I remember looking at product catalogs, trying to decide which highlight shades would actually sell. Some looked too warm, others too ashy. Would customers love them or leave them sitting on shelves? Picking the right shades felt like a guessing game.
So, I started digging deeper—talking to hairstylists, reviewing market trends, and understanding what truly works for dark brown hair. I know how frustrating it is to invest in a product that doesn’t move, which is why I put this guide together.
Here, you’ll find 10 of the best highlight shades for dark brown hair—not just trending colors, but shades that customers look for.
Whether you’re stocking shelves, planning a product launch, or refining your salon offerings, these insights will help you choose with confidence.
So let’s begin!
1. Caramel Highlights
Caramel highlights are one of the most requested hair colors for dark brown hair. They add warmth, depth, and a natural glow without overpowering the base color. If you’re in the hair extension business, ecommerce, or a salon owner, offering caramel highlights is a great way to attract customers looking for dimensional, low-maintenance color.
Why Caramel Highlights Are in Demand
- Universally flattering: Works best on warm skin tones but can be adjusted for different clients.
- Natural and versatile: Adds brightness without drastic color changes.
- Low maintenance: Grows out seamlessly, making it easy for clients to maintain.
- Perfect for all seasons: Not too light for winter, not too dark for summer.
Best Techniques for Caramel Highlights
To offer the best results, choose the right technique based on the client’s needs:
- Balayage: Soft, hand-painted highlights for a seamless blend. Great for clients who want a natural, lived-in look.
- Foil Highlights: A more structured approach for clients looking for well-defined streaks.
- Face-Framing Pieces: Brighten up the front sections for a subtle, eye-catching glow.
2. Honey Blonde
Honey blonde highlights are one of the easiest ways to brighten dark brown hair while keeping a natural look. The soft golden tone blends seamlessly, adding warmth and dimension without feeling too bold. If you’re looking for a shade that sells well and appeals to a broad audience, honey blonde is a smart choice.
Why Honey Blonde Highlights Are in Demand
Your customers want color that looks effortless. They want brightness without harsh contrast. That’s why honey blonde continues to be a top choice in salons and hair extension collections.
- Natural, sun-kissed effect – Customers love highlights that look soft and seamless, not overly processed.
- Blends with different brown tones – Whether your clients have warm, neutral, or golden undertones, this shade adapts well.
- Versatile for salons and e-commerce – Works across different hair types and textures, making it a great addition to your product line.
Best Techniques for Honey Blonde Highlights
If you offer hair extensions, color services, or hair products, you need to understand application techniques. The right method makes all the difference in how the color looks and how long it lasts.
- Face-framing highlights – Brightens the area around the face, making the hair look fresh and youthful. A great way to introduce customers to highlights without a full commitment.
- Babylights – Fine, subtle highlights that mimic natural sun exposure. Ideal for those looking for soft dimensions without a dramatic color shift.
- Foil highlights – Provides controlled placement and even lift. Best for clients who want more noticeable brightness and contrast.
3. Ash Brown
Ash brown highlights offer a cool-toned, smoky finish that transforms dark brown hair without making it look too light. If you’ve ever had customers complain about unwanted warmth creeping into their highlights, this shade solves that problem. It neutralizes brassiness, leaving a sleek and sophisticated result.
This shade works best for fair to medium skin tones, especially those with cool or neutral undertones. Instead of the golden glow that caramel or honey highlights create, ash brown delivers a modern, muted effect. It’s the perfect choice for clients who want dimension without the warmth.
Why Ash Brown Highlights Are in Demand
Some shades come and go, but ash brown is always a favorite. Here’s why:
- No unwanted brassiness – The cool tones counteract red and orange hues that often appear in highlighted brown hair.
- Creates a soft, smoky effect – It blends into dark hair naturally, giving depth without an artificial contrast.
- Pairs well with salon toners – Many stylists refresh this shade with silver or pearl glosses, making it a flexible option for different hair types.
- A go-to for subtle transformations – Ideal for clients who want to enhance their hair without going blonde.
Best Techniques for Ash Brown Highlights
Strategic placement is key for achieving the right look. Whether you’re selling extensions, stocking products, or offering salon services, the method matters.
- Face-framing pieces – Adds brightness around the face without changing the entire base color.
- Fine woven highlights – Keeps the color looking soft and natural rather than streaky.
- Cool-toned root melt – Helps blend the highlights for an even, seamless look.
- Smoky gloss treatment – A must-have for maintaining the ashy tone and keeping brassiness at bay.
4. Auburn
Ever had a client stare at their dark brown hair and say, “I want a change, but I don’t want to go too light”? Auburn highlights are the perfect in-between. They bring warmth, depth, and a subtle vibrance without looking too bold. The reddish-brown hue catches the light beautifully, adding movement and dimension.
