27 Stunning Brunette with Highlights and Lowlights Ideas

Are you ready to transform your brunette locks into a multidimensional masterpiece?

Adding highlights and lowlights to brunette hair creates depth, movement, and a sun-kissed glow that turns heads wherever you go.

Whether you’re looking for subtle dimension or bold contrast, the right combination of light and dark tones can completely revamp your look without the commitment of full hair color.

This comprehensive guide to 27 Stunning Brunette with Highlights and Lowlights Ideas will walk you through the most beautiful and trending techniques that flatter every skin tone, hair length, and personal style.

From classic caramel ribbons to modern babylights and rich chocolate lowlights, you’ll discover expert tips on choosing the perfect shades, understanding the difference between highlights and lowlights, and maintaining your gorgeous dimensional color.

Get ready to find your perfect brunette transformation that will have everyone asking for your colorist’s number.

1. Caramel Highlights with Chocolate Lowlights

This timeless combination creates a rich, delicious dimension that works beautifully on medium to dark brunettes.

The warm caramel tones catch the light while chocolate lowlights add depth and prevent the color from looking flat.

• The caramel highlights should be placed strategically around the face to brighten your complexion and create a natural frame.
• Chocolate lowlights are typically 2-3 shades darker than your base color and add richness to the overall look.
• This combination is perfect for those who want warmth without going too light or red-toned.
• The contrast between the caramel and chocolate creates a three-dimensional effect that makes hair appear thicker and fuller.
• Maintenance is relatively low since the darker lowlights help disguise root growth between salon visits.
• Ask your colorist to use a balayage technique for the most natural-looking placement.
• This style works exceptionally well on wavy or curly hair where the dimension really shows through the texture.

2. Honey Blonde Highlights on Dark Brown Base

Honey blonde highlights provide a stunning contrast against a dark brown base, creating a look that’s both bold and naturally beautiful.

This combination is ideal for those wanting to lighten their look significantly while keeping their brunette identity.

• The honey blonde shade contains golden undertones that complement warm and neutral skin tones particularly well.
• These highlights work best when strategically placed rather than applied all over for a more sophisticated appearance.
• The dark brown base acts as an anchor that prevents the overall look from appearing washed out.
• Consider concentrating the lighter pieces around your face and through the crown area for maximum impact.
• This high-contrast look requires more frequent maintenance every 8-10 weeks to keep the blonde looking fresh.
• Using purple shampoo weekly helps prevent the honey blonde from turning brassy or orange-toned.
• The combination creates incredible movement and dimension especially visible in updos and ponytails.

3. Subtle Babylights Throughout

Babylights are ultra-fine highlights that mimic the natural, sun-kissed dimension seen in children’s hair.

This technique creates the most natural-looking result with seamless blending and soft illumination.

• Babylights are applied using very thin sections of hair, making them incredibly fine and delicate in appearance.
• This technique is perfect for brunettes who want added dimension without obvious streaks or chunks of color.
• The placement can be customized from just around the face to throughout the entire head depending on desired effect.
• Babylights grow out beautifully because the fine application creates a soft gradient rather than harsh lines.
• This method typically takes longer at the salon due to the precision required in sectioning and application.
• The results last longer than traditional highlights since the subtle nature makes regrowth less noticeable.
• Combining babylights with a slightly deeper base color creates an even more natural multitonal effect.

4. Auburn Lowlights for Warmth

Auburn lowlights add a gorgeous red-toned warmth to brunette hair, creating a rich autumn-inspired palette.

This approach is perfect for those who want to experiment with red tones without full commitment to red hair.

• Auburn lowlights work beautifully on light to medium brunettes who want to add richness and warmth.
• The red undertones in auburn create a vibrant glow especially noticeable in natural sunlight.
• These lowlights can range from subtle cinnamon tones to more vibrant copper-red depending on preference.
• Auburn tones tend to fade faster than other colors so using color-safe shampoo is essential for longevity.
• This color combination looks stunning on warm-toned and olive skin complexions.
• Mixing auburn lowlights with caramel or honey highlights creates an incredibly dimensional fall-inspired palette.
• The warmth from auburn lowlights can make eyes appear brighter and more vibrant.

