Let’s set the scene: you walk into a room, and heads swivel. Someone gasps, “OMG, your hair!” And all you can do is smile because your brown hair with pink highlights is STEALING THE SPOTLIGHT.
This, my friends, can be more than just a dream.
If you’re looking for an easy way to update your look without going through a major transformation, then this hot look might be just what you need.
Whether you want soft pastel whispers or bold magenta streaks that scream confidence, this look is your golden (or should we say pink?) ticket to standing out.
And the best part? It works on literally every hair type, from straight to curly, thick to thin.
With this guide, we help you work out whether this style is for you, give you some ideas and inspiration and show you how simple it is to achieve this trendy look at home!
And check out our tips and tricks for how to make your fabulous new style last for longer.
Let’s take a look at how to get this look in your life right now!
Table of Contents
- Why Is Brown Hair with Pink Highlights So Popular?
- 11 On-trend Brown Hair With Pink Highlights Ideas
- #1 Pink Streaks in Deep Chocolate Brown Hair
- #2 Pink Balayage on Rich Mocha Brown Hair
- #3 Dip-Dyed Ends on Cool Ash Brown Hair
- #4 Chunky Highlights in Honey Brown Hair
- #5 Rose Gold Glow on Caramel Brown Hair
- #6 Pastel Ribbons in Light Golden Brown Hair
- #7 Pink Peekaboo in Espresso Brown Hair
- #8 Pink Ombre on Warm Chestnut Brown Hair
- #9. Face-Framing Pink Stripes
- #10. Pink Lowlights on Tawny Brown Hair
- #11. Smoky Pink Highlights on Ash Brown Hair
- How to Get the Look
- Tips for Maintaining Your Pink Highlights.
- FAQ: All Your Pink Highlight Questions, Answered
- Parting words
- Our Research & Review Process
- Authors
Why Is Brown Hair with Pink Highlights So Popular?
This trend has exploded because it’s the best of both worlds. You keep the natural richness of your brunette base while adding a splash of personality with pink.
It’s edgy without being OTT, and it’s endlessly versatile—whether you’re after soft and subtle or bold and bright.
Plus, pink highlights are surprisingly low-maintenance. Unlike a full head of color, highlights grow out gracefully, meaning fewer touch-ups (a win for your schedule and your wallet).
Hair expert Qi Zhang, a stylist at New York’s Qi Salon, says:
Expert Insights
“Pink highlights on brown hair are a great way to add depth and dimension without losing your natural base. They’re easy to customize and flatter almost everyone.”
We love it because of its:
- Versatility: This style can be easily customized, from soft pastel pinks for a subtle look to bright neon pinks for a bold statement.
- Dimension: Pink highlights add depth and texture to brown hair, giving it a vibrant and dynamic appearance.
- Low Maintenance: Unlike a full head of pink hair, pink highlights on brown hair require less upkeep, making them a more practical option for those with busy lifestyles.
Check out the latest brown hair with pink highlights looks on our Pinterest board for ideas and inspiration.
11 On-trend Brown Hair With Pink Highlights Ideas
Ready to explore some of the most stylish brown hair with pink highlights ideas? Take a look through and find your new look.
#1 Pink Streaks in Deep Chocolate Brown Hair
Deep chocolate brown hair serves as a luxurious, velvety canvas for subtle streaks of blush pink.
The rich, dark tones of the deep chocolate brown will make even the softest blush pink highlights appear more vibrant, offering a beautiful contrast without overwhelming your look.
#2 Pink Balayage on Rich Mocha Brown Hair
Rich mocha brown, with its full-bodied hints of coffee and cocoa, provides a warm base for a pink balayage.
The smooth transition from the deeper rich mocha tones to the lighter cotton candy pink ends can mimic the creamy blend of a well-crafted mocha latte, creating a deliciously sophisticated look.
#3 Dip-Dyed Ends on Cool Ash Brown Hair
Cool ash brown hair, known for its muted undertones, pairs beautifully with dip-dyed ends in a bold hot pink shade.
The cool ashy base provides a subtle backdrop that allows the hot pink tips to pop, resulting in a striking contrast that’s both edgy and chic.
#4 Chunky Highlights in Honey Brown Hair
The golden hues of luminous honey brown hair can be beautifully accentuated with chunky highlights in a rich magenta pink.
The warmth of the honey brown blends with the vibrancy of the magenta pink, creating a look that’s both bold and glam!
#5 Rose Gold Glow on Caramel Brown Hair
Gleaming caramel brown hair, with its luscious golden undertones, is the perfect foundation for a rose gold glow.
The metallic sheen of the rose gold highlights will add a luxurious dimension to the caramel tones, resulting in a look that’s super on-trend.
#6 Pastel Ribbons in Light Golden Brown Hair
Soft light golden brown hair, with its gentle and sunny disposition, can be enhanced with pastel bubblegum pink ribbons.
The gentle play of light pinks weaving through the golden strands creates a dreamy, fairytale-like effect that’s both delicate and enchanting.
#7 Pink Peekaboo in Espresso Brown Hair
Dark espresso brown hair, known for its deep and intense color, makes a dramatic statement when paired with vivid fuchsia pink underlights.
