I absolutely love dark brown hair, but adding highlights takes it to a whole new level of gorgeous. Whether you want subtle dimension, bold contrast, or playful pops of color, highlights can transform your brunette base into something truly stunning. Here are 53 beautiful highlight ideas for dark brown hair that will make you shine.
#1. Silver Streaks on Dark Brown Hair
Gray hair is one of the hottest trends right now, and if you’re not ready to go full silver, these striking silver streaks are the perfect compromise. The contrast between dark brown and metallic silver creates instant edge and dimension. Ask your colorist for hand-painted silver pieces around your face for maximum impact.
#2. Golden Highlights on Espresso Brown Hair
Golden highlights instantly brighten espresso brown hair with sun-kissed shimmer and warmth. This is the ultimate way to add brightness without going too light or losing your rich brunette base. You’ll get that year-round glow that looks effortlessly radiant and natural.
#3. Auburn Accents on Dark Chocolate Hair
If your dark chocolate locks need dimension, auburn accents are subtle yet luxurious. The warm, sultry tones add richness and depth, making this the perfect color choice for fall and winter. It’s elegant, cozy, and absolutely gorgeous on all skin tones.
#4. Lavender Tips on Deep Brown Hair
Add fun flair to deep brown hair with playful lavender tips. This low-maintenance style keeps your dark roots while adding brightness and whimsy at the ends. Just make sure you have a good purple shampoo to keep those tips vibrant and fresh.
#5. Rich Dark Brown with Subtle Honey Balayage
If you want to spruce things up without going overboard, subtle honey balayage is the answer. The honey-on-dark-brown blend creates an all-natural, sun-kissed aesthetic that’s effortlessly beautiful. It’s soft, warm, and perfectly understated.
#6. Deep-Jet Black Roots with Striking Walnut Highlights
This unique blend of deep-jet black roots with walnut highlights is enticing and incredibly low-maintenance. The modern edge and rich contrast make this a standout choice for anyone who wants dimension without frequent touch-ups. It’s contemporary, striking, and effortlessly cool.
#7. Elegant Dark Brunette Enhanced by Rose Gold Highlights
Rose gold is everywhere, and for good reason—it’s absolutely stunning. If you think rose gold is too bright on its own, try rose gold highlights strewn throughout dark brunette locks for an elegant, trendsetting look. It’s feminine, modern, and totally gorgeous.
#8. Smoky Charcoal Tones on Deep Brown Hair
Add a touch of mystery to your appearance with smoky charcoal tones throughout deep brown hair. This muted yet enticing combination creates depth and intrigue without being too bold. It’s sophisticated, moody, and beautifully dimensional.
#9. Mahogany Ombre on Dark Brown Hair
The ombre blend from dark brown roots to mahogany ends is absolutely fascinating. These two colors go together beautifully, especially when you add waves to let the colors blend and mingle. It’s rich, warm, and seriously stunning.
#10. Dark Brown with Blonde Peekaboo Highlights
Want to go blonde without fully committing? Blonde peekaboo highlights on dark brown hair give you that fresh-from-the-beach look without sacrificing your brunette base. It’s a summer-ready style that’s bright, fun, and totally wearable.
#11. Dark Brown with Copper Face-Framing
Lighter strands around the face instantly add a youthful glow and brighten your whole appearance. These copper face-framing highlights on luxurious dark brown hair create a stylish, radiant finish. It’s flattering, warm, and beautifully dimensional.
#12. Dark Brown with Cool Ash Highlights
Keep your gorgeous dark brown roots and lighten things up with cool ash highlights. Your brunette hair will take on a brighter, more sophisticated appearance loaded with dimension. It’s modern, chic, and effortlessly elegant.
#13. Chunky Platinum Highlights on Dark Brown
If you really want to transform your dark brown hair without going full blonde, extra-large chunky platinum highlights are the way to go. These posh, ultra-bright highlights immediately add excitement and serious contrast. It’s bold, dramatic, and totally eye-catching.
#14. Dark Brown with Mocha Ribbons
Coffee lovers, this one’s for you. Dark brown locks seamlessly blended with mocha ribbons create a creamy, delightful duo that’s warm and rich. It’s cozy, delicious, and absolutely beautiful on all skin tones.
#15. Midnight Blue Highlights on Dark Brown
These midnight blue highlights on dark brown locks create an instantly mysterious, magical appearance. The deep blue tones add intrigue and sophistication, making this perfect for winter. It’s moody, enchanting, and totally unique.
#16. Dark Brown with Berry Undertones
Adding berry undertones to dark brown hair is the perfect way to jazz things up without going too bold. The seamless, natural-looking blend adds much-needed contrast and dimension. It’s subtle, pretty, and beautifully rich.
#17. Deep Brown with Sun-Kissed Highlights
These sun-kissed highlights throughout deep brown hair create an all-natural appearance that’s fresh and radiant. You’ll lighten and refresh your style while still looking effortlessly natural. It’s bright, beautiful, and perfect for everyday wear.
