22 Full Head Babylights Blonde on Brown Hair Ideas for 2026

Could blonde babylights brighten brown hair without erasing its natural depth? And can a full head of fine highlights still look soft rather than striped? Absolutely. The secret lies in choosing the right placement, temperature, and contrast for the brunette base.

I love full head babylights blonde on brown hair because the technique can create anything from a barely-there shimmer to a luminous blonde transformation. Ahead, I am exploring five distinct approaches – rich brunette ribbons, creamy blonde waves, warm face-framing dimension, subtle caramel light, and a cool pearly finish.

Glossy Brunette Babylights with Subtle Caramel Ribbons

This polished brunette proves that babylights do not need to turn brown hair noticeably blonde to make an impact. The deep chocolate base remains dominant, while ultra-fine Caramel ribbons travel softly through the mid-lengths and ends. I like how the color is diffused rather than uniformly bright, creating movement within the loose waves while preserving a distinctly Natural result. The blunt medium-length perimeter gives the hair a satisfying sense of weight, while the restrained placement keeps everything glossy, expensive-looking, and beautifully understated.

To achieve this kind of softness, I would ask for delicate Foils on selected sections rather than chunky ribbons throughout every layer. A colorist can weave extremely fine strands and leave enough Dark hair between them to maintain depth. At home, I would protect the high-shine finish with Redken Acidic Color Gloss Shampoo and Conditioner, then apply Color Wow Dream Coat before blow-drying. The color is subtle, so gloss and smoothness are what really make it sing.

Quietly luxurious – that is the phrase that comes to mind. I find this version especially appealing for anyone trying babylights for the first time or moving away from an overly solid brunette shade. Would you notice individual streaks from across the room? Probably not, and that is precisely the point. You notice healthier-looking dimension, gentle warmth, and waves that suddenly appear more defined.

Beige Blonde Babylights with a Soft Shadow Root

Here, the transformation is considerably brighter. Closely spaced Foils create a pale Beige blonde through the lengths, while a softly shadowed brown root prevents the finish from appearing flat or disconnected. This is a beautiful example of Highlights on light brown hair, where the remaining depth at the crown melts smoothly into creamy blonde ends. The long, flowing waves emphasize the tonal blend, alternating between champagne, vanilla, and muted golden strands as the hair bends.

Bright blonde needs a little more attention, especially when most of the length has been lifted. I would alternate Kérastase Blond Absolu Bain Lumière with a gentle moisturizing shampoo and use the Cicaflash conditioner through the mid-lengths and ends. Purple products are helpful when yellow tones appear, but I would not use them at every wash – too much violet pigment can make a soft Golden beige blonde look dull or slightly gray.

What wins me over is the balance between brightness and wearability. It feels like a Full head blonde result, yet the softly diffused root gives it a relaxed, lived-in quality. If you love luminous hair but do not want a harsh line of regrowth after a few weeks, this blend is worth saving. The denim styling adds to that easy mood – fresh, casual, and ready for an ordinary day that suddenly feels much prettier.

Honey Babylights with Long Face-Framing Layers

Warmth takes center stage in this long, layered style. The brown base is illuminated with Honey and muted beige babylights, concentrated around the face and feathered ends. Fine Highlights on dark hair soften the overall brunette shade without removing the shadow between the ribbons. I especially like the long curtain pieces: they sweep away from the face and reveal brighter strands underneath, while the rounded layers create that full, bouncy finish associated with a fresh salon blowout.

Because the beauty of this color depends on warmth rather than an icy toner, I would focus on preventing brassiness without stripping away the honey character. Pureology Hydrate Shampoo and Conditioner are a dependable pairing for softness, while a weekly treatment such as Olaplex No. 8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask helps the long ends stay flexible. For styling, I would use a large round brush and direct the front sections away from the face, then set them briefly in large rollers.

