10 Fresh Brown & Blonde Highlights Ideas + Complete Style Guide.

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Love the sun-kissed look but don’t want to damage your hair with too much sun?

Brown hair with blonde highlights is a great way to lighten up your life (and head) without putting your locks through the wringer.

You can add blonde highlights to any shade of brown, so it’s perfect for anyone. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even mix shades to create a unique look all your own.

We’re here to tell you how you can have beautiful, healthy hair that looks like you’ve spent the day at the beach – without ever leaving home.

So what are you waiting for? Let’s go!

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What’s so on-trend about brown hair with blonde highlights?

This classic, sassy hairstyle involves lightening certain sections of your brown hair with a lighter shade of blonde.

It’s a hair color trend that is here to stay. This trendy style is perfect for those who want to add some dimension and lightness to their hair.

It’s easy to get the look using various coloring techniques such as foil highlighting and balayage, while still maintaining the natural texture and health of your hair.

Highlights can be subtle or dramatic, depending on your preference. And the best part? Brown hair with blonde highlights looks great on everyone!

We love the look because any shade of blonde can be applied to any shade of brown hair – whether you have curls, straight hair, short hair or mermaid waves – making it completely customizable and low maintenance too.

And whether you want subtle highlights, babylights, stripes or bold streaks, there are many options available to help you get the a look you love.

Check out the latest looks for ideas and inspiration.

brown hair with blonde highlights pinterest board

What types of highlights are there?

Full head highlights – This is the most common type of highlights, where your whole head is dyed with lighter shades to create a noticeable contrast against your natural hair color.

Half head highlights – As the name suggests, this type of highlight focuses on the top half of your head. This is a great option if you want to add some dimension to your hair without making too much of a commitment.

Partial highlights – This type of highlight is perfect for those who want to add a little bit of color without going overboard. With partial highlights or T-section highlights, only a few streaks or chunks of hair are dyed with lighter shades.

Balayage highlights – This technique involves applying dye to small sections of your hair, so that it seamlessly transitions into your base color for a more natural and subtle look with loads of depth.

Ombre hair highlights – This technique creates a gradual fade from dark or vibrant colors at the roots down through lighter tones towards the ends.

10 best brown hair with blonde highlights ideas.

If you’re looking for some inspiration on how to rock this trendy style, then look no further!

We’ve rounded up some of our favorite on -trend brown hair with blonde highlights looks to help you get started.

#1. Caramel brown hair with golden blonde highlights

This warm and sunny shade is perfect for those who want to add golden highlights to bring a bit of brightness to their hair.

The warm, rich shade of golden blonde flatters most skin tones, and the gold brings out the natural glow of your complexion.

The best part is that it’s low-maintenance; you can rock this look without having to fuss over your hair too much. Whether you’re beach-bound or headed to a black-tie affair, brown hair with golden blonde highlights has you covered. 

#2. Platinum blonde highlights on Chestnut brown hair

This ultra-cool combo is perfect for those who want to experiment with a new color.

The contrast between the rich, warm tones of chestnut brown and chunky icy-blonde streaks is absolutely stunning.

There’s something about this striking combination that draws the eye and makes a statement. It’s a look that adds variety to your style without being too over-the-top or trendy. 

If you don’t want such a cool-toned blonde, honey highlights are also a beautiful, natural color blend with chestnut brown locks.

#3. Dark brown hair with dirty blonde babylights

This is a great option for those who want to add some dimension to their hair without going too light.

The dirty blonde highlights add just enough lightness to make your brown hair look brighter and more vibrant.

And as an added bonus, they can also help to camouflage any grays that might be starting to peek through.

Plus, the dark color is super easy to maintain. Just a little bit of root touch-up every few weeks is all it takes to keep your color looking fresh and natural. 

#4. Light brown hair with sandy blonde highlights

This beachy shade is perfect for summertime!

The subtle blend of sandy colors ensures that your hair will look natural. Go for face-framing blonde highlights to make your eye color pop and add a touch of dimension.