#18. Rich Dark Brown with Teal Accents
Quickly add an element of surprise to your rich dark hair with teal accents. This fun pop of color creates a unique, thrilling appeal that’s playful and bold. Always use color-safe products to extend the lifespan of the color.
#19. Subtle Olive Highlights on Dark Brown
Olive highlights on dark brown hair add barely-there dimension that’s understated yet elegant. Leave your hair straight or add waves—this color works beautifully either way. It’s soft, natural, and effortlessly chic.
#20. Warm Chestnut Hues on Dark Brown
If subtlety and beauty are your goals, warm chestnut hues throughout dark brown hair are perfect. These minimal highlights instantly add depth and create a more voluminous appearance. This color is especially gorgeous on warm undertones.
#21. Bold Cherry Red Highlights on Dark Brown
Create that wow factor with bold cherry-red highlights on dark brown hair. This hairstyle instantly injects excitement and energy into your strands, making it an excellent option for any season. It’s vibrant, eye-catching, and guaranteed to turn heads.
#22. Sophisticated Smoky Gray Balayage on Dark Brown
Sophisticated, alluring, and sultry—smoky gray balayage on dark brown hair is reserved for high-style lovers. The best part is that balayage is low-maintenance, making this a practical way to liven up your dark mane. It’s elegant, modern, and totally captivating.
#23. Caramel Swirls on Deep Brown Hair
Caramel swirls on deep brown hair are a quick, efficient way to add richness and warmth. The sweet, delicious color combination looks fabulous on any skin color, making this a universally flattering, versatile look. It’s warm, inviting, and absolutely gorgeous.
#24. Dark Brown with Vibrant Orange Highlights
Go big with this enchanting combination of dark brown base and eye-catching vibrant orange highlights. The subtle roots get a bold twist with these fiery accents that draw all the attention. It’s adventurous, energetic, and seriously stunning.
#25. Rich Brown with Delicate Pink Highlights
Pink highlights aren’t just for lighter hair—they’re absolutely captivating on a rich brown base. These delicate pink highlights create a charming, princess-like blend that’s feminine and fun. It’s playful, pretty, and totally unique.
#26. Brunette with Subtle Silver Undertones
Add a pinch of brightness without covering up your brown hair with edgy, modern silver undertones. These undertones bring subtle brightness to your dreamy dark brown base. It’s contemporary, cool, and beautifully dimensional.
#27. Dark Brown Hair with Stunning Emerald Streaks
Dark brown hair is always sultry and elegant, but emerald streaks add regalness and fantasy. This pop of color brings sophistication and visual interest that’s sure to be the talk of the town. It’s bold, luxurious, and totally enchanting.
#28. Black Cherry Highlights on Dark Brown Hair
This gorgeous blend of black cherry highlights on dark brown hair is perfect for winter. You’ll achieve a deep, mysterious aesthetic with subtle dimension and richness. It’s moody, elegant, and absolutely beautiful.
#29. Dark Brown Hair with Golden Blonde Tips
Golden blonde tips on dark brown hair completely transform your appearance with serious shine and gloss. If you want that “it girl” aesthetic, ask your stylist for golden blonde tips at your next appointment. It’s bright, glamorous, and totally stunning.
#30. Dark Brunette Hair with Vibrant Violet Highlights
If you’re not afraid to play with color and show off an edgy, chic look, vibrant violet highlights are for you. Dark brunette locks are instantly invigorated with incredible violet pieces that demand attention. It’s bold, playful, and absolutely gorgeous.
#31. Cappuccino Tones in Dark Brown Hair
Not all highlights have to be bright and in-your-face. If you’re new to highlighting and want to play it safe while ensuring a gorgeous multi-tonal effect, cappuccino tones are perfect. It’s subtle, warm, and beautifully dimensional.
#32. Dark Brown with Vibrant Electric Blue Highlights
Adventurous souls will love this enticing style featuring dark brown base with vivid, look-at-me electric blue highlights. Play up the blue color with blue eyeshadow and bright accessories for maximum impact. It’s bold, daring, and totally unforgettable.
#33. Dark Brunette with Striking Platinum Streaks
Nothing creates contrast quite like this exotic blend of ultra-dark brunette base and platinum streaks. This dazzling finish epitomizes depth and contemporary attitude with serious dimension. It’s striking, modern, and absolutely gorgeous.
#34. Deep Brown with Rich Burgundy Undertones
If it’s all about luxury, this hair color blend is essential. Dark brown locks are immediately refined with rich burgundy undertones that add wine-hued elegance. It’s graceful, sophisticated, and perfect for holiday parties.
#35. Dark Brown with Playful Coral Accents
This dynamic duo of coral accents on dark brown base is downright whimsical and unexpected. If you want to add youthfulness and playfulness to your dark hair, fun coral accents are the answer. It’s cheerful, unique, and totally adorable.
