24 Gorgeous Examples of Brunette Highlights to Take to the Salon

When it comes to hair highlights, much of the conversation centres around blonde tones, but we're of the opinion that the effects of highlights look just as impressive on brunette tresses. Yes, they're often more subtle, but at a time where the beauty world is shifting its focus to more natural and timeless looks – think no-makeup makeup – hair trends are following suit. With the power to make your hair look even more multi-dimensional and glossy, brunette highlights are in high-demand right now, especially as salons begin to resume their full services. And when you take a look at the gorgeous examples we've collated below, it's not hard to see why. 

We went through Instagram with a fine-tooth comb, searching for the celebrities and influencers who showcase brunette highlights at their finest. From light caramel wisps to chunky mahogany strips, these brunette highlights prove that sometimes the smallest tweaks can make the chicest difference. So, whether you're looking to add depth or simply brighten your hair for the remainder summer, these are the brunette highlights images you'll want to take with you to the hairdresser as stylish reference points. 

brunette-highlights-288474-1596541245850-image

(Image credit: @aimeesong)

Aimee Song creates a gorgeous glow around her face with the addition of fawn-coloured highlights at the ends of her hair. 

brunette-highlights-288474-1596541270184-image

(Image credit: @tostos_)

The shine, the cut, the graduating highlights—the term "hair goals" comes to mind. 

brunette-highlights-288474-1596541248690-image

(Image credit: @ali_tate_cutler)

Ali's caramel highlights give her hair depth and dimension, putting her friend's mane to shame. 

brunette-highlights-288474-1596541250525-image

(Image credit: @alyssainthecity)

Highlights needn't be reserved for those with long hair, as Alyssa's bouncy crop proves. 

brunette-highlights-288474-1596541255202-image

(Image credit: @aude_julie)

With shades of deep bronze on-top, Aude-Julie creates a cool colour contrast to her stunning long hair.

brunette-highlights-288474-1596541253906-image

(Image credit: @annarvitiello)

Anna's poker-straight hair allows us too see the full effects of her lighter ombré highlights. 

brunette-highlights-288474-1596541257283-image

(Image credit: @caitlinmiyako)

Caitlin's shades of golden brown enhance the rich brown colour of her fringe and roots. 

brunette-highlights-288474-1596541257898-image

(Image credit: @chadwoodhair)

Celebrity hairstylist Chad Wood works his brunette highlights magic on actress, Olivia Munn.

brunette-highlights-288474-1596541258514-image

(Image credit: @ciara)

Ciara's highlights may be bright, but the fact she's layered them underneath her darker tresses makes for a very cool alternative to the highlight norm. 

brunette-highlights-288474-1596541260047-image

(Image credit: @clairewakeman)

Claire's sophisticated centre-parting makes her light brunette highlights look even more striking.

brunette-highlights-288474-1596541252076-image

(Image credit: @amaka.hamelijnck)

Amaka's curls look incredible with her mahogany lengths and darker roots. 

brunette-highlights-288474-1596541261583-image

(Image credit: @deborabrosa)

Débora's cherry-brown highlights look beautiful set against her skin tone. 

brunette-highlights-288474-1596541262197-image

(Image credit: @eniswardrobe)

Eni's chestnut highlights are perfectly blended with her dark brown lengths to create a beautiful finish. 

brunette-highlights-288474-1596541262809-image

(Image credit: @erika_boldrin)

Erica's combination of caramel and coffee highlights is as delicious as it sounds. 

brunette-highlights-288474-1596541264660-image

(Image credit: @jastookes)

We always knew Jasmine had the face of an angel, so it makes sense that her hair is equally heavenly. 

brunette-highlights-288474-1596541265883-image

(Image credit: @kristaperez)

Krista's honey-brown highlights look particularly incredible when they're tousled. 

brunette-highlights-288474-1596733786087-image

(Image credit: @emrata)

Emily's dark copper lengths create a gorgeous glow around her face and décolletage. 

brunette-highlights-288474-1596541266804-image

(Image credit: @leasy_inparis)

This ombré interpretation of brunette highlights has been executed perfectly. 

brunette-highlights-288474-1596541267729-image

(Image credit: @livpurvis)

The balayage technique is the perfect way to wear brunette highlights. 

brunette-highlights-288474-1596541268339-image

(Image credit: @misstpw)

The blended brunette highlights in this shot make for a solid summer style.

brunette-highlights-288474-1596541268956-image

(Image credit: @smythsisters)

Marianne gives her glossy crop even more dimension with copper tones woven throughout. 

brunette-highlights-288474-1596541271110-image

(Image credit: @zendaya)

Zendaya's amazing curls look even more stunning thanks to the blend of chestnut and copper hues. 

brunette-highlights-288474-1596541270803-image

(Image credit: @wachachar)

Another gorgeous example of how lighter brunette ends can lift your hair look. 

Next: From the lob to the shag, these 32 celebs look amazing with mid-length hair.

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over twelve years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories, and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, works closely with influencer talent on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media. Previously, Maxine appeared on TV in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o. 


Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship, she was offered a position on the Look magazine fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. She went on to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others. Maxine works remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh.