Brown hair is anything but boring—especially when you add highlights! Whether you want a sun-kissed look, bold contrast, or soft dimension, there’s a perfect highlight combo waiting for your brunette locks.
I’ve rounded up the best ideas to give your hair that extra glow without going full blonde. Let’s get inspired!
21 Highlights for Brown Hair
1. Caramel Ombre
The caramel ombre is a classic choice that blends beautifully with brown hair, making it look effortlessly chic.
This trend starts with a deep chestnut or chocolate base and gradually transitions to a warm caramel hue at the ends.
It’s like catching a bit of sunlight with every turn of your head! The soft blend helps to create depth and dimension, which can make your hair appear fuller.
Plus, this style is low-maintenance since regrowth is less noticeable than with traditional highlights.
– Use a shine serum to keep the ends looking glossy.
– Pair with soft waves for a boho finish.
Color Ideas:
– For a more dramatic effect, try a darker base color with lighter caramel ends.
– Add golden tones for summer or deeper auburns for fall.
If you’re seeking warmth and sophistication, caramel ombre is your go-to! This look is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual brunch or a night out.
2. Ash Brown Highlights
Ash brown highlights are the epitome of cool-toned elegance.
These highlights work so well with brown hair, giving it a modern twist. The subtle grayish hues blend perfectly with darker brown shades, allowing for a sophisticated, edgy look.
This style is especially flattering for cool skin tones, and it pairs nicely with a variety of hairstyles.
– Use purple shampoo to maintain the cool tones and prevent brassiness.
– Style with straight locks for a sleek, polished look.
– Combine ash brown highlights with subtle silver balayage for a striking effect.
– Consider using different shades of ash for added depth and interest.
This color trend is fantastic for those who want a chic and trendy vibe. Ash brown highlights not only elevate your look but also show off your personality in a beautiful way.
3. Honey Blonde Babylights
If you’re looking for a soft, sun-kissed appearance, honey blonde babylights are the answer.
These delicate highlights add just enough brightness without overwhelming your natural brown base. It’s a subtle technique that mimics the sweet, natural highlights that sun exposure gives, making it perfect for a fresh look.
Babylights are fine and soft, which can help to add texture to your hair and provide a more youthful appearance.
– Ask your stylist to keep the highlights concentrated around your face for a brightening effect.
– Team this style with loose curls for a romantic look.
– Mix honey blonde with a few buttery highlights for a more dynamic look.
– Go for a warm caramel base paired with honey tips for a luscious finish.
Whether you’re attending a wedding, going on vacation, or just want to feel brighter, honey blonde babylights are a beautiful highlight choice.
4. Deep Burgundy Highlights
For a bold and dramatic statement, deep burgundy highlights can transform your brown locks into a show-stopping masterpiece.
This fall-inspired color adds richness and depth, creating a stunning contrast against medium to dark brown hair. Not only will you stand out, but you’ll also emanate warmth and sophistication.
These vibrant highlights work well in the fall, evoking the spirit of the season.
– Choose a professional stylist who understands color theory to achieve the right depth.
– Use color-safe products to maintain vibrancy and shine.
– Try pairing burgundy with a chocolate base for a rich canvas.
– Consider adding a few copper highlights for an extra pop.
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to make a statement, deep burgundy highlights might just be the perfect way to express your unique style.
5. Sun-Kissed Balayage
Sun-kissed balayage is all about that natural, effortless look.
This technique involves hand-painting highlights onto the hair, which creates a beautiful, graduated effect that complements brown hair beautifully. The result is a soft, blended style that looks like you just spent a summer day at the beach.
It’s versatile enough for any hair length and can be customized to suit your particular hair type.
– Discuss with your stylist how light or dark you want the balayage effect to be, ensuring it matches your style.
– Maintain your hair with hydrating masks to keep the highlights fresh.
– Pair warm honey tones with a medium brown base for a summery feel.
