Spring highlights for brunettes are that perfect way to add fresh, light dimension to your hair without a full change. These looks are full of inspiration: soft ash highlights that feel cool and modern, face-framing honey that adds gentle warmth, bold caramel ribbons that look dreamy and lovely, chunky cinnamon that brightens your smile.
Vanilla brunette that feels soft and pretty, and more spring brunette highlights that look polished and fun. Each one brings the season’s glow in the most flattering way. Choose the one that excites you, share it with your colorist, and enjoy how wonderful your hair looks and feels.
Gorgeous Spring Highlights For Brunettes
Spring is the perfect excuse to add some life back into your brunette base. These highlight techniques range from barely-there dimension to head-turning transformation, and each one brings something different to the table. Whether you’ve got a short bob or long layers, there’s a spring-appropriate option that’ll work with your vibe.
1. Soft Ash Highlights
This fresh spring highlight look features a rich brunette base with delicate ash-brown and subtle honey ribbons for a cool-toned, luminous glow on glossy, shoulder-length waves—perfect for that effortless, refreshed vibe as the seasons change. The soft, blended highlights add just enough brightness and dimension to dark hair without feeling harsh, making it a chic, low-maintenance choice for brunettes.
- Best Face Shapes: Ideal for oval and heart (frames features softly); adds balance to square faces with wavy ends; brightens round faces with subtle lift.
- Outfit Pairings: Gorgeous with pastel blouses or light denim for spring days; elevates floral dresses for brunches; pairs beautifully with white tees and neutrals for everyday cool-girl energy.
- Occasions: Perfect for office updates, weekend outings, or spring weddings—light and airy yet sophisticated.
- Styling Tips: Curl with a flat iron for loose bends; use shine spray for gloss; maintain with cool-tone purple shampoo.
Pro tip: Great for cool or neutral undertones—ask for fine babylights for this seamless, natural effect!
2. Face Framing Honey Highlights
This gorgeous spring highlight vibe is all about those bright, face-framing honey and caramel streaks on a rich brunette base—creating instant lift and glow on long, voluminous waves. The lighter pieces around the face add warmth and dimension, making eyes pop and giving that fresh, sun-kissed feel perfect for the new season.
- Best Face Shapes: Amazing on oval and heart (accentuates cheekbones and eyes); softens square jaws with strategic framing; brightens round faces for a slimming effect.
- Outfit Pairings: Stunning with pastel pinks, whites, or light blues for spring freshness; elevates floral maxi dresses; effortless with denim jackets and neutral tees.
- Occasions: Ideal for brunches, outdoor weddings, festivals, or everyday glow-ups—radiant yet sophisticated.
- Styling Tips: Curl ends with a large barrel iron for bounce; use lightweight shine serum; protect highlights with UV spray in sunny weather.
Pro tip: Perfect for warm undertones—ask for money-piece highlights for maximum face-brightening impact!
3. Bold Caramel Highlights
This stunning spring refresh takes a deep brunette base and amps it up with bold, chunky caramel highlights that ribbon through for major contrast and movement on long, glossy waves. The warm golden streaks add instant brightness and that effortless, beachy dimension—perfect for brunettes wanting a noticeable yet natural pop as the weather warms up.
- Best Face Shapes: Flattering on oval and long (highlights elongate and frame); adds softness to square faces; brightens heart-shaped with front pieces.
- Outfit Pairings: Pops against white tanks and light denim for casual spring vibes; gorgeous with pastel sweaters or floral tops; elevates neutral linens for weekends.
- Occasions: Ideal for festivals, outdoor brunches, vacation glow, or everyday confidence boosts—fun and radiant.
- Styling Tips: Enhance waves with a 1.5-inch curling iron; finish with texture spray for volume; use color-safe shampoo to keep caramel tones vibrant.
Pro tip: Suits warm and olive undertones—opt for foils for this striking, defined highlight effect!
4. Chunky Cinnamon Highlights
This bold spring highlight look takes a deep espresso brunette base and weaves in thick, chunky cinnamon and toffee streaks for dramatic contrast and incredible movement on long, glossy waves. The warm, spicy tones scream seasonal refresh—adding instant warmth, depth, and that coveted sun-lit effect perfect for transitioning into brighter days.
- Best Face Shapes: Stunning on oval and long (highlights elongate beautifully); softens square faces with face-framing chunks; adds width and brightness to heart-shaped faces.
