Auburn highlights are the perfect buddy for your brown hair this fall. They add a warm, cozy glow that looks great on everyone, no matter your age or skin. Picture #1: soft auburn lines in dark hair that shine in sun or rain. Or #6: auburn on curls that make each twist sparkle and stand out.
We have 10 easy styles with simple shine tips and tricks to keep roots neat for 10 weeks. Walk to work, the park, or a party—people will smile and say, “Love your hair!” Short or long, your fun new look starts right here. Keep reading!
10 Stunning Brunette with Auburn Highlights Ideas
Auburn isn’t just one look—it’s a whole mood board. Here’s the thing: the way auburn plays with your natural brunette base completely changes depending on placement, intensity, and technique. I’ve rounded up ten different ways to wear this trend, so whether you’re feeling subtle or ready to turn heads, there’s something here for you.
1. Dark brunette with subtle auburn
Picture deep, chocolate brown hair with thin ribbons of auburn woven throughout. This isn’t your typical highlight job—it’s more dimensional, more natural. The auburn catches light differently depending on how you move, creating this gorgeous multidimensional effect.
Face shape tip: Works amazing for round and square faces because the vertical lines create length. Styling hack: Use a wide-barrel curling iron to create loose waves that show off those ribbons. Pair this with a turtleneck and gold jewelry for peak fall energy, or rock it with summer dresses for unexpected warmth.
2. Medium brunette with auburn glow
Medium brunettes, this one’s calling your name. A mocha base with hand-painted auburn highlights gives you that “I just got back from vacation” glow without leaving your zip code. The key is keeping the transition soft—no harsh lines, just a seamless blend that looks like the sun personally kissed your hair.
Face shape tip: Oval and heart-shaped faces absolutely glow with this because the warmth draws attention to your cheekbones. Occasion pairing: Perfect for literally everything—coffee dates, work meetings, weddings, Tuesday grocery runs. The versatility is unmatched.
3. Brunette with caramel auburn mix
Why pick one when you can have the whole candy shop? Mixing caramel and auburn through brunette hair creates this high-shine, high-impact look that’s basically hair goals personified. Straight hair shows off the sleek ribbons of color, while curls make each shade pop individually.
Styling secret: Ask your colorist for a balayage technique here—it keeps things natural at the roots and gradually builds intensity. Best for: Anyone who wants maximum dimension without maintenance drama. This grows out beautifully.
4. Short brunette with auburn tips
Short hair gang, stand up! A cropped pixie or textured bob with auburn-dipped ends is pure personality in hair form. It’s bold without being over-the-top, and it frames your face in the coolest way possible.
Face shape tip: Works killer for angular faces—the auburn softens sharp jawlines. Style move: Pair with oversized hoops or statement earrings. The short length means those earrings get full spotlight, and the auburn tips add that chef’s kiss of edge. Plus, this style grows out without looking messy, so you’re not married to constant salon visits.
5. Brunette with partial auburn highlights
Not trying to commit to a full head of highlights? Smart. Face-framing auburn pieces give you that sun-kissed glow right where it matters most—around your face. It brightens your complexion and adds warmth without overwhelming your natural color.
Face shape tip: This technique is basically magic for every face shape because your colorist can customize the placement. Pro tip: This is perfect if you’re dipping your toes into the auburn world. You get the compliments without the full commitment, and it’s way easier on your wallet.
6. Curly brunette with auburn highlights
Curly hair and auburn highlights? That’s not just a combination—it’s a whole vibe. Auburn tones add crazy definition to curls, making each spiral stand out with warm, vibrant dimension. You can go chunky for drama or keep it subtle for that “naturally sun-kissed” autumn aesthetic.
Styling essential: Use a curl-defining cream and diffuser to really showcase those highlights. Occasion perfect for: Anywhere you want to be the main character. Beach days, date nights, brunch with friends—curls plus auburn equals automatic confidence boost.
7. Brunette auburn with blonde blend
For my boundary-pushing babes who like to keep things interesting: brunette auburn with blonde highlights is where color theory gets fun. This creates a gradient effect that flows from dark roots through auburn midlengths to golden blonde ends. It’s fashion-forward and gives major cool-girl energy.
Face shape tip: Longer hair shows this off best because you get the full color journey. Style note: This works beautifully with beach waves or sleek straight hair. Pair with leather jackets and boots, and you’ve got that effortlessly edgy aesthetic locked down.
8. Reddish brown brunette with dimension
A reddish-brown base with lighter auburn highlights throughout is pure autumn in hair form. It’s rich, it’s moody, it’s got that expensive multidimensional shine that catches light from every angle. This look is chef’s kiss on medium-length hair, whether straight or wavy.
Face shape tip: The warmth works beautifully for most face shapes, but especially complements those with warm or neutral undertones. Vibe check: This is rom-com protagonist energy. You know that scene where the lead walks in slow motion? That’s this hair.
9. Brunette with lowlights dark auburn
Sometimes the magic happens underneath. Auburn lowlights tucked beneath your brunette layers create subtle depth and dimension that’s sophisticated AF. This technique adds warmth without being obvious about it—it’s for the minimalists who still want seasonal vibes.
