25 Trendy Pink Highlights in Brown Hair Styles for a Bold Glow-Up
Pink Highlights in Brown Hair are taking over as one of the most stylish and playful hair color trends. Whether you’re into subtle pastel touches or full-on vibrant pink streaks, this combo brings a youthful, modern twist to classic brunette tones. The contrast between rich brown hair and any pink variation—rose, dusty, neon, or blush—adds dimension, glow, and a creative edge that turns heads.
What makes this trend so appealing is its versatility. You can customize the placement, intensity, and tone of your pink highlights to suit your skin tone, personality, and styling habits. From peekaboo panels and chunky streaks to pink money pieces and balayage blends, Pink Highlights in Brown Hair offer something for every vibe—chic, edgy, romantic, or bold.
Pink Highlights in Brown Hair
Below are 25 expanded, Pinterest-ready styles to inspire your next transformation.
Chunky Rose Gold Streaks
Chunky highlights are making a comeback, and rose gold is the perfect pink variant to pair with deep brunette tones. This style uses thick panels of rose-tinted color through the mid-lengths and ends, giving the hair a high-impact yet balanced look. The warmth of the pink complements brown undertones beautifully, adding richness without overwhelming your natural shade.
To make the highlights pop even more, style your hair with loose waves or a textured blowout. The curls catch the light, emphasizing the metallic warmth of the rose gold. This look is great for someone who wants to dip into bold color while keeping the roots natural and low-maintenance.
Subtle Blush Balayage
If you’re not ready to commit to bright color, try a blush balayage on a medium brown base. The soft fade of pink into the lower lengths offers a gentle transition that feels feminine and polished. This balayage technique creates a lived-in look where the pink melts into the brown seamlessly, enhancing shine and dimension.
Pink Highlights in Brown Hair done with a subtle hand give you just enough playfulness without going over the top. Wear it sleek and straight to showcase the gradient or curl the ends for an extra romantic effect.
Bubblegum Pink Face Frame
A pink money piece framing your face is one of the easiest ways to add instant personality to your hair. With a cool-toned brown base, bubblegum pink streaks on either side create a youthful and modern statement that accentuates your facial features and adds glow to your skin tone.
This style is ideal for short to medium-length cuts and pairs well with curtain bangs or center parts. It gives you a pop of color that’s bold but still polished, especially when combined with soft, blended highlights throughout the rest of the hair.
Dusty Pink Ombré Fade
Dusty pink brings a muted, elegant vibe to bold color trends. With this style, the color transitions gradually from deep brown roots into soft, smoky pink ends, creating a refined ombré effect. It’s understated yet still expressive—perfect for those who prefer cool, ashier tones.
The beauty of this color lies in its wearability. Whether your hair is naturally straight, curly, or textured, the gradient will blend naturally and beautifully. Use a glossing serum to enhance the ombré’s shine and softness.
Hidden Pink Peekaboo Panels
Peekaboo panels are playful, unexpected, and ideal for anyone who wants color they can reveal or conceal. Pink streaks are layered underneath the top section of your brown hair, so they only show when styled up or moved in a certain way.
This technique is low-commitment and allows for creativity in placement—whether it’s neon pink near the nape or blush streaks at the temples. Pink Highlights in Brown Hair done as peekaboo accents add edge without altering your overall look too drastically.
Soft Curls with Pink Tips
Add drama to your curls by dipping the ends in a vibrant or pastel pink. This style looks especially magical on shoulder-length brown hair with layers, as the pink pops at every twist and turn. It adds just the right amount of color contrast without changing your root color.
Curl the hair outward to emphasize the tipped edges and enhance the two-tone effect. This style is flirty and fresh, making it ideal for date nights, parties, or seasonal refreshes.
Half-Up Style with Pink Undercurrent
For a twist on the everyday half-updo, incorporate a pink undercurrent into your brown base. When you pull the top half back, the pink peeks through from the lower layers, offering a soft surprise. Use rose or blush tones to keep it chic and romantic.
