20 beautiful ideas for fall highlights on brown hair

For a more natural and warm look, you could try caramel balayage on long layers. This style involves painting soft caramel tones onto your hair, creating a sun-kissed effect that blends seamlessly with your natural brown shade.

This style involves adding rich chestnut tones with hints of honey to create depth and dimension. The sleek lob cut adds a modern touch, making this style perfect for professional environments or elegant events.

This style features a gradual transition from a deep brown base to lighter cinnamon tones towards the ends, creating a dynamic and eye-catching effect. The beachy waves add texture and movement, making this style ideal for casual outings or festive occasions.

Now, without further ado, let’s dive into 20 beautiful ideas for fall highlights on brown hair.

Caramel Balayage on Long Layers

The term “balayage” comes from French, meaning “to sweep.” This technique involves hand-painting highlights onto your hair, creating a natural, sun-kissed effect. Caramel balayage specifically uses warm caramel tones, which can add depth and dimension to your hair without looking too harsh. This style is especially flattering for those with light brown or dark brunette hair, as the warm hues contrast beautifully against darker strands.

The stylist will usually start by lightening sections of your hair, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends, which helps create that soft, blended look. It’s important to communicate with your stylist about the specific shades of caramel you want and how much lightening you prefer.

Unlike traditional highlights that require frequent touch-ups, balayage grows out more naturally, allowing for longer intervals between salon visits—typically every three to four months. To keep your color vibrant, use color-safe shampoos and conditioners, and avoid washing your hair too often. Regular deep conditioning treatments will also help keep your hair healthy and shiny, preventing it from becoming dull or brassy over time.

Chestnut and Honey Highlights in a Sleek Lob

Begin by using a heat protectant spray to shield your hair from damage when using styling tools. A root booster can add volume to your hair, making it look fuller and more vibrant. After applying these products, use a wide-tooth comb to evenly distribute them throughout your hair.

Use a blow dryer with a nozzle attachment to direct the airflow and minimize frizz. When your hair is about 80% dry, switch to a round brush to create smoothness and volume at the roots.

Finally, finish your hairstyle with some texture spray or a light-hold hairspray to keep everything in place without making it stiff. This will help maintain the sleek appearance while allowing your highlights to shine through. Remember to regularly trim your lob to keep the shape fresh and healthy, and consider using color-safe shampoo and conditioner to prolong the life of your chestnut and honey highlights.

Cinnamon Spice Ombre on Beachy Waves

The cinnamon spice ombre combines warm, rich tones that transition from darker roots to lighter ends, creating a sun-kissed effect. You can achieve this look by visiting a salon or using at-home dye kits that offer ombre effects. It’s essential to choose shades that complement your skin tone, ensuring the colors blend well together for a natural appearance.

For beachy waves, the trick is to wrap sections of your hair loosely around the barrel of the curling iron, holding it for just a few seconds. After releasing the curl, gently pull it downwards to create a more relaxed wave rather than a tight curl. This technique gives your hair volume and that effortless beachy vibe, perfect for showcasing your ombre colors.

Apply the spray to damp hair before styling or to dry hair after curling. Finish with a light hairspray to hold the waves in place without making them stiff. With these steps, you’ll have beautiful cinnamon spice ombre beachy waves that look fresh and stylish!

Auburn Lowlights with Subtle Copper Highlights

Auburn is a rich blend of red and brown tones, which can vary from lighter to darker shades. For a youthful look, consider a medium auburn base, which provides a warm and inviting color. You can achieve this by using a permanent hair dye that matches your desired shade, such as L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference in Medium Auburn Brown.

Lowlights are darker strands that add depth, while highlights are lighter strands that brighten your hair. To create the look, ask your stylist to incorporate subtle copper highlights throughout your auburn base. This can be done using a balayage technique, where the color is painted on in a way that looks natural and sun-kissed.

Use color-safe shampoos and conditioners to prevent fading. Regular touch-ups every six to eight weeks will help keep your roots looking good and your color vibrant. Additionally, consider using a hair mask or treatment to keep your hair healthy and shiny, ensuring that your beautiful auburn and copper colors shine through.

Mocha Brown Base with Golden Blonde Face-Framing Pieces

Mocha brown is a rich, chocolatey shade that looks great on its own but becomes even more stunning with added dimension. This means incorporating lighter shades, like golden blonde, to create highlights that will brighten up your look. When coloring, it’s essential to blend different tones to avoid a flat appearance.

To create this look, your stylist will typically take small sections of hair near your hairline and lighten them to a golden blonde. This contrast against the darker mocha brown not only adds brightness but also creates a flattering frame for your face. The placement of these highlights can be adjusted based on your haircut and face shape, so be sure to communicate your preferences with your stylist.