This is my favorite kind of babylights blonde on brown hair straight transformation because it still looks dimensional when the hair is smooth, yet becomes even more expressive with a curved blowout. It also shows how Highlights half concentrated near the face can be combined with finer brightness throughout the rest of the head. The black top keeps the palette clean and lets every warm ribbon stand out – simple, elegant, and never trying too hard.

Deep Chocolate Waves with Caramel Babylight Accents

There is something wonderfully autumnal about this pairing of espresso brown and warm cinnamon-caramel light. The delicate Balayage highlights appear mainly through the front, surface, and lower lengths, allowing the rich base to remain glossy and dramatic. Rather than forming obvious stripes, the brighter pieces seem to disappear and reappear through the large waves. This approach to babylights blonde on brown hair caramel is ideal when the goal is dimension, not a complete blonde transformation.

I would ask a colorist to combine ultra-fine Foils on the upper layers with a softly painted Balayage on the ends. That hybrid placement produces controlled brightness near the face and a more diffused transition farther down. To preserve the brunette richness, I would use dpHUE Gloss+ in Dark Brown between salon visits, taking care to apply it according to the product directions so the lighter ribbons do not become overly muted.

For me, this is the choice for someone who wants people to say, “Your hair looks incredible,” without immediately identifying a dramatic color change. The long waves make the Full shape feel glamorous, but the color itself remains grounded and wearable. Could it work on a shorter cut? Yes – carefully placed ribbons would make babylights blonde on brown hair short look equally dimensional, particularly on a softly layered bob.

Icy Blonde Babylights with Cool Brown Dimension

This cooler interpretation blends an ashy brown root with pearly blonde ribbons across the entire head. The closely spaced Foils on light brown hair produce substantial brightness, but narrow lowlights remain visible between the pale sections, preventing the color from becoming one flat sheet of blonde. I see a refined mix of Ash, pearl, and soft Icy tones, finished with broad waves that reveal every carefully blended strand. The result is bright, crisp, and especially striking in clear light.

Cool blonde can lose its clarity when mineral buildup or heat damage roughens the surface. I would use Malibu C Hard Water Wellness Shampoo occasionally if hard water is an issue, followed by a nourishing mask such as Amika Soulfood. Before creating waves, a heat protectant is non-negotiable – Redken Thermal Spray 22 offers protection and enough hold to keep the shape without making the hair feel stiff. I would also keep hot tools at the lowest effective temperature.

Bright but not blank – that distinction matters. The retained brown threads give the Light blonde something to play against, making the waves appear thicker and more dimensional. The same placement could also flatter babylights blonde on brown hair curly, where every curl would reveal a different mix of cool blonde and brunette. If your taste leans polished, modern, and a little frosty, this may be the version that finally persuades you to go lighter.

Mushroom Blonde Babylights with a Smoky Brunette Root

This cool-toned blend sits beautifully between brunette and blonde. A deep brown crown melts into smoky taupe, muted mushroom, and soft Beige ribbons through the mid-lengths and ends. The babylights are fine enough to avoid obvious striping, yet numerous enough to brighten the entire silhouette. I like how the long waves expose different shades with every curve – deeper Ash brown inside the bends and lighter blonde across the surface.

A neutral-cool result like this benefits from careful toning rather than constant purple shampoo. I would wash with L’Oréal Professionnel Metal Detox Shampoo to help protect the color from dulling mineral deposits, then follow with its coordinating mask. Once a week, a small amount of Moroccanoil Treatment Light can be worked through the ends to keep the long, lightened sections smooth without weighing down the waves.

This is the kind of full head babylights blonde on brown hair that looks different depending on the light. Indoors, it reads as an elegant cool brunette; near a window, the blonde dimension becomes much clearer. That subtle shift is exactly why I find the color so wearable. It delivers a noticeable refresh while the shadowed root keeps the transformation calm, modern, and wonderfully low-key.

