Madison Breaux is a junior at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University, studying magazine journalism with a specialization in fashion and beauty communications. She works on the editorial board for Zipped, an on-campus fashion magazine, and has freelanced for an Atlanta-based newspaper. In her free time, she loves reading, watching The Office, discovering new coffee shops and learning new ways to style her hair.
Read full bio Editorial guidelines
@colorbymichael
Ladies not interested in having all things high-shine can opt for this matte, ashy style. Doing balayage brunette to blonde is the most common solution; however, upgrade the classic combo by choosing subdued, ashy shades instead of the more intense ones.
If you have ever considered brown hair to be boring or dull, think again. With the balayage technique, dye is applied to hair without the use of foil, resulting in a natural and exquisite look that feels like any brunette’s major hair goal. Mixing colors has never been this fun, so check out these brown balayage styles and book an appointment with your colorist!
There are a few different balayage styles that fall under the term. First of all, brunette balayage entails adding new shades to the natural brunette base. Also, brunette balayage means getting balayage highlights in brown hair tones, medium chocolate brown, ash brown and copper brown being the most popular examples. To stay on the same page with your stylist, store inspiration photos — you are sure to find some great ones in the list below.
@romeufelipe
Spice up your long hair with the sumptuous cinnamon-colored balayage on dark brown hair. One of the most tempting things about natural balayage is that it is much easier to achieve than other highlighting techniques. What is more, it’s far less damaging and low-maintenance than bleaching your hair and helps to add much luster to dark brown hair.
Glamorous and chic, this subtle money piece is super sleek and works perfectly for anyone with naturally dark hair. Featuring tresses that have been lightened just a touch brighter than the base color, it draws attention right to your face.
@colorbyautumn_
If you want to make your brunette hair stand out, go for this trendy blonde balayage. With layers and wavy texture, you will get a super voluminous style!
@marcosviannahair
Brunette balayage highlights look especially mesmerizing on wavy or curly hair. Mix warm shades of caramel and honey blonde tones to complement your natural brown hue and make your soft waves more textured and dimensional.
@kainandecanine
If you crave blonde hair without the commitment of full-on lightening, applying balayage in blonde tones offers an ideal compromise. Scattered highlights concentrated on your ends and face-framing locks represent a modern take on ombré hair without the harsh grow-out line.
@xo.farhana.balayage
Looking for a super sleek style that will work great for naturally dark brown hair? This look is the perfect mix of dark brown and blonde and the contrast of colors really draws your eyes to both the dark brown roots and the lighter ends. Rock this look with an elegant and feminine lob!
@nicolasbeautystudio
If you have naturally blonde hair, this can be a way to create dimension and light up your hair. It also has a more delicate finish than classical highlights and creates a softer, more natural look full of dimension. The appeal of this look is that it is dynamic and youthful, draws attention to your hair, and underlines your cut.
@bixiecolour
This hairdo will give you a runway-ready look, so if you are looking for a way to impress everyone with your new style – we recommend trying brown balayage. Also, add lighter front strands to frame your face and accentuate your facial features.
@dvcolour
A combination of light brown and caramel tones is remarkable, especially paired with gorgeous wavy locks. However, sometimes caramel brown balayage may lead to an orange hue appearing due to hair lightening. Use blue shampoo to get brassy tones out of brown tresses and keep them pretty!
@rodolffocarvalho
Brighten up your natural hair color with a fiery copper brown balayage. It will work equally great for cool and warm skin tones. Create this hairstyle using a babylights technique to bring out the beauty of your long hair.
@keziasimoes
A caramel blend is perfect for dark brown hair of any length. Pair light brown balayage with layered locks or waves to deliver more volume and movement to your mane.
@ferdidurakofficial
Ready to add some spice to your dark hair? Naturally dark tones pair exceptionally well with chocolate brown balayage. Add some sexy curls or beach waves for a chic and classy look and feel. Going just a shade or two lighter than your natural color offers much impact without a drastic change.
@jadahairandbalayage
For something more subdued, try this ashy brunette to blonde balayage that looks like it has not been processed at all. A neutral color is perfect for anyone looking to take baby steps in hair color transformations.
