47 Most Stunning Highlights Ideas For Brown Hair

There is a misconception that brown hair is boring. But brown hair makes for the perfect dark canvas that you try painting color on. So, to help your creative juices flow, we made a list of the best highlights for brown hair! If you are wondering why add color to brown hair? Let us enlighten you. Adding color to your brunette locks does not only mean adding a pop of color. You can add depth and dimension to your hair with highlights for dark brown hair, which can make it look thicker and fuller. You can also enhance your facial features and face shape.

Professional hair stylist and entrepreneur, Laura Clark adds, “Brown hair is my favorite to add extensions to. The highlights or balayage options are endless too. Adding color to your brown hair adds texture and transforms the way your hair looks completely. The most common color we get requested at the salon is Bronde, a mixture of blonde and brown.”

And the best part with highlighting your dark hair is that you are not damaging your hair! Only small sections of hair are lightened to add color. There are so many highlighting styles and techniques to help you achieve the highlights of your dream. The possibilities are truly endless! But if you wanted the inside scoop on how to achieve incredible highlights right at home, you have come to the right place. Keep reading to know more!

Before You Get Started

• Get your highlights done on day-old hair. This will allow natural hair oils to spread and evenly coat your hair. It will also protect your hair from chemicals in the dye.
• Wait 48-72 hours after the highlighting process for your next hair wash. Make sure your last wash before the appointment is done using a clarifying shampoo.
• Wash once every 3-4 days to increase the longevity of the highlights and to prevent your hair from drying.

What You Need

• Hair bleach
• Hair brush
• Toning solution
• Bowl
• Hair coloring brush
• Hair elastics/sectioning clips

What To Do

1. Mix and prepare your bleach in a bowl according to the instructions given on the box.
2. Brush your hair to remove all knots and tangles.
3. Divide all your hair into 4 sections and clip them up, leaving loose the section you want to start off bleaching first.
4. From the section of hair that is left loose, pick up the strands of hair that you want to highlight.
5. Starting from about ½ an inch below the root, start applying bleach to your hair with the help of a brush.
6. Repeat steps 3 and 4 on all the four sections of your hair.
7. Mix and apply the toning solution (according to the instructions given on the box) to your hair. It will give your highlights a more naturally blended effect.
8. Check the bleached hair every 15 minutes to see how much it has lightened.
9. Once your hair has lightened to your desired shade, wash your hair with shampoo.
10. Condition your hair as bleach tends to dehydrate it.

You can either leave your bleached highlights as they are or you could buy a hair color of your choice and dye them to play around with your look. Susan, a blogger shared her hair highlighting experience and transitioning from dark brown color to light brown hair color. Talking about her hairstylist and narrating her experience, she said, “She did a lot of highlighting on the upper half of my hair and just a bit towards the bottom. The very bottom layer is still chocolate brown. This gives my hair a lot of dimension and makes the lightness look much more natural since the sun would naturally bleach the lower layers less (i).” However, after the hair-highlighting process, the blogger felt that her hair needed a bit more lightening to enhance its overall appearance.

Well, now that you know how to get the job done at home, check out our top 45 styling ideas for highlights for brown hair to get started!

1. Medium Brown Highlights

If you want a naturally radiant look, adding medium brown highlights to your dark brown hair strands should be the best option. For an added charm, curl your hair or simply try those blissful beach waves, and you are all set to turn some heads.

2. Red And Caramel Highlights

The red and caramel combination is here to stay, and the reasons are obvious. It spices up your look effortlessly and lets you play with more than one color without any risk. So, try red and caramel highlights on brown hair the next time you plan to add some pizzazz to your brown locks!

3. Ice Blonde Highlights

Ice blonde is indeed most people’s secret obsession. But if you are unsure about going all out with it, highlights shall come to your rescue. So get your brown hair some icy cold vibe with this color, and get ready to look nothing but amazing.