– Opt for cool tones if you’re going for a more understated look.
This is a perfect choice for anyone wanting a low-maintenance highlight option that looks gorgeous with minimal effort.
6. Chocolate Highlights
Chocolate highlights can add a delicious dimension to brown hair, giving it a rich, indulgent look.
This is a versatile option that can work with various shades of brown, from light to dark. Chocolate highlights deepen the color, adding warmth and depth while still looking natural.
They can give your hair a luxurious sheen, making it look healthy and vibrant.
– Consider the placement of highlights for dimension; framing your face is always flattering.
– Use a gloss treatment regularly to enhance shine and richness.
– Combine darker chocolate highlights with a medium brown base for a classic effect.
– Mix in some caramel or honey tones for a sweeter finish.
Chocolate highlights are the perfect blend of sophistication and warmth, adding a touch of indulgence to your overall look.
7. Iced Coffee Highlights
Iced coffee highlights provide a chic, modern twist on traditional brown hair.
This color combines cool and warm tones, allowing for a stunning blend that mimics the rich colors of freshly brewed coffee with a splash of cream.
These highlights work particularly well on medium to dark brown hair, adding brightness without looking overly dramatic.
– Use a color-safe shampoo to help keep the iced tones vibrant and fresh.
– Style with a straightener for a sleek look or with waves for a more relaxed vibe.
– Pair iced coffee highlights with a dark espresso base for a stunning contrast.
– Add a few buttery blonde pieces to catch the light beautifully.
This highlight trend is perfect for those who want something stylish yet understated, striking the right balance between fresh and fashionable.
8. Creamy Vanilla Highlights
Creamy vanilla highlights are perfect for those who want to add a bit of brightness without going too light.
This soft, buttery hue adds warmth and dimension to brown hair, creating a lovely contrast. Perfect for all skin tones, it gives a fresh and airy appearance that works beautifully for any season.
This highlight style brightens your face and adds a touch of elegance.
– Opt for a professional colorist who can blend the vanilla highlights seamlessly into your brown base.
– Maintain your color with regular conditioning treatments to avoid dullness.
– Pair with caramel or light brown for a warm, inviting look.
– Add subtle rose gold tones for a trendy twist.
Creamy vanilla highlights are a great option for those looking to brighten their look while keeping things soft and sophisticated.
9. Copper Highlights
Copper highlights add a fiery twist to brown hair, creating a standout look that’s perfect for fall.
This vibrant color can bring warmth and richness, making your hair appear more dynamic and alive. Copper highlights work wonderfully on medium to dark brown hair, giving a warm, sunlit effect.
– The placement of highlights can make a huge difference; framing your face with copper can brighten your overall look.
– Balance the copper with deeper brown tones to avoid overwhelming your hair.
– Pair copper with auburn for a stunning autumnal look.
– Mix in some golden blonde highlights for added dimension.
For those looking to channel their inner fire goddess, copper highlights are an ideal choice that radiates energy and vibrancy.
10. Silver Lining Highlights
For a truly edgy and modern look, silver highlights can add an unexpected twist to your brown hair.
This trend offers a striking contrast to dark brown hues, creating a cool-toned, metallic effect that’s sure to turn heads. Silver highlights work particularly well with dark espresso bases, enhancing the shine and dimension.
– This look requires regular maintenance to keep the silver vibrant, so plan for frequent touch-ups.
– Use color-protecting products to keep the silver from fading.
– Pair silver highlights with dark purple or blue tones for a fashion-forward vibe.
– Combine with pastel shades for a softer, more playful look.
Silver highlights are ideal for those who want to stand out from the crowd, showcasing a bold personality and a love for modern style.
11. Warm Strawberry Highlights
Warm strawberry highlights can add a playful touch to your brown locks while maintaining a natural look.
This subtle infusion of color enhances the warmth in brown hair, giving it a lively and cheerful appearance. It’s particularly flattering on warmer skin tones and can bring a softness to your overall look.
