As winter approaches, it’s the perfect time to refresh your look with some stunning winter highlights for brown hair.
These subtle to bold highlights not only add dimension and warmth but also bring out the richness of your natural brunette shade, making your hair stand out even during the colder months.
Wondering how these hairstyles can enhance your look?
Whether you’re aiming for soft caramel tones or edgy ash-blonde streaks, winter highlights provide endless possibilities for any style or preference.
From low-maintenance ideas like balayage to striking contrasts like rose gold streaks, the right highlights can accentuate your features and complement your winter wardrobe.
Are highlights right for you?
Definitely!
Winter highlights for brunettes offer a versatile way to play with color without needing a full transformation.
These hairstyle ideas are also adaptable to various skin tones and hair textures, ensuring you’ll find a look that resonates with your personal style.
So, why not brighten up your brown hair and embrace the season with a fresh new look?
23 Best Winter Highlights for Brown Hair
1. Smoky Ash Brown Waves
This look embraces a smoky ash brown base that transitions into silver-gray tips, creating a frosty winter effect.
The gentle waves add softness, making this style ideal for those who want a cool-toned, chic look without going too blonde.
Perfect for someone looking to soften their natural brown hair while keeping the overall style understated and elegant.
For maintenance, use a toning shampoo to keep the ashy tones vibrant and avoid brassiness.
2. Caramel Highlights on Dark Brown
This style showcases warm caramel highlights strategically placed throughout a rich dark brown base.
The soft curls give movement and depth, making it a perfect choice for anyone looking to add warmth and dimension to their winter look.
It flatters medium to dark skin tones and can give your hair a sun-kissed glow even in the colder months.
To keep the caramel highlights from fading, use a sulfate-free shampoo and occasional deep-conditioning treatments.
3. Chestnut Balayage Waves
A stunning chestnut brown balayage with seamless blending and natural-looking waves, this hairstyle gives dimension without being too bold.
The warm tones are perfect for those looking for a subtle winter update that still feels natural.
This style is great for someone who wants a low-maintenance look that grows out effortlessly.
A hydrating hair mask will keep those waves looking healthy and shiny all season long.
4. Dark Mocha with Auburn Accents
For brunettes who love a bit of mystery, dark mocha hair with hidden auburn streaks offers a perfect blend of richness and warmth.
The natural waves highlight the contrasting tones beautifully without being too overwhelming.
Ideal for someone who wants a winter-friendly, understated color with a hint of warmth.
Use color-protecting products to maintain the vibrancy of the auburn accents.
5. Rich Chocolate with Soft Blonde Hints
This hairstyle features a deep chocolate brown base with subtle blonde highlights that give a natural, sunlit effect to the hair.
The blonde hints create a delicate contrast, adding brightness without overpowering the rich brunette tones.
This look works well for brunettes wanting a light touch of dimension during winter.
To keep the highlights from turning brassy, regular toning treatments and moisturizing products are essential.
6. Icy Platinum Balayage
This striking icy platinum balayage creates a cool, high-contrast look against dark roots.
The soft waves enhance the blending of the shades, giving an elegant yet edgy vibe, perfect for the winter months.
This hairstyle is ideal for those with darker hair who want to try a bold, high-maintenance look.
To maintain the cool tones, regular toning treatments are essential, along with deep conditioning to keep the hair from drying out.
7. Honey Brown Sombre
For a softer approach to highlights, this honey brown sombre is perfect.
It gently blends warm honey highlights into a brown base, creating a subtle gradient that adds depth and brightness.
This low-maintenance style works well for brunettes looking to add a touch of sun-kissed warmth without a drastic color change.
Use a nourishing hair mask weekly to keep the color looking fresh and the waves healthy.
8. Copper Waves with Auburn Undertones
This copper-highlighted look with deep auburn undertones gives an enchanting, warm vibe, perfect for colder months.
The voluminous waves create movement, making this style ideal for someone seeking a vibrant yet natural look.
It’s especially flattering on warmer skin tones and is a great option for brunettes wanting a pop of color.
Regular moisturizing products will help keep the shine and richness of the copper tones intact.
9. Crimson Red Balayage
Bold and daring, this crimson red balayage on dark brown hair makes a dramatic statement.
The vibrant red streaks are blended through the mid-lengths and ends, giving the hair an intense pop of color without overwhelming the roots.
This look is perfect for those wanting to make a bold change this winter.
For maintenance, use color-protecting products to preserve the vibrancy of the red.
10. Subtle Ash Blonde Tips
This dark brown bob features subtle ash blonde highlights concentrated on the ends, creating a soft, dimensional effect.
The light, cool-toned tips add contrast while maintaining an overall natural look, perfect for a minimalist winter style.
This is an excellent option for someone who prefers understated highlights without a drastic change.
To keep the blonde tips looking fresh, a purple shampoo will help neutralize any yellow tones that may appear over time.
11. Warm Caramel Balayage
This warm caramel balayage adds a golden glow to dark brown hair, giving it dimension and brightness.
The loose waves help the caramel tones catch the light, making it ideal for those wanting a sun-kissed look during the winter months.
It’s perfect for brunettes who want a subtle yet warm change without going too light.
Use a deep conditioning treatment weekly to keep the waves hydrated and the color from fading.
12. Deep Copper Ombre
This hairstyle showcases a deep copper ombre that starts with dark roots and gradually brightens into fiery copper tones at the ends.
