Ever look at stunning hair on social media and wonder how they get that perfect sun-kissed glow without frying their locks? If you have beautiful brunette hair, you know the struggle is real. Choosing highlights can feel like navigating a minefield. Will they look brassy? Will they even show up against your dark base? Many brunettes fear going lighter because they worry about harsh lines or ending up with an unnatural shade.
The right highlights can add incredible dimension, movement, and brightness to your natural color, making your hair look healthier and more vibrant. But the fear of a color disaster often keeps many from trying them out. We totally get it! That’s why we created this guide.
Inside, you will discover the top highlight trends perfect for every shade of brown, from deep espresso to warm chestnut. We break down the best techniques—like balayage versus foil—and share insider tips for maintaining that gorgeous, fresh-from-the-salon look. Get ready to say goodbye to color confusion and hello to your dream brunette transformation!
Top Highlights For Brunette Hair Recommendations
- Olia Shade H03 Highlights for Brunettes: A hair highlighting kit formulated to deliver up to 4 levels of lift while also allowing your natural tones to show and achieve customized multi-dimensional and natural looking highlights for all hair textures
- Oil Powered Olia Hair Color: Powered by flower oil & enriched with kaolin clay for non-drip easy hand application - the clay thickens the formula creating a velvety cream texture to prevent product transferring across strands during the lightening process
- Vegan Hair Dye Formula: Ammonia, Silicone, Paraben & Cruelty Free. Vegan formula - no animal derived ingredients. Best for anyone with natural hair between light blonde and dark blonde
- Instructions: Put on the included gloves. Remove the Developer Bottle cap, mix-in the Colorant, and shake vigorously. Apply to roots, then, apply through lengths and ends for even coverage. Wait 30 minutes, then rinse & condition
- Inspired By Nature: Garnier carries an array of products for your hair and skin care needs, from shampoos, color care and styling products to formulas that cleanse, moisturize and repair skin
- SALON-INSPIRED HIGHLIGHTS: Create salon-worthy, customizable highlights at home with this all-in-one lightener kit. Use it for permanent highlighting, balayaging, frosting, and creating ombre hair
- 2 WAYS TO HIGHLIGHT: The easy-to-use LightZones Cap & Hook helps you create precise blonde highlights. Or skip the cap and paint on balayage streaks only where you want a lightening effect
- ANTI-BREAKAGE TECHNOLOGY: Bond Restore Complex technology causes less damage after achieving subtle or dramatic highlights
- BLONDE WITHOUT BRASS: Our violet-pigmented conditioner boosts color and banishes brassy tones
- CHOOSE YOUR SHADE: Pick between two sun-kissed ammonia-free and paraben-free shades. Honey for light brown, medium brown, and dark brown hair; Blonde for medium blonde, dark blonde, and light brown hair
- Frost and Design's hi-precision pull-through cap for perfectly placed, professional looking highlights
- Customize your look with two hook options for bold or subtle highlights, or mix it up, with a sun-kissed glow
- Create perfectly precise, even highlights on long hair, perfect for hair length that goes past shoulders
- Frost and Design includes toning rinse to finish, so hair is shiny not brassy, and infused with extra shine
- Designed for no mess application, the box includes special non-drip formula, mixing tray, gloves, and overcap
- Feria Is Multi-Faceted Permanent Hair Color: Known for shimmering color and edgy colors, Feria permanent hair dye kits transform hair from blah to brilliant; Our multi-faceted shimmering hair dye with 3X highlights delivers intensified, brilliant results
- Multi-Tonal, Shimmering Feria Hair Color: With 50 plus bold shades ranging from deepest black hair, platinum blonde & smoky silver hair dye, our vegan hair dye kits are inspired by cutting-edge fashion & the latest trends, no appointment required
- After Color Hair Conditioner: Our Bonding Care Complex Conditioner helps repair the strength of hair bonds, keeping hair strong & healthy-looking for color vibrancy. See up to 40% stronger hair vs hair not treated with Bonding Care Complex Conditioner
- L'Oreal Paris Hair Color: We offer permanent, semi-permanent & temporary hair dye plus root cover up, anti-brass toners and lightening systems. Cover grays, highlight hair, or go lighter with L'Oreal's collection of hair coloring products
- L'Oreal Paris Innovation: We are a total beauty care company that combines the latest in technology with the highest in quality for the ultimate in hair color, hair care, hair style, skin care and cosmetics