Pink Highlights in Brown Hair styled this way offer a mix of sweet and edgy. It works great for wavy or curly hair, as texture helps showcase the layered color dimension beneath the surface.
If you’re drawn to soft blends with warmth, you’ll also love the golden tones in this warm caramel balayage with honey guide.
Braided Ponytail with Magenta Panels
Magenta panels woven into a dark brown base add fire and flair to any braid or ponytail. This bold contrast makes every twist of the braid visually pop. Focus the pink panels through the sides or the ponytail’s length for maximum color impact.
This style is bold, confident, and incredibly eye-catching. Great for special events, concerts, or anytime you want your hair to stand out in the crowd.
Wavy Lob with Baby Pink Ends
A shoulder-length lob with baby pink ends offers a modern, artistic vibe. The pink is focused just on the tips, creating a playful dip-dye effect that doesn’t overpower the rest of the hair. With a slightly tousled finish, it looks effortlessly cool and fashion-forward.
This style works especially well for those with straight or lightly wavy hair. The soft color contrast is easy to grow out, making it perfect for first-timers exploring vibrant hues.
Glossy Brown with Rose Melt
A high-gloss brunette base paired with a rose melt creates a sophisticated and upscale version of the pink highlight trend. The pink tones are expertly melted through the lower layers for a finish that looks expensive, polished, and elevated.
Pink Highlights in Brown Hair in this style take on a luxurious feel. To enhance the shine and smoothness, consider using a gloss treatment every few weeks and style with a large-barrel curling iron for volume and elegance.
Pink Crown Layers with Subtle Streaks
Adding soft pink streaks to the crown layers of your brown hair brings just the right amount of fun and flair. These subtle pieces are strategically placed throughout the top layer and blend gently into your natural base, catching light and drawing attention without dominating your look. The effect is youthful yet refined—ideal for anyone who wants a touch of color without going full-on bold.
This style works best with lightly textured or layered hair, where the pink strands have room to move and stand out. You can keep your styling soft with a blowout or go full volume for more contrast. These highlights give off an artsy, free-spirited vibe, and paired with Pink Highlights in Brown Hair, they offer a dreamy, editorial finish that looks effortlessly chic in any setting.
Not ready for long layers? Try pairing vibrant pink streaks with the bold charm of these pixie hairstyles for Black women.
Tousled Waves with Pink Money Piece
The money piece trend—a lighter pop of color around the front—takes a bold and fashionable turn when done in pastel or dusty pink. When paired with tousled waves and a medium to dark brown base, this vibrant pop of color lifts the face and gives the whole look instant glow. It adds brightness near your eyes and cheekbones, acting almost like a natural filter.
Whether you style it with beachy curls or undone texture, the pink money piece stands out beautifully. Pink Highlights in Brown Hair like this offer a strong frame for your features without the upkeep of full highlights. Plus, it grows out gracefully, allowing you to maintain the look longer without touch-ups.
Romantic Twists with Rosy Accent
A loose, romantic twisted half-updo becomes even more magical when infused with rosy pink accents. These delicate strands peek out through the twists and knots, adding a whisper of color that enhances the softness of the style. It’s the perfect balance of feminine and modern, ideal for bridesmaids, formal events, or date-night glam.
This style particularly suits medium-to-long hair lengths and can be made more dramatic by adding multiple shades of pink for a watercolor effect. Pink Highlights in Brown Hair placed in a twisted pattern create movement and depth, giving your hairstyle a multi-dimensional finish that sparkles under light.
Long Brown Hair with Dip-Dyed Pink Ends
Dip-dyed ends bring drama to long, flowing brunette hair. This look focuses all the color toward the bottom few inches of the hair, giving a stark and edgy contrast between the rich brown roots and vibrant pink ends. Whether you choose blush pink or bold magenta, the result is eye-catching and stylish.