The result is a bold, gradient look that adds warmth and richness to the hair, perfect for brunettes looking to make a statement.
Ideal for those with warm undertones, this look requires regular conditioning to keep the vibrant copper shades from dulling.
13. Rose Gold Highlights on Brunette
Rose gold highlights add a fun, trendy twist to these dark brunette waves.
The soft, pinkish tones blend beautifully with the brown base, offering a romantic and eye-catching look for winter.
This style is great for someone wanting a fashionable yet subtle pop of color.
To keep the rose tones vibrant, use a color-depositing conditioner designed for pink hues.
14. Soft Pink Balayage Waves
This soft pink balayage creates a playful yet elegant look, blending seamlessly into dark brown roots.
The pink waves add a feminine and fun touch, perfect for someone wanting a bold yet sophisticated winter look.
This hairstyle is ideal for brunettes looking to experiment with color while keeping the roots natural.
To maintain the soft pink shade, use a color-safe shampoo and avoid heat styling too often.
15. Auburn Highlights on Curly Hair
These auburn highlights bring out the texture and shape of naturally curly dark brown hair, adding warmth and definition.
The warm auburn tones blend seamlessly with the curls, giving a lively, radiant look.
This style is perfect for those with naturally curly hair who want to enhance their texture with a bit of color.
To keep the curls and color vibrant, use a curl cream and a sulfate-free shampoo.
16. Vibrant Red Balayage with Loose Twist
This stunning red balayage stands out beautifully against a dark brown base, with loose waves cascading down.
The half-up twist adds a romantic touch, making this a perfect style for special winter occasions or everyday glamour.
This hairstyle is ideal for brunettes looking to add vibrant color while keeping the roots natural.
Regular color care treatments will help keep the red tones vibrant and prevent them from fading too quickly.
17. Plum Ombre Waves
This dark brown to plum ombre creates a sophisticated, edgy look that’s perfect for winter.
The soft waves enhance the gradual transition of color, giving a striking yet elegant effect.
It’s ideal for brunettes who want to experiment with bold, cool-toned hues without going too extreme.
A sulfate-free shampoo will help maintain the rich purple tones, keeping the color vivid for longer.
18. Ash Blonde Balayage on Dark Brown
For a cool-toned update, this ash blonde balayage brings brightness and dimension to dark brown hair.
The loose waves add softness, making the color transition seamless and natural.
Perfect for those seeking a subtle yet stylish contrast in the colder months.
Toning treatments will help maintain the ashy tones, preventing unwanted brassiness.
19. Chocolate Brown with Copper Streaks
This style features a rich chocolate brown base enhanced by delicate copper streaks, adding depth and warmth.
The copper highlights are subtle yet effective in creating a luminous look, perfect for brunettes wanting a warm winter update.
Use a color-safe shampoo to keep the highlights fresh and prevent them from dulling.
20. Silver Ash Blonde Ombre
This stunning ombre starts with dark roots and fades into a cool silver ash blonde, giving an effortlessly chic winter look.
The smooth texture enhances the contrast between the dark and light tones, making it perfect for those looking for a striking transformation.
To keep the silver tones fresh, use a purple shampoo and deep-conditioning treatments to maintain moisture and color vibrancy.
21. Mahogany Waves
This style features rich mahogany highlights that bring depth and warmth to short, wavy dark brown hair.
The waves add texture and movement, making this a great choice for those who want a subtle yet dimensional winter look.
It’s perfect for brunettes looking for a warm, seasonal refresh.
Use a gloss treatment to keep the mahogany tones rich and luminous.
22. Pastel Pink Ombre
This pastel pink ombre adds a soft, playful touch to medium-length dark brown hair, making it a fun, trendy choice for winter.
The transition from dark roots to pastel pink ends creates a striking contrast while maintaining a youthful vibe.
This style is ideal for someone who loves experimenting with color but wants to keep the look balanced.
To preserve the pastel shade, use a color-depositing conditioner specifically for pink tones.
23. Chocolate Brown with Rose Gold Streaks
This chocolate brown hair with rose gold streaks creates a luxurious, warm look that is both trendy and elegant.
The soft rose gold highlights add a hint of warmth and brightness, making it perfect for brunettes looking for a subtle yet eye-catching winter transformation.
To maintain the rose gold hues, avoid washing your hair too frequently and use a sulfate-free shampoo for color-treated hair.
How to Maintain Highlights for Brown Hair Throughout Winter
Maintaining your winter highlights on brown hair requires a bit of extra care, especially with the cooler air drying out your strands.
Using a color-safe shampoo and conditioner is essential to prevent fading and preserve the richness of your highlights.
A weekly deep-conditioning mask can also keep your hair hydrated and shiny, ensuring your color looks vibrant all season long.
If you’re opting for lighter highlights, consider using a toning shampoo to keep brassiness at bay and maintain a cool, wintery look.
What Are the Best Color Combinations for Winter Highlights?
When choosing winter highlights for yoour brown hair, you have plenty of color combinations to explore.
Caramel and honey tones add warmth and suit almost all skin tones.
For those who prefer a cooler look, ash blonde and silver highlights can create a chic, icy vibe.
Copper and auburn highlights are also great options for those seeking a warmer, seasonal update without going too light.
The key is to choose shades that complement your natural brown base while adding dimension and depth to your hair.