5. Ash Brown Highlights for Cool Tones

Ash brown highlights provide a cool-toned sophistication perfect for those with cool or neutral undertones in their skin.

This modern approach creates a sleek, dimensional look without any warmth or brassiness.

• Ash brown contains gray or green undertones that neutralize any red or orange in brunette hair.
• This color choice is ideal for those who prefer a more neutral or cool-toned aesthetic.
• Ash highlights work exceptionally well on naturally cool-toned brunettes who want to lighten without going warm.
• These highlights complement fair skin with pink undertones and can make blue or green eyes pop.
• Maintaining ash tones requires using blue or purple-toned shampoos to prevent the color from warming up.
• The cool dimension created looks particularly striking on straight or sleek hairstyles.
• Combining ash brown highlights with deeper espresso lowlights creates a chic, modern multidimensional effect.

6. Face-Framing Money Pieces

Money pieces are bold, face-framing highlights that brighten the areas around your face for an instant glow-up.

This trend has exploded in popularity for its ability to create maximum impact with minimal coverage.

• Money pieces typically consist of two chunky highlights placed at the front hairline on either side of the face.
• These highlights are usually several shades lighter than the base color for noticeable contrast.
• The placement acts like a natural contour for your face, drawing attention to your features.
• This style is incredibly low-maintenance since only the front sections require touch-ups.
• Money pieces can be customized in width from thin ribbons to thicker sections depending on how bold you want to go.
• They work on all hair lengths but are particularly striking on medium to long hair.
• Consider going lighter gradually if you’re nervous about the contrast for a more natural transition.

7. Espresso Lowlights for Depth

Espresso lowlights are rich, dark tones that add incredible depth and dimension to lighter brunette shades.

These deep chocolate hues create shadow and contrast that make hair appear fuller and more multidimensional.

• Espresso shades are among the darkest browns available, often appearing almost black in certain lighting.
• Adding these deep lowlights to lighter brunette hair creates a beautiful contrast that enhances natural texture.
• This technique is perfect for those whose brunette hair has become too light or brassy over time.
• Espresso lowlights require minimal maintenance since they’re already very dark and grow out seamlessly.
• The depth created by these lowlights makes hair appear thicker and more voluminous.
• They work particularly well mixed with caramel or honey highlights for a balanced light-and-dark effect.
• This color combination is universally flattering across all skin tones and eye colors.

8. Balayage Highlights with Natural Graduation

Balayage is a freehand painting technique that creates natural-looking, graduated highlights with softer regrowth lines.

This French method has become the gold standard for low-maintenance dimensional color.

• Balayage highlights are painted onto the hair rather than using traditional foiling methods for a softer effect.
• The graduation from dark roots to lighter ends creates a sun-kissed appearance that looks naturally grown out.
• This technique requires less frequent touch-ups compared to traditional highlights, typically every 3-4 months.
• The freehand application allows your colorist to customize placement based on your face shape and hair texture.
• Balayage works beautifully on all hair lengths but really shines on medium to long hair where the gradient is visible.
• The technique creates dimension that enhances natural movement in wavy and curly hair textures.
• Combining balayage highlights with strategically placed lowlights adds even more depth and richness.

9. Chestnut Highlights with Mahogany Lowlights

This warm, reddish-brown combination creates a luxurious autumn-inspired palette perfect for medium to dark brunettes.

The interplay between chestnut and mahogany adds both warmth and depth simultaneously.

