25 Dark Brown Hair With Highlights Trending In 2026

Sometimes, all it takes is a few strategically placed highlights to completely transform your hair. Whether you love soft caramel tones, bold ribbon highlights, playful pink accents, or cool ash blends, the right color placement can add depth, brightness, and personality without changing your entire base shade. In this curated collection, you’ll find 25 beautiful highlight ideas.

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1) Waves with Subtle Caramel Highlights

This hairstyle complements a wide range of face shapes because the waves soften sharp angles and add balance. The shoulder-length cut is practical yet feminine, offering styling flexibility without being overwhelming. The warmth of the caramel tones brightens the complexion, especially for those with neutral or warm undertones.

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2) Copper Face-Framing Waves on Dark Brown Hair

This hairstyle is a perfect example of warm copper highlights placed strategically on a dark brown base. Instead of subtle blended highlights, this look features stronger, intentional front pieces that frame the face. It looks trendy but still wearable for everyday life.
 

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3) Caramel Ribbon Highlights and Wispy Bangs

This hairstyle features long, flowing layers paired with soft, wispy bangs that gently graze the eyebrows. The base color is a deep, rich brunette, enhanced with caramel ribbon highlights woven vertically through the hair for a dimensional effect.

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4) Long Layered Hair With Highlights

The ash blonde pieces soften facial features and add glow near the cheekbones. It works well for medium to thick hair types. The blend of dark and light tones gives a youthful yet sophisticated vibe. Trim every 8 weeks to preserve the layered shape and prevent split ends.

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5) Angled Bob with Subtle Brunette Highlights

The cut is sleek with light layering to maintain movement without adding bulk. The deep brunette base is enhanced with subtle, fine highlights that create gentle dimension and shine. The side-swept fringe blends smoothly into the rest of the cut, softening the face and adding a youthful touch.

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6) Long  Fine Caramel Ribbon Highlights

Fine highlights add brightness that naturally enhances the complexion. The dimension helps prevent dark hair from looking too heavy or aging. The soft waves create movement, which adds youthful energy. The warmth in the highlights complements natural skin tones. Together, it creates a refined yet approachable appearance.

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7) Honey Caramel Highlights

The base color is a rich medium-to-dark brown, enhanced with fine honey and caramel highlights woven throughout. The curls add bounce and dimension, while the layers prevent the length from looking heavy or flat. It is versatile enough for both everyday wear and special occasions.

 

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8) Sleek Long Straight Hair with Subtle Copper Highlights

This hairstyle features ultra-sleek, long, pin-straight hair with a clean center part. The highlights are strategically placed to add warmth and light reflection, especially near the top layers and front sections. Instead of heavy balayage, the color is subtle and refined.

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9) Wavy Bold Honey Blonde Ribbon Highlights

The lighter strands are intentionally placed to create contrast, depth, and visual movement. The curls enhance the highlight placement, making each ribbon stand out more clearly. Always apply heat protectant before styling to preserve shine and color integrity.

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10) Textured Shoulder-Length Lob With Highlights

Stylists love this hairstyle because it balances practicality and fashion beautifully. The lob length is manageable yet long enough for versatile styling. Add subtle eyeliner and mascara to define the eyes without overpowering the softness of the waves. A peach or soft rose blush brightens the cheeks naturally.

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11) Bold Red Ribbon Highlights

Stylists recommend this look for women who want a dramatic transformation without fully changing their base color. The red ribbons create dimension and movement in dark hair. The layered structure enhances volume and prevents heaviness.

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12) Deep Burgundy Layered Blowout

The highlights are strategically placed to add shine, depth, and dramatic dimension. To recreate this look, begin with a smoothing and volumizing shampoo to build body without frizz. Apply a heat-protectant cream and a lightweight volumizing mousse before blow-drying.

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13) Feathered Layered Lob with Honey Highlights

This hairstyle features honey and caramel highlights on a medium-to-dark brown base. The lighter strands are strategically placed around the face and throughout the layers to create depth and glow without looking overly dramatic. It’s a perfect example of dimensional highlighting that enhances natural brown hair.

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14) Caramel Highlights

Stylists often recommend this cut because it adds movement and dimension without sacrificing length. The layers create natural volume, especially for medium-density hair. The caramel highlights brighten the complexion, giving a youthful glow. The soft waves add movement, preventing the hair from looking flat.

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15) Layered Waves with Golden Ribbon Highlights

This hairstyle features long, flowing layers styled into soft, defined waves. The base is a deep, glossy dark brown that creates a rich foundation. Running through the length are golden ribbon-like highlights that add contrast and brightness.

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16) Hair With Teal Highlights

The cut is medium length with soft layers, styled into loose, defined curls that enhance the color blend. The dark base keeps the look sleek and polished, while the teal ombre adds a bold, artistic twist.

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17) Shaggy Hair With Highlights

The front sections are intentionally brighter to frame and brighten the face, while the rest of the highlights are softly blended for dimension. The blonde pieces brighten the face instantly.
The shaggy layers give it that relaxed, effortless vibe. It looks playful but still stylish.

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18) Pink & Blonde Ribbon Balayage on Long Layered Waves

The base appears to be a warm medium brown, beautifully enhanced with rosy pink ribbons and a bold creamy blonde money piece at the front. The pink tones are blended throughout the mid-lengths and ends, giving the hair a dimensional, romantic finish.

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19) Dimensional Blonde Ribbon Highlights

This hairstyle suits women who love a polished yet statement look. The blend of dark and blonde tones flatters many skin tones. The layered waves add softness around the face. It works beautifully for medium to thick hair types and enhances natural movement.

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20) Pink Highlights

The pink instantly brightens the whole look. It’s bold but still beautifully blended. The waves make the color look soft, not harsh. It shows personality without losing sophistication. Pink tones fade faster than natural colors, so use a sulfate-free, color-safe shampoo. Wash with cool water to maintain vibrancy.

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21) Subtle Blonde Ribbon Highlights

Stylists recommend this look for clients who want dimension without high maintenance. The ribbon placement creates depth and movement. The lob length is versatile and easy to manage. The subtle contrast enhances texture and makes waves look more defined.

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22) Golden Caramel Highlights

The highlights are delicately blended, creating a natural sun-kissed effect rather than bold contrast. The ends are softly flipped outward, adding bounce and volume. The soft outward layers frame the shoulders beautifully. The warm tones reflect light, giving the hair a healthy glow.