Stunning 35 Brunette Hair With Highlights Ideas to Transform Your Look

Brunette hair with highlights is a fantastic way to add depth and dimension to your locks, giving you a fresh, vibrant look.

In this article, we’ll explore 35 stunning brunette hair ideas featuring highlights that can elevate your style and enhance your natural beauty.

Whether you’re looking for subtle caramel tones or bold platinum accents, there’s a perfect highlight combo waiting for you!

What Are Highlights?

Highlights are a popular hair coloring technique that adds depth and dimension to your locks. They lighten selected strands of hair, creating a sun-kissed effect. This technique works great on various hair colors, but it really shines on brunettes.

Key Features of Highlights

Color Contrast: Highlights create a striking contrast against your base hair color. For brunettes, lighter shades like caramel, honey, or blonde work wonders.
Dimension: Highlights add visual interest. They help break up the monotony of a single color, making your hair look fuller and more vibrant.
Customization: You can choose the placement and intensity of highlights. Opt for face-framing pieces or a scattered effect throughout your hair.
Low Maintenance: Highlights can be easier to maintain than all-over color. As your hair grows, the roots remain less noticeable, allowing for longer intervals between touch-ups.

Types of Highlights

Foil Highlights: Stylists use foil to isolate sections of hair. This method allows for precise application and vibrant results.
Balayage: This freehand technique creates a natural gradient effect. It looks softer and more blended, ideal for a low-maintenance style.
Ombre: Ombre features a more dramatic color transition from dark to light. This style can add a trendy edge to your brunette hair.
Babylights: These are fine, subtle highlights that mimic the natural lightness found in children’s hair. They offer a delicate touch to your overall look.

Benefits of Highlights

Versatility: Highlights can suit any style or occasion. Whether you’re going for a casual look or something more glamorous, highlights fit right in.
Refresh Your Look: Highlights can transform your hair without a drastic change. They breathe new life into your hairstyle.
Enhance Texture: Highlights can make your hair appear more textured and dynamic, giving it a stylish flair.

In summary, highlights are a fantastic way to enhance brunette hair. They provide a beautiful contrast, depth, and a touch of flair, making your hair truly stand out.

Why Choose Brunette Hair?

Brunette hair offers a rich and versatile option for anyone looking to change up their look. Here are some reasons why people love going brunette:

Natural Look: Brunette shades often mimic natural hair colors. They provide a soft, understated elegance that many find appealing.
Versatility: Brunettes can play with a variety of highlights and lowlights. This allows for endless styling options and the ability to customize your look.
Skin Tone Compatibility: Brunette shades complement a wide range of skin tones. Whether you have a warm, cool, or neutral complexion, there’s a brunette hue that will enhance your features.
Low Maintenance: Compared to blonde or vibrant colors, brunette hair often requires less upkeep. Root growth is less noticeable, making it easier to maintain.
Shine and Depth: Brunette hair tends to reflect light beautifully, giving it a shiny, healthy appearance. The depth in darker shades creates dimension and movement.

Popular Brunette Shades

Chocolate Brown: Rich and warm, perfect for a classic look.
Ash Brown: A cooler tone that adds a modern edge.
Chestnut: A vibrant blend of brown and red, ideal for a lively touch.
Caramel Brown: A sweet, light brown that brings warmth and brightness.
Dark Espresso: Almost black, this shade offers a dramatic, sophisticated appearance.

Highlighting Options

Adding highlights can elevate brunette hair. Here are some popular choices:

Balayage: A hand-painted technique that creates a natural sun-kissed effect.
Ombre: A darker root that gradually transitions to lighter ends, adding depth.
Babylights: Subtle, fine highlights that mimic the natural lightness of hair.

Brunette hair can be both classic and trendy, making it a popular choice for anyone looking to switch things up. Embrace the beauty of brunette and let your hair shine!

Types of Brunette Hair Colors

Brunette hair comes in a variety of shades, each offering its own unique vibe. Whether you’re looking to enhance your natural color or completely change your look, here are some popular brunette hair colors to consider:

Light Brown

A soft, warm shade that adds a touch of brightness.
Works well with soft highlights for a sun-kissed look.

Medium Brown

A classic shade that balances richness and warmth.
Pairs beautifully with caramel or honey highlights.

