Summer is the perfect time to give your brunette locks a little something extra. I’ve always loved how highlights can instantly brighten up a hairstyle and add that sun-kissed vibe, even if you haven’t been laying out in the sun.
From warm caramel tones to cooler, sun-bleached shades, there are so many ways to spice up your hair for the season.
It’s like a mini transformation without the drastic change. I’ve gathered some of my favorite summer highlight ideas for brunettes, and trust me, you’re going to want to try at least one of them!
Subtle Caramel Highlights

This elegant hairstyle features soft caramel highlights woven through rich brunette locks, creating a stunning sun-kissed effect. The highlights delicately frame the face, giving the hair depth and movement while maintaining a natural, effortless vibe. The layers and smooth texture complement the brightness of the highlights, adding a touch of sophistication.
I absolutely love how these highlights warm up the brunette base, giving it a multi-dimensional look. It’s a chic way to refresh your hair without going overboard. The subtle caramel hues are perfect for anyone looking to add a bit of brightness for the summer, and the overall effect is effortlessly beautiful. This hairstyle feels perfect for those who want something chic but low-maintenance—ideal for a sunny day out or a casual brunch with friends.
Gorgeous Textured Bob with Caramel Highlights

This hairstyle is a playful yet elegant bob with stunning caramel highlights that breathe life into the rich brunette base. The hair is cut into soft, textured waves that create movement, with highlights framing the face beautifully. The combination of the smooth, angled cut and the warm, dimensional tones of caramel creates a hairstyle that’s effortlessly chic and full of personality.
I absolutely adore this look because it’s the perfect balance of edgy and feminine. The textured waves give the hair volume and bounce, while the caramel highlights add that fresh, sun-kissed touch that screams summer. It’s one of those hairstyles that looks great with minimal effort, but still manages to turn heads. Whether you’re heading to brunch with the girls or a casual day out, this bob will have you feeling fabulous all day long!
Warm Cinnamon Highlights on Soft Waves

This hairstyle showcases soft, bouncy waves with warm cinnamon highlights that blend seamlessly into the rich brunette base. The hair is styled in loose, beachy waves that give the hair effortless volume and texture. The cinnamon highlights add a beautiful burst of warmth around the face, giving the overall look a sun-kissed and radiant vibe.
I’m completely in love with this hairstyle because it’s such a fun and flattering look for any occasion. The cinnamon tones are so rich and add just the right amount of dimension, while the waves keep things light and carefree. It’s a perfect summer style that feels fresh and vibrant, but still incredibly chic. This look makes me feel like I’m ready for a casual date night or a stroll along the beach.
Silvery Highlights on Sleek Straight Hair

This sleek and polished look features stunning silvery highlights that perfectly complement a deep brunette base. The hair is styled in a smooth, straight finish with the highlights subtly placed around the face and at the ends for a sophisticated, chic vibe. The cool-toned silvers add a modern edge, enhancing the richness of the brunette while offering a fresh, youthful twist.
I absolutely love how the silvery highlights pop against the dark base, giving the hair an almost luminous quality. It’s one of those hairstyles that feels effortlessly chic, with just the right amount of shine and dimension. The straight, sleek style adds a touch of sophistication, making it perfect for both formal and casual occasions. If you’re into sleek and shiny styles, this is an effortlessly cool way to refresh your brunette locks!
Choppy Bob with Golden Highlights

This choppy bob brings a modern, fresh twist to classic brunette hair. The textured, uneven layers give the style lots of volume and movement, while golden highlights are delicately placed throughout to add brightness and depth. The golden tones are especially noticeable at the ends and around the face, adding a sun-kissed glow that’s perfect for the warmer months.
I’m totally obsessed with this style because it combines so many of my favorite elements: volume, texture, and those gorgeous golden highlights. It’s one of those hairstyles that looks effortlessly chic and carefree, yet still polished and put-together. The choppy layers add personality, while the highlights bring warmth and light to the hair. If you love hair that’s full of life and radiance, this is such a fun way to spice up your brunette locks!
Sun-Kissed Waves with Honey Highlights

This gorgeous hairstyle is a blend of soft waves and radiant honey highlights that gently transition from darker brunette roots to lighter tips. The waves add effortless volume, while the highlights frame the face beautifully and brighten up the overall look. The sun-kissed effect is perfect for adding a natural, beachy vibe, giving off that laid-back summer feel.
I’m absolutely in love with this look because it’s the ideal mix of warmth and texture. The honey highlights bring out the richness of the brunette base, creating a glow that feels so fresh and sun-kissed. The waves add a fun, bouncy vibe, making it the perfect hairstyle for those summer days when you want to look effortlessly chic without too much fuss. If you’re looking for a style that’s both beautiful and easy to maintain, this one’s a winner!
Soft Waves with Creamy Blonde Highlights