• Chestnut highlights contain warm golden-brown tones that catch light beautifully without looking too red or orange.
• Mahogany lowlights add a sophisticated red-violet depth that enriches the overall color palette.
• This combination is particularly flattering on those with warm or olive skin tones.
• The red undertones in both shades create a cohesive, harmonious look that appears natural yet intentional.
• These warm tones can help soften angular features and add warmth to the complexion.
• Regular use of color-depositing treatments helps maintain the richness of both the highlights and lowlights.
• The dimensional effect created is especially beautiful on layered haircuts where the colors can peek through.

10. Platinum Highlights on Dark Brunette

For those wanting maximum drama, platinum highlights on a dark brunette base create an ultra-high contrast look that’s bold and fashion-forward.

This edgy combination makes a serious statement.

• The extreme contrast between dark brunette and platinum creates a striking, editorial appearance.
• This look requires significant maintenance with touch-ups needed every 6-8 weeks to keep the platinum bright.
• Purple or blue toning shampoos are essential to prevent the platinum from turning yellow or brassy.
• The placement of platinum pieces should be strategic rather than all-over for the most flattering effect.
• This high-contrast style works particularly well with structured haircuts like blunt bobs or long straight styles.
• Deep conditioning treatments are crucial since achieving platinum typically requires significant lifting and processing.
• Consider starting with fewer platinum pieces and adding more gradually if you’re new to high-contrast color.

11. Cinnamon Swirl Highlights and Lowlights

This spicy combination blends warm cinnamon highlights with rich brown lowlights for a deliciously dimensional look.

The mix creates a natural yet noticeable warmth perfect for autumn and winter.

• Cinnamon tones contain red-gold undertones that add warmth without being overtly red or orange.
• The swirling mix of highlights and lowlights creates a natural depth that mimics sun exposure patterns.
• This color combination works beautifully on light to medium brunettes seeking added warmth and dimension.
• The warm tones can brighten the complexion and complement brown, hazel, or green eyes particularly well.
• Cinnamon shades tend to fade gradually so they maintain a natural look even between color appointments.
• Using a gloss treatment every few weeks helps keep the warm tones vibrant and prevents dullness.
• This multidimensional approach looks especially stunning on curly or textured hair where the colors blend naturally.

12. Ombré Lowlights from Root to Mid-Shaft

Reverse ombré using lowlights creates depth from the roots down to the mid-shaft while keeping ends lighter.

This technique adds dimension in unexpected places for a modern twist on traditional coloring.

• This reverse approach places the darkest color at the roots gradually transitioning to lighter mid-lengths and ends.
• The technique eliminates the need for frequent root touch-ups since the darkest color starts at the scalp.
• Ombré lowlights create a shadow effect that adds depth and dimension to the upper portion of your hair.
• This method works particularly well for those who’ve had highlights and want to deepen their natural color.
• The gradual transition creates a soft, blended look rather than harsh demarcation lines.
• Combining this with subtle highlights at the ends creates a balanced multidimensional effect.
• The darker roots help hair appear thicker and fuller at the crown area.

13. Golden Highlights with Dark Brown Lowlights

Golden highlights paired with dark brown lowlights create a sun-kissed warmth that’s both natural and luminous.

This classic combination flatters most skin tones and adds beautiful dimension.

• Golden highlights contain yellow-gold undertones that create a warm, sunny glow throughout the hair.
• The dark brown lowlights provide contrast and depth preventing the overall look from appearing too light or flat.
• This combination is universally flattering and works across various brunette base colors from light to medium.
• Golden tones help brighten the complexion and can make teeth appear whiter in contrast.
• The warmth created by this color duo looks especially beautiful in natural sunlight and outdoor settings.
• Maintenance involves using color-safe products and occasional glossing treatments to keep the golden tones vibrant.
• Strategically placing the golden highlights around the face and through the crown creates maximum brightening effect.

14. Subtle Dimensional Lowlights Only

Sometimes less is more—adding only lowlights creates subtle depth without lightening the hair at all.

This approach is perfect for those wanting dimension while maintaining their darker brunette shade.