Champagne Babylights with Bright Face-Framing Pieces

Here, fine champagne babylights create a luminous contrast against a cool medium-brown base. The brightest ribbons begin near the face, then flow into creamy ends, while a veil of brunette remains around the center part and beneath the waves. This strategic combination of Highlights on light brown hair and softly blended money pieces makes the long style look brighter without sacrificing depth. The symmetrical waves add polish and give the delicate color placement a silky, fluid quality.

The pale ends will need the most moisture, so I would apply K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask after shampooing as directed, especially during the first few washes following the salon visit. A heat protectant such as Living Proof Restore Perfecting Spray is also helpful before forming these long waves. To preserve the champagne tone, I would ask for a gloss appointment between major lightening sessions instead of repeatedly lifting already-blonde sections.

There is something beautifully balanced about this look. The Light ribbons feel fresh and noticeable, yet the darker root gives the style structure and makes the blonde appear even brighter by comparison. If you usually wear your hair Straight, the placement would create long, uninterrupted lines of color; styled in waves, it becomes softer and more romantic. Which mood would you choose today?

Espresso Brown with Whisper-Fine Mocha Babylights

Not every babylight transformation needs high contrast. This shoulder-length style keeps its espresso foundation intact, adding whisper-fine mocha and neutral brown threads from near the crown through the ends. The delicate Highlights on dark hair catch the light across the waves rather than announcing themselves as separate streaks. A softly blunt perimeter gives the cut fullness, while the subtle color prevents the darker shade from looking heavy or one-dimensional.

To maintain that mirror-like brunette shine, I would reach for Oribe Shampoo and Conditioner for Beautiful Color and add a few drops of Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil before drying. The oil helps smooth the surface and makes those fine ribbons easier to see. Because this is a restrained color placement, I would avoid aggressive clarifying shampoos unless buildup becomes a genuine issue – the rich, glossy finish is part of the appeal.

Softly does it. I love this interpretation for anyone who wants Natural dimension and a manageable grow-out rather than an obvious blonde result. Carefully woven Foils can lift selected strands only a few levels, producing movement while honoring the original brunette shade. On a Short bob, the same idea would create an equally refined shimmer with very little visual fuss.

Cool Beige Money Pieces on Long Chocolate Waves

This long brunette style uses brighter babylights precisely where they make the greatest impact. Cool Beige pieces frame the face, while finer taupe ribbons fade into the chocolate lengths and leave plenty of depth behind. I like the way the center-parted front sections sweep outward, revealing blonde along their edges without creating a severe block of color. The generous waves make the transition from brown to blonde look soft, graceful, and naturally connected.

For this placement, I would ask for fine Foils on the hairline and slightly wider weaves around the front, followed by delicate babylights through the rest of the head. At home, Redken Color Extend Brownlights Shampoo can help manage unwanted warmth in the brunette sections, but I would use it sparingly so the beige pieces do not become overly cool. A moisturizing shampoo should handle most regular washes.

I keep returning to this kind of balance because it flatters the face without making the entire style feel overly blonde. It is a polished approach to Highlights half concentrated near the front, supported by quieter dimension elsewhere. The soft waves bring a little glamour, while the casual gray top keeps the overall mood relaxed. It feels equally right for an ordinary coffee run or a dinner that calls for something special.

Voluminous Mocha Babylights with a Taupe Blonde Glow

Glossy mocha brown provides the foundation here, while neutral taupe-blonde babylights sweep through the face-framing layers and cascade into the lower lengths. The placement feels richer than a traditional Balayage on the ends because brightness is distributed from the upper sections downward. At the same time, enough Dark hair remains between the ribbons to create luxurious contrast. The oversized blowout reveals the color beautifully, turning every curved layer into a ribbon of reflected light.

Healthy shine is essential for this finish. I would prep damp hair with Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray, blow-dry in sections with a large round brush, and use Velcro rollers at the crown for extra lift. For weekly care, Shu Uemura Ultimate Reset Hair Mask is a rich option for long, color-treated lengths. I would concentrate it below the ears so the roots remain airy rather than coated.

