If you’ve been side-eying your reflection lately thinking, “It’s time for a change,” then buckle up—because light brown hair with highlights is that girl right now. From honey-sweet caramel streaks to ashy blonde touches that scream effortless chic, this trend is all about glossy dimension with zero commitment to a full dye job. Whether you’re rocking waves, coils, or a sleek bob, there’s a version of this trend with your name (and face shape) all over it.
What Highlights Look Best with Light Brown Hair?
The best highlights for light brown hair play with tone and contrast—think caramel, honey, ashy blonde, and even soft pink hues if you’re bold. Placement matters too: balayage, babylights, and face-framing highlights are all top-tier choices to create that natural, sunlit effect. Match the warmth of the highlight to your skin undertones, and you’re golden—literally.
Caramel Swirl Balayage
This look layers caramel balayage on light brunette hair, creating a warm, luxe ribbon effect that looks like dessert for your head. The painted-on technique makes it ideal for medium to long hair lengths, especially with soft waves. If you have a warm or olive undertone—congrats, this shade will glow on you.
Blonde Blended Lob
Perfect for the short-hair girlies, this lob (long bob) with blonde highlights over a light brown base gives off major cool girl energy. Think dirty blonde vibes but more elevated and wearable for daily looks. It pairs beautifully with square or heart-shaped faces and is ideal for low-maintenance styling.
Honey Brown Balayage
Honey brown balayage melts seamlessly into medium light brown strands for a golden-hour glow effect. This style screams “expensive hair” and works beautifully with curly textures or blowouts. Great for medium to thick hair types who want warmth without brassiness.
Curly Caramel Pop
If your curls are your crown, light brown hair with caramel highlights brings out the bounce in the best way. This combo is made for 3A–4A curls, giving dimension and depth without flattening your coils. Go for subtle painted highlights throughout to avoid harsh contrasts.
Bronde Beach Layers
Bronde (blonde + brunette) balayage gives you that sunkissed, just-back-from-Tulum look on layered long hair. The tones are natural but glowy, ideal for those wanting a soft transition between dark and light. Pair with loose curls or beach waves and an oversized straw hat—you know, for aesthetic reasons.
Short and Toasty Bob
This chin-length bob with hints of caramel and honey tones is pure fire—short hair doesn’t mean boring hair. It’s flattering on round or oval faces and instantly makes you look put together. Use a flat iron to add a bend and you’re runway-ready by brunch.
Brunette With Blonde Bangs
Light brown hair with blonde highlights at the fringe gives Y2K popstar meets French girl chic. Bangs are streaked subtly or boldly, depending on your spice level, making your eyes pop and cheekbones sing. Works well with oval or long face shapes and thrives on straight-to-wavy textures.
Subtle Pink Wash
Feeling playful? Light brown hair with whispers of blush-pink highlights is edgy but surprisingly wearable. Ideal for the adventurous girl who wants something different without bleaching everything. Best on light-medium brown bases and pairs perfectly with a monochrome makeup look.
Dimensional Fade
Add blonde or honey-toned streaks to short, textured crops or fade cuts for dimension that doesn’t look try-hard. It’s stylish, edgy, and still professional enough for your Zoom calls.
Ashy Contour Lights
Ashy light blonde streaks contour your face like highlighter, adding sharp contrast to soft brown hair. It’s a great pick if you have cooler undertones and want something modern without feeling too bold. Try it with a middle part and curtain bangs for peak chicness.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it—ten head-turning ways to glow up your light brown locks with highlights. Save your favorites, show your stylist (or your barber, we see you fellas), and don’t be afraid to play with color. Whether you’re aiming for subtle elegance or statement-making strands, just remember: your hair, your rules—and maybe a little toner.