Unlike cooler-toned highlights, auburn feels rich and natural. It works on all skin tones, though it complements warm undertones best. The golden and copper tones make it especially flattering for those with olive or peachy complexions.
Why Auburn Highlights Are in Demand
- Adds warmth without looking unnatural – A perfect way to brighten dark brown hair while keeping a seamless blend.
- Rich, multidimensional effect – Unlike single-tone reds, auburn shifts beautifully in different lighting.
- Great for all seasons – A favorite for fall, but it also enhances summer glow-ups.
- Works across different hair textures – Whether straight, curly, or wavy, the color stands out in the best way.
Best Techniques for Auburn Highlights
Auburn needs precise placement to avoid looking too brassy or too dark. The right technique ensures a soft, blended finish.
- Soft feathering – Lightly blends auburn through the mid-lengths for a barely-there effect.
- Underlights – Places color beneath the top layer, revealing warmth when hair moves.
- Ribbon highlights – Weaves thin, strategic streaks for a soft, painted effect.
- Rooted blend – Extends the natural base while subtly fading into auburn for easy maintenance.
5. Chestnut
Chestnut highlights bring warmth, richness, and just the right amount of dimension to dark brown hair. If you’ve ever stocked lighter highlights and noticed some clients hesitate, it’s because not everyone wants a drastic change. Chestnut is that perfect in-between—a color that enhances without overpowering.
This shade blends deep brown with golden or reddish undertones, creating a natural, sunlit effect. It’s a color that works across different markets—whether for salon clients, hair extensions, or retail products. Unlike high-maintenance blonde shades, chestnut grows out effortlessly, making it a smart choice for anyone looking for a refined but easy-to-manage look.
Why Chestnut Highlights Are in Demand
- Adds warmth without looking artificial – The golden and red tones melt into dark brown hair naturally.
- Flatters medium to dark skin tones – The warmth enhances deeper complexions, making the skin appear more radiant.
- Gives dark hair movement – Prevents brown shades from looking too flat or monochrome.
- Easy to maintain – No harsh grow-out lines, just a smooth transition over time.
Best Techniques for Chestnut Highlights
The right application method is what makes chestnuts look polished, not patchy. A well-blended technique gives depth, warmth, and a natural fade.
- Dimensional placement – Mixing chestnut tones throughout different sections creates a rich, multi-tonal look.
- Gloss toning – A warm-toned gloss boosts shine and prevents the highlights from fading dull.
- Soft feathering – Light strokes of color prevent harsh streaks, keeping the blend seamless.
- Gradient effect – Placing deeper tones at the roots and lighter chestnut hues towards the ends gives a soft, lived-in glow.
6. Mocha
Some clients love the idea of highlights but don’t want anything too bright. They want depth, dimension, and richness—without stepping too far from their natural color. Mocha highlights are the perfect solution.
This shade is a deep, velvety brown with a soft, understated contrast. It’s subtle but effective, adding just enough warmth and depth to make dark brown hair look more dynamic. It’s the kind of color that looks effortless yet polished.
Why Mocha Highlights Are in Demand
- Adds richness without overpowering the base – A great option for those who want a refined, natural look.
- Perfect for clients who don’t want blonde – Keeps the depth of dark hair while still adding movement.
- Works well year-round – Mocha transitions beautifully from summer sun to winter coziness.
- Enhances shine – The deep brown tones reflect light, giving the hair a healthy, expensive-looking glow.
Best Techniques for Mocha Highlights
Mocha highlights are all about soft, blended placement that looks natural and effortless.
- Root smudge technique – Blends highlights into the base color for a soft, seamless grow-out.
- Soft ribbons of color – Distributes mocha tones throughout the hair for a rich, dimensional effect.
- Underlights – Adds depth by placing color beneath the surface layers, revealing warmth when the hair moves.
- Gloss toning – A mocha glaze boosts shine and enhances the depth of the highlights.
7. Rose Gold
Rose gold highlights bring a fresh, modern edge to dark brown hair. It’s a pinkish-gold blend that adds warmth while keeping the look soft and wearable. If you’re selecting colors for extensions, e-commerce collections, or salon services, this shade is one to consider. It stands out, but not in an over-the-top way.
This shade works best for warm to neutral skin tones, especially those with golden or peachy undertones. It brightens the face, making it a great option for clients who want something new without going too bold.
Why Rose Gold Highlights Are in Demand
- Fashion-forward, but practical – Adds color without looking unnatural.
- Soft and flattering – The pink and gold tones blend beautifully into brown hair.
- Ideal for gradual transformations – A good choice for clients trying out color for the first time.
- Works well across different styles – Enhances curls, waves, and sleek looks.
