23 Brown Hair with Light Brown Highlights
Brown hair never goes out of style—it’s timeless, versatile, and effortlessly chic. But if you’re looking for a way to add dimension, shine, and depth to your brunette locks, light brown highlights are the perfect answer. This subtle color technique brightens your hair, frames your face beautifully, and works with any hair length or texture.
From soft balayage to bold streaks, there are endless ways to rock brown hair with light brown highlights. In this guide, we’ll explore 23 stunning ideas that you can take straight to your stylist. Whether you prefer a natural sun-kissed glow or a glamorous salon-fresh vibe, these looks will inspire your next hair transformation.

Why Choose Brown Hair with Light Brown Highlights?
Before we dive into the styles, let’s talk about why this color combo is trending:
- Low Maintenance: Unlike blonde or platinum highlights, light brown tones grow out seamlessly.
- Natural Look: Adds warmth and brightness without being too dramatic.
- Versatile for All Skin Tones: From fair to deep, brown hair with light brown highlights complements everyone.
- Adds Dimension: Perfect for fine hair that needs more volume and texture.
Now, let’s check out 23 stunning styles you can try.
1. Subtle Face-Framing Highlights

A few light brown streaks around the face create a natural, sun-kissed effect. It’s perfect for brunettes who want to brighten their look without an all-over change.
2. Classic Balayage

Balayage with light brown tones blends effortlessly into dark brown hair, giving you that chic, lived-in look. It grows out beautifully and is ideal for busy women who don’t want frequent touch-ups.
3. Honey Light Brown Highlights

Warm honey tones add a golden shimmer to brunette hair. This style looks especially stunning in sunlight, giving your locks a radiant glow.
4. Chestnut Brown with Caramel Highlights

Mixing chestnut brown hair with caramel-light brown highlights creates a rich, multi-dimensional look that flatters medium to deep skin tones.
5. Long Layers with Light Brown Ribbons

Adding light brown ribbons of highlights to layered hair enhances texture and movement, making your hairstyle look fuller and more dynamic.
6. Wavy Brunette Lob with Highlights

A long bob with soft waves looks effortlessly chic when paired with light brown highlights. It’s a trendy yet low-maintenance style.
7. Chocolate Brown with Subtle Highlights

If you prefer a soft and sophisticated look, subtle light brown streaks on chocolate brown hair will give you just the right touch of brightness.
8. Espresso Brown with Light Brown Tips

For a bold yet stylish contrast, try keeping the roots a deep espresso brown and gradually fading into light brown tips. This works great for medium and long hair.
9. Light Brown Highlights on Curly Hair

Curly brunettes can add definition to their curls with strategically placed light brown highlights. This enhances texture and makes curls pop beautifully.
10. Warm Brunette with Sandy Highlights

Sandy-toned highlights add warmth and brightness, making this a perfect style for summer.
11. Brunette with Golden Light Brown Balayage

Golden brown highlights painted into your hair create a natural, beachy vibe. This is ideal if you want that effortless, vacation-ready look.
12. Brown Hair with Peekaboo Highlights

For a playful twist, add light brown peekaboo highlights underneath your brunette layers. This adds a fun surprise when you move your hair.
13. Brunette with Ash Light Brown Highlights

If you prefer cooler tones, ash light brown highlights offer a chic, smoky finish that looks elegant and modern.
14. Brunette Bob with Highlights

A classic bob gets an instant upgrade with fine light brown streaks, adding volume and movement to short hair.
15. Dark Roots with Ombre Highlights

This style blends dark brown roots into gradually lighter ends, creating a stylish ombre effect with light brown tones.
16. Brunette with Bronze Highlights

Bronze-toned highlights give brunette hair a warm, glowing finish, especially flattering for autumn and winter.
17. Beach Waves with Light Brown Streaks

Tousled beach waves paired with light brown highlights create a youthful, carefree look that’s perfect for everyday wear.
18. Medium Brown with Honey Highlights

Medium brown hair comes alive with honey-toned light brown highlights, adding richness and dimension.
19. Brunette Shag with Highlights

A layered shag haircut combined with light brown highlights creates a rock-chic, edgy vibe.
20. Glossy Brunette with Thin Highlights

Thin streaks of light brown add just enough brightness without overwhelming your natural brunette base.
21. Rich Mocha with Cinnamon Highlights

Mocha brown hair looks gorgeous with warm cinnamon-light brown highlights for a cozy, fall-inspired vibe.
22. Straight Brunette Hair with Subtle Highlights

Even sleek, straight hair benefits from soft light brown highlights that add depth and shine.
23. Layered Brunette with Balayage Ends

For maximum dimension, add balayage highlights just at the ends of layered hair. This creates a beautiful, natural gradient effect.
Tips for Maintaining Brown Hair with Light Brown Highlights
- Use Color-Safe Shampoo: Keeps your highlights fresh and prevents fading.
- Deep Condition Weekly: Maintains shine and prevents dryness.
- Protect from Heat Styling: Always use a heat protectant before blow-drying or using hot tools.
- Limit Sun Exposure: UV rays can fade your highlights, so consider a UV-protecting spray.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a chic, low-maintenance way to brighten your brunette locks, these 23 brown hair with light brown highlights styles are the perfect inspiration. From soft balayage to bold ombre, there’s a look here for every personality and hair type.
Whether you want a subtle change or a striking transformation, light brown highlights will give your hair the dimension, shine, and vibrance it deserves.