- Outfit Pairings: Killer with crisp white shirts and light-wash denim for casual spring chic; pops against sage green or soft peach tones; elevates boho maxi dresses for weekends.
- Occasions: Great for festivals, garden parties, vacation vibes, or a confident everyday glow—eye-catching yet wearable.
- Styling Tips: Blow-dry with a round brush for volume; define waves with a medium iron; lock in shine with lightweight oil on ends.
Pro tip: Ideal for warm or olive skin tones—request wider foil placements for this striking, low-maintenance dimension!
5. Caramel Balayage
This is the it girl of brunette highlights, and honestly? The hype is deserved. Caramel balayage gives you that expensive, lived-in look where honey-toned ribbons flow through your hair like you spent three weeks in the Mediterranean (even if you were actually just binge-watching Netflix). The hand-painted technique means no harsh lines, just pure dimension.
Face Shape & Styling: Works beautifully on oval and heart-shaped faces. For round faces, ask your stylist to concentrate the lighter pieces around your face to create length. The key is placement—you want those caramel tones catching light at your cheekbones.
What You’ll Need: A good color-safe shampoo and conditioner set (Target and Walmart have excellent options from brands like Redken and Pureology), a heat protectant spray before any styling, and a smoothing serum for that glossy finish. Pair this with gold jewelry and warm-toned pieces from Free People US—think rust, cream, and olive green.
Maintenance: Plan for toning appointments every 6-8 weeks to keep brassiness at bay. A purple or blue shampoo used once weekly helps maintain that perfect caramel tone.
6. Honey Blonde Ribbons
Taking it a step lighter than caramel, honey blonde highlights give you that fresh, springtime glow. These are thicker, more intentional pieces woven throughout your hair—think ribbon-like sections rather than subtle dimension.
Best For: Those with medium to dark brown bases who want a noticeable but not drastic change. If you’ve got warm undertones in your skin, honey blonde is chef’s kiss. Square and oval face shapes rock this look, especially with long layers that let those ribbons flow.
Product Arsenal: You’ll definitely need a good blonde toning shampoo—brands like Fanola or Joico are salon-quality and available at beauty supply stores. A deep conditioning mask weekly is essential (dry, damaged blonde pieces are not the vibe). Style with a 1.25-inch curling iron to add texture that shows off the dimension. Nike’s athletic-chic pieces actually pair great with this look for that California cool-girl aesthetic.
7. Subtle Face-Framing Highlights
Not ready to commit to all-over highlights? Start here. These delicate, sun-kissed pieces around your face brighten your complexion and add just enough interest without overwhelming your natural color.
Perfect For: Brunettes dipping their toes into highlights for the first time, or anyone who wants maximum impact with minimal maintenance. This works on literally every face shape because you can customize the placement—wider pieces for round faces, thinner ribbons for angular features.
The Shopping List: Since you’re keeping most of your hair natural, your product needs are minimal. A color gloss treatment every month keeps things shiny, and you might want a small flat iron (Best Buy has great travel-sized options) for styling those face-framing pieces. Pair with statement earrings from Dynamite Clothing or Garage Clothing to draw even more attention to your face.
8. Chocolate Cherry Lowlights
Plot twist—who says spring is only about going lighter? Chocolate cherry tones add richness and depth to brunette hair, giving you that expensive, multi-dimensional look. These are technically lowlights (darker than your base), but they catch light in this gorgeous burgundy-tinged way.
Ideal Candidate: Anyone with light to medium brown hair who wants something a little unexpected. This look is stunning on heart-shaped and diamond face shapes, and it photographs incredibly well. It’s edgy without being high-maintenance.
What to Buy: A color-depositing conditioner in red or burgundy tones helps maintain the richness between salon visits. You’ll also want a shine spray—the glossier, the better with this color. Style with leather jackets and combat boots (Hugo Boss and Diesel have killer options) for that perfectly undone spring-into-summer edge.
9. Champagne Highlights
Champagne is the cool-toned cousin of caramel, and it’s perfect for brunettes with cooler skin undertones or anyone who wants that icy, sophisticated vibe. These highlights have a slightly ashy, beige-blonde quality that looks ultra-modern.
Face Shape Pro Tips: Long faces benefit from horizontal placement of highlights, while round faces should ask for vertical sections. This color is particularly flattering on pale skin tones and looks incredible against crisp white shirts.
Essential Products: Purple shampoo is your best friend here—use it 2-3 times a week to prevent any yellow tones. A lightweight hair oil keeps things shiny without weighing down your hair. For styling, a texturizing spray adds movement. Fashion-wise, this pairs beautifully with minimalist pieces—think clean lines from brands you’d find at Pinko or structured blazers.
10. Bronde Balayage
Can’t decide between brunette and blonde? Bronde is your answer. This technique blends brown and blonde seamlessly, giving you the best of both worlds—depth at the roots with lighter, brighter ends.
Best Match: Medium brown bases can pull off the most dramatic bronde transformation. This works on every face shape but looks particularly stunning on long hair where you can see the gradient effect. Angular faces benefit from softer, blended pieces around the jawline.
Your Shopping Cart Should Include: Definitely invest in a bond-building treatment like Olaplex (splurge-worthy and available at most beauty retailers). A purple shampoo, a good heat protectant, and a smoothing cream are essentials. This look pairs perfectly with that elevated casual vibe—think Nike sneakers with tailored pants, or a structured bag from a contemporary brand.
11. Copper Highlights
For the brunette who wants to lean into warm, spicy tones, copper highlights are where it’s at. These vibrant, reddish-orange pieces add so much personality and work beautifully with spring’s warmer weather.
Styling Notes: Copper shows up best on medium brown bases and looks incredible on warm-toned skin. Oval and heart-shaped faces can rock the boldest copper placement. This color demands confidence—it’s a statement.
Product Requirements: Color-depositing shampoo in copper or red tones is a must. You’ll also want a UV protectant spray because sun exposure can fade copper fast. A shine serum keeps things glossy. Fashion-wise, copper pairs beautifully with emerald green, navy, and cream—check out spring collections for these color combos. The key is keeping your hair healthy and vibrant, so weekly deep conditioning is non-negotiable.
12. Dimensional Brown Highlights
Sometimes you want highlights but you don’t want to go lighter—enter dimensional brown. This technique uses varying shades of brown (some lighter, some richer) to create depth and movement without any blonde tones.
Perfect For: Professionals who want dimension without the upkeep of lighter highlights, or anyone who loves their brunette color but wants more oomph. This is universally flattering and works on short hair cuts and color just as well as longer styles.
What You Need: The beauty of this is minimal product commitment. Standard color-safe shampoo and conditioner, a heat protectant, and you’re good. A texturizing spray or sea salt spray adds movement to show off the dimension. This look is incredibly versatile styling-wise—wear it with literally anything from athletic wear to business casual pieces from contemporary brands.
13. Bright Blonde Tips
For the adventurous brunette, bright blonde tips create a dramatic ombré effect that’s peak spring energy. This is dip-dyed ends that graduate from your natural brown to eye-catching blonde.
Who Can Pull This Off: Anyone willing to commit to the maintenance. This works especially well on long hair where you have space for the gradient, and it’s surprisingly flattering on round faces because the lighter ends create vertical lines. Confidence is key here.
Maintenance Must-Haves: Olaplex or a similar bond-building treatment is essential. Purple shampoo 2-3 times weekly, a deep conditioner, and regular trims to keep ends healthy. You’ll also want styling products that add shine. This bold look pairs well with equally bold fashion choices—platform sneakers, statement pieces, and fun accessories from youth-oriented brands like Garage Clothing.
What Is The Best Highlight Color For Brunettes During Spring Season?
So I was scrolling through a beauty forum the other day (as one does at 2 AM), and this question kept popping up in different variations. The consensus? There’s no single “best” color—it depends on your undertones, maintenance tolerance, and personal vibe.
Here’s what real people are saying:
Team Warm Tones: Most brunettes with warm undertones gravitate toward caramel, honey, and copper highlights. One user said, “Caramel balayage changed my life—it makes my skin look glowy and my hair looks expensive even when I haven’t washed it in three days.” Fair point. Warm highlights catch sunlight beautifully and tend to look natural on most brunette bases.
The Cool-Toned Crew: For brunettes with cool undertones, ashy browns, champagne, and even some platinum pieces can look stunning. Someone mentioned that champagne highlights gave them that “expensive ice queen” aesthetic they’d been chasing. The key is avoiding anything too golden or brassy, which can clash with cool skin tones.