Best Techniques for Rose Gold Highlights
Application matters. The goal is a smooth, natural blend that enhances dark brown hair without harsh contrast.
- Dimensional layering – Weaving in pink and gold tones for a soft, multi-tonal effect.
- Gradual tone shift – Starting deeper at the roots and transitioning into rose gold for a natural fade.
- Gloss toning – Adding a shine-enhancing finish to keep the highlights fresh.
- Delicate face-framing highlights – Lightening key areas to create brightness and movement.
8. Platinum Blonde
You know the clients—the ones who want a bold change, something high-contrast and eye-catching. They don’t just want subtle dimension. They want a statement color. That’s where platinum blonde highlights come in.
This shade is cool, edgy, and dramatic, making it a favorite for trendsetters. When done right, platinum adds an icy contrast against dark brown hair, creating a sleek, modern look. Whether you’re offering it in salons, extensions, or online collections, this color attracts customers looking for something beyond the usual warm tones.
Why Platinum Blonde Highlights Are in Demand
- A bold, high-fashion look – Perfect for clients who want to stand out.
- Works best for cool skin tones – The silver undertones complement fair and neutral complexions.
- Elevates any style – Whether sleek and straight or tousled and textured, platinum makes a statement.
- Photogenic and eye-catching – Ideal for influencers, content creators, and trend-conscious buyers.
Best Techniques for Platinum Blonde
Achieving a flawless platinum blonde highlight requires skill and the right approach. Here are the top techniques:
- Babylights – Ultra-fine highlights that give a soft, dimensional platinum effect without harsh lines. Great for clients wanting a subtle yet brightening effect.
- Double Process Lightening – Essential for going full platinum. First, the hair is pre-lightened, then toned to remove brassiness. This is best done by professionals for even results.
- Shadow Root + Platinum – Keeping the roots slightly darker helps blend the platinum highlights seamlessly while reducing maintenance.
9. Burgundy
You know how important it is to offer colors that balance boldness with sophistication. Burgundy does exactly that. It’s a deep wine-red shade that brings warmth and richness without feeling too overpowering. If you’re adding new hair extensions, stocking your e-commerce collection, or introducing fresh salon services, this is a shade worth considering.
Burgundy is especially flattering on medium to dark skin tones. Its warm undertones enhance natural features, making the hair look vibrant yet refined. Unlike lighter reds, burgundy blends effortlessly into dark brown hair, offering a smooth, dimensional finish.
Why Burgundy Highlights Are in Demand
- A bold but wearable color – Stands out without looking unnatural.
- Works beautifully on brunettes – No extreme lightening needed.
- Complements warm undertones – Adds depth without washing out the complexion.
- Ideal for all seasons – Rich enough for fall and winter, yet radiant in summer.
Best Techniques for Burgundy Highlights
To create depth and movement, placement is everything. The right technique enhances the color’s richness and ensures a polished, blended effect.
- Ribbon highlights – Strategically woven pieces create a soft, dimensional look.
- Face-framing streaks – Brings warmth around the face for a fresh, youthful effect.
- Underlights for depth – Hidden streaks underneath add contrast and movement.
- Full highlights for maximum impact – A great option for clients looking for a complete transformation.
10. Copper
You’ve probably had clients who want something warm and bright but aren’t sure which shade to choose. They want dimension, they want glow, but they don’t want anything too bold. That’s where copper highlights come in.
This shade is warm, luminous, and full of life. It adds a golden-red radiance to dark brown hair, making it perfect for clients looking for a fresh, vibrant change. Unlike cooler tones, copper enhances warm and olive skin tones, bringing out natural undertones rather than clashing with them.
Why Copper Highlights Are in Demand
- Creates a natural glow – The warm undertones reflect light beautifully.
- Works effortlessly on brunettes – Blends into dark brown hair without harsh contrast.
- Flatters warm and olive skin tones – Enhances golden and peachy undertones.
- Adds depth and movement – Prevents brown hair from looking flat.
Best Techniques for Copper Highlights
The right application ensures that copper blends seamlessly while still making an impact.
- Soft feathering – Light strokes of color create a sun-kissed effect.
- Layered ribbons – Mixing lighter and deeper copper tones adds natural dimension.
- Glow-enhancing gloss – Boosts shine and keeps the color looking fresh.
- Subtle face-framing pieces – Brings warmth and brightness to the complexion.
Conclusion
Trends come and go, but the right highlights never go out of style. From caramel’s soft warmth to platinum’s striking contrast, each color is an opportunity—to upgrade your inventory, enhance your salon offerings, or create extensions your customers will love.
The only question is: Which color will you choose first?
You have the knowledge. You have the insight. Now, it’s time to take action. Give your clients the stunning highlights they’re looking for.
Let’s make it happen—contact us today!
