# Writer Brief: Balayage on Brown Hair
> **This is an editorial brief, not final article copy.** Replace this brief with the finished article before publication.
## 1. Article identity
– **Category:** Balayage
– **Article type:** ideas
– **Primary keyword:** balayage on brown hair
– **Planned URL:** https://designworksstyle.com/hair/balayage-on-brown-hair//
– **Canonical:** self-referencing canonical to the exact planned URL
– **SEO title:** Balayage on Brown Hair: Colors, Contrast & What to Expect
## 2. Searcher intent and job to be done
Help people with brown hair choose a balayage direction and understand how their starting shade affects the result.
Answer the immediate question first. Then give enough explanation to help the reader make a good decision or complete the task. Do not write for a keyword list.
## 3. Secondary search concepts
– balayage on brown hair
– brown hair balayage
– balayage dark brown hair
These are concepts to cover naturally where relevant, not a checklist for forced exact-match repetition.
## 4. Questions the article must answer
– What balayage colors work on brown hair?
– How much contrast should I choose?
– Does brown hair need to be lightened?
## 5. Detailed coverage requirements
– Cover light, medium, and dark brown bases
– discuss caramel, ash, copper, and subtle options
– explain contrast, placement, lightening, toning, and maintenance.
For each major section, give the reader a concrete answer, example, decision rule, step, or troubleshooting point. Avoid generic filler.
## 6. Scope boundary / anti-cannibalization
Do not compete with the dedicated color pages by making one shade the dominant subject.
If a closely related question belongs to another planned page, answer only enough to orient the reader and link to the appropriate page. Do not reproduce the sibling’s main content.
## 7. Exact internal-link map
**This article should link TO these planned posts:**
– **Balayage** → `https://designworksstyle.com/hair/balayage//`
**Linking rule:** Use this as the brown-base gateway and link to specific color variants.
## 8. Reverse internal-link map
No mandatory reverse link is specified. Add one only when genuinely useful.
## 9. Recommended article movement
1. Establish the decision framework.
2. Group ideas by useful constraints or approaches.
3. Explain how to implement or adapt each idea.
4. Include practical mistakes to avoid.
5. Link to execution or selection guides.
## 10. Length and quality standard
Target **1,000–1,500 words** unless the live SERP clearly supports a different depth. Do not pad. A concise, complete answer is preferable to repetitive length.
## 11. Editorial and SEO rules
– Use the primary keyword naturally.
– Do not force exact-match keyword repetition.
– Do not create sections solely for keyword insertion.
– Keep the article materially distinct from every sibling page.
– Use the exact planned URL.
– Use a self-referencing canonical for that exact URL.
– Do not canonicalize this article to another planned page.
– Do not create duplicate keyword-variant URLs.
– Internal links must be contextual and point to planned URLs.
– Validate the live SERP before writing; if intent materially differs, flag the page for review.
– For beauty/hair claims, distinguish general guidance from individualized professional advice and avoid unsupported promises.