Gorgeous Dark Brown Hair with Highlights Ideas!

Dark brown hair, with its rich, natural elegance, provides the perfect canvas for creative expression through highlights. Whether you’re drawn to caramel swirls, honeyed hues, or sun-kissed streaks, you’ll find something you like here.

These highlight ideas not only add depth and dimension to your hair but also illuminate your features and refresh your overall look.

Dark Brown Hair with Highlights Advice

Though dark brown hair can be notoriously difficult to dye, that’s really only true when it comes to an all-over dye job. Highlights are usually a much more manageable way to add a little color and dimension to deeper hues.

• The first thing you’ll need to do is decide what sort of highlights you want. If you’re looking for a more natural look, you’ll want to choose a color that’s a few shades lighter than your natural hue. However, dark hair is also a great canvas for brighter colors, like red or even blue, since it’s easy to let the tint fade out if you want to go back to your natural locks.
• Once you’ve picked a color, commit to a hair part since that’s the line your stylist will use as a reference point when applying the highlight color.
• Make sure you don’t overwash your hair. While this is always good advice, it’s especially important once you start adding dye to your style routine. Most people can wait 2-4 days between washes, but a stylist should be able to help you pinpoint your ideal rest time between shampoos.
• If you notice some oil build-up or just want a little added volume between washes, opt for a tinted dry shampoo. Moroccanoil makes one of the best for dark hair.
• When you do wash your hair, try to use cool or lukewarm water to avoid stripping color and oils so your tresses won’t look dull or limp. Also, consider using a blue shampoo and conditioner, like this set from Oligo. These products help prevent your hair from turning brassy or copper-toned over time.
• If you notice some color fading, you can also touch up your color at home with a color-depositing mask, like this one from Moroccanoil. These are fool-proof hair masks that help intensify color. All you need to do is select one in a shade close to your highlights.
• One of the tell-tale signs of healthy, natural hair is its shine. While it’s unlikely you’re hair will get too damaged from highlights, especially if they’re done by a professional, adding a little gloss spray, like this one from Chi, is a great way to give your style a healthy, natural look.
• In the few days or even weeks after getting highlights, be extra gentle with your tresses. Avoid using heat tools as much as possible by making sure your curled or flat-iron styles last a few days. When you absolutely have to use a hairdryer or hot tool, make sure to apply plenty of heat protectant first. There are dozens of options, but Sun Bum’s is sulfate and cruelty-free, so it’s particularly popular.
• Depending on what color you go with for your highlights, be prepared to head to the salon every 4-5 weeks or so for regrowth touch-ups as well.

Dark Brown Hair with Highlights Ideas

Long Dark Waves with Subtle Caramel Ribbons

This is such a dreamy take on dark brown hair. The soft caramel highlights are placed just right to catch the light and add dimension without overpowering the natural depth of the base.

I love this for anyone who wants that low-maintenance, sun-kissed feel but still wants to stay rich and brunette.

Wavy Lob with Bold Honey Ends

This shoulder-length cut is elevated by those golden honey ends—it’s giving bold but balanced. The contrast between the dark roots and the lighter tips keeps it fresh and modern.

I always recommend this look when someone wants a little drama but still wants to keep it wearable for everyday.

Face-Framing Layers with Golden Brown Highlights

This cut is all about movement, and the placement of those warm golden highlights really brings the face to life. It’s perfect for adding brightness around the eyes and cheekbones.

I’ve done this look on clients who want something glamorous but still effortless, and it always turns out stunning.

Glossy Waves with Auburn Balayage

This look is rich, warm, and just the right amount of bold. The auburn balayage blends seamlessly into the dark base and gives a sultry finish that’s amazing for fall—or honestly, any season.

I love how it adds dimension without harsh lines.

Sleek Straight with Whisper Highlights

If you’re into a polished, sleek vibe but want a little extra something, this is it. These ultra-thin, cool-toned highlights give just enough contrast to keep things interesting.

I always suggest this to my clients who are highlight-curious but want to dip their toes in first.

Ashy Brunette with Soft Blonde Balayage

I’m obsessed with how this color melt moves from deep brunette to soft, ashy blonde—it’s such a modern, cool-girl look.

The soft waves make the blend even more seamless. This one works so well if you want dimension but still want to lean into that deeper base.

Rounded Bob with Cinnamon Lights

This sleek bob is already chic on its own, but the cinnamon-toned highlights add a little sparkle.

They’re subtle, but they really warm up the whole look. I love this for someone going shorter who still wants a little movement and texture in their color.

Medium-Length Waves with Bronze Balayage

This is that classic balayage look that never goes out of style. The bronze tones play so nicely with the dark brown base and give a sunlit glow all year round.

It’s such a great option if you want soft brightness without constant touch-ups.

Dimensional Brunette with Face-Framing Highlights

Here’s a gorgeous long look with ribboned highlights that bring all the drama to the front. It’s such a great technique to frame the face and give depth through the lengths without feeling too heavy.

I love doing this when a client wants dimension but still wants to keep their base color intact.

Curly Brunette with Pop Highlights

Okay, I’m in love with this curly texture paired with caramel pops! These kinds of highlights are perfect for curly hair—they add bounce and definition without breaking up the curl pattern. It gives the hair so much personality and life.

Soft Ash Brown Highlights on Deep Waves

This look is all about dimension. The soft ash brown highlights blend beautifully with the deep brunette base, giving those waves extra movement and depth.

I love this combo for anyone wanting a subtle update without going too bold—it’s low-maintenance and super chic.

Glossy Cocoa Curls with Natural Dimension

These rich, chocolatey waves are a dream! The subtle, sun-kissed highlights running through the curls give it that “lit from within” effect.

I always recommend this for clients who want something polished but still natural-looking.

Sleek Brunette Bob with Warm Face-Framing Pieces

This chin-length bob is pure sophistication, but what really sets it off are those caramel highlights around the face.

They brighten the whole look and give that glow-up effect we all love. Perfect for a sharp yet soft vibe.

Caramel Highlights on Long Brunette Layers

This is a classic layered cut elevated with just the right touch of warm caramel highlights.

The contrast is soft but adds such pretty definition. I use a similar placement when I want to bring out the texture in long hair without overdoing it.

Cinnamon Accents on Long Waves

These highlights are like a spicy little secret! That deep cinnamon tone peeking through dark brown hair is one of my favorite ways to add some heat without jumping into red territory.

And paired with loose waves? Chef’s kiss.

Chestnut Ombre with Fringe

This one has that effortless cool-girl energy. I love how the soft chestnut tones melt from the mid-lengths to the ends, especially paired with the piecey bangs.

It’s flattering, fresh, and super wearable.

Smoky Brunette with Cool-Toned Highlights

This smoky brunette look is for anyone who loves that muted, edgy vibe. The cool-toned highlights give it just enough contrast to pop without looking too light.

It’s especially flattering on cooler skin tones, and I always say it grows out like a dream.

Espresso Base with Subtle Copper Lights

Here’s a gorgeous example of minimal highlights done right. The barely-there copper lights on an espresso base add just enough shimmer to catch the light, but it still feels deep and rich.

This is a go-to for adding depth without making a huge commitment.

Golden Brunette Waves with Balayage Blend

These warm golden ribbons woven through the ends add so much glow to the overall look. The balayage technique keeps everything soft and seamless.

It’s that perfect beachy blend I always suggest for a sunkissed vibe year-round.