Regular trims will help keep your ends healthy, preventing split ends that can dull your color. If you want a low-maintenance option, consider softer highlights that blend well with your natural hair color, allowing for a more gradual grow-out period. With the right care and styling, you can rock this trendy look effortlessly.

Rich Chocolate Brown with Caramel Ribbon Highlights

Rich chocolate brown is a warm, deep shade that gives your hair a luxurious look. It works well on various skin tones and can be customized to suit your style. You can achieve this color at a salon or use at-home hair dye kits designed for dark brown shades.

This technique involves painting lighter caramel shades onto sections of your hair, creating a beautiful contrast with the dark brown base. The balayage method is popular for this, as it allows for a natural, sun-kissed effect. The highlights should be strategically placed to frame your face and add depth to your hairstyle.

Finally, maintaining your rich chocolate brown with caramel highlights is crucial for keeping your hair looking vibrant. Use color-safe shampoos and conditioners to prevent fading and keep your hair healthy. Regular touch-ups at the salon will help maintain the highlights and the richness of the chocolate brown color. Additionally, consider using hair masks or oils to keep your hair moisturized and shiny, ensuring that your hairstyle always looks fresh and stylish.

Chestnut Brown with Subtle Auburn Balayage

Chestnut brown is a warm, medium brown shade that has golden and reddish undertones, while auburn adds a touch of red to the mix. This combination creates a rich, multi-dimensional look that can enhance your natural beauty.

For chestnut brown with auburn balayage, ask your stylist to blend auburn highlights throughout your hair, focusing on the ends and framing your face. This will create a soft transition between the base color and the highlights, making the overall look more dynamic.

Use color-safe shampoos and conditioners to prevent fading, and consider using a deep conditioning treatment once a week to keep your hair healthy and shiny. Regular trims will also help maintain the shape of your hairstyle and prevent split ends. With the right care and styling techniques, your chestnut brown with auburn balayage can look stunning and fresh for a long time.

Toffee Highlights on a Textured Bob

A bob is a short haircut that can be styled in various ways, such as straight, wavy, or textured. For a textured bob, you can use a curling iron or straightener to create soft waves or curls. This adds movement and volume to your hair, making it look lively and stylish.

Toffee highlights are warm, caramel-like shades that complement the base color of your hair. You can achieve this by going to a professional hair colorist who can apply the highlights evenly throughout your hair. If you’re doing it at home, consider using a highlighting kit that matches your hair color.

Use a good quality shampoo and conditioner designed for colored hair to keep your highlights vibrant. For styling, a texturizing spray can help you achieve that tousled look. Finish with a light hairspray to hold the style in place without making it stiff. With practice, you’ll find the right techniques that work for you, and soon you’ll be rocking your toffee-highlighted textured bob with confidence!

Deep Brunette with Caramel Money Pieces

Deep brunette serves as a rich, dark base that provides a beautiful contrast with the lighter caramel highlights. To achieve this look, you can either visit a salon or use at-home hair dye kits. If you choose to do it yourself, make sure to select a high-quality hair dye that matches your desired shade of brunette.

This involves sectioning your hair and carefully applying the lightener to the front strands. It’s best to start with small, thin sections to ensure even coverage. You can use a brush for precise application, making sure to blend the lightener well so that it transitions smoothly from the darker brunette to the lighter caramel.

Use a good conditioner to keep your hair healthy and shiny, as coloring can be drying. Once you’re done, style your hair in loose waves or straight to show off the beautiful contrast between the deep brunette and the caramel highlights. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t hesitate to experiment until you find the look that suits you best!

Soft Amber Balayage on Loose Curls

Begin with clean, slightly dirty hair, as this helps the color adhere better. If possible, let your hair air dry overnight to add texture, which will help your curls look bouncier. When you’re ready to style, use a heat protectant spray to prevent damage and keep your hair shiny.

For a natural look, curl your hair away from your face. Take larger sections of hair (about 1.5 to 2 inches) for softer curls, and allow each curl to cool in your hand before releasing it. This step helps the curls hold their shape longer.

This technique is often done freehand, allowing for a more blended and gradual transition of color. After coloring, finish with a light hairspray to hold your curls in place without making them stiff. Embrace your curls and enjoy experimenting with different looks to find what suits you best.

Espresso Brown with Subtle Cinnamon Highlights

Espresso brown is a rich, dark brown that can look almost black. If your hair is already dark, you can enhance it by adding highlights. This is done using a technique called balayage, where lighter pieces are painted onto the hair.

This involves adding darker lowlights to your hair while leaving some lighter strands visible. This creates depth and dimension in your hair. After applying the lowlights, you can use a toner to enhance the overall brown tones and help the highlights blend seamlessly.

