20 Ideas For Black Hair With Highlights - L'Oréal Paris

Black hair is often touted for its rich, luminous color—and black hair with highlights is an especially striking way to embrace the inky hue. When you have ultra-dark hair, it’s easy to assume highlights are off the table, but this hair‑brightening technique isn’t only for sun‑kissedbrunettes and natural‑looking blondes. Brown highlights on black hair are the perfect solution to switch up your look, whether you want a vibrant pop or a subtle lift without committing to all‑over color.

Brown highlights on black hair are dimensional ribbons or panels of brown tones placed through a black base to add contrast, brightness, and movement. Keep reading to discover shade ideas, placement options (like balayage, money pieces, and babylights), maintenance tips, and the products that help keep your color glossy.

Why Brown Highlights Look Amazing on Black Hair

Brown highlights on black hair offer a natural yet striking contrast that catches light and brings out layers, waves, and curls. Brown tones complement a wide range of complexions and hair textures, from sleek straight strands to coils, because you can tune the warmth or coolness to suit your undertone. Maintenance is manageable thanks to a softer grow‑out and the way brunette pigments fade more seamlessly than high‑lift blondes. They’re also highly customizable, whether you want subtle brown hair streaks for black hair or a full black and brown highlighted hair look.

Choosing the Right Shade of Brown for Your Black Hair

Match highlight tone to your undertone and desired effect. When in doubt, start two levels lighter than your base for the most natural result, and schedule a strand test or consult a pro.

Tone-matching tips:

• According to your undertone: If your skin reads warm (gold or olive), lean into caramel, chestnut, or honey shades. For cool skin tones (pink or rosy), choose ash brown, mocha, or taupe. If your skin has neutral undertones, you can easily wear chocolate or bronze.
• Set contrast by depth: Go 1–2 levels lighter than your base for subtle dimension, 3–4 levels for a bolder look on black hair.
• Let eye color guide you: hazel and green pair beautifully with caramel and copper, while blue and gray often shine with ash and mushroom tones.
• Check tones in daylight: Assess your shade in natural daylight and ask your stylist to fine‑tune with toner to control brass or coolness.

Explore theL’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade‑Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color Collection to get inspired. There’s a full range of brunette shades to complement black hair highlights (think light ash brown, medium golden blonde, and soft black).