– Focus the highlights around your face to brighten your complexion.
– Use a leave-in conditioner to keep your highlights soft and healthy.
– Pair with light brown or caramel hues for a delicious look.
– Combine with golden tones for a sun-kissed finish.
Warm strawberry highlights are great for those who want a fresh, youthful vibe with a hint of fun, perfect for a summer day or a casual outing.
12. Golden Honey Highlights
Golden honey highlights bring a sweet touch to your hair, adding warmth and richness to brown locks.
This option is perfect for anyone seeking a sun-kissed, natural look. Golden hues create a beautiful dimension, perfectly complementing medium to dark brown hair.
– For a more dimensionally rich look, consider alternating between light and dark honey tones.
– Use a hydrating hair mask regularly to keep your color vibrant and glossy.
– Mix with golden caramel highlights for an even more dynamic look.
– Pair with a rich chocolate base for contrast.
Golden honey highlights are an excellent choice for those embracing a warm, inviting aura, perfect for any season or occasion.
13. Fuchsia Streaks
For the bold and adventurous, fuchsia streaks can add a colorful flair to brown hair.
This eye-catching hue can create a striking contrast against a dark base, making your hair a true statement piece. Fuchsia highlights are great for those who want to express their individuality and creativity.
– Keep the fuchsia tones concentrated in a few streaks to maintain balance.
– Consider a temporary dye if you want to test out the look before committing.
– Pair with deeper purples or blues for a vivid rainbow effect.
– Combine with darker browns for a more subtle yet striking contrast.
Fuchsia streaks are perfect for those wanting to make a fun, bold statement and showcase their unique style.
14. Rustic Highlights
Rustic highlights can bring warmth and earthiness to brown hair, reminiscent of autumn leaves.
These highlights often feature warm tones of red, copper, and gold, creating a cozy, inviting appearance. Rustic highlights work beautifully with darker brown shades, enhancing the richness and depth of the hair.
– Discuss with your stylist how to place highlights for a more natural feel.
– Use a color-enhancing shampoo to maintain the warmth and richness.
– Pair with a deep mahogany base for warmth.
– Try mixing rustic highlights with cooler tones for a balanced look.
This highlight trend is perfect for those who want to embrace nature-inspired beauty and warmth in their hair.
15. Warm Toffee Highlights
Warm toffee highlights are a fabulous choice for those who love brown hair but want to add a little something extra.
This warm, buttery color adds a soft glow to brown hair, making it look rich and inviting. It’s especially gorgeous on medium brown bases, adding dimension and depth without overpowering.
– Choose a professional stylist who can create a gradient effect from dark to light.
– Keep it hydrated with nourishing hair treatments to preserve shine and softness.
– Mix toffee highlights with deeper chocolate tones for a dramatic effect.
– Pair with soft golden hues for a lighter finish.
Warm toffee highlights can elevate your hair game, offering a beautiful way to showcase your style.
16. Pastel Highlights
For a whimsical touch, pastel highlights can add a dreamy quality to your brown hair.
These soft tones, whether in lilac, mint, or peach, create a delightful contrast against rich brown locks, evoking a playful spirit. Pastel highlights are perfect for those looking to experiment and embrace their fun side.
– Opt for a light hand with pastels to maintain a soft look.
– Choose a conditioning treatment to keep your highlights vibrant.
– Combine several pastel shades for a whimsical rainbow effect.
– Pair pastel highlights with a darker base for a striking dimension.
Pastel highlights offer a unique and creative way to express your individuality, making your hair a canvas for your personality.
17. Lilac and Lavender Highlights
Lilac and lavender highlights add a touch of ethereal beauty to brown hair.
These soft hues create a stunning contrast, bringing out the richness of the brown base while introducing a whimsical flair. This delicate combination works beautifully with both medium and dark brown tones, offering a fresh and modern alternative.