Whether you’re hitting the beach or just heading out for a casual weekend brunch, this style is the perfect way to show off your personality.

#5. Chocolate brown with caramel blonde highlights

This rich and creamy, dark chocolate and toffee shade is perfect for adding some warmth to your dark hair.

There’s just something about it that always looks so effortlessly beautiful. Maybe it’s the way the warmth of the caramel highlights compliment the rich chocolate tones of the brown base, or how the blonde brightens up the face.

Strawberry blonde is also a great color combo for chocolate brown if you want a shade with extra warmth.

#6. Iced mocha brown with beige blonde highlights

If you have medium brown hair and want to keep things neutral, then this is the perfect look for you!

Iced mocha is a cool version of chocolate brown hair. And, it’s perfect for both summer and winter. In the summer, the lighter beige highlights will help you to stand out from the crowd, while in the winter they’ll add a touch of warmth to your overall look.

If you’re looking for a new hair color that’s both stylish and practical, this could be the way to go.

#7. Brown hair with blonde balayage highlights

Looking to take things up a notch? Then try out this bold and dramatic style!

This combination of hues is all the rage right now, and for good reason! It looks effortlessly put-together without being overly complicated or fussy.

The contrast between dark and light of platinum blonde hair is really striking and visually interesting, which makes it a wonderful choice for anyone looking to add a little excitement and flair to their style.

You can wear it curly, straight, wavy, with short hair or long hair or any number of other styles depending on your mood!

#8. Ash brown hair with light ash blonde partial highlights

Want to experiment with a more subtle shade of blonde? Then give this cool and sophisticated combo a try.

This dark ash blonde shade looks particularly striking when paired with tanned or sun-kissed skin, but it also works well even on fairer complexions.

The ashy tones will enhance your natural features and eye color and the deeper ash brown color gives depth and dimension.

It can be styled in a variety of creative ways, from braids and buns to loose waves and sleek pin-up styles. What’s not to love?

#9. Mushroom brown hair with champagne blonde highlights

This luxurious shade is perfect for those who want to add a touch of glamour to their look.

These highlights add a touch of sweetness to the earthy brown tones, giving your hair that extra sparkle and shine.

Whether you choose to keep the color streaks subtle or boldly stand out from the crowd, there’s no doubt that this combination makes for an absolutely stunning look. 

#10. Ash brown hair with silver-blonde highlights

This sleek and chic combo is perfect for those who want to make a statement.

The striking contrast of dark brown and light silver-blonde is eye-catching and flattering on any skin tone.

Plus, the added dimension of silver highlights gives the color an extra pop.

Whether you’re looking to update your current hair color or completely change your look, this on-trend hue is a great option. 

No matter which style you choose, be sure to take good care of your hair by using high-quality products and getting regular trims.

With the right combination of shades, you can rock a trendy and stylish look in no time!

Can brown hair be highlighted blonde?

Definitely! In fact, brunette hair may actually be easier to highlight than other hair colors.

The reason for this is that brown hair generally has a higher percentage of red and yellow tones than other hair colors.

Therefore, when bleaching brunette hair, these warm tones are more likely to be preserved, resulting in a beautiful blonde highlights.

Of course, it is always important to consult with a professional colorist before making any drastic changes to your hair.

But if you are looking for a way to add some lights to your locks, know that it is definitely possible!

Will I need to use bleach to get blonde highlights?

If you want to achieve a light, sun-kissed look, then you will likely need to use some bleach.

Highlighting techniques typically involving using foils to lighten certain sections of your hair.

This is done by applying bleach to the strands that you want to lighten and then sealing them in with foil while they process.

If you want platinum or very light or white- blonde color, then you may need to use a stronger bleaching agent than what is normally used for highlights.

However, if you just want a few lighter streaks in your hair, then it may be possible to achieve this using a less damaging coloring technique.

If you’re looking for a more natural look that doesn’t take as much processing, then you can use a technique called balayage.

This is a coloring technique that uses a specialized brush to hand-paint lighter strands onto your hair.

