Hair Color
Creativity is at the core of what we do. To help you stay inspired, we created a hub with all your haircolor needs. Our blog covers the latest trends, formulas, professional tips and inspiration.
02.01.2023
HIGHLIGHTS ON DARK BROWN OR BLACK HAIR
When choosing highlights for dark brunette hair, there’s a full spectrum of finishes you can go for – from soft, subtle and natural, to bold, dramatic and contrasting. If natural is the vibe, aim for a lift no more than one or two levels lighter than the base, then finish with a golden brown or ash brown color to create shimmering ribbons. Try permanent Illumina Color to tone subtle highlights, which reveals unseen light reflections in the hair; perfect for a glossy glow that glitters as hair moves.
For more contrast, swap brunette layering for the drama of brown hair with blonde highlights. Try BlondorPlex for up to 9 levels lift, and tone in shades of ash blonde (for cool skin tones) or golden blonde (for warm skin tones). These highlights will pop against the dark brown base hair color and give your client a bolder transformation. This is a great way of taking hair from brown to blonde while maintaining a touch of depth.
And, if you want to turn up the drama even more, why not look into blue or red highlights on brown hair? Think, sweeps of bold cobalt or hints of mahogany that bring new dimension to your client’s mane. Even rose tones and vivid violet ribbons appear fresh and flattering on dark hair, proving just how workable and wearable highlights on brown hair can be.
CAN YOU HIGHLIGHT BLACK HAIR?
Any hair color can be highlighted with our Blondor portfolio of pre-lighteners, including very dark brown or black hair. However, the darker the hair, the longer the lightening process will be, meaning your clients may need to come back for two or three appointments if they want to achieve a significant lift. Start off subtle at first and build the lightness up over a number of sessions, ensuring you use bond-strengthening BlondorPlex to lift while maintaining hair’s integrity. If you’re painting on a balayage, you could also apply our freehand lightener, Blondor Freelights, and add in the WellaPlex No1 Bond Maker for enhanced resilience.