The beauty of this technique is its low-commitment nature—it’s easy to trim the color off if you change your mind, and there’s no root maintenance. Styling this look with long, loose waves or a sleek flat-iron finish helps highlight the crisp line between brown and pink. Pink Highlights in Brown Hair using a dip-dye approach are great for making a bold statement while keeping your base color intact.
Fishtail Braid with Cotton Candy Touches
Braids are one of the most fun ways to showcase multi-tonal hair color, and adding cotton candy pink strands into a fishtail braid gives the whole look a fairytale twist. The interwoven tones add texture and lightness to the style, catching the eye as the braid moves and expands.
This playful design suits longer hair best and works with any braid style—fishtail, Dutch, or waterfall. The color placement can be customized to appear just on the outer layers or scattered throughout. With Pink Highlights in Brown Hair, this style offers whimsy and charm in every strand, giving your braid a magical lift.
Pink isn’t the only way to make brown hair pop—these silver highlights on brown hair offer a sleek, icy contrast.
Sleek Straight Hair with Rosy Panels
For women who love a sleek, straight look, bold rosy panels offer a clean and graphic twist. The pink tones are applied in thick, deliberate sections throughout the length of the hair, allowing them to stand out against the uniform smoothness of your brown base. The contrast is sophisticated and editorial, ideal for those who love modern lines.
The best part about this style is its polish. When ironed straight and styled with glossing serum, the pink panels look like precision art. Pink Highlights in Brown Hair applied this way bring out symmetry, geometry, and shine in the most refined way possible—great for the office, events, or a sleek night-out transformation.
Braided Bun with Neon Pink Threads
Updos don’t have to be plain. Add excitement by threading in neon pink highlights, especially if you’re styling your brown hair into a messy bun or intricate braided updo. The contrast of bright pink against brunette brings instant energy and style, giving a wow factor that turns a simple bun into a statement piece.
This is a fabulous option for summer, festivals, or creative events. The pink threads can be placed in specific braid strands or wrapped around the bun for added texture. Pink Highlights in Brown Hair done in neon hues create the ultimate eye-catching updo, full of bold character and charm.
Rose Quartz-Inspired Melt
Inspired by the soft glimmer of rose quartz, this melt technique gradually transitions from a rich brown base into soft pink and lilac tones. The balayage effect keeps it seamless, while the blended hues mimic gemstone colors for a truly ethereal finish. It’s a fresh take on pastel hair with a more grown-up edge.
Great for medium to long hair, this look pairs well with glossy waves or subtle bends that help the colors move and blend. Pink Highlights in Brown Hair using this approach are delicate yet dimensional, creating a smooth gradient of cool-to-warm pinks that’s sophisticated and soft.
Asymmetrical Bob with Pink Underside
Take your asymmetrical bob to a new level with hidden pink color underneath the shorter layers. The bold hue peeks through with movement or when the hair is tucked behind the ears, offering a surprise detail that’s both edgy and wearable. You get a dramatic contrast when the hair is styled straight or swept to the side.
This look is perfect for professionals who want flair without compromising polish. It also allows you to change your vibe depending on how you part or style your hair. Pink Highlights in Brown Hair placed beneath the surface add that perfect pop of rebellion without going all-in.
Looking for a trendy statement for the season? Pair pink tones with these New Year’s hairstyles for short hair for a head-turning look.
Classic Blowout with Pink Glow
There’s nothing like a classic salon blowout—smooth, bouncy, and full of volume. But when pink is layered subtly through the strands, the shine takes on a unique glow. The color blends into the shape of the style, catching the light on the curves and flips of each section for a stunning visual effect.
This is an excellent choice for those who want pink highlights to be part of a polished, elegant look. Use a volumizing mousse or blow-dry spray to enhance movement, then brush through for softness. Pink Highlights in Brown Hair combined with a voluminous blowout exude confidence, femininity, and flair.
Low Bun with Dusty Pink Contrast
A sleek or messy low bun gets an upgrade when soft dusty pink strands peek through from within. Instead of placing highlights throughout, this look focuses on color accents at the ends and the inner layers, so that when the bun is twisted and pinned, soft blush tones spiral through the brown base in a romantic swirl.