- Anti-Brass Toner For Hair: Our brown hair toner eliminates brassiness & adds cool tones to reduce unwanted warmth. Built-in conditioning for a softer, smoother, shinier brunette result. Our ammonia-free toner keeps brass away for up to 3 weeks after 1 use
- Salon Worthy Hair At Home: High-speed technology delivers cool tones in as little as 5 minutes, perfect for in-between salon visits. Feria's Bonding Care Complex Hair Conditioner helps repair the strength of weak hair bonds, keeping hair strong and healthy
- Hair Toner For Brunettes: Made for all brunette hair types and textures, including those with highlights, balayage, ombre and all over color. Does not lift hair color, does not cover grays. Results will vary depending on color and condition of hair
- L'Oreal Paris Hair Color: We offer permanent, semi-permanent, and temporary hair dye plus root cover up, anti-brass toners and lightening systems. Cover gray hair, highlight, go bold with bright color or even try an ombre hair color
- L'Oreal Paris Innovation: We are a total beauty care company that combines the latest in technology with the highest in quality for the ultimate in hair color, hair care, hair style, skin care and cosmetics
- Nutrisse Ultra Color BY1 Ultra Balayage (Icing Swirl) Permanent Hair Dye: Our special highlighting kit that can be used for an at home balayage treatment. This permanent hair color adapts to all hair textures for long lasting bold color
- Hair Lightener for Dark Hair: This hair dye kit is best for anyone with natural hair between dark blonde and dark brown
- Color Boost Technology: This hair dye kit's formula features intensity-enhancing color boost technology to help you achieve high impact color in just one step for up to 8 weeks of vibrant hair color
- Nourished Hair Means Bolder Color: Formulated with a blend of five fruit oils: Avocado, Olive, Coconut, Argan & Shea oils. Lock in moisture and color with our after color mask for hair that is smooth, silky and protected against dryness
- Discover Your Shade: For bold and lasting shades for all hair textures, Garnier Nutrisse Hair Color is available in over 65 cruelty-free and vegan hair dye shades - formulated without animal-derived ingredients
- Salon Balayage At Home: Create beautiful, luminous, naturally blended highlights with our Balayage Kit. The easy to use Expert Applicator and the Pro Toning Mask are the perfect combination to achieve a multidimensional and natural looking balayage
- Expert Applicator: Advanced comfort brush grip allows for precise application to paint blended balayage highlights for blondes or brunettes. Dual-bristles brush provides even application while detangling and distributing hair color from roots to tip
- New Pro Toning Mask. Inspired by hair salon techniques, the pro toning mask is enriched with direct hair dye to help you blend your roots and tone your highlights for a natural looking effect
- L'Oreal Paris Hair Color: We offer permanent, semi-permanent, and temporary hair dye plus root cover up, anti-brass toners and lightening systems; Cover gray hair, highlight, go bold with bright color or even try an ombre hair color
- L'Oreal Paris Innovation: We are a total beauty care company that combines the latest in technology with the highest in quality for the ultimate in hair color, hair care, hair style, skin care and cosmetics
- ENHANCED, RICH COLOR - Our Brilliant Brunette hair shine treatment improves natural brown color, and adds gloss for a reflective sheen on colored hair
- HELPS TO MEND DAMAGED HAIR SURFACES - With shine enhancers and pore menders, our Brilliant Brunette Glaze glaze fills in damaged areas to create a smooth, mirror-like surface
- SAFE FOR COLOR TREATED HAIR - John Frieda Brilliant Brunette hair products have been developed for safe use on natural, color-treated, or highlighted hair
- FORMULATED FOR DAILY OR WEEKLY USE - After shampooing and conditioning, smooth our Luminous Color Glaze from hair roots to tips, and rinse thoroughly
- SALON QUALITY - Combine with John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner for a finished look Discontinue use prior to a hair color appointment for best results
Your Guide to Glowing Highlights for Brunette Hair
Want to add some brightness to your brown hair? Highlights are a fantastic way to do this! This guide will help you choose the best highlights for your lovely brunette locks. We will look at what makes a good highlight product and what you should watch out for.
Key Features to Look For
What Makes a Highlight Kit Great?
- Lift Level: This tells you how much lighter your hair will get. Darker brown hair might need a higher lift number (like 30 volume) to see a big change. Lighter brown hair needs less lift.