• Lowlight-only services add richness and depth by incorporating slightly darker tones into the base color.
• This technique is ideal for those who want to enhance their natural color without going lighter.
• The subtle variation creates a natural multidimensional effect that appears like light and shadow playing through the hair.
• Lowlights can help deepen overly lightened brunette hair or add interest to flat, one-dimensional color.
• This approach requires minimal maintenance since you’re only adding darker color rather than lifting.
• The results are sophisticated and natural-looking, perfect for professional or conservative environments.
• Combining different shades of lowlights creates even more depth without any lightening.

15. Caramel Balayage with Deep Root Shadow

Root shadowing combined with caramel balayage creates a seamless transition from dark roots to warm, lighter ends.

This low-maintenance style gives you the best of both worlds.

• Root shadowing involves applying darker color at the roots for a soft, natural-looking base.
• The technique extends the time between color appointments since the intentionally dark roots require no maintenance.
• Caramel balayage is painted from the mid-shaft down creating a sun-kissed, graduated effect.
• This combination is perfect for those who want lighter ends without the commitment of frequent root touch-ups.
• The contrast between the deep roots and caramel lengths creates beautiful dimension and depth.
• The shadowed roots make hair appear thicker and add depth to fine or thin hair.
• This style works beautifully on long hair where the full gradient can be appreciated.

16. Mocha Highlights Throughout

Mocha is a perfect middle-ground shade—not too warm, not too cool—that adds subtle dimension to medium brunettes.

These highlights blend seamlessly for a natural, sophisticated look.

• Mocha contains a balanced mix of warm and cool undertones making it incredibly versatile and flattering.
• These highlights are typically only 1-2 shades lighter than the base creating subtle rather than dramatic dimension.
• The neutral nature of mocha makes it suitable for virtually all skin tones from cool to warm.
• Mocha highlights blend so naturally they can appear like your hair has always had this dimension.
• This color choice is perfect for first-time highlight clients who want to ease into dimensional color.
• The subtle lift brightens the overall appearance without looking obviously colored or high-maintenance.
• Mocha tones are easier to maintain than more dramatic shades and grow out beautifully.

17. Ribbons of Blonde Through Dark Hair

Strategic blonde ribbons woven through dark brunette hair create a striking, high-fashion look.

This technique involves chunky, visible sections rather than blended highlights for maximum impact.

• Ribbon highlights are thicker, more visible sections that create intentional contrast rather than subtle blending.
• This bold approach works best when sections are strategically placed for a balanced, artistic look.
• The chunky sections grow out more noticeably so regular maintenance every 8-10 weeks is recommended.
• Blonde ribbons on dark hair create a high-contrast, editorial effect perfect for those wanting a statement look.
• The placement can be customized from face-framing only to throughout the entire head depending on desired drama.
• This technique works particularly well on straight hair where the ribbons are clearly defined and visible.
• Using toner regularly keeps the blonde ribbons bright and prevents them from turning brassy.

18. Toffee and Caramel Mix

Combining toffee and caramel shades creates a delicious, buttery dimension with various warm tones throughout.

This mix provides depth and lightness simultaneously for a rich, multitonal effect.

• Toffee contains slightly deeper golden-brown tones while caramel is lighter and more golden-honey based.
• The combination of these two shades creates a natural gradient that mimics sun-exposed hair.
• This warm mix is incredibly flattering on those with warm or golden undertones in their skin.
• The buttery quality of these tones adds richness without appearing brassy or overly orange.
• Both shades fade gracefully maintaining a natural appearance even between color appointments.
• Mixing multiple warm tones creates more realistic dimension than using a single highlight shade.
• This combination looks especially beautiful on medium to long hair with natural wave or texture.

19. Copper Lowlights for Vibrant Warmth

Copper lowlights add a vibrant, fiery warmth to brunette hair perfect for those wanting to experiment with bold color.

These red-orange tones create striking dimension especially noticeable in sunlight.

