5 Examples of Brunette Hair With Highlights to Save For Later

Hair color trends change depending on the season, but unlike cherry-red hair, you can expect most highlight shades to remain stylish year-round. That's especially true for brunette hair with highlights — these colors tend to be timeless. But that doesn't mean you can't still have fun with your highlights. There are plenty of brown hair highlight ideas that'll make your look pop.

Before you make your next hair appointment or reach for the nearest boxed dye, you'll want to decide what color to add to your brunette hair. One of the easiest ways to narrow down your options is to pick a shade based on your skin tone. The most flattering hair colors for warm skin tones will be warmer shades, whereas the best hair colors for cool skin tones will help bring out their cooler undertones. There are some hair colors that can work for both skin tones, but it's best to determine yours beforehand so you can make sure you don't end up with a color that washes you out.

To help you find options for highlights for brown hair, we spoke with an expert. Ahead, they share a variety of ideas to choose from — whether you have a big event coming up or are just looking to change up your look.

Dark Brunette Hair With Highlights

To achieve this hair look, you'll want to ask for warm, light brown highlights on a cool chocolate base. "[It's] the perfect way to bring your brunette hair to life without being blond," Linsey Marmorato, an editorial and runway hairstylist from Honey Artists, tells POPSUGAR. "It adds a beautiful dimension and works well on all types of hair."

Wheat Blond Highlights on Brunette Hair

To lighten up your look, consider embracing a wheat blond highlight, which Marmorato believes is "perfect to brighten you up for spring." These highlights can work on a range of brunette shades from dark to medium.

Balayage Brunette Hair With Highlights and Lowlights

No matter what your hair type or texture is, you can't go wrong with balayage. "If you want a change, but something super subtle, getting a highlight or balayage one to two shades lighter than your natural color is a great idea," Marmorato says. "This will give you a beachy, sun-kissed look."

Light Brunette Hair With Highlights

If you're looking for an example of light brown hair with highlights, look no further. Blond highlights on a light brunette base will never go out of style. If you want to go bolder, though, Marmorato says to incorporate a mix of warm or cool tones to complement your skin tone.

Dark Brown Hair With Highlights

Don't want to commit to a full head of red hair? Test the waters out with copper or red highlights. Marmorato finds that this shade is perfect for a dramatic look and, when added to a brunette base, results in a copper sunset look.


Rylee Johnston is a New York City-based freelance writer who covers everything from beauty, fashion, and celebrity trends to home, pets, and more. With a degree in journalism and over three years of industry experience, she enjoys interviewing experts and testing out products to make the best recommendations for readers.