4. Chestnut Highlights

Brunettes can have more fun with chestnut highlights. Whether you go for richer or darker shades, the color will accentuate your natural hair color. The contrast is extremely subtle – the slightly darker roots melting into a lighter shade of chestnut, showing halfway down the hair. The transition is smooth and balanced.

5. Baby Pink Highlights

Do you want to look like a pop star? Try adding cute and fun baby pink colors to your brown hair in the form of highlights, and nothing can stop you from stealing the show. It’s a bonus for short hair because the pink tints go perfectly well with a shorter mane. All you need to do is, wear your confidence and flaunt your pink highlights on dark hair like never before.

6. Blue And Pink Highlights

If you love experimenting with different hair looks, just as Katy Perry does, you have to try out her blue and pink combo. Dark hair with highlights not only stands out but also provides a vibrant twist to your hair. So, no more boring hair colors – just get ready to wear some blues and pinks on your mane, and you shall grab endless compliments.

7. Bold Red Highlights

Bold red is one of the go-to highlight options for many, and why shouldn’t it even be? It gives you that animated appearance and lets you take all the attention in the crowd. If you are unsure of trying unique colors, bold red is the way to go. So try it, and thank us later.

8. Matte Light Gray Highlights

Gray streaks have been creating the buzz for quite a while now. The color really stands out amongst the usual hair highlights options and brings out the best in you. Whether you have short or long hair, gray highlights on your brown locks shall create some magic without a doubt.

9. Warm Brown Balayage

Accentuate your naturally dark brown hair with warm brown tones. If you want to keep it subtle and do not prefer the stark color contrast, this is the best way to go. Pick a color that’s one or two shades lighter than your original hair color. Since the highlights will not go to the roots, the color will naturally blend in.

10. Auburn Highlights With Balayage

Auburn and dark brown hair – sounds mesmerizing, isn’t it? The orangish highlights brighten the dark brown hair color and add dimension. And, yes, the balayage technique gives a color melt effect. Notice how the color changes from a darker brown to fiery auburn!

11. Turquoise Highlights

The turquoise color is undoubtedly fun and eye-catching. It brightens dark brown hair and makes you stand out in the crowd. You can keep your hair sleek and straight or add loose waves for a dreamy effect. And of course, don’t forget the shimmery turquoise eye makeup to bring out your bold personality.

12. Front Framing Blonde Highlights

People are going crazy over the front-framing “money piece” highlight inspired by Blackpink’s Jennie. The blonde highlights give a nice dimension to your face and add a unique touch to your light brown hair. It’s also a fuss-free way to alter your look without touching all your hair.

13. Pink And Blonde Highlights

If you want to play with colors but do not want to come across as though you tried really hard, we have a smart solution for you. Combine pink and blonde subtly and give your everyday brown mane a quick, fun, and glam look. This highlight combination is trendy and shall bring out the inner ‘Miss Perfect’ in you for sure.

14. Ash Blonde Highlights On Bangs

Don’t want to completely change the look of your brown locks yet wish to add a touch of newness to them? Get one or two streaks of ash-blonde highlights on your hair, and you are sorted. This look is unique, and you wouldn’t have to get your entire mane involved in the hair coloring process. That’s fun and convenient, isn’t that?

15. Soft Red Highlights On Bangs

Light brown hair shines best with a few red highlights. You may get red balayage. However, if you are unwilling to have a complete transformation but want to try something simple yet cute, a few soft red highlights on your bangs will spice up the look. If you can get a bob along with it, you shall rock the look like no other.

16. Milk Chocolate Brown Highlights

Add a touch of alluring mystery to your boring brown hair with some gorgeous highlights. And what better shade to go for than one that is inspired from women’s biggest weakness? I’m talking about milk chocolate, of course! The beauty of these chocolate brown highlights in mahogany hair is only elevated by the bouncy blow dried curls that they are styled in.

17. Burnt Sienna Highlights

Give your brown hair a warm glow with this balayage style that is subtle, yet makes all the difference. The deep brown hair highlighted by a gorgeous shade of burnt sienna will have people associating you with a warm mug of hot chocolate on a cold winter evening.