• Copper contains strong red and orange undertones that create a bold, warm statement.
• These lowlights work best on light to medium brunettes as they may not show up as vibrantly on very dark hair.
• The vibrant nature of copper makes it an excellent choice for those wanting to stand out with their hair color.
• Copper tones are notorious for fading quickly so color-depositing shampoos and treatments are essential.
• This shade looks stunning on warm-toned skin and can make brown or hazel eyes appear more golden.
• Mixing copper lowlights with golden or caramel highlights creates a fiery, multidimensional effect.
• Consider starting with subtle copper placement before going bold if you’re new to vivid warm tones.

20. Beige Blonde Highlights on Light Brown

Beige blonde offers a cooler alternative to golden or honey highlights, creating a sophisticated neutral dimension on light brown hair.

This shade is perfect for those wanting to lighten without warmth.

• Beige blonde contains neutral to slightly cool undertones that prevent any brassiness or warmth.
• This shade works exceptionally well on light brunettes who want significant lightening without going too warm.
• The neutral quality makes beige blonde incredibly versatile and flattering on various skin tones.
• These highlights require regular toning to maintain the cool beige quality and prevent warming over time.
• Beige blonde creates a soft, natural-looking contrast against light brown bases rather than stark differences.
• This color combination has a chic, Parisian aesthetic that feels both modern and timeless.
• The cool tones can help neutralize any unwanted red or orange in the base brunette color.

21. Painted Lowlights for Texture Enhancement

Hand-painted lowlights using the balayage technique add dimension that enhances natural texture and movement.

This artisanal approach creates customized depth exactly where your hair needs it most.

• Hand-painting allows your colorist to place lowlights where they’ll have the most impact on your specific hair texture.
• This technique is particularly effective on wavy, curly, or textured hair where dimension shows through movement.
• Painted lowlights create a more natural result than traditional foil application with softer, blended edges.
• The freehand method allows for customization based on your haircut, face shape, and natural hair patterns.
• These lowlights grow out gracefully without harsh lines making them lower maintenance than traditional methods.
• The depth added by lowlights makes hair appear thicker and more voluminous especially important for fine hair.
• Combining painted lowlights with equally painted highlights creates the most natural dimensional result possible.

22. Mushroom Brown Highlights for Cool Sophistication

Mushroom brown is a trendy gray-toned shade that creates cool, sophisticated dimension on darker brunettes.

This modern color adds interest without traditional warmth.

• Mushroom brown contains gray and taupe undertones that create a unique cool-toned dimensional effect.
• This trendy shade works best on those with cool or neutral skin undertones who want to avoid warmth.
• The gray-brown quality creates a sophisticated, modern look that’s different from traditional brunette highlights.
• Mushroom tones require special maintenance using purple or blue shampoos to prevent the color from warming.
• This shade is perfect for those wanting to ease into silver or gray hair without going fully gray.
• The cool dimension created looks particularly striking on sleek, straight hairstyles where the tone is clearly visible.
• Mixing mushroom brown with deeper espresso lowlights creates an edgy, fashion-forward multidimensional effect.

23. Honey and Toffee Swirls

Combining honey and toffee creates a sweet, warm blend with beautiful variation in tone and depth.

This mix provides both lighter and deeper warm shades for incredible dimension.

• Honey provides lighter golden-yellow highlights while toffee adds deeper golden-brown dimension.
• The swirling mix of both shades creates a natural, sun-kissed effect that appears effortless.
• This warm combination is universally flattering on warm and neutral skin tones.
• The variation between the two shades prevents the color from looking flat or one-dimensional.
• Both honey and toffee tones fade gracefully maintaining natural appearance between salon visits.
• This color duo looks especially beautiful on medium to long hair where the swirling effect is most visible.
• Adding deeper lowlights to the honey-toffee mix creates even more depth and richness.

24. Face-Framing Lowlights with Subtle Highlights

This reverse approach uses lowlights to frame the face while keeping subtle highlights throughout the rest of the hair.

The technique creates depth around facial features while maintaining overall brightness.