Dark Brown

A deep, rich color that adds depth and dimension.
Perfect for bold highlights in lighter shades like ash or blonde.

Chestnut Brown

A warm brown with reddish undertones.
Creates a vibrant, lively appearance, especially with auburn highlights.

Chocolate Brown

A luscious, deep brown that resembles melted chocolate.
Looks stunning with golden or copper highlights for added warmth.

Ash Brown

A cooler brown with grayish undertones.
Great for those who prefer a more muted look; silver or platinum highlights enhance this shade.

Mahogany

A rich brown with strong red undertones.
Striking when paired with burgundy or copper highlights.

Brunette Ombre

A gradient effect where hair transitions from dark to light.
Offers a trendy, low-maintenance style with varied highlight shades.

Brunette Balayage

A freehand highlighting technique that creates a natural sun-kissed effect.
Adds dimension and movement, perfect for any brunette shade.

Soft Brown
- A gentle, understated shade that feels fresh and modern.
- Ideal for subtle highlights that enhance the overall softness.

Brunette hair colors provide endless options for customization. Consider your skin tone and personal style when choosing the perfect shade. Highlighting techniques can also add depth and interest, making your brunette locks stand out even more.

Balayage Highlights for Brunettes

Balayage highlights add a stunning dimension to brunette hair. This technique creates a natural, sun-kissed look that feels effortless and chic. Here are some key points about balayage highlights for brunettes:

Customizable Shades: You can choose from a variety of shades, from warm caramel to cool ash. This flexibility allows you to find the perfect match for your skin tone.
Low Maintenance: Balayage grows out beautifully. The blended look means fewer trips to the salon compared to traditional highlights.
Soft, Natural Finish: The hand-painted technique gives a soft transition between colors. It adds depth without harsh lines, making it ideal for brunettes.

Popular Balayage Styles for Brunettes

Caramel Balayage: Warm caramel tones brighten dark brown hair. This style works great for a cozy, autumn vibe.
Ash Brown Balayage: Cool ash highlights add sophistication. This look is perfect for those who want a modern twist.
Honey Blonde Balayage: Honey tones create a warm, inviting glow. This style pairs beautifully with medium to dark brown hair.
Red Balayage: Bold red highlights make a statement. This look is perfect for brunettes who want to embrace a vibrant change.

Tips for Getting the Perfect Balayage

Consult with a Stylist: Discuss your desired look and maintenance level. A professional can recommend the best shades and techniques.
Consider Your Hair Texture: Different hair types may show balayage differently. Fine hair might need a lighter touch, while thick hair can handle bolder contrasts.
Use the Right Products: Invest in color-safe shampoo and conditioner. This helps maintain vibrancy and shine.

Balayage highlights elevate brunette hair, giving it a fresh and trendy look. Whether you prefer subtle tones or bold contrasts, balayage offers a way to express your style uniquely.

Ombre vs. Highlights: What’s the Difference?

When it comes to adding dimension to brunette hair, ombre and highlights are popular choices. Both techniques enhance your look, but they differ significantly in style and application.

Ombre

Definition: Ombre means “shadow” in French. This technique features a gradual blend of colors, typically starting darker at the roots and lightening toward the ends.
Color Transition: The shift between colors is more dramatic. You may see a stark contrast between the base color and the lighter ends.
Maintenance: Ombre often requires less frequent touch-ups. The transition allows for a natural fade, which means regrowth isn’t as noticeable.
Best for: Those who want a bold look. Ombre suits various hair lengths and types, especially long hair.

Highlights

Definition: Highlights involve adding lighter strands throughout the hair. This technique creates a sun-kissed effect.
Color Transition: Highlights are more subtle than ombre. They blend with the base color and can be customized for a softer look.
Maintenance: Highlights usually need more upkeep. Regular touch-ups are necessary to keep the color fresh and to avoid visible roots.
Best for: Anyone looking for a lighter, more natural look. Highlights work well on all hair lengths and textures.

Quick Comparison

Feature	Ombre	Highlights
Color Transition	Gradual, darker to lighter	Subtle, blended throughout
Maintenance	Less frequent touch-ups	More frequent touch-ups
Look	Bold, dramatic	Natural, sun-kissed
Best For	Long hair, bold styles	Any hair length, subtle styles

Choosing between ombre and highlights depends on your style preference and maintenance routine. Both options can transform brunette hair into a stunning masterpiece.