Maintenance bonus: Lowlights grow out like a dream. No awkward roots, no emergency salon appointments. Best for: Anyone who wants that “I woke up like this” natural look but with a little extra something special.
10. Auburn brunette with caramel highlights
Deep brunette base, auburn warmth, caramel highlights—this combination is basically the hair equivalent of a luxury handbag. It’s glossy, multidimensional, and looks expensive because it is (sorry not sorry, but good color costs money).
Universal appeal: This shade mix flatters nearly every skin tone and face shape. Confidence level: Walk-into-the-salon-and-know-you’ll-leave-happy high. This is one of those guaranteed-win color combinations that colorists love working with.
What Color Highlights Work Best for Brunettes?
Okay, real talk: brunette hair is incredibly versatile when it comes to highlights. You’ve got options for days. But if we’re ranking favorites, auburn sits pretty high on that list for good reason.
The warm family: Auburn, caramel, honey, copper, and chestnut all work beautifully because they complement the natural warmth in most brunette shades. These colors enhance what you’ve already got going on rather than fighting against it.
The cool squad: If you’re feeling adventurous, ash brown, cool blonde, or even subtle violet tones can create gorgeous contrast. But here’s the thing—these require more maintenance and can sometimes wash out warmer skin tones.
Why auburn wins: Auburn highlights hit that sweet spot where they’re noticeable enough to give you dimension but natural enough that you don’t look like you’re trying too hard. They work with your brunette base instead of competing with it. Plus, auburn has serious range—from deep burgundy-reds to lighter copper tones, so you can customize it to your exact vibe.
Pro insight: The “best” highlight color for you personally depends on your skin’s undertones. Warm skin tones (golden, peachy, yellow undertones) absolutely glow with auburn, caramel, and honey. Cool skin tones (pink, red, blue undertones) might prefer ash or cooler auburn shades. Neutral undertones? Lucky you—pretty much everything works.
Do Brunette with Auburn Highlights Make You Look Younger or Older?
Here’s where it gets interesting: auburn highlights can actually make you look younger, but only if done right. Let me explain.
The youth-boosting factors:
- Face-framing warmth: Auburn highlights placed strategically around your face can soften features and add warmth that fights that tired, washed-out look we all get sometimes (thanks, adulting).
- Dimension equals vitality: Flat, one-dimensional color can read as dull or aging. Auburn highlights add movement and depth that gives hair—and your overall appearance—more life and energy.
- The gray coverage advantage: Auburn tones are incredible for blending gray hairs naturally. Instead of harsh roots, you get this soft transition that looks intentional rather than overdue.
When auburn can age you (and how to avoid it):
- Too red, too harsh: Super bright, fire-engine auburn without proper blending can look costume-y and actually emphasize fine lines. Solution? Go for softer, more natural auburn tones with seamless blending.
- Poor placement: Highlights that start right at your roots or are placed incorrectly can create harsh lines that draw attention to aging. Solution? Ask for babylights or balayage techniques that keep things soft and natural-looking.
- Wrong undertones: Auburn shades with too much orange can clash with certain skin tones and make you look sallow. Solution? Work with a skilled colorist who can match the right auburn undertone to your complexion.
The verdict: When done correctly—with proper placement, natural blending, and the right shade of auburn for your skin tone—these highlights absolutely create a more youthful, vibrant appearance. The key is working with an experienced colorist who understands dimension, placement, and how color interacts with skin tone.
Real talk: I’ve seen people genuinely look five years younger after getting well-placed auburn highlights. The warmth brightens the complexion, the dimension adds movement, and the overall effect is fresher and more dynamic than solid color.
Maintenance Tips That’ll Keep Your Auburn Glowing
Let’s be honest—you’re investing time and money into this color, so you want it to last. Auburn highlights need a little TLC to stay vibrant, but it’s not rocket science.
Color-safe is non-negotiable: Switch to sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner ASAP. Regular products strip color faster than you can say “faded highlights.” Look for formulas specifically designed for color-treated or red hair.
Heat protection always: Auburn tones are more prone to fading from heat styling. Use a heat protectant spray every single time you pick up a hot tool. No exceptions.
Cool water rinses: Hot water opens hair cuticles and lets color escape. Rinse with cool (or at least lukewarm) water to seal everything in and boost shine.
Touch-up timeline: Depending on placement and technique, you’re looking at 8-12 weeks between salon visits. Balayage and babylights grow out more naturally than traditional highlights, which means less maintenance stress.
Purple or copper shampoo: Hear me out—once a week, use a color-depositing shampoo to refresh your auburn tones between appointments. Some brands make copper or auburn toning shampoos specifically for this.
Final Thoughts
Auburn highlights on brunette hair aren’t just a trend—they’re a whole aesthetic that works across seasons, styles, and personalities. Whether you’re going subtle with face-framing pieces or full-send with auburn blonde balayage, there’s genuinely a version of this look that’ll make you feel like your best self.
Screenshot your favorites from this list and bring them to your next salon appointment. A good colorist can customize any of these looks to work with your specific hair texture, face shape, and lifestyle. And honestly? Life’s too short for hair that doesn’t make you feel amazing. Auburn highlights might just be the confidence boost you didn’t know you needed.
Now go forth and glow up, bestie. Your dream hair is waiting.
