Satisfyingly subtle and, best of all, economical AF, opting for lowlights for brown hair is definitely a quieter way to get on the color wagon. For those in the ‘biz, it’s also become a thoughtful nod to the “natural” movement slowly gaining steam, as the look can also simulate just a natural lightening or sun-bleaching of dark hair. Visually, it’s pretty obvious: These barely-there strips of color that are just a half step or two lighter than the base make for great dimension, without looking anywhere near extra. Oh, and our most relevant takeaway: It’s certainly lazy-girl friendly and gives us longer between salon appointments, which is always great news! Read on for some of our fave looks:
Lowlights for Brown Hair
Visually, it’s pretty obvious: These barely-there strips of color that are just a half step or two lighter than the base make for great dimension, without looking anywhere near extra. Oh, and our most relevant takeaway: It’s certainly lazy-girl friendly and gives us longer between salon appointments, which is always great news!
1. Blown-Out
A pristine blowout and middle part help those subtle auburn lowlights shine. Plus, you’ll be left with a sleek look for days. What’s better than that?
2. Wavy Ombré
Freshen up a graduated color by mixing in some ashy lowlights on the mid-lengths. Make sure your color stays fresh and vibrant (and keep the brass at bay!) with a proper wash and care system, like Nexxus Color Assure Shampoo and Conditioner.
3. Air-Dried
Lazy bends go hand in hand with soft, barely noticeable lowlights around the hairline and ends. A sea salt spray, like Bed Head by TIGI Queen Beach Salt Infused Texture Spray, helps encourage a beachier dry-out.
4. Quiet Two-Tone
Look closer and you’ll see that this cohesive shade is actually a blend of two chunks of lowlights, one lighter than the other.
5. Beachy
A textbook glossy light brown balayage comes into its own when worn with a messier texture. This helps create a messy sun-kissed look.
6. Wispy Brunette Style
Thin copper lowlights lend some interest to a simple, medium-length haircut. Enhance this subtle lowlights situation with a co-wash, like Nexxus Color Assure Long Lasting Vibrancy Cleansing Conditioner, that gently cleans hair of impurities while also imparting shine and moisture.
7. Ribboned
Caramel ribbon low lights pop against a medium brown color, particularly when rendered in shiny, healthy-looking waves.
8. Rich-Girl Bends
The sweet shade is popular for a reason: Here, caramel and cinnamon work with some morning-after rumple to deliver some sultry sex appeal. We love the. shine this color combo adds to a brunette shade.
9. Bedhead
Expertly faded chestnut ends give a fiery, burnt-out effect to air-dried waves. To achieve effortless air-dried waves, use Suave Air Dry Cream Heat Free Styler. We love how this product helps reduce frizz with enhancing the texture of your natural hair.
10. Blended Ombré and Lowlight Style
Lowlights blend a brown ombré and make a curly texture more nuanced. The mixture of low lights with ombré hair creates dimension within the look.
12. Melted
Lowlights that seem to melt into the rest of your color (spot the nuances at the brow and hairline) are the perfect wingman for structured waves.
13. Old Hollywood Waves
There’s nothing like a good screen-siren curl to get those golden brown streaks to shine! Use a 1-inch curling iron and brush out your curls to create these cascading loose curls.
14. Half-Up Twists
The tag team of caramel lowlights and a pretty, festival-ready look is adult boho chic. A twisted half updo like this is a great way to show off your new low lights.
15. Shellacked
Want to know if your highlights are seamless? Wear it in a sleek, ironed look and see if you can spot the demarcations.
16. Loose Waves
Hot rollers help emphasize these chin-length lowlights. We love the effortless messy texture rollers give your hair.
17. Middle Parted Low Lights
Who else will be sporting this multi-tonal brown this winter? Opt for a trendy style and show off your new color with a middle part.
18. ’70s Brunette Lowlights
Hairline lowlights and a soft middle part give this look a retro touch. This is a classic look that you can never go wrong with.
19. Tousled Lob
Lowlights on the mid-shaft of a long bob give a flattering glow and open up your features. Tip: Keep it subtle to avoid a dip-dye effect.
20. Curled Ends
Use a round brush to recreate the uptown polish in this hairstyle, which is emphasized by the espresso-and-khaki color combo. Give the finished look a touch of shine by misting with Bed Head by TIGI Headrush Shine Hair Spray.
21. Witchy
Is it red, or is it brown? Get a hue that straddles both and punctuate it with a folksy accessory, like a wide-brimmed hat, to tie it all together. A shade like this is the perfect way to add warmth to your look.
22. Shaggy
It girls have an unfussy approach to their hair color; emulate that insouciance with light coffee lowlights against a chocolate base, paired with a shaggy haircut.
23. Long and Textured
Keep long brown hair from looking basic by affixing some strategic honey lowlights past the chin. Add some texture with Nexxus Between Washes Beach Waves Tousled Texture Sea Salt Spray.
24. Wet Lob
Auburn lowlights look even more luxurious in a fashionable (yet casual) wet-styled lob. To achieve the wet hair look, use gel, like TRESemmé Extra Hold Hair Gel. Whether you want to warm up your hair color or want to make a more subtle change, lowlights for brown hair is the perfect way to do this!