- Tone Options: Highlights can look warm (golden, caramel) or cool (ashy, platinum). Choose a tone that matches your skin color. Cool tones usually look best on cooler skin, and warm tones suit warmer skin.
- Ease of Application: Good kits come with clear instructions and helpful tools, like brushes or caps. If you are new to this, look for “at-home kits” designed for beginners.
- Conditioning Ingredients: Highlighting lightens hair, which can sometimes make it dry. Look for ingredients like oils or proteins that help keep your hair soft.
Important Materials and Ingredients
What Should Be in Your Highlight Product?
The main part of any lightener is the developer and the powder. These are the chemicals that lift the color out of your hair.
- Developer: This liquid mixes with the lightener powder. It usually comes in different strengths (10, 20, 30, 40 volume). Higher volumes lift faster but can be harsher. For home use, 20 volume is often recommended.
- Bond Builders (Bonus!): Some modern kits include bond-building products (like Olaplex or similar formulas). These ingredients help protect the bonds inside your hair while it lightens. This is a huge plus for hair health!
- Toner: After lightening, you often need a toner. Toners are crucial! They wash out the unwanted yellow or orange colors that sometimes appear after lifting brown hair.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes Highlights Look Amazing or Awful?
The final result depends on a few things. Understanding these factors helps you get better quality results.
- Quality of Lightener: Cheaper lighteners might lift unevenly or create very brassy (orange) results. Higher-quality formulas tend to lift cleaner and smoother.
- Processing Time: Do not leave the lightener on too long! This is the fastest way to damage your hair. Always follow the time guide, or check your hair frequently.
- Starting Hair Condition: If your hair is already damaged or heavily colored with dark permanent dye, the results might be patchy or the hair might break. Healthy hair takes highlights much better.
User Experience and Use Cases
When Should You Use Highlights?
Highlights offer lots of different looks for brunettes. Your experience will change based on what you want to achieve.
- Subtle Sun-Kissed Look (Balayage/Foil): If you want a natural, low-maintenance look, choose highlights that are only one or two shades lighter than your natural color. This blends in beautifully as it grows out.
- Bold Contrast (Chunky/Full Highlights): If you want a major change, you will need a higher volume developer and a longer processing time. Be prepared for more noticeable root growth.
- At-Home vs. Salon: Salon professionals have the skill to place highlights perfectly around your face. If you are new, consider getting a few face-framing pieces done professionally first. Home kits are great for touching up existing highlights or adding subtle dimension.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Brunette Highlights
Q: How light can I go with at-home highlights?
A: Most at-home kits can lift about 4 to 6 levels. If your hair is very dark brown, you will likely see a warm, coppery tone first, not platinum blonde.
Q: Do I need a toner after highlighting my brown hair?
A: Almost always, yes! Brown hair naturally lifts to yellow or orange tones. A toner cancels out those unwanted warm colors to create a natural or cool shade.
Q: How long do highlights usually last?
A: The lightened strands are permanent. However, you will see your natural roots grow in. Most people refresh their highlights every 8 to 12 weeks.
Q: Can I highlight previously dyed dark brown hair?
A: It is very difficult. Dye cannot lift dye. If your hair is dyed black or dark brown, the lightener will likely turn it orange, or it might not lift at all. Professional help is strongly recommended here.
Q: What is the difference between caramel and ash highlights?
A: Caramel highlights have golden or honey tones, adding warmth. Ash highlights have cool, silvery, or beige tones, which fight brassiness.
Q: Will highlights damage my hair?
A: Lightening always causes some level of dryness or damage because the process opens the hair shaft. Using good quality products and bond builders reduces this risk significantly.
Q: How do I keep my brunette highlights from turning brassy?
A: Use a purple or blue-toned color-depositing shampoo once a week. This helps neutralize the yellow or orange tones that try to sneak back in.
Q: Can I use highlights just on my ends (Ombre)?
A: Yes! This is a popular technique. You apply the lightener only to the bottom half of your hair for a gradual color transition.
Q: What is the safest developer strength for beginners?
A: A 20 volume developer is generally the safest choice for at-home application. It lifts effectively without being overly aggressive.
Q: Should I highlight my hair right before vacation?
A: No. Sun and chlorine can make highlights fade or change color quickly. Wait until after your trip to get your highlights refreshed.