@chiyukihair
It doesn’t take a drastic color change to liven up your style. In the name of “less is more”, stay within the brown color palette and give dark blonde or neutral ashy highlights a go. This youthful combination is great for professionals who need to keep their look polished.
@hairbystevie
For a classic balayage hair color, opt for a soft brown to caramel fade. The combination is a very natural one, and so is the transition of hues, that’s why it’s still going to look fresh as your hair grows out. To get the most out of your new color, style your locks in long beach waves with a straightener, making the lighter pieces appear even more vibrant.
@chrisweberhair
If the ombre effect is not the one for you, try weaving a honey brown shade throughout your entire head of hair. Brunette balayage highlights instantly brighten up dark brown hair and add low-maintenance dimension.
@gilsonbitencourt
It can be fun to include more than just two colors when doing a balayage. Instead of going straight from brown to light blonde, add in shades of golden or light brown to soften the color transition. A lob with long layers will perfectly showcase all of the different shades you are playing with.
@jleighwebdoeshair
Another well-blended option, this style incorporates hints of golden blonde throughout the hair. The contrasting light and dark shades are sure to catch the light as you walk by.
@rafaelbertolucci1
Blonde and reddish highlights will brighten up any lifeless darker hair. Choose your preferred golden and copper shades to liven up your tired locks. Subtle waves are perfect for showing off the new color variations in your style.
@prettylittleombre
Ladies not interested in having all things high-shine can opt for this matte, ashy style. Doing balayage brunette to blonde is the most common solution; however, upgrade the classic combo by choosing subdued, ashy shades instead of the more intense ones.
@colorbymichael
Images of dyed gray locks have been all over Instagram, and you can easily get in on the trend with this balayage style. Having the gray color at the ends makes growing out your hair stress-free, and it looks great when styled in loose waves.
@beauty_supreme
Adding subtle highlights to your dark hair is a simple trick that can make your hairstyle way cooler! Mind that different shades of chocolate brown work differently for various skin tones, so you better ask for the right hue, depending on your complexion.
@themaneartistry
When it comes to balayage, brunette hair really lends itself to adding brighter colors. Mixing in a slight pop of red at the ends can transform your entire style. Be sure your stylist blends the colors well so your hair looks as natural as possible.
@hairxjojo
If you want rose gold hair, but are afraid of the commitment, give these subtle pink highlights a try. Mix it in with lighter brown shades to further diffuse the rosy hues. Combining brown and rose colors works best on shorter hair, so you just have a few hints of pink diluted in the darker shade.
@laurak_beauty
With medium length hair, you have the perfect canvas for a smooth color melt. The mix of ashy browns and blondes with hints of subdued copper is subtle enough for everyday wear but still adds a slight punk vibe to your style.
@mizzchoi
Most balayage hair ideas for brunettes include warm highlights; however, if you choose cool shades, they will intensify the inner glow of your naturally dark hair. For better results, curl your locks and apply some texturizing spray.
@chael_00
If you are looking for a hint of color here and there, you don’t have to commit to the full balayage effect. Opt for light honey highlights that won’t detract from your natural color. Style your long hair in loose, romantic curls so the highlights really shine through.
@rootedhairstudiolq
Take inspiration from the faithful ombre technique and go with the traditional brown to light blonde transition. Choose two shades of blonde to prevent your style from looking stark and lifeless.
@stephengarrison
If you want to add some color to your dark hair yet keep it low-maintenance, ask for teasylights. This new trendy highlighting trick will bring a soft, natural look to your brunette mane as well as soften your features.
@omerisikkofficial
Sometimes less is certainly more. Just go 1-2 shades lighter than your natural color for subtle highlights. If you have deep brown or black hair, a chocolate hue is the perfect complement. Add some front fringe to your youthful color for a more classic vibe.
@masey.cheveux
The shape of your hair can completely transform the way you view your color. The angled bob puts the golden highlights on display, making it all the more eye-catching.
@beto_quintanilhaa
Here’s a lovely idea of balayage for brunettes. If you are not sure how your own hair will look after the transformation, check out this before/after image. Adding a cool blonde tone to your hair will suit you and make you look younger if your skin undertone is cool too.