Best Highlight Shades for Brunettes

Brunettes have a fantastic canvas for highlights. Picking the right shades can elevate your look and add depth. Here are some of the best highlight shades to consider:

Caramel: This warm tone adds a soft glow. It complements medium to dark brown hair beautifully, creating a sun-kissed effect.
Honey: A lighter version of caramel, honey highlights brighten up dark brown hair. They work well for a fresh, youthful look.
Ash Blonde: For a cool contrast, ash blonde highlights provide a chic edge. This shade pairs nicely with dark brunette hair, adding dimension without being overly warm.
Chestnut: Rich and warm, chestnut highlights infuse a touch of vibrancy. They blend seamlessly with brown hair, enhancing natural richness.
Copper: If you’re feeling bold, copper highlights can make a striking statement. This fiery shade stands out against darker hair, creating a unique look.
Burgundy: Deep, rich burgundy highlights give a dramatic flair. They shine in the sunlight and add a pop of color to your brunette base.
Golden Blonde: This cheerful tone brightens up any brunette shade. Golden blonde highlights add warmth and a bit of sparkle.
Balayage: This technique blends multiple shades for a natural, sun-kissed look. You can mix lighter and darker tones for a customized effect.
Butterscotch: A lovely blend of blonde and caramel, butterscotch highlights create warmth and shine. They work great for medium brown hair.
Mahogany: A deep reddish-brown, mahogany highlights add depth and richness. This shade works wonders for darker hair and gives a luxurious feel.

Choosing the right highlights depends on your natural hair color and skin tone. Consider these options:

Hair Color	Best Highlight Shades
Light Brown	Honey, Golden Blonde
Medium Brown	Caramel, Butterscotch, Chestnut
Dark Brown	Ash Blonde, Burgundy, Mahogany
Warm Undertones	Caramel, Honey, Copper
Cool Undertones	Ash Blonde, Chestnut, Burgundy

Experiment with these shades to find the perfect match for your style. Highlights can transform your look and bring out your inner glow.

How to Maintain Highlighted Brunette Hair

Maintaining highlighted brunette hair requires a bit of effort, but the results are worth it. Follow these tips to keep your hair looking vibrant and healthy.

Choose the Right Shampoo and Conditioner

Use sulfate-free shampoo to prevent color fading.
Opt for color-safe conditioners to keep hair hydrated.

Wash Less Frequently

Aim for washing your hair 2-3 times a week.
Use dry shampoo in between washes to absorb oil.

Protect from Heat

Limit heat styling tools like straighteners and curling irons.
Always use a heat protectant spray before styling.

Deep Condition Regularly

Incorporate a deep conditioning treatment once a week.
Look for products with nourishing ingredients like argan oil or shea butter.

Avoid Sun Exposure

Wear a hat or scarf when out in the sun.
Use hair products with UV protection to shield your color.

Schedule Regular Touch-Ups

Visit your stylist every 6-8 weeks for touch-ups.
Discuss maintaining your highlights with your stylist during visits.

Rinse with Cold Water

Finish your hair wash with a cold water rinse.
Cold water helps seal the cuticle and lock in color.

Limit Chemical Treatments

Avoid harsh treatments like perms or relaxers.
Give your hair a break between chemical processes.

Use Color-Enhancing Products

Try color-depositing shampoos or conditioners to boost highlights.
Look for products designed specifically for brunette hair.

Stay Hydrated and Eat Well

Drink plenty of water to keep your hair hydrated from the inside out.
Include foods rich in vitamins and minerals for healthy hair growth.

By following these tips, you can maintain your highlighted brunette hair and keep it looking fabulous.