The Compromise: Bronde seems to be the middle ground everyone can agree on. It has enough warmth to look sun-kissed but enough cool tones to stay sophisticated. Plus, it’s ridiculously versatile—dress it up or down, pair it with any outfit, and it photographs well in any lighting.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Highlight Type | Best For | Maintenance Level | Cost Factor |
| Caramel Balayage | Warm undertones, natural look | Medium (6-8 weeks) | $$ |
| Champagne | Cool undertones, modern vibe | High (4-6 weeks) | $$$ |
| Honey Blonde | Medium brown base, noticeable change | Medium (6-8 weeks) | $$ |
| Copper | Warm skin, statement look | High (5-6 weeks) | $$$ |
| Bronde | Everyone, versatile | Medium (8-10 weeks) | $$-$$$ |
The real answer? The best spring highlight is whatever makes you feel like you can conquer the world when you walk out of the salon. But practically speaking, balayage techniques in warm honey or caramel tones win for spring because they’re low-maintenance, universally flattering, and give you that vacation-hair vibe we’re all chasing.
One stylist I follow on social media always says to consider your lifestyle. If you’re washing your hair daily and heat styling constantly, lighter highlights might fade faster. If you’re more low-maintenance, you might actually prefer the ease of subtle babylights that grow out gracefully.
Shopping & Essentials: Everything You Need For Spring Brunette Highlights
Let’s talk about the not-so-fun but totally necessary part: aftercare. Getting highlights is just step one—maintaining them requires some investment in quality products and, let’s be honest, a little planning.
The Non-Negotiables:
First up, color-safe shampoo and conditioner. I know they’re pricier, but using regular shampoo on fresh highlights is like buying a designer bag and storing it on your dirty floor. Target and Walmart stock excellent salon-quality lines like Redken Color Extend and Pureology Strength Cure. Budget about $25-40 for the set, but they last way longer than drugstore options because you need less product.
Purple or blue shampoo is essential if you’ve gone with any blonde or ash tones. Use it once or twice weekly—not every wash or you’ll end up with purple hair (learned that one the hard way). Fanola No Yellow is like $15 and works miracles.
Heat protectant spray is non-negotiable. Highlighted hair is more porous and prone to damage, so if you’re using hot tools, spray first. Best Buy carries heat protectant options, and you can also find them at any beauty retailer.
The Nice-To-Haves:
A color-depositing gloss or mask extends your salon results and adds shine. Use weekly for best results. Deep conditioning treatments keep your hair soft and healthy—highlighted hair can get dry, especially at the ends. Olaplex No. 3 is the gold standard, but there are budget-friendly alternatives at Groupon or through beauty deals.
Styling tools matter too. If you’re embracing textured waves to show off your dimension, invest in a quality curling iron or wand. If you’re going sleek, a good flat iron makes all the difference. Best Buy often runs sales on hot tools, and you can score decent deals on professional-grade equipment.
Fashion & Accessories:
Here’s where it gets fun. Spring highlights pair beautifully with the season’s fashion trends. Warm caramel tones look stunning with earth tones—olive, rust, cream—which you’ll find at Free People US. Cool-toned highlights work with crisp whites, soft pinks, and gray, perfect for that minimalist spring aesthetic from brands like Pinko.
Accessories matter too. Gold jewelry enhances warm highlights, while silver complements cool tones. Statement earrings from Dynamite Clothing or Garage Clothing draw attention to your face-framing pieces. And don’t underestimate the power of a good hair clip or headband when you’re having a day-three hair situation.
Budget Breakdown:
- Budget-Friendly: Drugstore color-safe products ($15-30), basic heat protectant ($10-15), simple styling tools ($30-50). Total initial investment: ~$75-100
- Mid-Range: Salon-quality shampoo/conditioner sets ($40-50), purple shampoo ($15-20), quality heat protectant ($20-30), good styling tools ($80-120), monthly gloss treatment ($25). Total: ~$200-250
- Premium: High-end color care ($60-80), Olaplex treatments ($30+), professional-grade hot tools ($150-300), regular salon glosses ($40-60). Total: ~$400-500+
Pro tip: Check Groupon for deals on color maintenance services. You can often find discounted gloss treatments or conditioning services that extend your salon results without the full price tag.
Final Thoughts
Listen, if you’ve made it this far, you’re clearly serious about giving your brunette hair a spring makeover. And honestly? You should be excited. Spring highlights are one of those changes that can legit boost your mood every time you catch your reflection.
Screenshot your favorite looks from this list and bring them to your stylist—seriously, they love when you come prepared with visual references. But here’s my advice: also have a conversation about maintenance. Be realistic about how often you’ll come in for toning, how much you’re willing to spend on products, and what your daily styling routine actually looks like (not what you wish it looked like).