@shannonrha
If you’re seeking a more subdued look, check out this partial balayage. Subtle strokes of warm hues on long hair create a dainty sun-kissed effect. Balayage highlights create dimension on your thick tresses and brighten up your natural hair color.
@chrisweberhair
This soft brown balayage is incredibly flattering and can lighten your hair while giving it a lift and underlining its natural texture. It also has a very natural finish and is more low-maintenance than traditional highlights. You can go months between salon touch-ups, making it the perfect style for a woman with a busy lifestyle.
@emerson_ferrazoficial
The color transition doesn’t always have to be drastic. Lighten up your dark brown hair by adding milk chocolate highlights to the ends and face-framing pieces. For those with shoulder length locks, style your hair in loose messy waves for a modern feminine look.
@gina.devine
Want something bolder? Amp up the normal brunette balayage with fiery orange highlights. The good thing about the balayage technique is that you will not have to worry about pesky roots once the color starts to fade out.
@prettylittleombre
For a more drastic style, try blending a vibrant auburn shade into your natural dark hair. The combination pops with both loose ringlets and straight locks, so if you want more contrast in colors, give these dark brunette balayage hues a try.
@southmarksouth
Honey blonde highlights will bring some spice not only to your hairstyle but to your life! Along with enhancing the base color, they will give you an awe-inspiring look worth everyone’s attention.
@joahhmendes
If you are looking for catchy brunette balayage ideas for medium or short hair, pay attention to this beautiful hairdo. A long wavy bob with face-framing highlights will always look effortlessly and bring flirty vibes to your style.
@capellibymegs
This lovely light brown balayage is made to charm everyone around! You can truly highlight your personality with this style, as well as complement your bright foxy features and warm skin tone.
@melissaschlukebieroficial
Just look at this gorgeous caramel brunette balayage! Isn’t it yummy? The best thing about this option is that it fits any occasion, from a casual evening walk to a fancy brunch with girlfriends.
@thassiodutra
Mixed brown, honey, and caramel highlights are a key to this cheeky multi-dimensional balayage on your dark hair. You can also combine warm and cool blends in one hairstyle to make it even catchier!
@can.ipeksaran
Dark hair looks delightful with color accents, but if you don’t want to bleach your locks, you can come with these natural copper highlights. Your hair will look like it has been lightened up naturally during hot summer days.
@evertonmuller_
Balayage is an excellent solution for those who want to dye hair in a lighter shade but is not intended to color the whole mane monthly. Add highlights and lowlights to create a dreamy look that works especially great with darker skin tones.
@melissaschlukebieroficial
Can you find a better idea to emphasize your natural beauty than a fresh haircut with shiny caramel highlights? Don’t answer, rather, hurry up to make an appointment with your hairstylist or colorist to repeat this magnificent look.
@keziasimoes
If you ever decide to add highlights to your brunette hair, opt for light brown or blonde hues. They will define your strands and make them look more dimensional and bouncy. Give this idea a try, and enjoy your new trendy hairstyle!
@rom.concept
Sandy blonde highlights look stunning on girls with warm skin tones, so if it sounds like you – go for this stylish coloring idea! Balayage will add depth to your natural hair color while keeping it low-maintenance.
@melissaschlukebieroficial
Do you know what can make you stand out from the crowd? This striking brunette balayage with strawberry blonde tones! We guarantee this will make your medium-length wavy hair unrivaled!
@hairbyleenakorja
If you want to make your locks more glowing without damaging their structure, we’d suggest picking these charming peek-a-boo highlights. Looks eye-catching and alluring, and works for any face shape and complexion.
@texasbalayage
Lighter shades look magnificent on dark hair as they add texture and dimension to the base hair color. If you can’t choose between caramel brown and blonde tones, go for both to create this multi-tone look everyone will enjoy!
@coloredbycaitlin
Balayage brunette hair has a world of possibilities open to it. Experiment with any color of your choice and a balayage technique to create a style that fits you perfectly. If you’re not ready for the full-on commitment of a stark color contrast, start with subtler highlights and ease into the trend.
Enter your email to get this picture to your inbox, and get other ideas you might like 💌
