A dark brown balayage is a hair color characterized by softer, more natural-looking highlights dispersed on a dark brown base. There is no prettier way to create perfect dimension and movement for your chocolate locks than doing it the balayage way.
If you’re craving for a bit of summery feels on your strands, getting intermingling highlights on your dark brown hair is the best way to do it. Hair artist and educator Sue Tyrell does amazing balayage work on dark brown hair, revealing the extra contrast and body you’ll get once you own the look.
You’ll be amazed at how customizable this coloring technique is, and it all depends on you – your features, hair texture, skin tone, and even your lifestyle. Fan-favorite A-listers Miranda Kerr, Jourdan Dunn, Rose Byrne, and Izabel Goulart just recently proved how super versatile a dark balayage is with their hairstyles that represent all sorts of hair – curly or straight, long or short, and even on different skin tones!
Keep scrolling to get updated on the trendiest dark brown balayage hair colors that will make you want to give your colorist a surprise visit!
#1: Dark Brunette Balayage for Long Hair
A dark brunette balayage is a great option for those wanting to add depth and dimension to long hair. I recommend this color for natural, lived-in waves. It will contrast the lowlights and highlights, creating an effortless look. Be sure to tell your colorist you want dark brown tones with light caramel pieces blended in your hair. For maintenance, you should use sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner weekly. I recommend Davines OI All In One Milk to protect your color from fading too quickly.
#2: Sultry Long Dark Brown Hair with a Money Piece
Having sultry long dark brown balayage hair with a money piece is a great way to switch up your style. To make this look pop, try using a large curling iron or wand to create soft waves. It will help accentuate the balayage color. To keep the curls soft and bouncy all day, try using a hairspray with a light to medium hold. You can keep your style in place without making it look stiff. An oil-based serum helps tame flyaways and add shine to your look, so you can end up with a sleek and stylish finish.
#3: Luscious Dark Brown to Ash Blonde
Georgeous dark brown to ash blonde balayage is all the rave this year. This one looks like you just sprinkled frosting all over your luscious locks!
#4: Stunning Dark Hazelnut Tones
These stunning dark hazelnut tones on a current all-over brunette color are divine. Avoid over-lightening. Instead, ask for more of a natural golden or caramel shade to keep from becoming too intense. Try the Moroccanoil color complete service for high shine and color longevity. Rock some curls to give your hair more fullness.
#5: Dark Brown Base with Light Ends
Dark rich espresso roots fading into a soft brightness are a great choice for your next balayage. You should not go too tone-on-tone or you will not see as much dimension in the color unless that is your desired look. Wear your hair with some loose luscious waves to show off your new look.
#6: Dark Brown with Copperish Balayage
The dark brown with copperish balayage is a stunning autumn color that isn’t very committing because the copper toner will fade away quickly from the previously bleached locks. If you want to keep the toner longer and maintain it at home, try to wash your hair less often with cooler water, and also a copper color-depositing mask or treatment. These products will help you with the longevity of your color.
#7: Deep Brunette Balayage for Short Hair
There’s nothing quite like a deep brunette balayage for short hair. A subtle, natural highlight on dark hair can really bring some movement and dimension to your hair. If you’re considering going lighter all over, your best bet is to start slow and natural with a balayage. If you’re opting for a low-maintenance color, a balayage is the way to go. Your first visit may be a long one, but the follow-up visits will be farther between than your traditional highlights.
#8: Gorgeous Bronde Balayage
A gorgeous bronde balayage is the perfect combination of both blonde and brunette tones and will give you a very lived-in effect. If you’re someone who doesn’t color your hair often or are very low maintenance when it comes to your hair, a balayage is one of the best options when it comes to hair color. When doing a balayage technique, I strongly suggest leaving some of your hair underneath darker to create depth and dimension to your hair color and bringing up the lighter blonde color higher up around your face to create a money piece. A money piece is complimentary to the depth and dimension of your hair and will give you a glamorous glow.