This style is perfect for formal events, workdays, or even bridal hairstyles that need a subtle pop of creativity. When the hair is unpinned, the color still looks natural and blended. Dusty pink accents pair beautifully with chocolate or espresso brown tones, offering a timeless and feminine contrast without being over-the-top.
Medium Layers with Magenta Ribbons
Magenta ribbons running through medium-length layers bring a vivid punch to soft brunette hair. The placement of the pink is key—it’s subtly painted through the midshaft and outer layers so it shimmers with movement but doesn’t feel too blocky or artificial.
Pink Highlights in Brown Hair done in ribbon fashion create the perfect flow of color, especially when styled with big waves or layered flips. This look is stylish and contemporary, ideal for those who want a mix of classic layering and vibrant edge.
Messy Updo with Pastel Panels
Pastel pink panels can completely transform a simple messy bun or textured updo. When strands of light pink are pulled into twists and loops, the subtle tone brings dimension and charm. The best part? Even when styled casually, the color softens the whole appearance.
This is a go-to option for brides, proms, or springtime celebrations. The soft pink panels work beautifully against warm or neutral brown bases, offering just the right balance of color and texture. Add pearl or floral accessories for an ultra-romantic final touch.
Glossy Blowout with Rose Balayage Ends
Rose balayage that melts into the ends of long brown hair gives off a sleek, luxurious effect—especially when paired with a fresh salon blowout. The warmth of the rose tones pairs perfectly with caramel or mocha brown roots, resulting in a beautifully blended look that shimmers under light.
This style is ideal for women who love polished, smooth hairstyles with a playful twist. The pink tones don’t overpower the style; instead, they create a sophisticated edge that catches attention in a subtle, classy way. This is a favorite among clients who want to refresh their color without going neon or extreme.
Wavy Ponytail with Rose Gold Shine
A high or low wavy ponytail looks absolutely stunning with strands of rose gold running through the base and tail. The shimmer of pink against chocolate or coffee brown creates a soft metallic effect, elevating even the simplest pony into something runway-worthy.
To get the best results, curl the ends and gently tease the crown. You’ll love how the rose tones catch and reflect light, giving your ponytail dimension and radiance. Pink Highlights in Brown Hair styled this way are effortless, chic, and endlessly Instagram-worthy.
Best Pink Shades for Brown Hair Tones
Brown Hair Shade | Best Pink Highlight Match |
Light Brown | Baby pink, blush, rose gold |
Medium Brown | Pastel pink, dusty rose, magenta |
Dark Brown | Neon pink, berry tones, deep rose |
Ash Brown | Cool pink, lilac-pink blend |
Warm Brown | Copper pink, coral, rose melt |
Choose a tone that complements your base for a cohesive blend that grows out naturally.
Tips for Maintaining Pink Highlights
- Use sulfate-free, color-safe shampoo
- Rinse with cool water to preserve vibrancy
- Avoid frequent heat styling or use thermal protectant
- Touch up every 6–8 weeks depending on intensity
- Refresh pastel pinks with color-depositing masks
Conclusion
Whether you’re after something soft and subtle or vibrant and show-stopping, Pink Highlights in Brown Hair offer endless room for creativity. From dusty pink streaks and rose gold ribbons to magenta money pieces and pastel panels, there’s a look for every personality and occasion. With smart placement and the right shade, pink highlights can give your brown hair a glow-up that’s as elegant as it is edgy. It’s the ultimate way to experiment with color while keeping your brunette base intact and beautiful.
Aria Blake is a beauty writer and hairstyle curator passionate about empowering women through timeless trends and modern haircare. With a deep love for natural textures and creative styling, Aria blends expert tips with real-life inspiration to help you look and feel your best—every single day. When she’s not writing for MysticHairs.com, you’ll find her exploring protective styles, sipping herbal tea, or pinning dreamy looks for your next hair glow-up.