The result is a more subtle and natural-looking style that can be customized to your liking.

Ombre is also another type of coloring technique that is popular for its sun-kissed look.

While it is not as natural-looking as balayage, it also uses a less harsh bleaching agent and can work well for brunettes looking to make the transition to blonde.

No matter what technique you choose, always be sure to consult with a professional colorist before making any major changes to your hair!

Of course, both techniques require some maintenance and touch-ups over time, but the results are definitely worth it!

Regardless of whether you choose traditional highlights or a more subtle option like balayage, the key is always to talk to your stylist about what will work best for your particular hair type and goals.

What is brown hair with blonde highlights called?

The on-trend look can be called a number of things – but “bronde” is probably the most popular term.

This blend of “brown” and “blonde” first gained popularity in the early 2000s and has been used by everyone from celebrities to fashion magazines.

While the exact shade of bronde can vary depending on the individual, it generally refers to a light brown or dark blonde base with lighter blonde highlights.

Sombre is another classy take on this trend that closer to ombre with darker roots.

Whether you’re looking to add a bit of sunny warmth to your hair for summer or want to experiment with a new color, it may be the perfect option for you.

Is brown hair with blonde highlights warm or cool?

The reason why this trend is so popular is because it is flattering on all skin tones and hair types.

Plus, it is a great way to add some dimension to your hair without having to go through the hassle of dyeing your entire head of hair blonde.

If you are thinking about trying this trend, then you will need to choose a shade of brown that suits your skin tone and then find a blonde color that complements it.

The key to making it work is finding the right shade for your unique skin tone and base color.

If you have warm undertones, go for a golden or honey blonde. If you have cool undertones, opt for an ashy or platinum blonde.

And if you’re not sure what your undertone is, just use our handy checklist below!

If you have cool undertones:

  • Your skin tone is pink or pale.
  • You blush easily!
  • Jewel and pastel colours are so your thing.
  • The colour yellow washes you out and does not look good on you.
  • You have blue not green veins in your wrist.
  • Pearls and silver jewellery look awesome on you.

If you have warm undertones:

  • You have red or golden tones in your natural hair.
  • Your skin tone is golden, tan or olive.
  • You might have freckles.
  • You have green not blue veins in your wrist.
  • You suit bright or rich shades better.
  • Gold jewellery looks awesome on you.
cool or warm undertones infographic

How do you blend blonde highlights with brown hair?

Blending a bronde (brown and blonde) hair color can be a fun and exciting way to experiment with different looks.

While there are many different techniques that you can use, the key is to find the right mix of brown and blonde shades that works best for you.

Some things to consider when blending your hair color include the texture of your hair, whether you prefer cool or warm tones, and how much time you want to spend maintaining your color.

Ultimately, it all comes down to finding the right balance that makes you feel confident and beautiful. So go ahead and play around with different shades and techniques – the end result will be well worth it!

How to get brown hair with blonde highlights.

There are a few different ways that you can get the sassy look.

The most popular method is to use a highlighting kit from the store, which usually comes with instructions on how to achieve the perfect look.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also try out some of the at-home highlighting kits that are available.

Another option is to visit a salon and have a professional colorist help you achieve the desired effect.

No matter which method you choose, be sure to take good care of your hair by using high-quality products and getting regular trims.

With the right combination of blonde highlights and brown hair, you can rock a trendy and stylish look in no time!

Can I dye my hair brown with blonde highlights at home?

There are many different at-home hair dye kits available in all kinds of blonde hair shades, so it is definitely possible to get your hair on point at home.

However, it is important to be aware that using these kits can often be quite time consuming and challenging.

You will need to follow the instructions carefully and take care to protect your skin and clothes from accidental staining.

It is also recommended that you consult with a professional stylist before trying out any at-home color treatments, as they may be able to give you tips and advice on how to achieve the best results.

Overall, if you are willing to put in some extra effort and take precautions to keep your hair healthy and vibrant, then here are a few of our favourite highlighting kits.

You can read more about each one in our best at-home highlighting kits reviews.

