No matter your hair journey or current color, there’s always room to explore the rich combination of brunette and red. In the salon, I’ve seen how brown hair naturally carries warm undertones, making it an ideal canvas for red highlights that can range from subtle auburn streaks to bold burgundy accents.
Adding red highlights to brown hair has become increasingly popular among my clients who want a change without completely departing from their natural color. From mahogany ribbons running through chocolate brown to copper pieces brightening up darker bases, the possibilities create dimension and movement that catch the light beautifully.
Here are some of the most requested brunette and red highlight combinations I’ve done in my 12 years behind the chair.
Subtle Red Waves Meet Rich Brunette Base
Long layers get a major glow-up with those red-tinted highlights peeking through a deep brunette base. The way those burgundy tones catch the light? Pure magic. I’m especially loving how the color placement creates movement through those loose waves – it’s giving me serious autumn sunset vibes. If you’re looking to spice up your brunette hair without going too bold, this mix of warm reds and cool browns hits just right.
Bold Red Streaks Meet Rich Brunette Base
Looking to add some fire to your brown locks? These straight red highlights running through dark brunette hair create a perfect balance between edgy and natural. The red streaks are placed strategically from root to tip, giving a modern twist to classic brown hair. I’m loving how the red tones catch the light and create movement, especially when you see those pops of color peeking through the long layers. It’s like having the best of both worlds – the warmth of red without going full-on crimson.
Rich Burgundy Waves That Pop
Ready to spice up your brown hair without going full fire-engine red? These burgundy highlights create the perfect balance, weaving through dark strands like wine through water. The loose waves add movement and show off how the colors dance together – it’s like having your own personal sunset in your hair. Perfect for anyone who wants to dip their toes into the red family without diving in headfirst.
Warm Auburn Highlights for Rich Dimension
Ready to add some spice to your brown hair? Copper-red highlights woven through dark chocolate strands create a head-turning look that catches light in all the right ways. The subtle mix of warm tones gives natural-looking dimension while keeping the overall style grounded and wearable for everyday. Plus, those soft waves really show off how the colors dance together – it’s like having your own personal sunset in your hair.
Auburn-Kissed Brunette With Warm Red Ribbons
Looking for a way to spice up your brown hair without going too bold? Soft red highlights woven through dark brunette strands create that perfect sun-kissed glow, as if you’ve spent a lazy afternoon basking in golden light. The subtle color variation catches the light with every movement, while the gentle waves add just enough texture to show off those perfectly placed highlights. It’s the kind of change that makes people do a double-take – not because it’s dramatic, but because it looks so naturally beautiful.
Cinnamon Swirl Balayage
Looking for a way to warm up your brunette locks without going full-on red? Those subtle copper highlights woven throughout dark brown hair create the perfect fall-inspired look. The gradual fade from rich chocolate to warm auburn catches the light just right, making those waves look like they’re dancing with dimension. It’s like having your own personal sunset in your hair – minus the commitment of going completely red.
Chocolate Brown with Rose Gold Ribbons
Ready to put a fresh spin on brown hair? Weaving rose gold highlights through a deep chocolate base creates a playful mix that catches the light just right. The wavy texture shows off how the colors dance together, giving dimension without going over the top. It’s like having your favorite warm drink swirled with something sweet and unexpected.
Copper-Kissed Waves For Fall
Looking for that perfect autumn hair refresh? Those loose, bouncy waves in warm copper tones create just the right amount of dimension without trying too hard. The mix of rich brunette base with subtle red highlights catches the light in all the right ways, making it an ideal choice for anyone wanting to spice up their look without going too bold.
Rich Auburn Waves with Caramel Dimension
Looking for a way to warm up your brown hair without going full-on red? The blend of deep auburn tones woven through brunette waves creates such a natural-looking dimension – it’s like your hair caught the perfect sunset light, but all day long. I’m particularly drawn to how the red highlights start subtle at the roots and gradually become more noticeable through the lengths, making it super low-maintenance to grow out. Paired with those loose, casual waves, it’s giving major autumn-in-New-England vibes that work beautifully year-round.
Copper-Kissed Brunette Waves
Dark chocolate brown hair gets a playful update with perfectly placed copper highlights that catch the light just right. The warm metallic streaks weave through the waves like ribbons, creating movement and dimension without trying too hard. It’s the kind of color that makes you do a double-take – natural enough for everyday but with just enough pop to keep things interesting.
Warm Copper Ribbons Through Dark Brown
Ready to add some warmth to your brunette base? Copper-toned highlights woven through dark brown hair create natural-looking dimension that catches the light beautifully. The subtle red ribbons are placed strategically to frame the face and flow through the loose waves, giving the hair movement and life without looking overdone.
Sun-Kissed Copper Meets Rich Brown
Looking for a way to warm up your brown hair without going too bold? Those subtle copper highlights woven through the mid-lengths and ends create just the right amount of dimension. The color placement mimics how natural sunlight would hit your hair, giving it that lived-in feel we all want. Plus, the way these tones blend together means you won’t be rushing back to the salon every few weeks for touch-ups.
Rich Auburn Waves with Caramel Swirls
Ready to give your brown locks a subtle yet playful update? Adding warm auburn highlights to dark hair creates natural-looking dimension that catches the light in all the right ways. The mix of deep chocolate tones with lighter caramel pieces gives movement to long, wavy styles without looking overdone. It’s the kind of color that makes people wonder if you were born with it or if your stylist is just that good.
Copper-Kissed Bob with Auburn Dimension
Red highlights on brunette hair create such a fun twist on the classic bob cut. The way those warm copper tones peek through the rich brown base reminds me of autumn leaves catching sunlight – it’s that perfect mix of natural and playful. I’m loving how the highlights aren’t too perfect or structured, which gives the whole style a lived-in feel that works for pretty much any occasion. The wavy texture adds movement while the choppy ends keep it modern and fresh. If you’ve been thinking about adding some warmth to your brunette hair, this mix of auburn and copper highlights might be exactly what you’re looking for.
Copper-Kissed Brunette Waves
Ready to spice up those brown locks? Copper highlights dance through dark waves like flickering flames, adding just enough pop without going full-on fire engine red. The best part? These pieces are placed randomly throughout, making grow-out a total breeze. (And let’s be real, who doesn’t love low-maintenance color?)