• Face-framing lowlights create a natural contour effect that can slim or elongate the face depending on placement.
• This unconventional approach adds depth where most people typically place highlights for a unique look.
• The contrast between darker face-framing sections and lighter interior creates an interesting dimensional effect.
• This technique works particularly well on those with very light or over-highlighted hair who want to add back depth.
• The lowlights around the face can make features appear more defined and create a framing effect.
• Subtle highlights throughout prevent the overall look from appearing too dark or heavy.
• This combination is perfect for transitioning from very light hair back to a darker, more natural brunette.

25. Tortoiseshell Hair Color Technique

Inspired by the beautiful patterns in tortoiseshell, this technique blends warm caramel, honey, and chocolate tones for a rich, multidimensional effect.

The seamless blend mimics natural sun exposure patterns.

• Tortoiseshell hair involves blending multiple warm shades rather than distinct highlights and lowlights.
• The technique creates a seamless, almost painted appearance with no visible lines or sections.
• This method works beautifully on all brunette shades from light to dark as a base.
• The warm mix of tones creates a sun-kissed, naturally dimensional look that appears effortless.
• Tortoiseshell coloring requires a skilled colorist who can blend multiple shades seamlessly.
• The results are incredibly low-maintenance since the blended application grows out gracefully without harsh lines.
• This technique looks especially stunning on wavy or curly hair where the colors melt together naturally.

26. Icy Highlights on Warm Brunette Base

For a bold contrast, icy cool-toned highlights on a warm brunette base create an unexpected, high-fashion dimensional effect.

This combination plays with temperature for striking results.

• Icy highlights contain ash, platinum, or even silver tones that contrast dramatically with warm brunette bases.
• This temperature contrast creates a unique, editorial look that’s both unexpected and eye-catching.
• The cool highlights prevent the warm base from appearing brassy or overly orange.
• This combination requires significant maintenance with regular toning to keep the icy highlights cool and bright.
• The contrast works particularly well on those with neutral or cool skin tones.
• Strategic placement of icy pieces rather than all-over application creates the most flattering effect.
• This bold choice is perfect for those wanting to make a statement with their hair color.

27. Dimensional Brunette with Babylights and Lowlights

The ultimate in natural dimension combines ultra-fine babylights with strategically placed lowlights for maximum depth and luminosity.

This comprehensive approach creates the most realistic sun-exposed effect.

• Combining both techniques creates the most multidimensional result possible with both light and shadow throughout.
• The fine babylights add subtle brightness while lowlights provide depth preventing the color from looking flat.
• This comprehensive approach mimics how hair naturally lightens and darkens from sun exposure over time.
• The results are incredibly natural-looking with seamless blending between all the different tones.
• This service typically takes longer at the salon due to the precision and layering of both techniques.
• The combination grows out beautifully requiring less frequent maintenance than highlights or lowlights alone.
• This ultimate dimensional approach works on all brunette shades and creates the most realistic, lived-in appearance.

Conclusion

Transforming your brunette hair with the perfect combination of highlights and lowlights opens up a world of dimensional possibilities that can completely elevate your look.

Throughout this guide to 27 Stunning Brunette with Highlights and Lowlights Ideas, you’ve discovered techniques ranging from subtle babylights to bold platinum ribbons, each offering its own unique appeal and maintenance requirements.

Whether you’re drawn to warm caramel tones, cool ash shades, or vibrant copper accents, there’s a perfect combination waiting to complement your skin tone, enhance your features, and match your personal style.

Remember that the key to gorgeous dimensional color lies in choosing shades that harmonize with your natural base, consulting with an experienced colorist who understands your vision, and committing to proper maintenance with quality products and regular touch-ups.

The investment in professional color services and proper aftercare will ensure your highlights and lowlights remain vibrant, dimensional, and healthy-looking for months to come.

Now that you’re armed with inspiration and knowledge, you’re ready to book that salon appointment and transform your brunette locks into a multidimensional masterpiece that turns heads and boosts your confidence every single day.