#9: Fall-Inspired Caramel Balayage on Dark Brown Hair
Try a fall-inspired caramel balayage on dark brown hair if you want a subtle change to your hair. Fall hair colors include reds, golds, coppers, purples, and varying shades of brown. If you plan to color your hair, golds and coppers are a great place to start. Golds and coppers look phenomenal paired up with darker brown hair. And this makes it super easy if you already have naturally dark hair. Having a caramel balayage will give your hair tons of shine, dimension, and depth.
#10: Curly Balayage
When it comes to curly balayage, one of the best ways to wear your hair is natural. Women with natural curls will love the addition of lightness as it will make individual coils and curls stand out and shine.
#11: Yummy Dark Chocolate Brown to Light Chocolate
Caramel-y and oh so sweet! This gorgeous color combination works no matter what your hair length or hair type is.
#12: Dimensional Brown and Blonde With Honey Highlights
Some sheer highlights to brighten your look. The brown and blonde never looked so good together!
#13: Best-Looking Dark Ash Brown
Natural dark brown balayage hair is best if you want a low-maintenance color. Keeping your dark roots makes for a long-lasting grow out.
#14: Sophisticated Dark Brunette Lob
A dark brunette balayage hair color really stands out with a lob haircut. In this case, ask for a color melt to blend with your naturally dark brown hair.
#15: Inspirational Lived-In Blonde and Dark Brown
If you’ve ever wanted to go blonde, this is your color. Ask your colorist for a more lived-in inspired balayage. Note that depending upon how dark your hair color is, it might take several appointments to achieve this color.
#16: Velvety Dark Burgundy and Brown
Rich red velvet and chocolate colors will look amazing on your locks! Big curls create an illusion of mixed colors for the best presentation.
#17: Delicious Caramel and Dark Brown
There’s only one way to describe this balayage dark brown color: a toffee bar dessert blended in all its gooeyness.
#18: Spiced-Up Red and Dark Brown
A combo of these colors create a toasted chestnut look that is yummy to look at! The warm tone is a little spiced up but not bright or in the blonde range. Even though the tone is vivid, the dimension will still blend in with your naturally dark hair, creating something very interesting and eye-catching. Unlike other blonde or brunette highlights that always focus on the lights, this is perfect if you’re looking for depth and subtle dimension. Focus on the depth (darker tone) around the nape and crown. This will create a slimming effect on the neck and face.
#19: Universally Trendy Black to Dark Brown
A black to dark brown balayage is that it’s so easy to maintain, both cut and color. Balayage highlights are soft, and as you grow your hair out it looks natural. This haircut is also easy to maintain and style. Balayage can be done once or twice a year. A a few gloss+cut appointments in between are needed to keep the redness and dry ends away.
#20: Glazed Subtle Dark Brown
The magic of glazes (toners, gloss) goes beyond just making the hair feel good, giving it luster. It can give you a completely different look without having to go through the whole coloring process yet again. I advise that a balayage dark brown color like this will be easier upkeep if you’re a busy mom, or professional woman that still wants that seductive brunette look that is never boring.
#21: Very Bold Light Brown to Dark Brown
This color combo has rich tones and ribbons of warmth giving the hair color a unique finish. It really stands out while still maintaining a professional appearance. The long layers provide your hair movement to showcase the highlights and give bounce to your curls. Adding in dimension is key when dealing with brunette hair. It helps transform an average color into a showstopper. When asking your stylist for a similar look, use keywords like “Money Piece” and “Face Framing” to help describe the bold highlight.
#22: Dimensional Low-Maintenance Dark Brown and Silver
This is a great look for brunettes who want to go lighter without fully sacrificing being a brunette and who also want something low maintenance. The texture layers are also a great choice if you have finer hair and want body and movement in your hair without losing too much weight from the ends. Consult with your stylist about whether or not this look is achievable and determine how many sessions and in-between stages you will have to go through before this look could be achieved.