This chic hairstyle features soft, bouncy waves with creamy blonde highlights that are strategically placed to enhance the brunette base. The highlights create a sun-kissed, dimensional effect, and the natural-looking waves add movement and texture. The result is a stylish, fresh look that combines lightness with depth, perfect for a modern summer style.
I absolutely love how the creamy blonde highlights beautifully contrast with the rich brunette base, giving the hair such a vibrant yet natural glow. The soft waves give it that perfect “I woke up like this” vibe while still feeling put-together. It’s effortless yet striking, which makes it an ideal choice for those who want a low-maintenance but stunning summer hairstyle. Plus, it’s versatile enough for both casual days and evenings out. How could you not adore a style like this?
Bouncy Bob with Golden Caramel Highlights

This trendy bob is all about volume and texture, with bouncy, soft waves that give it a playful vibe. The golden caramel highlights are blended beautifully throughout the hair, adding warmth and dimension. The highlights especially brighten the face, making it the perfect summer hairstyle. The layers and texture add depth, giving the bob an effortless, chic look that can be dressed up or down.
I love how this hairstyle combines boldness and softness—it’s got a fun, youthful energy with those stunning golden caramel highlights that shine under the sun. The waves add bounce and volume, creating movement that’s perfect for the warmer months. It’s the ideal look for anyone who wants something fresh and bright but still full of depth and personality. Whether you’re heading to the beach or a brunch date, this style will have you feeling absolutely fabulous!
Bold Bob with Platinum Highlights

This sharp bob hairstyle features sleek, angular layers with striking platinum blonde highlights that create a bold, high-contrast look. The highlights are strategically placed around the crown and frame the face, making the hair appear vibrant and dimensional. The sleek finish and precise cut bring a modern, edgy vibe that perfectly complements the lightness of the platinum tones.
I am absolutely loving this bold and chic hairstyle! The platinum highlights offer such a fresh, edgy contrast against the deeper brunette base. It’s a real showstopper, especially with the smooth, sleek bob that gives it that super-polished, fashion-forward appeal. This style feels effortlessly glamorous and is perfect for anyone who loves making a statement with their hair. The precision and contrast are just so eye-catching—it’s definitely a look that turns heads!
Soft Waves with Caramel Highlights

This effortlessly chic hairstyle features soft waves with rich caramel highlights that blend seamlessly with a darker brunette base. The waves give the hair texture and volume, while the highlights around the face add brightness and warmth. The overall look is natural and flattering, with just the right amount of dimension to make the hair pop without being too dramatic.
I absolutely love how these caramel highlights make the hair feel so fresh and sun-kissed. The soft waves give it such a light, airy vibe that’s perfect for the warmer months. It’s one of those hairstyles that looks stunning without too much effort, which is exactly what we want when the temperature rises! This hairstyle makes me think of cozy beach days, casual brunches, and that carefree summer feeling. It’s the ideal look for anyone who wants to bring a bit of warmth and texture to their hair this season!
Sleek Bob with Bold Blonde Highlights

This sleek bob combines precision and style, with bold blonde highlights adding a striking contrast to the rich brunette base. The sharp, angular cut frames the face perfectly, and the highlights are scattered in a way that creates a dynamic, illuminated effect. The overall look is polished and sophisticated, perfect for someone looking to make a bold yet refined statement with their hair.
I absolutely love this style because it’s the perfect balance of chic and edgy. The sharp bob cut gives the hair a clean, modern feel, while the blonde highlights bring out the richness of the brunette base. It’s a hairstyle that looks incredibly sleek and put-together, yet still has that wow factor thanks to the high-contrast highlights. If you’re looking for a way to refresh your brunette locks with a bold twist, this is definitely a stunning choice!
Effortless Waves with Honey Blonde Highlights

This hairstyle features soft, loose waves that give the hair plenty of volume and movement, paired with warm honey blonde highlights. The highlights gently transition from the roots, adding dimension and lightness to the hair without being overly dramatic. The waves give the hair a natural, beachy feel, making it perfect for a relaxed and effortless summer look.
I absolutely love how these honey blonde highlights bring out the warmth in the hair, giving it a sun-kissed glow that’s perfect for the summer. The soft waves add such a laid-back, yet chic vibe, making it ideal for casual days out or even a night on the town. It’s one of those hairstyles that looks super cute and effortless while still having that polished, put-together feel. If you’re looking to refresh your brunette hair with some subtle brightness, this hairstyle is a total win!
Chic Bob with Blonde Balayage Highlights

