16 Dark Brown Hair with Highlights You’ll See Everywhere

January 3, 2026 Jelyn Reyes

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Dark brown hair with highlights continues to be a go-to choice for clients who want depth, polish, and dimension without drastic contrast 🤎✨
This editorial brings together expertly styled looks that showcase how strategic highlighting can elevate dark brown hair at any length.

Explore:

A handpicked gallery of dark brown styles enhanced with professional highlight placement
Real salon results featuring waves, layers, and modern finishes
Expert-approved color ideas designed to add movement, shine, and balance

From soft waves to structured layers, this collection shows how thoughtful color work transforms dark brown hair into a refined, modern statement that works beautifully in everyday wear and special moments alike.

Best Dark Brown Hair with Highlights (Gallery)

1. Soft Layered Waves with Ash Brown Highlights

1. Soft Layered Waves with Ash Brown Highlights - Dark Brown Hair with Highlights Source

Long, flowing layers are styled into loose waves and paired with subtle ash brown highlights. The cool-toned placement adds dimension while keeping the overall look refined and low maintenance.

2. Medium-Length Waves with Warm Caramel Accents

2. Medium-Length Waves with Warm Caramel Accents - Dark Brown Hair with Highlights Source

This medium-length cut features softly defined waves enhanced by warm caramel highlights. The color placement brightens the mid-lengths and ends, creating a natural, blended finish.

3. Long Dark Brown Waves with Copper Balayage

3. Long Dark Brown Waves with Copper Balayage - Dark Brown Hair with Highlights Source

Deep brown lengths are complemented by copper balayage highlights that add warmth and movement. The waves help showcase the gradual color transition for a smooth, professional result.

4. Polished Shoulder-Length Cut with Subtle Face-Framing Highlights

4. Polished Shoulder-Length Cut with Subtle Face-Framing Highlights - Dark Brown Hair with Highlights Source

A shoulder-length haircut styled with soft bends and fine face-framing highlights. The lighter pieces around the front bring balance and softness without overpowering the dark brown base.

5. Rich Brown Waves with Auburn Dimension

5. Rich Brown Waves with Auburn Dimension - Dark Brown Hair with Highlights Source

This look combines a rich brown foundation with auburn highlights placed through the mid-lengths and ends. Styled in relaxed waves, it offers depth and a polished salon finish.

6. Long Layered Cut with Deep Mahogany Highlights

6. Long Layered Cut with Deep Mahogany Highlights - Dark Brown Hair with Highlights Source

Long layers create fluid movement while deep mahogany highlights add richness to the dark brown base. The color enhances texture and gives the style a fuller appearance.

7. Textured Waves with Cinnamon Brown Highlights

7. Textured Waves with Cinnamon Brown Highlights - Dark Brown Hair with Highlights Source

A textured, wavy style featuring cinnamon-toned highlights that subtly warm up the dark brown base. The result is dimensional and easy to maintain while still looking professionally styled.

8. Classic Lob with Soft Golden Brown Highlights

8. Classic Lob with Soft Golden Brown Highlights - Dark Brown Hair with Highlights Source

This long bob is styled with gentle waves and finished with soft golden brown highlights. The color placement adds brightness while maintaining a clean, modern shape.

9. Dimensional Long Waves with Natural Brown Highlights

9. Dimensional Long Waves with Natural Brown Highlights - Dark Brown Hair with Highlights Source

Long waves are paired with natural brown highlights that blend seamlessly into the base color. This approach enhances depth and shine without strong contrast.

10. Layered Dark Brown Style with Honey-Toned Accents

10. Layered Dark Brown Style with Honey-Toned Accents - Dark Brown Hair with Highlights Source

A layered cut styled in smooth waves and finished with honey-toned highlights. The lighter accents add warmth and definition while keeping the overall look balanced and polished.

11. Soft Shoulder-Length Waves with Cool Brown Highlights

11. Soft Shoulder-Length Waves with Cool Brown Highlights - Dark Brown Hair with Highlights Source

This shoulder-length style is finished with loose, natural waves and cool brown highlights. The subtle contrast adds depth through the lengths while maintaining a smooth, cohesive appearance.

12. Long Wavy Layers with Warm Brown Dimension

12. Long Wavy Layers with Warm Brown Dimension - Dark Brown Hair with Highlights Source

Long, flowing layers are styled into relaxed waves and enhanced with warm brown highlights. The color placement adds movement and richness without overpowering the dark base.

13. Textured Medium Cut with Fine Light Brown Highlights

13. Textured Medium Cut with Fine Light Brown Highlights - Dark Brown Hair with Highlights Source

A medium-length cut featuring soft texture and fine light brown highlights throughout. The gentle waves help showcase the dimension while keeping the look polished and wearable.

14. Smooth Layered Cut with Natural Brown Accents

14. Smooth Layered Cut with Natural Brown Accents - Dark Brown Hair with Highlights Source

This layered haircut is styled with soft bends and finished with natural brown highlights. The result is a refined look that enhances shine and adds subtle contrast.

15. Long Dark Brown Waves with Soft Caramel Tones

15. Long Dark Brown Waves with Soft Caramel Tones - Dark Brown Hair with Highlights Source

Loose waves bring out the depth of this dark brown style, while soft caramel highlights brighten the mid-lengths and ends. The finish feels balanced and professionally styled.

16. Classic Long Layers with Blended Brown Highlights

16. Classic Long Layers with Blended Brown Highlights - Dark Brown Hair with Highlights Source

Long layers create fluid movement, complemented by blended brown highlights for added definition. The seamless color transition keeps the style clean and timeless.

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