This will help maintain the richness of the espresso brown and the warmth of the cinnamon highlights. Regular treatments can also keep your hair healthy and prevent it from looking dull. Remember to consult with a professional stylist if you’re unsure about the process, as they can help achieve the best results tailored to your hair type and color.

Golden Brown Balayage on a Mid-Length Cut with Curtain Bangs

Balayage is a highlighting technique where color is painted onto the hair by hand, creating a natural and sun-kissed look. This method works well for any hair color, including brown, and is especially great for mid-length cuts because it adds dimension and movement. The golden brown tones will give your hair a warm glow, making it look vibrant and fresh.

They work well with mid-length hair because they blend seamlessly with the rest of your hair, enhancing the overall look. To achieve this style, you can ask your stylist to cut the bangs to a length that flatters your face shape. If you’re doing it at home, use sharp scissors and cut small sections at a time to avoid cutting too much.

Regular trims will help keep your curtain bangs looking fresh and prevent split ends. If you notice your balayage starting to look dull, consider using a hair mask or visiting a salon for a quick touch-up to refresh the color. With these tips, you can confidently rock your golden brown balayage with curtain bangs!

Butterscotch Highlights

Butterscotch highlights are a warm, golden tone that adds brightness and dimension to your hair. If you have dark hair, these highlights can create a beautiful contrast, while lighter hair can benefit from the added warmth. It’s essential to choose a shade that complements your natural color and skin tone. Consulting with a professional stylist can help you find the perfect hue that enhances your overall look.

Use a highlighting kit that includes a brush and foil to separate the sections of hair where you want to apply the color. Start with small sections to avoid overwhelming yourself. Apply the dye evenly, making sure to blend it well for a natural look.

Use sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners designed for color-treated hair to keep your highlights vibrant. Regular deep conditioning treatments can help prevent dryness and damage. Additionally, try to limit heat styling and always use a heat protectant when you do style your hair. With the right care, your butterscotch highlights will look stunning and last longer!

Hazelnut Brown with Delicate Honey Highlights

Hazelnut brown is a warm, rich color that can look great on many skin tones. When adding honey highlights, think of soft, golden tones that will brighten your hair without being too bold. You can achieve this look by visiting a salon or using at-home hair dye kits designed for this color combination. If you’re unsure, consult with a stylist to find the best shades that suit your personal style.

Regular deep conditioning treatments will keep your hair hydrated and shiny. Avoid excessive heat styling, as it can damage your hair and fade the color faster. If you do use heat tools, always apply a heat protectant spray first.

You can create waves by using a curling iron or braiding your hair while it’s damp and letting it dry. For a quick and easy look, try a half-up, half-down style or a messy bun. Finish off with a light hairspray to keep your style in place without making it stiff. This way, you can show off your gorgeous hazelnut brown with honey highlights effortlessly!

Warm Maple Highlights on a Textured Lob

Begin with freshly washed and blow-dried hair, applying a heat protectant to keep your hair safe from damage. This step is crucial, especially if your hair has been colored or lightened. Use a root-boosting spray to add volume, which helps your lob look fuller and more dynamic.

For a textured look, use a larger barrel curling iron, around 1.5 inches, which creates soft, loose waves. When curling, alternate the direction of the curls—some away from your face and some towards it. This technique adds a more natural, effortless vibe to your hairstyle.

Finally, maintain your hairstyle by using dry shampoo on second or third-day hair to refresh your roots and add texture. This product will help keep your lob looking lively and prevent it from falling flat. Remember, the key to mastering this hairstyle is practice and finding the right products that work for your hair type. With time, you’ll be able to achieve that beautiful, warm maple highlight effect on your textured lob effortlessly.

Chestnut Brown with Subtle Copper Balayage Throughout

Balayage is a hair coloring technique where color is painted onto the hair in a way that creates a natural, sun-kissed look. For chestnut brown hair, this means adding soft copper highlights that blend seamlessly into the darker base. This technique allows for a more low-maintenance style since the color grows out naturally without harsh lines, making it perfect for those who want a fresh look without constant upkeep.

If your skin tone is cooler, look for chestnut shades that have a hint of ash to balance the warmth of the copper. Consulting with a stylist can help you find the perfect combination that enhances your natural features. They can also help you decide how much copper to add, whether you want bold streaks or a more subtle glow.

It’s also a good idea to avoid hot water when washing your hair, as it can strip away color. Regular touch-ups will keep the balayage looking fresh, and using heat protectants when styling will help prevent damage. With the right care, your chestnut brown with copper balayage can look stunning and vibrant for a long time.

