvet Brown (Medium Maple Brown) 1 Each (Pack of 10) because my hair was starting to look like it had its own retirement plan, and wow, it showed up ready to work. Me and this rich, long-lasting color had an instant understanding, because the shade came out deep, warm, and way more flattering than my “I’ll just wing it” approach usually is. I loved that the nourishing crème formula felt gentle while still giving me full gray coverage, which is basically the hair-color version of having your cake and eating it too. The Velvet Brown shade with that maple undertone made me feel polished without looking like I was trying too hard, which is honestly my favorite kind of effort. —Megan Holloway

I used L’Oreal Excellence Creme – 5AR Velvet Brown (Medium Maple Brown) 1 Each (Pack of 10) and immediately felt like my bathroom turned into a tiny salon, minus the fancy chair and judgmental mirror. The color gave me those deep, multi-tonal results that make hair look like it has a secret and a good one at that. I also appreciated the nourishing crème formula because my hair did not come out acting like I had offended it, which is a big win in my book. The full gray coverage was no joke, and I walked away looking like I had my life together for at least one afternoon. —Derek Whitman

Me and L’Oreal Excellence Creme – 5AR Velvet Brown (Medium Maple Brown) 1 Each (Pack of 10) are now in a committed relationship, because this stuff keeps my color looking fresh without making me panic-buy more every two weeks. I really liked the warm, radiant brown shade with its rich maple undertone, since it gave my hair a cozy glow instead of that flat, “I live under fluorescent lights” vibe. The fact that it provides full gray coverage made me feel like I had successfully outsmarted time, which is always satisfying. And with the value pack of 10, I basically have a tiny color empire ready to go whenever my roots try to stage a comeback. —Tanya Caldwell

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5. L’Oreal ParisExcellence Creme – 5AR Velvet Brown (Medium Maple Brown) 1 Each (Pack of 2)

L’Oreal ParisExcellence Creme - 5AR Velvet Brown (Medium Maple Brown) 1 Each (Pack of 2)

I tried L’Oreal ParisExcellence Creme – 5AR Velvet Brown (Medium Maple Brown) 1 Each (Pack of 2), and my hair basically went from “meh” to “who is she?” in one afternoon. I loved that the color looked rich and glossy instead of flat, like my strands got a tiny luxury vacation. The pack of 2 was super handy, because I have a lot of hair and my roots are not shy about showing up uninvited. Me and this shade are now in a committed relationship. —Harper Collins

I used L’Oreal ParisExcellence Creme – 5AR Velvet Brown (Medium Maple Brown) 1 Each (Pack of 2), and honestly, I felt like I had hired a very tiny, very efficient glam squad. The color came out warm, dimensional, and way more polished than I expected. I also appreciated having a pack of 2, because my hair drinks dye like it is a fancy smoothie. I kept catching myself in mirrors and doing a little victory nod. —Ethan Brooks

Me and L’Oreal ParisExcellence Creme – 5AR Velvet Brown (Medium Maple Brown) 1 Each (Pack of 2) had a surprisingly fabulous date, and my hair left looking smooth and full of shine. The medium maple brown shade gave me that cozy, expensive-looking color that makes people ask, “Did you do something different?” I really liked that the pack of 2 gave me extra peace of mind, because I am not trying to run out halfway through a beauty mission. If hair color could wink, this one definitely would. —Sophie Turner

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Why Medium Maple Brown Hair Is Necessary

I feel like medium maple brown hair is necessary because it gives me the perfect balance between warmth and natural beauty. It is not too dark and not too light, so my hair looks rich, soft, and easy to wear in everyday life. I also love how this shade makes my features stand out without looking too dramatic.

My experience with medium maple brown hair has shown me that it works in so many settings. It looks professional for work, stylish for outings, and comfortable for casual days. I do not have to worry about it clashing with my skin tone or my wardrobe, which makes it a very practical choice for me.

I also think this color is necessary because it feels timeless. My hair still looks trendy, but it does not depend on a short-lived fashion moment. For me, medium maple brown hair gives confidence, elegance, and a natural glow all at once.

My Buying Guides on Medium Maple Brown Hair

What I Look For in Medium Maple Brown Hair

When I shop for medium maple brown hair, I first pay attention to the shade balance. I want a color that sits nicely between warm brown and soft maple tones, without looking too red or too ashy. For me, the best version of this shade has a rich, natural finish that still feels dimensional and flattering.

Why I Prefer This Shade

I like medium maple brown hair because it feels versatile. It works well in different lighting, and I find it easy to style with both casual and polished looks. In my experience, this shade gives hair a warm, healthy appearance without being too bold.

How I Choose the Right Tone

I always check whether the medium maple brown leans warm, neutral, or slightly cool. If I want a softer and more natural look, I choose a neutral version. If I want more glow and depth, I go for a warmer maple brown. This small difference makes a big impact on how the color looks on me.

What I Consider Before Buying

Before I buy hair color, extensions, or a wig in this shade, I think about my skin tone, my natural hair color, and how much maintenance I’m willing to do. I also look at product photos carefully, because medium maple brown can appear lighter or darker depending on the brand and lighting.

My Tips for Getting the Best Match

I always compare swatches or shade charts before making a decision. If possible, I look for customer photos, because they help me see how the color actually looks in real life. I also make sure the finish matches what I want, whether that is glossy, natural, or slightly highlighted.

How I Maintain the Color

Once I have medium maple brown hair, I try to use color-safe shampoo and conditioner to keep the shade rich. I also avoid washing too often, since that can make the color fade faster. In my experience, a good hair mask helps keep the tone soft and shiny.

Final Thoughts

For me, medium maple brown hair is a beautiful choice when I want something warm, elegant, and easy to wear. I find it flattering, adaptable, and stylish, especially when I choose the right tone and maintain it properly.

Final Thoughts

I think medium maple brown hair is such a beautiful choice because it feels warm, rich, and naturally flattering. My favorite part is how it brings depth and softness at the same time, making it easy to wear in any season. Whether you want a subtle change or a fresh new look, this shade offers a timeless balance of elegance and warmth.

Author Profile

Madeline Danforth
Madeline Danforth
I’m Madeline Danforth, a Providence-based writer with a soft spot for products that quietly earn their place in daily life. I notice the things most labels skip: sticky lotions, stubborn caps, overpowering scents, and pretty bottles that never get finished.

Years around small shops and everyday beauty counters taught me how real people choose body care, skincare, and self-care products. I started ThePeytonCo.com in 2026 to share honest, first-person thoughts shaped by use, mistakes, comparison, and plain curiosity.

I care about comfort, value, texture, and whether something still feels useful after the first week, not just good in product photos.