Highlights are popular because of the dimensioning effect they add. Without highlights, hair can look flat and dull, but with highlights, hair can appear shinier, more voluminous, and fuller overall. Highlights look great with any hair color, but they’re especially popular for fall when paired with brunette hair.
“Highlights complement brown hair in so many ways for fall,” says Richy Kandasamy, member of the R+Co Collective. “Highlights in warm colors like caramel, honey, and gold create a rich, autumnal look, complement the colors of the season, and flatter skin tones and complexions as the weather cools down for fall.”
But that’s not all: highlights can also make brown hair look “fuller, textured, and multidimensional,” according to Kandasamy. Convinced your brunette hair needs a few highlights? Let’s explore the best fall highlights for brown hair.
Extended balayage
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For a hassle-free idea for highlighting brown hair, try balayage, which will look great even as it grows out. “I love adding balayage highlights to grown-out hair, and they’re the perfect transition into fall,” says Nicole Gash, color director at Valerie Joseph Madison Avenue. “Julia’s tousled ends really complement the pieced-in highlight look.”
Face Framing Latte Highlight
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“Highlights add warmth, dimension, and depth to your hair, making them a great addition to brown hair for fall,” says celebrity colorist Chase Kucero. Here, you can see how subtle latte highlights frame the face, brightening not only the hair but the entire complexion.
Honey Gold Highlights
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“Softly applied honey-gold highlights add dimension to even the darkest base color,” says Gash, noting that they’re perfect for fall. Here, you can see Selena Gomez sporting honey-gold highlights, with subtle waves of the color giving shape to her hairstyle.
Butter Blonde Highlights
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Butter blonde might seem like a summery color, but when worked on light brown hair, it creates a warm, toffee-like finish that’s perfect for fall. “Highlights are always on trend because they add dimension and airiness and are flattering on everyone,” says Gash. “For fall, I like to transition my clients’ hair from bright colors to more natural, subtle highlights that seem more in keeping with the season but still look fresh.”
Cool Blonde Baby Light
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While warm highlights are popular for fall, cool highlights are also popular. Here you can see that some cool blonde highlights create gorgeous blonde hair that is perfect for fall.
Warm tones
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That said, warmer tones will make your hair look richer in autumn. “Try caramel, honey, and gold highlights,” suggests Kucero. “These tones will add warmth and brightness, making brown hair look fuller and more vibrant in the autumn light.”
Ultra-subtle face-framing highlights
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“Adding light highlights around the face can brighten your look,” says Cucero. For proof, just take a look at Becky G’s super subtle chestnut highlights. Aren’t they stunning?
Dark Chestnut Highlights
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One of Kandasamy’s favorite fall highlight colors is chestnut. “Fall is definitely about warm tones,” he says. “From warm leather to chestnut brunette, it’s about depth and richness and a natural harmony of tones.” Here, you can see dark chestnut highlights adding dimension to Jourdan Dunn’s espresso-colored hair.
Ash Blonde
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“Going blonde is a natural way to bring ash highlights straight into the cooler months,” Gash says, referencing Jamie Chung’s hair. “Adding shadow to your roots will give the look an extra ‘length.'”
Braided Honey Highlights
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Protective styles can also be accessorized with highlights: Kerry Washington shows how eye-catching honey highlights can be in shiny black braids.
Espresso Highlights
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Love coffee? Try incorporating it into your fall hair color. “If you have very dark hair, consider adding a touch of espresso,” says Gash. “Highlights can help bring out chocolate tones all over your hair, adding dimension that’s perfect for fall.”
Soft Brown Highlights
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Fall doesn’t mean you have to go dark. You can follow Jennifer Aniston’s lead and lighten up with a lustrous, dimensional brown color for fall. “Natural brunettes will love this soft brown, which is easy to maintain and will easily maintain your previously lightened hair throughout fall and winter,” says Gash.
Caramel Highlights
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Jennifer Hudson’s caramel highlights stand out against her jet black undertones, and this warm, vibrant highlight hue is sure to add some sparkle to any hairstyle.
Copper blonde highlights
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For a light, fall-inspired look, try a light brown base with copper blonde highlights. “Jennifer Lopez’s highlights are always the envy of our fans,” says Gash. “Light copper highlights are especially flattering to her skin tone and add some shine to the hair.”
Smoky Highlights
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While Kim Kardashian’s hair usually appears to be monochromatic, look closer and you’ll notice subtle highlights to add dimension. “The smoky-toned shade naturally lightens her jet-black locks,” says Gash. “Kim Kardashian wears this staple color all the time because it suits even the darkest shades.”
Auburn Babylights
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Bella Hadid is a staple in her brown hair with highlights, and here we see auburn ribbons adding a rich glow to her entire look.
Rooted Blonde Highlights
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Not ready to say goodbye to summer blonde hair yet? Go for brown hair with full roots. “What could be more low-maintenance than growing out your natural base?” jokes Gash. If your hair is slow to grow, you can book an appointment for a shadow root to achieve a similar style.
Blonde Baby Light
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While bold highlights are coming back into style, Gash says blonde babylights are the perfect way to transform brown hair into fall-ready hair. “Babylights are perfect for the beginning of autumn because they’re fine highlights that mimic the look your hair gets after a summer in the sun,” she explains, pointing to Hailey Bieber’s style, above.
Cranberry Highlights
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If your brown hair has a reddish undertone, Gash suggests adding a deep cranberry hue for fall. Her inspiration? Dua Lipa!
Ash blonde highlights
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Last but not least, there are ash blonde highlights as seen on Jessica Alba: soft and subtle, yet clearly complementing her dark brown base for fall.