18. Platinum Blonde Highlights

A tragic superpower that hurts anyone she touches aside, there’s no denying that Rogue is one of the coolest X-Men ever. So check out this look inspired by her hairstyle that is sure to make you look edgy and cool. Go for some platinum blonde highlights that make a contrast against your dark brown hair to create an outlandishly gorgeous look.

Quick Tip

The platinum blonde highlights look the best with light complexions. Though it suits all eye colors, these highlights go perfectly well with brown and blue eye colors.

19. Bronze Highlights

Give your hair a metallic finish with these bronze highlights that will shoot you right to the top rung of the style ladder. The bronze highlights blend beautifully into the chocolate brown tresses to create a mesmerizing effect with added shine. Paired with a long bob styled in sexy waves, there will be no stopping you from stunning everyone with your beautiful hair.

20. Ashy Brown Highlights

Less is more. And this adage couldn’t hold truer in a highlighted hair look that is subtle, yet gorgeous. The cool toned ashy highlights run subtly throughout the dark brown hair, making sure they blend in instead of standing out. The straight hair look works perfectly to showcase the highlights in all their splendor.

21. Golden Blonde Highlights

Wow everyone with your majestic gold tinted mane with these golden highlights. The gold highlights streaked over dark brown hair conjure up images of shimmering caramel dripping over dark chocolate. The flat iron curls at the bottom add to the beauty of this whole look.

22. Streaked Blonde Highlights

Get beach-ready this summer with these streaked highlights that will go perfectly with your bikini. The cool-toned blonde highlights streak through deep brown hair to create a stunning sun-kissed look. Get your hair cut in a long bob and style it in some casual waves to give off a chilled-out vibe.

23. Blonde Face Framing Highlights

If you don’t like the idea of subjecting your hair to excessive bleaching and coloring, here’s a style that will perfectly suit your needs. These singular blonde highlights are done only right at the front of your head to frame your face from either side. With a long bob and some curls, this is exactly the kind of hair that will make you look like the boss lady that you are.

24. Coffee Brown Highlights

If your style leans more towards the subdued side, here’s a highlights look you need to check out. This subtle style makes use of coffee brown highlights just a few shades lighter than your natural hair color to create a look that draws attention without screaming for it. These highlights also perfectly frame your face and can complement all makeup looks.

Quick Tip

Coffee brown highlights suit straight, wavy, and curly hair. It will also go well with all skin tones. You can add some layers or try a long bob to rock this style.

25. Bronde Highlights

Why choose between blonde and brown highlights when you can get both? The shade of these bronde highlights teeters the line between brown and blonde, hence the name. The resulting color is gorgeous, to say the least, and so unique that you’re bound to stand out in a crowd.

26. Mahogany Highlights

Go for a dark and sexy look with this brown on brown look that is absolutely gorgeous to behold. The mahogany highlights melt into the base dark brown hair to create a stunning vision. Some huge curls to add some much-needed bounce, and you’re good to go!

27. Fiery Toned Highlights

Let your inner fire show through with these fiery-toned highlights that will set your style statement on fire! Go for blonde and auburn highlights on your brown hair to achieve this gorgeous hair look. And get ready to have everyone’s eyes on you, and only you.

28. Sun Kissed Highlights

Get ready to have all the fun in the sun with this blonde tinted hair look. Get you deep brown hair highlighted with an intensely bright blonde shade to create a mesmerizing hair look. Straighten your hair and throw on a cute sundress for a relaxed summer day out!

29. Ginger Highlights

Welcome fall with these red toned highlights that will go perfectly with your autumnal toned clothes and pumpkin spice latte! These ginger highlights show up beautifully against deep brown hair and give rise to a beautiful combination of colors. Style your long hair in big, bouncy curls to create some movement and life in your hair.

30. Super Subtle Auburn Highlights

Are you the kind of person he does not like her appearance to be too “out there”? If so, you should probably go for this subtle style that doesn’t scream for attention. The auburn highlights are so close to the natural brown color of the model’s hair that they’re almost imperceptible. But the blink-and-you-miss-it nature of these highlights is exactly what makes this style so alluring and beautiful.

