Lowlights on brown hair before and after

Summer is always a veritable mash-up of beachy ombré looks and highlight inspiration. But the season (and subsequent seasons) has so many options for brunettes as well. Enter lowlights for brown hair. According to a few expert colorists, adding lowlights is an incredible way to up the dimension in your hair, with none of the damage of traditional highlights. "Whether a client is a gray-coverage brunette or just wearing her natural color, lowlights are always a wonderful idea for brunettes to create movement, texture, and reflection," says colorist Kadi Lee. "When placed correctly, lowlights can even mimic the effect of a highlight, without hurting your hair."

Table of Contents Show

What lowlights go with brown hair?
What do lowlights look like in brown hair?
What do lowlights look like in hair?
Do lowlights make hair darker?

While the technique of applying lowlights is specific to each colorist—be it in wider panels in a foil or hand-painted via balayage for maximum detail and precision—the tone and shade is specific to you. "It's usually chosen based on your skin tone and eye color," Kaeding notes. Luckily, the best time of year to execute lowlights is immediately post-summer, when your hair tends to be faded and naturally lighter from extended sun exposure, notes Lee. "Or you can do it in the midst of winter, when your skin gets a bit paler. The depth from adding lowlights helps to maintain a richness to the clients overall complexion," adds Lee.

If you're hoping to get lowlights for your brown hair, the sky is the limit. From deep chocolates to rich chestnuts, adding lowlights is a low-commitment way to experiment with all the shades of the brunette spectrum. Below, find our favorite inspiration shots. Try to target a photo with a similar skin tone (and most importantly, similar hair texture), print it out, and bring it in for your next color appointment.

What lowlights go with brown hair?

Lowlights for brown hair are typically two to three shades darker than your base color, although depending on your skin tone, you can choose warmer or cooler shades of brown lowlights, from lighter chestnut shades to rich caramels to dark chocolate browns.

What do lowlights look like in brown hair?

Lowlights for brown hair are one or two shades darker sections of colors dyed into a brown base color. These streaks are basically the opposite of the highlights. Lowlights add natural-looking volume and dimension to your mane by creating shadows and depth all over.

What do lowlights look like in hair?

Lowlights are either one or two shades darker colors dyed into your base color, or colorful strands on a lighter base color (e.g., blue streaks in blonde hair). The main aim of lowlights is to add dimension and natural-looking volume to your hair by creating almost invisible shadows that though make a big difference.

Do lowlights make hair darker?

Simply put, highlights lighten hair with strands of a lighter color while lowlights add dimension with strands of darker color. You can ask your stylist to add both to your hair, which can give the illusion of volume, depth, and texture.