Why So Many Brunettes Leave the Salon Hating Their Highlights (And How to Finally Get Them Right)

If you’re a brunette, you may have had this experience.

You head to the salon asking for highlights, maybe even bring in an inspiration picture of something soft, natural and dimensional, but when the foils come out and your stylist is drying your hair, suddenly you see a blonde in the mirror. You panic, you don’t recognize the person in the mirror. You look like you have a wig on.

Too bright, or too one color, it may feel streaky and so far from your natural brunette or a color that you love.

It’s one of the most common frustrations I hear from brunettes in my chair. The truth is, very rarely do brunettes want to be blonde ( Although there are exceptions, and a way to do it right)

Most want beautiful, subtle dimension.

Many Brunettes Want Depth, Not Brightness

Blondes and brunettes often have different color goals.

Blondes typically want their hair to look lighter overall.

Brunettes usually want something entirely different: movement, enhancement, subtle shifts, light reflection within their natural color.

When done correctly, the highlights should look like they naturally belong in the hair, even if the end goal is bright, like this one below.

What to Consider and Ask for if You’re a Brunette Wanting Highlights

If you’re considering a balayage or highlights, here a few tips that may help you get a more natural result.

• Stay within the brunette family

Highlights don’t need to be universal to create a natural lived-in look. You might want bright blonde but also consider soft caramel, brown butter, rich mahogany, mushroom brown or mocha tones. Or ask for No-Bleach highlights which yield a soft healthy glow, like this one below.

• Ask for subtle dimension, not for brightness

The goal isn’t always lighter hair, it’s movement within your natural hair color.

When highlights are thoughfully placed, brunettes can look incredibly rich, reflective and modern.

It doesn’t need to compete with blondes, it needs proper placement and tone for a balanced outcome.

Brunette Lived-in Highlights and Balayage In Simi Valley

Clients visit Surf Girl Hair from across the Conejo Valley and Ventura County for highly specialized custom brunette highlights that look elegant, believable, and soft with an easy grow out. Ready to book your consultation?

Visit the Booking page and the Text me at 805-551-4468