Rich Mocha with Caramel Highlights

This look combines a deep, chocolatey brown base (the mocha) with lighter, warm caramel highlights. A popular method to achieve this is called balayage, where the color is painted onto the hair in a way that creates a natural, sun-kissed effect. It’s best to consult a professional stylist who can use the right products and techniques to blend these colors seamlessly, ensuring that the highlights pop without looking too stark against the darker base.

It’s also important to avoid washing your hair too often, as this can strip the color. Instead, try washing it every few days and using dry shampoo in between to keep your hair looking fresh. Regular trims will help prevent split ends, which can dull your color and ruin the overall look.

You can achieve this with a curling iron or by braiding your hair when it’s damp and letting it dry. Finish with a light hairspray to hold the style without making it stiff. For an extra shine, consider using a smoothing serum or shine spray, which will help your hair look glossy and healthy.

Soft Walnut Brown with Golden Honey Face-Framing Highlights

Soft walnut brown is a warm, rich shade that looks great on many skin tones. This color serves as a beautiful backdrop for the highlights, which should be a few shades lighter. The key is to choose a warm golden honey for the highlights, as this will create a natural sun-kissed effect around your face, enhancing your features and adding dimension to your hair.

You can achieve this look by using a balayage technique, which involves painting the color on in a way that looks soft and blended. For a more dramatic effect, you might slice the sections of hair to create bolder highlights.

Use color-safe shampoos and conditioners to protect your hair from fading. Regular touch-ups every few weeks will help keep the highlights looking fresh. Additionally, consider using a hair mask or treatment to keep your hair healthy and shiny, ensuring that your soft walnut brown base and golden honey highlights look their best every day.

Warm Honey Highlights Throughout a Long Shag Cut

A shag cut is characterized by its layers and texture, which gives it a relaxed, messy look. When getting this cut, ask your stylist for long layers that frame your face and add movement. The key is to have a mix of shorter pieces on top and longer strands underneath, which creates a beautiful contrast.

After washing your hair, use a volumizing shampoo and conditioner to give your hair some body. Once your hair is damp, apply a texturizing spray or sea salt spray to enhance the waves and create a tousled effect. You can scrunch your hair with your hands or use a blow dryer with a diffuser to help define the layers.

Regular touch-ups will ensure the color remains vibrant and the highlights blend beautifully with your natural hair. To keep your hair healthy, use a color-safe shampoo and a deep conditioning treatment once a week. This will help prevent damage and keep your hair looking shiny and vibrant. With the right cut, styling techniques, and maintenance, you can rock a stunning shag cut with warm honey highlights effortlessly.

Dark Chocolate Base with Subtle Bronze Babylights

For a rich dark chocolate base, look for high-quality hair dyes that provide a glossy finish. Products like WellaPlex can help strengthen your hair while coloring, ensuring it stays healthy and vibrant. When adding subtle bronze babylights, make sure to use a lightener that complements the dark base without overpowering it.

When applying the babylights, use a balayage technique, which involves painting the color onto the hair in a way that mimics natural highlights. Focus on the mid-lengths and ends of your hair to keep the look soft and blended. This technique allows for a more natural appearance and less maintenance, as the color will grow out gracefully.

Use color-safe shampoos and conditioners to preserve the vibrancy of your dark chocolate base and babylights. Regular deep conditioning treatments can also help maintain moisture and shine. Additionally, consider scheduling touch-ups every few months to refresh the color and keep those babylights looking their best. With the right products, techniques, and care, you can easily master this stylish hair color.

Q&As for fall highlights on brown hair

Q: What are some easy ways to style fall highlights on brown hair for different occasions?

A: You can try caramel balayage on long layers for a natural and versatile look. Chestnut and honey highlights in a sleek lob are great for a polished appearance. For a fun and casual style, consider cinnamon spice ombre on beachy waves.

Q: How can I make my brown hair look more vibrant for fall?

A: Adding auburn lowlights with subtle copper highlights can enhance the richness of your brown hair. A mocha brown base with golden blonde face-framing pieces will brighten your face and add depth.

Q: What are some trendy fall hair color ideas for brunettes?

A: Rich chocolate brown with caramel ribbon highlights is a popular choice for a warm look. Chestnut brown with subtle auburn balayage adds a touch of red for a trendy style. Toffee highlights on a textured bob can give a modern edge.

Q: How can I achieve a sophisticated fall hair look with highlights?

A: Deep brunette with caramel money pieces creates a chic and elegant style. Soft amber balayage on loose curls offers a soft and romantic look. Espresso brown with subtle cinnamon highlights adds a hint of spice to your hair.

Q: What are some low-maintenance fall hair color options for brown hair?

A: Golden brown balayage on a mid-length cut with curtain bangs is easy to maintain and stylish. Butterscotch highlights add a subtle change without much upkeep. Hazelnut brown with delicate honey highlights is perfect for a natural look.