Dark Brown Hair With Auburn Highlights: Best Shades and Ideas

Brown hair is gorgeous on its own, but add a few auburn highlights and it suddenly looks richer, warmer and a lot more expensive.

Dark brown hair with auburn highlights is one of those combos that works on almost everyone. The red tones catch the light, add depth and make your base color look glossier. Here's how to get the look, plus the best highlight shades for every kind of brown.

Why Auburn Highlights Work So Well on Dark Brown Hair

Auburn sits somewhere between red and brown, so it blends naturally into a dark brown base. You get warmth and dimension without the big commitment of going fully red.

It's also low maintenance. Because auburn is close to your natural shade, the regrowth is soft and doesn't scream "roots" after a few weeks.

Zendaya has shown how good warm, copper-toned brown can look, especially on the red carpet. It's the perfect example of red tones adding life to a deep brunette.

Best Highlights for Every Shade of Brown

Very dark brown

Go for copper, mahogany, deep auburn or burgundy. These rich, red-based shades show up beautifully on very dark hair without needing too much lightening, which keeps your hair healthier.

Brown with natural auburn tones

If your brown already has a bit of red in it, try dark strawberry blonde, golden strawberry blonde or bright copper. They play up the warmth that's already there.

Chestnut brown

Chestnut brown looks amazing with golden blonde or rich golden brown highlights. They brighten the hair without turning it brassy.

Golden brown

Shiny golden brown hair suits golden strawberry blonde, light auburn and light golden blonde. Think sun-kissed and soft.

Chocolate brown

Dark golden blonde and caramel are the go-to picks for chocolate brown. Jennifer Lopez has basically made warm, honey-toned highlights on brown hair her signature, and it's easy to see why.

For more inspiration on rich brown shades, take a look at our list of famous brunette actresses.

Highlights vs Balayage vs Lowlights

Highlights are fine strands of lighter color woven through your hair, usually from root to tip. They give a brighter, more noticeable result.

Balayage is hand-painted, so it looks softer and more natural, and it grows out without obvious lines. It's a great option for auburn on dark brown.

Lowlights go the other way, adding darker strands to create depth. Deep copper or mahogany lowlights can make dark brown hair look much fuller.

How to Get the Look

For the best result, go to a salon, especially if your hair is very dark or already colored. Bring photos, and ask for warm, red-based tones like copper or auburn.

If you'd rather do it yourself, at-home highlighting kits do work for subtle changes. Just do a strand test first, and read our guide on how to color hair at home before you start.

How to Keep Auburn Highlights From Fading

Red tones fade faster than almost any other color, so a little aftercare goes a long way.

Use a sulfate-free, color-safe shampoo and wash with cool water. Try a color-depositing conditioner or gloss in a copper or red shade every week or two to keep the warmth fresh.

And always use heat protectant before styling. Heat and sun are the biggest reasons red highlights go dull.

FAQ

Do auburn highlights suit dark brown hair?

Yes. Auburn blends naturally with dark brown and adds warmth and shine without a dramatic change.

How long do auburn highlights last?

Usually around four to six weeks before they start to fade, depending on how often you wash your hair and how you care for it.

Can I put auburn highlights on dark brown hair without bleach?

Sometimes. On very dark hair, a little lightening is often needed for the color to show, but a good colorist can keep it gentle.

Final Thoughts

Dark brown hair with auburn highlights is an easy way to add warmth, shine and personality. Pick the shade that works with your base color, look after it so the red doesn't fade, and enjoy that rich, glossy finish.