This chic bob is full of life, with a modern, angled cut that frames the face beautifully. The hairstyle features blonde balayage highlights that gradually lighten from the roots, giving it a soft, natural ombre effect. The highlights around the face create a glowing, sun-kissed look, while the bouncy waves add volume and texture, making the hairstyle both playful and sophisticated.
I absolutely love how this bob feels so fresh and trendy. The blonde balayage highlights add a pop of brightness that’s perfect for the summer without feeling too over-the-top. The waves bring a relaxed, beachy vibe, while the bob cut keeps it looking sleek and polished. It’s such a versatile hairstyle that can be worn casually or dressed up, and it adds that perfect mix of fun and elegance!
Soft Waves with Ash Blonde Highlights

This hairstyle features soft, flowing waves with striking ash blonde highlights that frame the face beautifully. The brunette base gradually lightens into cool-toned blonde hues, creating a stunning contrast and giving the hair a sun-kissed glow. The loose waves add effortless texture and volume, making the style look natural yet polished.
I absolutely adore how the ash blonde highlights add a touch of sophistication to the brunette base. It’s the perfect way to lighten up your hair for the summer without going too bold. The waves give it that relaxed, beachy vibe, but the highlights keep it fresh and chic. This hairstyle is definitely for anyone who wants a look that’s both low-maintenance and effortlessly beautiful—perfect for those sunny days when you want to keep things breezy and bright!
Effortlessly Tousled Bob with Honey Blonde Highlights

This tousled bob combines a relaxed, carefree vibe with the sophistication of honey blonde highlights. The hair is styled in soft, loose waves, which gives it natural volume and texture. The honey blonde highlights brighten up the hair, especially around the face, creating a flattering and sun-kissed glow that enhances the rich brunette base.
I’m absolutely in love with this hairstyle because it’s so effortlessly chic. The tousled waves bring that laid-back, beachy feel that’s perfect for summer, while the honey blonde highlights add a warm, radiant touch. It’s such a flattering combination, and I just adore how it frames the face. This hairstyle feels like the perfect mix of polished and effortless—great for a day out, a night out, or really any occasion where you want to look stylish without too much effort.
Caramel Highlights with Soft Waves

This hairstyle features soft, flowing waves with beautifully blended caramel highlights that gently brighten the brunette base. The caramel hues are strategically placed around the face and throughout the hair, creating a natural sun-kissed effect. The soft waves add volume and texture, giving the hairstyle a bouncy and effortless feel.
I’m completely in love with how these caramel highlights add warmth and depth to the hair. The highlights create just the right amount of contrast, giving the hair that light, fresh vibe for summer. The soft waves are perfect for creating a relaxed yet polished look that feels effortlessly chic. This is the perfect style for anyone who wants to add some glow to their brunette hair while keeping things natural and carefree!
Tousled Bob with Honey Highlights

This tousled bob is a playful yet chic style that combines textured waves with rich honey blonde highlights. The soft waves give the hair volume and movement, while the honey blonde highlights add warmth and depth. The highlights are beautifully placed around the face and at the ends, creating a sun-kissed, natural effect that’s perfect for the warmer months.
I absolutely love this style because it’s so effortlessly chic. The honey blonde highlights bring a radiant glow to the hair, and the tousled waves add that carefree, beachy vibe. It’s the perfect balance between fun and polished—ideal for a summer look that’s both stylish and low-maintenance. If you’re looking for something that adds brightness and texture without too much fuss, this hairstyle is definitely a must-try!
Soft Beachy Waves with Caramel Highlights

This style features soft, beachy waves with stunning caramel highlights that brighten the hair from root to tip. The highlights are delicately placed throughout the hair, adding dimension and creating a natural sun-kissed glow. The waves give the hair a relaxed, tousled look while maintaining a sophisticated finish, perfect for any occasion.
I love how this style feels so effortlessly chic. The caramel highlights give it such a warm, glowing touch that really enhances the brunette base. The soft waves add that laid-back, beachy feel that’s perfect for summer, while still being polished enough to wear day or night. It’s the perfect balance between easygoing and put-together, and I can’t get enough of how the highlights light up the hair! This look is a must-try if you’re looking to brighten up your locks while keeping it super stylish.
Tousled Lob with Golden Highlights

This stunning lob (long bob) hairstyle features relaxed, tousled waves paired with golden blonde highlights. The hair is cut to a flattering length, just above the shoulders, with the golden highlights strategically placed to add lightness and dimension, particularly around the face. The soft waves give the hair a carefree, beachy look, while the highlights provide a touch of warmth perfect for summer.
I’m totally in love with this hairstyle because it has that perfect balance of effortless and polished. The golden highlights are just the right amount of pop to brighten up the hair without overwhelming the natural brunette base. The tousled waves are super chic and add so much volume and movement. It’s the ultimate summer hairstyle—easy to maintain, effortlessly chic, and absolutely perfect for adding that sun-kissed glow to your hair!
Classic Lob with Subtle Highlights