Watch and learn: How to dye hair brown with blonde highlights.

Here’s a great video that shows you how to use foils to put highlights in your hair step-by-step.

How to highlight blonde hair with brown.

If you have blonde hair, lucky you- you can never go wrong with brown lowlights.

Whether you’re looking to add a touch of dimension or want a major makeover, brown highlights are always a good idea.

Here’s how to get the perfect brown lowlights on blonde hair:

-Start by selecting the right shade of brown. If you have light blonde hair, go for a lighter shade of brown. If you have dark blonde hair, choose a darker shade of brown.

-Next, decide how light or dark you want your lowlights to be. The lighter the highlight, the more dimension it will add to your hair. If you’re looking for a major change, go for a darker lowlight.

-Once you’ve selected your shade and decided on the intensity of your highlights, it’s time to start applying them! Be sure to use a high quality highlighting kit so that your highlights look their best.

-When applying your highlights, start in the front and work your way back. This will help ensure that your highlights are evenly distributed.

-Finally, sit back and enjoy your new look!

How to tone brown hair with blonde highlights.

One of the best ways to keep your color looking vibrant and shiny is to use a color-enhancing toner.

There are many different types of color-enhancing toners available, but the key is to choose one that is formulated for warm or cool tones, depending on which colors are in your hair.

To tone down blonde:

  • Start by shampooing your hair thoroughly with a gentle clarifying shampoo.
  • Next, apply the toner according to the directions on the package.
  • Be sure to fully saturate all of your strands and leave it on for the recommended amount of time before rinsing it out completely.
  • To finish, style your hair as usual.

You should notice a difference in your hair’s color and overall appearance.

If you have any stubborn areas that still need toning, you can always go over them again with the toner.

You can also use a blue shampoo or purple shampoo to help keep your hair looking its best.

How often should I tone my highlights?

It is generally recommended that you tone your hair every 1-2 weeks to keep it looking its best.

However, if you find that your hair is starting to look dull or lifeless, you may want to tone it more frequently.

When using a color-enhancing toner, be sure to follow the directions on the package carefully so that you don’t end up damaging your hair.

Light blonde highlights need more toning to stop any unwanted warm brassy orange tones showing through! You can also use a toner to darken highlights that are looking way too bright.

How long does brown hair with blonde highlights last?

This type of hair color can last anywhere from 4-8 weeks before it starts to fade.

If you have balayage or ombre looks, they may last a bit longer than this as they grow our pretty well with dark brown roots.

The lifespan of your highlights also depends on factors like the health of your hair, as well as your individual care routine.

On average, most people find that their colored locks will stay looking vibrant for about 6 weeks or so before the initial color fades and starts to thin out.

However, you can extend the life of your color by keeping your hair healthy and investing in regular touch-ups at the salon to refresh the color and keep it looking fresh.

How to care for brown hair with blonde highlights.

Once you’ve achieved your desired look, it’s important to take care of your hair to maintain the health and vibrancy of your color.

Be sure to use high-quality shampoo and conditioner formulated for colored hair.

These products will help prolong the life of your color and keep your hair looking its best.

In addition, be sure to get regular trims every 6-8 weeks to keep your ends healthy and prevent split ends.

Finally, use a leave-in conditioner or heat protectant before styling to help keep your strands hydrated and protected from heat damage.

Parting words

If you are looking for a beautiful, sunkissed look that is easy to achieve, brown hair with blonde highlights is the perfect choice.

With these simple tips, you can enjoy gorgeous, healthy hair that looks fabulous year-round!

This article was written by:

  • Nicola Freeman, Creative Director & Content Lead
    Creative Director & Content Lead

    With over two decades of passionate hair dyeing experience, I've experimented with nearly every shade imaginable. My journey began long before blogging; as an award-winning copywriter in London and New York, I shaped narratives for iconic brands. However, when friends sought advice during lockdown for at-home hair dyeing, I realized my true calling. Beyond being your hair color expert, I'm a mom of two girls, wife to artist Tony, and an avid soccer player!