The boldness of the dark espresso provides a stark contrast to the playful fuchsia pink, creating an element of surprise and an undeniably modern edge.
#8 Pink Ombre on Warm Chestnut Brown Hair
Warm chestnut brown hair, with its rich red and brown tones, offers a cozy and inviting base for a pink ombre.
The natural warmth of the chestnut color enhances the pink’s vibrancy, creating a seamless and stunning gradient that transitions from a deep rose pink to a soft peachy pink, both eye-catching and elegant.
#9. Face-Framing Pink Stripes
Bold pink stripes along your face-framing layers highlight your features and add instant drama. This look works especially well with layers or curtain bangs.
#10. Pink Lowlights on Tawny Brown Hair
Tawny brown hair and blush pink lowlights are the epitome of understated elegance. The muted tones blend effortlessly for a polished, natural vibe.
#11. Smoky Pink Highlights on Ash Brown Hair
Cool ash brown pairs perfectly with smoky pink highlights for a moody, sophisticated look. Think edgy chic but totally wearable.
How to Get the Look
First things first, remember that perseverance is key if you’re looking for any kind of new hair color or hairstyle.
- If your hair is dark it will need bleaching to get the right base to show pink. This could take a few separate applications of bleach to achieve the desired look.
- If your hair is light brown, ask your stylist about balayage. This doesn’t have to involve bleach and gives the look we’re going for here! It’s also a more natural option because the color isn’t applied directly to the roots so they don’t need covering up which would result in obvious regrowth at any point.
- If your hair is blonde – you’ll need to dye it your chosen shade of brown first! Or just add pink highlights to your blonde base for the same gorgeous effect.
If this is new territory for you then it’s important to have a chat with your stylist. They are experts who know best!
Tips for Maintaining Your Pink Highlights.
To keep your color looking vibrant:
- Use Color-Safe Products: Opt for sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners that are formulated for color-treated hair to prevent fading.
- Cold Water Rinse: Rinse your hair with cold water to seal the cuticles and keep the color vibrant.
- Limit Heat Styling: Excessive heat can cause the color to fade faster. Use heat protectant sprays and limit the use of heat styling tools.
- Touch-Ups: Pink highlights may fade over time, so be prepared to touch up the color every few weeks to keep it looking fresh.
- UV Protection: Protect your hair from the sun’s UV rays, which can cause the color to fade. Wear hats or use hair products with UV protection.
And always read up on our top tips for keeping your color looking fabulous!
FAQ: All Your Pink Highlight Questions, Answered
Q: Do I need to bleach my brown hair for pink highlights?
A: If you want those pink tones to really pop, then yes, bleaching is usually necessary, especially for darker brunettes. But if you’re working with lighter brown hair, you might get away without it. Chat with your stylist for the safest option.
Q: What’s the best pink shade for my skin tone?
A: Here’s the quick lowdown:
- Cool undertones? Go for lavender, dusty pink, or deep rose.
- Warm undertones? Try coral, flamingo, or neon pink.
Not sure about your undertone? Look at your veins—blue means cool, green means warm.
Q: How long will pink highlights last?
A: Pink is a bit of a diva—it loves to shine but fades quickly. Expect to touch up every 4-6 weeks. Keep it vibrant with color-safe shampoo and avoid washing with hot water.
Q: Can I do pink highlights at home?
A: Absolutely! With the right pink hair dye (like Arctic Fox or Manic Panic) and some patience, you can DIY this trend. But if you’re new to the hair-coloring game, a stylist might save you from any oops moments.
Q: Is pink hair hard to maintain?
A: Not really! Highlights are way less upkeep than a full head of color. Use sulfate-free products, rinse with cold water, and embrace the fade—it’s all part of the fun.
Q: Can I pull this off with curly or textured hair?
A: YES! Pink highlights look stunning on curls and coils. The pops of color bring out the texture beautifully. Ask your stylist about placement for maximum impact.
Q: What if I regret it?
A: First, you probably won’t—it’s pink! But if you do, semi-permanent dyes fade over time, and you can always ask a stylist to help transition to another shade.
Parting words
Whether you go for soft pastel ribbons or bold neon streaks, brown hair with pink highlights is a look that’s as fun as it is versatile. It’s your chance to experiment with color, express your personality, and turn heads wherever you go.
So, are you ready to think pink? Let us know which style you’re dying to try first—and don’t forget to tag us in your hair selfies!
Found your perfect shade? We’d love to see it! Tag us on Instagram @coloredhaircare or Facebook and share your hair color stories. Looking for more hair care tips? Check out How to Look After Colored Hair: 11 Expert Secrets For Long-Lasting Color.
Our Research & Review Process
To ensure our recommendations are as comprehensive and reliable as possible, we’ve undertaken an extensive research effort.
We cite scientific evidence and journals, collect real user reviews and gather impartial perspectives from hair stylists, users, and experts in the field.
Additionally, we conduct hands-on testing by using products and applying hair dyes not only on our own locks but also on real human hair extensions and hair pieces of different hair type, textures and lengths.
This rigorous approach allows us to provide you with insights into which products genuinely live up to their promises.
As always – please consult with a professional hair colorist or stylist for advice on how to color your own hair at home. It’s different for everyone!