This classic lob hairstyle features smooth, sleek layers with soft, subtle highlights that brighten up the brunette base. The hair is cut just above the shoulders, creating a modern and versatile look that suits any occasion. The subtle highlights are placed throughout the hair, adding dimension and depth, particularly around the face, while the overall sleek finish keeps it polished and refined.
I absolutely adore this hairstyle because it’s so timeless and elegant. The subtle highlights add just the right amount of warmth to the hair, and the lob shape is perfect for creating that effortlessly chic vibe. The sleek finish makes it perfect for work or a night out, but the natural highlights give it a fun twist that keeps it fresh and trendy. This look feels versatile, elegant, and perfect for anyone looking to add a little something extra to their brunette locks!
Beachy Bob with Caramel Highlights

This beachy bob features loose, soft waves with subtle caramel highlights that create a fresh, sun-kissed look. The bob is cut just above the shoulders, with layers that add movement and texture, while the face-framing highlights gently soften the overall look. The natural-looking waves make it the perfect low-maintenance yet stylish summer hairstyle.
I absolutely love how this style embodies that effortless, beachy vibe. The caramel highlights add a warm glow to the hair, enhancing the waves and bringing out the depth of the brunette base. It’s a trendy, fun, and youthful look that feels carefree and perfect for the warmer months. If you’re looking for a hairstyle that’s both chic and laid-back, this one’s definitely for you! The way it frames the face gives it that perfect balance of softness and structure.
Sunny Blonde Contrast Bob

This gorgeous style features a sleek, shoulder-length bob with soft layering that gives it beautiful movement. The base is a deep, rich brunette, creating a stunning backdrop for the strategically placed highlights. Bright, sunny blonde pieces frame the face boldly, starting right from the root, while lighter touches are subtly woven through the mid-lengths and ends for a cohesive yet contrasting look. The hair is styled smooth and slightly turned under, emphasizing the clean lines of the cut and the pop of color.
Okay, I just love how this look brings the drama in the best way possible! That bold blonde right by the face is like an instant spotlight, brightening everything up and making your features pop – perfect for that summer glow. It’s such a chic way for brunettes to play with lighter shades without a full commitment. Plus, the sharp bob cut paired with that striking color contrast feels so modern and confident. It’s definitely a head-turner!
Polished Brunette Bob Gets a Sunny Lift

This hairstyle is a super chic, chin length bob featuring a deep side part and a lovely rounded shape that frames the face beautifully. The base color is a beautiful, natural looking brunette which provides the perfect canvas for the highlights. Streaks of caramel and lighter blonde are expertly placed, mainly concentrated around the face and through the top layers, adding brightness and dimension. The styling is smooth and sophisticated, with the ends gently tucking under.
I think this look is just fantastic because it’s so polished and put together, but the highlights give it that perfect touch of summer fun. It’s a really smart way to lighten up brunette hair without going fully blonde. The placement of those brighter pieces around the face is incredibly flattering, honestly, it just makes your eyes and smile pop! It feels timeless yet totally fresh for warmer weather.
Caramel Swirls on Long Layered Hair

Check out these gorgeous long locks! The cut features layers upon layers, giving amazing bounce and shaping beautifully around the face. Starting with a rich brunette base, warm caramel and golden highlights are swirled through, concentrated near the front and cascading down the lengths. It’s styled with soft, touchable waves that really show off the color dimension and give it a lovely, voluminous finish.
I’m absolutely loving the way these highlights warm up the brunette base. It’s like instant sunshine for your hair! The layers and soft waves give it such a glamorous yet totally relaxed vibe, perfect for summer days or nights out. It’s proof that brunettes can totally rock those sun kissed highlights and look effortlessly chic. This style just screams healthy, happy hair!
Sun Kissed Brunette Waves

This hairstyle showcases beautiful, long brunette hair cut with soft layers that encourage natural movement. Gentle highlights in warm honey and caramel tones are painted throughout, focusing slightly more around the face and through the mid lengths to ends, perfectly mimicking where the sun would naturally lighten the hair. The style is finished with loose, flowing waves that add texture and enhance the interplay between the darker base and the lighter pieces.
Oh my goodness, I am absolutely obsessed with how effortlessly gorgeous this looks! The highlights are blended so seamlessly, giving that perfect “I just spent a week at the beach” vibe without looking artificial at all. The soft waves really make the colors dance and add so much dimension. It’s such a pretty, low key way for brunettes to brighten up for summer, adding warmth and light without a drastic change. It just looks so healthy and radiant!