Celebrities with Beautiful Brunette Highlights

Brunette hair with highlights looks stunning, and many celebrities rock this style. Here are some of the most iconic looks to inspire you:

Jessica Alba
Jessica sports warm caramel highlights that add depth to her rich brown hair. This blend complements her skin tone perfectly.
Giselle Bündchen
Giselle showcases sun-kissed highlights that give her hair a beachy vibe. The lighter strands frame her face and enhance her natural waves.
Ariana Grande
Ariana often features subtle balayage highlights. This technique creates a natural gradient, adding dimension to her dark locks.
Megan Fox
Megan opts for bold, chunky highlights, making her brunette hair pop. The contrast between her dark base and lighter tips creates a striking look.
Jennifer Lopez
J.Lo loves golden highlights that brighten her dark brown hair. This warm touch enhances her glamorous style and radiates confidence.
Emma Watson
Emma’s soft caramel highlights blend seamlessly into her medium brown hair. This understated look brings out her features beautifully.
Anne Hathaway
Anne often experiments with honey highlights that warm up her deep brunette color. This adds a soft glow, perfect for any occasion.
Natalie Portman
Natalie showcases a classic look with subtle, fine highlights. This style offers a refined touch that enhances her elegant appearance.
Lucy Hale
Lucy’s hair features a mix of light and dark highlights. This playful contrast gives her a youthful and trendy vibe.
Drew Barrymore
Drew embraces a bohemian style with balayage highlights. The natural-looking sun-kissed strands add a fun and carefree touch to her hair.

These celebrities demonstrate how highlights can elevate brunette hair. Whether you prefer bold contrasts or soft blends, there’s a perfect highlight style for everyone. Embrace your inner celebrity and experiment with your own brunette highlights!

Brunette Hair with Highlights for Different Skin Tones

Choosing the right highlights for your brunette hair can enhance your natural beauty. Skin tone plays a big role in this decision. Here’s a quick guide to help you pick the perfect combination.

Warm Skin Tones

For warm skin tones, go for golden or caramel highlights. These shades add warmth and brightness, complementing your skin’s natural glow. Here are some great options:

Honey Blonde: Adds a touch of brightness.
Caramel: Rich and warm, perfect for a sun-kissed look.
Copper: Vibrant and bold, it stands out beautifully.

Cool Skin Tones

If you have cool skin tones, opt for ash or cool-toned highlights. These shades balance your complexion and create a chic look. Consider these choices:

Ash Blonde: A subtle yet striking contrast.
Platinum: Bold and edgy, perfect for a dramatic change.
Icy Highlights: Adds a modern twist without overwhelming your hair.

Neutral Skin Tones

Neutral skin tones can pull off a variety of highlights. You have the flexibility to experiment with both warm and cool shades. Here are some options:

Balayage: Soft and blended, great for a natural look.
Chocolate Brown: Rich and deep, perfect for a sophisticated style.
Strawberry Blonde: A fun, light option that adds warmth.

Consider Your Undertones

When choosing highlights, always consider your undertones:

Warm Undertones: Look for golden and rich shades.
Cool Undertones: Stick to ashy and icy tones.
Neutral Undertones: Mix and match from both categories.

Final Tips

Consult with your stylist. They can recommend shades that suit your hair type and lifestyle.
Test small strands before committing to a full head. This helps you see how the color works with your skin tone.
Maintain your highlights with color-safe products for long-lasting vibrancy.

Brunette hair with highlights can elevate your look. Choose wisely based on your skin tone, and you’ll shine!

DIY Brunette Highlights: Tips and Tricks

Want to brighten up your brunette locks without a salon visit? DIY highlights can be fun and rewarding. Here are some tips and tricks to help you achieve that salon-fresh look at home.

Choosing the Right Shade

Go for Warm or Cool Tones: Match the highlights to your skin tone. Warm tones suit golden or olive skin, while cool tones work well with pink or peachy skin.
Pick a Shade Two Shades Lighter: Choose a highlight shade that is two shades lighter than your base color for a natural look.

Tools You’ll Need

Hair dye kit (highlights)
Mixing bowl and brush
Hair clips
Foil or highlighting cap
Gloves
Old towel or cape

Step-by-Step Process

Prep Your Hair: Start with dirty hair. Natural oils protect your scalp during the coloring process.
Section Your Hair: Divide your hair into manageable sections. Use clips to hold them in place.
Mix the Dye: Follow the instructions on your dye kit. Mix the developer and highlight color in the bowl.
Apply the Dye:

Use the brush to apply dye to selected strands.
For a more natural look, apply the dye to random sections.
Avoid the roots for a blended effect.