31. Soft Brown Streak Highlights

Add a bit of dimension and movement to your short bob with these minimalist highlights. The soft brown highlights in this look run in streaks across her oak-toned hair to make it look like hair that would belong to a tree nymph. Just straighten your bob and spray on some texturizing spray to finish this beautiful look.

32. Ashy Brown And Grey Highlights

How about going for a bit of a different color with your highlights, huh? Try out this hair look that makes use of ashy brown highlights at the top and a bit of gray coloring towards the ends to create an awe-inspiring mixture of colors. This unique look will shoot your style statement up a notch and help showcase your individualistic personality.

33. Burgundy Highlights

Add a pop of color to your dull brown hair with this bombshell burgundy highlights look. These red-toned highlights show up beautifully on brown hair and shimmer under sunlight. All you need to do is style your hair in some loose waves to complete this wonderful look.

34. Rouge Red Highlights

Fulfill your dream of looking like a sexy siren by trying out this burnt red highlights style. The rouge red highlights look like they have been painted on the naturally brown hair to create nothing short of a masterpiece. Van Gogh has got nothing on this hairdresser. (That may be an overstatement.)

35. Hologram Highlights

Now this is a popular hair trend just waiting to happen. These hologram highlights start off from brown hair and swiftly blend into blonde, and then gray, to create a, you guessed it, hologram effect. It’s absolutely breathtaking. And be sure that people will stare at your hair for a few seconds to figure out what’s going on with it, but in the best way possible.

36. Granite Blue Highlights

I don’t know about you but I’m always on the lookout for interesting and unique hair color ideas. And, boy, did this one catch my fancy! These deep granite blue highlights in cool toned brown hair literally make it look like something cut out of the depths of the earth.

37. Biscuit Blonde Highlights

Go for a warm toned look to match your warm personality with this highlighted bob style. These biscuit blonde highlights over medium brown hair give off the same effect as honey dripped over chocolate. Rock this color with a short wavy bob to make a style statement like no other.

38. Rich Copper Highlights

Give your hair an awesome metallic finish with these copper highlights that will have everyone stopping and staring at you. The rich and gorgeous red-toned copper highlights rest on dark chocolate brown hair to create a look straight out of your dreams. The beautiful curls only add to the romance of this look.

39. Pixie Highlights

You’re upping your cool factor by just getting a pixie cut. But add a bit of color to it, and no one will be able to deny that you are a total badass. Go for blonde highlights at the front of your pixie to add some dimension to it and just basically make it look cooler.

40. Mauve Highlights

Who knew mauve highlights are a thing, right? But they are, and they are absolutely stunning to behold. Layered over dark brown hair as highlights, this mauve shade looks unbelievably natural and beautiful. Style your long hair in some relaxed curls and get ready for everyone to fall in love with it.

41. Caramel Highlights

If you like to keep things classic when it comes to your style, you’ve got to try out these caramel highlights. The beauty of naturally brown hair is only elevated to another level by these golden caramel highlights that run through it. It gives your mane a warmth and richness that a classic ombre may not be able to match. Curl your long hair to make it look truly timeless.

42. Silver Blonde Highlights

Using the words ‘silver’ and ‘blonde’ may sound contradictory, but silver blonde is the best term to describe this scintillating hair look. The blonde shade of these highlights has been cooled down to give off a silvery effect and stand out strikingly against dark brown hair.

43. Rich Brown Highlights

Drive everyone crazy with this rich highlighted bob look. The gorgeous golden brown highlights run beautifully through the darker brown color of the natural hair to create a look that’s one for the ages. Combined with a short bob look, your style game is going to be out of this world.

44. Shimmery Blonde Highlights

Now, here’s a new take on the highlights trend that has taken over the hairstyling world. Instead of going for highlights closer to the roots, go for mini highlights that run from the mid-lengths of your hair to the ends. When done in a shimmering blonde shade, the effect created by these so-called ‘babylights’ is absolutely breathtaking.