– Ensure the highlights are placed strategically around your face to enhance your features.
– Use color-safe shampoos to keep the pastels vibrant.
– Mix lilac and lavender highlights for a soft gradient effect.
– Pair with cool-toned brown for an edgy look.
If you’re seeking a unique and playful approach to color, lilac and lavender highlights are a fantastic option that blends elegance with a touch of fun.
18. Teal Tips
For the adventurous spirit, teal tips can add an exciting twist to your brown hair.
This daring color creates a stunning contrast with dark brown locks, allowing for a look that’s both bold and eye-catching. Teal highlights can be playful and vibrant, perfect for those ready to express their creativity.
– Limit the teal application to the tips to maintain a balance between boldness and subtlety.
– Invest in color-protecting products to keep the teal vibrant and fresh.
– Pair with deep chocolate hues for a striking look.
– Mix with lighter blues for a fun ombre effect.
Teal tips can showcase your adventurous side while keeping your brown hair looking fabulous and up-to-date.
19. Denim Blue Highlights
Denim blue highlights can take your brown hair to a whole new level of trendy.
This unique color combines earthy and cool tones, giving you a chic, modern vibe that’s perfect for any season. The denim effect offers just enough pop without being overwhelming, making it a great choice for the fashion-forward individual.
– Ensure your stylist blends the blue highlights to create a seamless look.
– Use a color-safe conditioner to maintain the vibrancy of the blue.
– Mix denim blue with soft lavender highlights for an edgy pastel look.
– Pair with deeper browns for a striking contrast.
For those wanting something different yet stylish, denim blue highlights can infuse freshness and depth into your brown hair.
20. Tropical Sunset Highlights
Tropical sunset highlights capture the warmth of a summer evening, blending shades of gold, orange, and pink into your brown hair.
This vibrant and lively look is perfect for those looking to bring a splash of color and fun into their style. The layered shades can create a stunning gradient effect, making your hair appear sun-kissed and full of life.
– Discuss with your stylist how to blend the hues for a harmonious look.
– Use hydrating sprays to maintain the moisture of your hair and keep the colors rich.
– Combine with golden blonde for a summer-ready style.
– Pair with deeper brown for a stunning contrast.
Tropical sunset highlights bring warmth and vibrancy to your hair, making them ideal for anyone wanting a playful and colorful change.
21. Raven Black Highlights
Raven black highlights can add dramatic depth and intensity to brown hair, creating an enchanting contrast that draws the eye.
This trend involves adding soft black highlights to a rich brown base, enhancing the hair’s overall depth and creating a mystical allure. Ideal for those looking for a more gothic or sophisticated look, raven black highlights can truly elevate your style.
– Be careful not to overdo the black; balance is key to maintaining a natural look.
– Use deep conditioning treatments to keep your hair healthy and shiny.
– Combine with deep mahogany for an even richer appearance.
– Pair with cooler tones for a more modern vibe.
Raven black highlights are for those who want to stand out with a captivating look, showcasing a bold and elegant style.
With so many stunning highlight options for brown hair, there’s no reason not to make a change!
Whether you’re feeling bold and adventurous or prefer something more subtle, these highlights can transform your look and give you that fresh, fabulous feel.
Remember, the right highlights can enhance your natural beauty and showcase your personality in a beautiful way. So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to book that appointment and let your hair shine!
FAQ
What highlights look best on brown hair?
Caramel, honey, and golden blonde highlights are popular for a natural glow. Ashy tones or even bold colors like burgundy or copper work great for a more dramatic effect.
Are highlights damaging for brown hair?
Highlights involve lightening, which can dry out hair slightly. But with deep conditioning treatments and quality products, damage is minimal and totally manageable.
How often should I refresh my highlights?
It depends on the technique—babylights or balayage can last 8–12 weeks, while traditional foil highlights may need a touch-up every 6–8 weeks to stay fresh.