As we move into 2025, dark brown hair with highlights continues to evolve with fresh techniques and warm dimensions. Whether you prefer subtle sun-kissed effects or bold dimensional contrast, these trending styles offer something for every personality. Let’s look at the most requested techniques across US salons this year.
1. Caramel Balayage
This timeless look features soft caramel ribbons blended through dark brown hair with highlights. The hand-painted technique creates natural-looking dimension that grows out gracefully. Perfect for those wanting low-maintenance warmth, the golden tones catch the light beautifully when hair moves. Ask your stylist for face-framing pieces to brighten your complexion while keeping depth at the roots.
2. Honey Bronde
A perfect balance between brunette and blonde, this dark brown hair with highlights uses honey-toned accents to create multidimensional contrast. The transition from rich base color to golden ends appears sun-kissed rather than streaky. This style works particularly well with loose waves, allowing the different tones to layer beautifully. Use a color-protecting shampoo to maintain the warm golden hues.
3. Espresso Foilyage
For deeper contrast, this technique combines foils with balayage painting on dark brown hair with highlights. Cool espresso tones mix with ash brown accents for sophisticated depth. The result resembles natural gray coverage but with intentional dimension. This works beautifully on straight styles where the color variations create movement and interest without curl texture.
4. Cinnamon Swirl
Warm red undertones peek through dark brown hair with highlights in this spicy update. Thin cinnamon-colored ribbons alternate with chestnut lowlights for a dimensional effect. The mix of warm tones flatters olive and golden skin tones beautifully. Try pairing with soft beach waves to maximize the color interplay between different reddish-brown hues.
5. Mocha Money Piece
Focusing brightness around the face, this dark brown hair with highlights features creamy mocha tones framing the front sections. The rest maintains deeper chocolate tones for contrast. This face-brightening technique needs minimal upkeep as regrowth blends naturally. Style with smooth blowouts to showcase the seamless transition from light front pieces to rich base color.
6. Ash Brown Melt
Cool-toned lovers will appreciate this dark brown hair with highlights blending ash and neutral browns. The color melt technique creates soft transitions between shades for a smoky effect. Ideal for neutralizing warm undertones, this style maintains depth while adding modern edge. Works particularly well with blunt cuts where the color variations add softness to sharp lines.
7. Golden Ombré
Transitioning from dark roots to golden ends, this dark brown hair with highlights creates dramatic yet wearable contrast. The gradual color shift allows for easy grow-out maintenance. Best on medium to long lengths, the golden ends add lightness without overwhelming the natural base. Protect ends with weekly masks to keep the lighter sections looking healthy and vibrant.
8. Chestnut Ribbons
Thin, delicate highlights in varying chestnut tones add movement to dark brown hair with highlights. The subtle variation creates depth without obvious stripes. This works well for professionals wanting natural-looking dimension under office lighting. Blow-dry with a round brush to showcase the different tones through smooth, shiny layers.
9. Amber Glow
Warm amber tones illuminate dark brown hair with highlights like sunlight through honey. The translucent color quality adds brightness without brassiness. This technique uses fine babylights throughout to create overall warmth. Pair with copper-toned makeup to enhance the golden effect and create cohesive autumnal vibes year-round.
10. Chocolate Cherry
Burgundy highlights add plum-toned richness to dark brown hair with highlights. The red undertones create depth and vibrancy under artificial lighting. This works beautifully on layered cuts where the different tones can peek through movement. Use color-depositing conditioners to maintain the berry tones between salon visits.
11. Sandy Ends
Concentrating lightness at the ends, this dark brown hair with highlights features a soft transition to sandy beige tips. The lived-in look appears beachy and effortless. Great for first-time highlighters wanting subtle change, as only the last few inches get lightened. Texturizing spray enhances the casual vibe while showcasing the color gradation.
12. Espresso Frost
Fine silver highlights add modern contrast to dark brown hair with highlights. The cool-toned accents create a “moonlit” effect against warm brown bases. This trendy look requires purple shampoo to maintain the icy tones. Best on sleek bobs or lobs where the color contrast makes a strong style statement.
13. Toasted Coconut
Warm beige highlights mimic sun-bleached strands in dark brown hair with highlights. The neutral tones work with all skin undertones, creating natural-looking brightness. This works particularly well with long layers, allowing the different tones to blend seamlessly. Use a shine serum to enhance the multi-dimensional color effect.
14. Maple Syrup
Golden maple tones flow through dark brown hair with highlights like liquid amber. The rich, warm colors add autumnal warmth year-round. Foil placement focuses on crown and ends for maximum light reflection. Curl hair away from the face to showcase the dimensional color pattern.
15. Mink Brown
Cool taupe highlights add sophistication to dark brown hair with highlights. The ashy tones create subtle contrast while maintaining natural-looking depth. This works beautifully on straight, chin-length bobs where the color variation adds interest to simple cuts. Style with flat iron for glass-like shine that shows off the tonal variations.
16. Spiced Latte
Creamy caramel and cinnamon highlights mix in dark brown hair with highlights for a cozy coffeehouse palette. The warm tones add fullness and movement to fine hair. Ask for highlights concentrated around your part and temples to create the illusion of natural sun lightening. Loose curls help blend the different tones seamlessly.
17. Midnight Carmel
Deep caramel tones add richness to dark brown hair with highlights without lightening too much. The subtle contrast works for conservative offices while still adding dimension. Partial highlighting focuses on face-framing layers and crown area. Blow-dry with tension brush to create smooth transitions between colors.
18. Smoky Topaz
Jewel-toned highlights add mysterious depth to dark brown hair with highlights. The mix of cool and warm tones creates intriguing complexity. This works particularly well on wavy hair where the colors can play off different textures. Use a color-enhancing glaze monthly to keep the multidimensional effect vibrant.
From soft caramel blends to bold contrasting hues, dark brown hair with highlights offers endless possibilities in 2025. These techniques allow you to personalize your look while maintaining healthy hair. Always consult with a professional colorist to find the best highlighting method for your hair texture and lifestyle. Remember to use color-safe products and schedule regular gloss treatments to keep your highlights looking fresh and vibrant.