45. Lavender Highlights

Boy, am I in love with this look! It’s girly, it’s flirty, and it’s oh-so-fun! The pink toned highlights show up beautifully against the rose-tinted hair and create a stunning mélange of colors. And my favorite part about this style is how it is pulled together with the long invisible layers.

46. Beige Highlights

These stunning beige highlights on dark brown hair is one you can bookmark for all occasions. The long, wavy tresses add a touch of elegance to the overall hairstyle. The beige highlights gel well with the brown hue, making it a fantastic look you can sport confidently.

47. Sandy Blonde Highlights

These sandy blonde highlights will definitely turn some heads wherever you go. The soft yet bold highlights seamlessly merge with the brown color to give amazing depth and dimension to the tresses. What’s more, this versatile hair color is perfect for different skin tones and eye colors. What are you waiting for? Make that salon stat!

Infographic: Top 10 Feisty Highlight Looks For Brown Hair

Are you convinced that brown hair is every bit as cool, stunning, and fashionable as other hair colors yet? There is nothing a little bit of creativity cannot solve – and we are sure this catalog will help you find the perfect highlights for yourself. Meanwhile, if an impactful and fierce brown hair makeover is what you’re looking for, check out the infographic below for a list of the most edgy, feisty hair colors out of the entire list.

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Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

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Frequently Asked Questions

How to protect and nourish brown hair with highlights with the right products?

Tips to protect and nourish highlighted brown hair with the right products are as follows:
• Use a color-protecting shampoo and conditioner to keep the tresses healthy.
• Wash the hair with lukewarm water after shampooing.
• Use a nourishing mask or hot oil treatment to make the color-treated hair shiny.
• Limit the use of heating tools.

How can you maintain your brown hair highlights to keep them looking fresh and vibrant?

To keep your brown hair highlights fresh and vibrant, follow these points:
• Wait for at least 72 hours before shampooing.
• Use sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner.
• Add a bit of dye in the conditioner to re-dye your hair every time you wash it.
• Do not wash hair frequently, and shampoo even less. Use dry shampoo as a substitute for shampoo. Put your hair in a shower cap on non-washing days.

What are some tips for avoiding damage to your hair during the highlighting process?

To prevent damage during the highlighting process:
• Prepare your hair before the highlighting appointment. Massage the scalp with hot hair oil and use clarifying shampoo to remove product buildup for equal absorption of the hair color.
• Use a conditioner after shampooing to restore moisture lost during the highlighting treatment.
• Avoid using heating tools a week before the appointment.

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

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Find the perfect highlight for your hair! Check out this amazing video for the best highlights for dark brown hair for women.

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Laura ClarkHairstylist

   

Laura Clark is a professional hairstylist who graduated from The Extension Academy in Ontario with a degree in hair extensions. With 8 years of experience as a skilled hair extension stylist, her goal is to make women feel beautiful through their hairstyles. Laura specializes in ponytail extensions, clip-in extensions, and tape-in extensions and has been able to encourage people with...more

Arshiya SyedaSenior Editor

 

Arshiya Syeda is a senior editor at StyleCraze with 7 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer and combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care. She holds a bachelor's degree in literature and psychology from Osmania University, Hyderabad, and a post-graduate diploma in psychological...more

Asmita DeAssociate Editor

Asmita De is an associate editor with over three years of experience. She graduated in English Literature from the University of Calcutta. She has collaborated with several digital companies and reputed publishing houses as an editor. Her adeptness in refining content, ensuring clarity, and preserving the essence of the written word has consistently contributed to enhance the quality of published...more

Bhumika DagaBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Bhumika is a content writer with 2.5 years of expertise in crafting articles across diverse genres. She graduated from the University of Delhi and completed her post-graduation from Indira Gandhi National Open University, Delhi. Her commitment to her craft is evident through her pursuit of certification courses in various styles of writing to continuously enhance her skills. As a skilled...more