#36. Dark Brown with Peekaboo Rainbow Highlights
If you can’t get rid of your desire for rainbow hair but want to keep it subtle, peekaboo rainbow streaks are perfect. You’ll keep your lovely brunette base and add cute hidden rainbow pieces throughout. It’s fun, playful, and surprisingly wearable.
#37. Dark Brown with Subtle Creamy Beige Balayage
Beige blends magnificently with dark brown for a brightened, elegant appearance. Add some loose waves to help better define your creamy beige highlights and create gorgeous dimension. It’s soft, natural, and effortlessly beautiful.
#38. Cozy Warm Cinnamon Swirls on Dark Brown Hair
Warm, dark, and decadent—these cinnamon swirls on dark brown hair create immediate depth and irresistible attitude. The spicy, rich tones add dimension without being too bold. It’s cozy, inviting, and absolutely stunning.
#39. Dark Brown with Enchanting Sea Green Streaks
Become the dream girl from a fantasy movie with sea-green streaks throughout dark brown hair. Play up the sea-green accents by matching your makeup, accessories, and clothing. It’s magical, whimsical, and totally enchanting.
#40. Dark Brunette with Radiant Golden Honey Highlights
Go a little brighter and lighter with golden honey highlights atop stunning brunette strands. The result is an effortlessly flawless, truly radiant hairstyle that plays particularly well with loose, playful waves. It’s warm, glowing, and absolutely gorgeous.
#41. Ombre Rose Gold Tips on Dark Brown Hair
Dark brown roots trickling down to striking rose gold tips create an immediate win. The magical gradient effect is downright stunning, especially when you add waves or curls to help the colors mingle together. It’s romantic, trendy, and totally beautiful.
#42. Subtle Lavender Highlights in Deep Brown Hair
A little bit of color never hurts, especially when it’s a coy lavender shade like this. Lavender looks splendid paired with deep brown hair—it’s an unpredictable match that’s genuinely delightful. It’s soft, feminine, and beautifully unique.
#43. Metallic Silver Strands in Dark Brown Hair
Create head-turning contrast with metallic silver strands fused into a dark brown base. You can go heavy or light, but heavier metallic adds a futuristic, super trendy touch. It’s edgy, modern, and absolutely striking.
#44. Auburn Balayage on Dark Brunette Hair
Dreaming of red hair but don’t want to lose your brunette entirely? Auburn balayage gives your hair gorgeous red tinge without sacrificing your brown locks. This is the ultimate go-to style for fall with warm, rich dimension.
#45. Dark Brown with Sable Highlights
Make your dark brown hair look more incredible with sable highlights—they don’t need to be overly bright or colorful. These highlights add a regal, luxurious touch without drama. It’s sophisticated, subtle, and beautifully refined.
#46. Dark Brown with Lemon-Yellow Streaks
Ultra-chic souls looking to add zest and spice will love this dark brown base with sporadic lemon-yellow streaks. This is definitely a look suitable for anyone who wants all the attention. It’s bold, bright, and seriously eye-catching.
#47. Dark Brown with Coppery Bronze Highlights
These delicate coppery bronze highlights create an all-natural aesthetic that’s hardly noticeable yet instantly refreshing. Although subtle and effortless, they add invigorating vibes and warmth. It’s natural, pretty, and beautifully understated.
#48. Deep Brown with Mahogany Undertones
Get an instant style update with a cherry wood effect by adding mahogany undertones. This understated addition adds just a pinch of red throughout your strands for a sophisticated pairing that works on any hair length. It’s rich, elegant, and timelessly beautiful.
#49. Dark Brown with Sapphire Blue Accents
Going bold doesn’t always mean dousing your hair in bright color—sometimes it’s as easy as adding a few sapphire blue accents. These gorgeous blue pieces steal the show without being too obnoxious. It’s striking, refined, and totally stunning.
#50. Dark Brown with White Blonde Streaks
Nothing says beautiful quite like brown and blonde paired together, and the incredible contrast of white blonde streaks is absolutely swoon-worthy. This high-contrast look is dramatic, gorgeous, and seriously eye-catching.
#51. Dark Brown with Ashy Mocha Highlights
Dark brown hair with ashy mocha highlights is understated yet enchanting. This is especially true when you let the colors blend with long, charming, loose waves. It’s soft, sophisticated, and beautifully dimensional.
#52. Deep Brown with Honeycomb Balayage
Revive your brunette tresses with honeycomb balayage—a lovely way to add dimension and interest. The subtle honeycomb-painted highlights create a unique tonal effect you’ll absolutely love. It’s natural, warm, and effortlessly beautiful.
#53. Dark Brown with Pastel Rainbow Highlights
Ready to let your colors shine bright? Toss pastel rainbow highlights into your dark brown hair and enjoy a fantastic showcase of fun colors. It’s playful, creative, and guaranteed to make you stand out from the crowd.