Wrap with Foil: Fold each highlighted section in foil to keep it separated and to maintain heat.
Set a Timer: Follow the recommended processing time on the dye kit. Check your hair every few minutes to avoid over-processing.
Rinse and Condition: Rinse your hair with cool water. Apply the conditioner from the kit to keep your hair healthy.

Aftercare Tips

Use Sulfate-Free Shampoo: This helps maintain the color longer.
Deep Condition Weekly: Keep your hair hydrated and shiny.
Limit Heat Styling: Reduce damage by air-drying when possible.

With these tips and tricks, you can rock beautiful brunette highlights right from your home. Enjoy the process and have fun with your new look!

Trending Brunette Highlight Styles

Brunette hair with highlights is all the rage right now. These styles add depth, dimension, and a fresh vibe to any look. Here are some trending highlight styles that you might want to consider:

Balayage: This technique offers a natural, sun-kissed look. Stylists paint the highlights on by hand, creating a soft and blended effect. Perfect for low-maintenance hair.
Ombre: Ombre involves a gradual transition from dark brunette at the roots to lighter ends. It gives a bold yet stylish appearance. This look is ideal for those who want a dramatic change without frequent touch-ups.
Babylights: For a subtle and delicate highlight, babylights work wonders. These fine, soft highlights mimic the natural lightening effect of the sun. Great for adding a bit of brightness without going overboard.
Chunky Highlights: If you crave a more retro vibe, chunky highlights are making a comeback. This look features bold, contrasting colors that stand out against the base color. Perfect for a fun and edgy style.
Face-Framing Highlights: Brightening up the face is always a good idea. These highlights focus on the front sections of the hair, enhancing your features and adding a youthful glow.
Color Melting: This technique blends multiple shades for a seamless look. It creates a beautiful gradient effect, combining various tones of brunette and highlights. It’s versatile and works well for any hair length.
Warm Honey Highlights: Warm tones like honey or caramel create a rich, inviting look. These highlights add warmth to dark hair and can brighten your overall appearance.
Cool Ash Highlights: For those who prefer a cooler palette, ash highlights provide a chic contrast to deep brunette hair. They create a modern and sophisticated vibe.

Try mixing and matching these styles for a unique twist. Whether you go for soft balayage or bold chunky highlights, you’re sure to turn heads with a fresh brunette look!

FAQs About Brunette Hair with Highlights

1. What are the best highlights for brunette hair?
Blonde highlights work great with brunette hair. Caramel and honey shades also add warmth. Consider adding balayage for a natural look.

2. How often should I get highlights?
Typically, you should refresh your highlights every 6-8 weeks. This keeps your color looking fresh and vibrant.

3. Can I highlight my hair at home?
Yes, but it requires caution. Use a highlighting kit specifically designed for brunette hair. Follow the instructions carefully for best results.

4. Will highlights damage my hair?
Any coloring process can cause some damage. Use a good conditioner and hair masks to maintain moisture and health.

5. How do I maintain my highlights?

Use sulfate-free shampoos.
Deep condition regularly.
Avoid excessive heat styling.
Schedule regular trims.

6. Can I mix different highlight colors?
Absolutely! Mixing shades like caramel and ash blonde creates depth and dimension. Be sure to consult a stylist for the best combo.

7. Do highlights work on all shades of brunette?
Highlights look good on all shades of brunette. Darker brunettes often shine with bold blonde highlights, while lighter brunettes can go for subtle tones.

8. What should I tell my stylist?
Communicate your desired look clearly. Bring photos for reference. Discuss your natural color and how dramatic you want the highlights.

9. How can I prevent my highlights from fading?

Use UV protection products.
Avoid chlorine pools.
Limit sun exposure.
Rinse with cool water.

10. Can I highlight my hair if I have previously dyed it?
Yes, but results may vary. It’s best to consult a professional to ensure the highlights blend well with your existing color.

Conclusion

Brunette hair with highlights offers endless possibilities for creativity and style. The range of shades and tones allows you to express your personality while enhancing your natural beauty. Whether you aim for subtle sun-kissed strands or bold, vibrant colors, these highlights can transform your look effortlessly.

Choosing the right highlights can elevate your brunette hair to new heights. Take inspiration from the options we’ve explored and find the perfect balance that suits your vibe. Embrace the change and enjoy the fresh, lively look that highlights bring to your hair.