The volume gives this Full head color an unmistakably glamorous personality, but the neutral palette keeps it sophisticated. I can see the same babylights looking lovely on Curly hair, where mocha and taupe would alternate naturally from coil to coil. For anyone tempted by blonde but still attached to the richness of brown, this is a persuasive middle ground – bright enough to feel new, deep enough to still feel like you.

Copper Babylights Through Feathered Chocolate Layers

Warm copper ribbons bring this deep chocolate base to life, tracing the long feathered layers from the crown to the curved ends. The brighter sections are slim but deliberately visible, creating more contrast than traditional barely-there babylights while still blending into the brunette foundation. I love how the layered cut breaks the color into flashes of cinnamon, chestnut, and soft Caramel. Each turned-out end catches another warm note, giving the hair a lively, almost flickering finish.

Warm highlights can gradually lose their coppery richness, so I would use Davines Alchemic Copper Conditioner occasionally to refresh the tone. A color-safe shampoo such as Pureology Strength Cure is a good choice for regular washing, especially when the long layers have been chemically lightened. Before blow-drying, I would apply Bumble and bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Heat Protectant Primer and shape the ends with a medium round brush.

This combination has real autumn energy – polished brown hair suddenly illuminated by russet leaves and late-afternoon sun. The Golden warmth also makes the layered movement easier to see, even when the hair is worn relatively Straight. Would I call it blonde? Not quite. It is a warmer, richer interpretation of babylights that suits anyone who wants brightness without stepping away from brunette territory.

Dark Chocolate Babylights with Auburn Shine

This long style is all about depth, gloss, and restrained warmth. The almost-black brown crown transitions into slim auburn ribbons through the mid-lengths, while the curled ends reveal the richest chestnut tones. These are subtle Highlights on dark hair rather than a high-contrast blonde placement, and that makes the finish feel exceptionally smooth. The upper lengths remain sleek, then open into soft curls below the shoulders, creating a graceful change in texture.

When the brunette base is this rich, protecting shine matters as much as protecting tone. I would use Redken Acidic Color Gloss Shampoo and Conditioner, followed by a small amount of Kérastase Elixir Ultime Hair Oil through the ends. For curls that remain touchable, I prefer a flexible heat protectant such as Kenra Thermal Styling Spray 19 rather than a heavy finishing lacquer that could hide the natural movement.

Some color changes whisper, and I think that is their charm. Fine Foils lifted only slightly above the natural base can create this auburn glow without introducing obvious blonde stripes. It is an elegant option for someone who wants a Full, dimensional brunette with a forgiving grow-out. Under indoor light it appears dark and polished; in sunshine, the hidden warmth finally steps forward.

Espresso Babylights with Polished Sculpted Ends

Long espresso hair receives the most delicate tonal lift here, with barely perceptible cocoa babylights running through the upper layers and curved ends. The color remains unmistakably Dark, but it no longer feels solid or flat. Instead, slender warm-brown threads follow the shape of the cut and become visible wherever the hair bends. I am drawn to the dramatic styling – the smooth upper section folds into rounded, sculpted curls that make the entire silhouette feel lush and intentional.

For a smooth finish like this, I would apply Color Wow Dream Coat to damp hair and blow-dry each section under tension. Large hot rollers can recreate the curved ends with less repeated handling than a flat iron. Since the color lift is minimal, a hydrating mask such as Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! once a week should be enough to keep the long lengths supple and reflective.

This is a reminder that full head babylights blonde on brown hair can be adapted to someone who wants only the faintest hint of light. The colorist does not have to chase a pale blonde result – fine brunette babylights can simply soften an espresso base by one or two levels. For me, the payoff is quiet but worthwhile: more dimension, more movement, and a beautiful sheen that never looks overworked.

Ash Blonde Ribbons on a Cool Brown Base

Cool brown and smoky blonde come together in a striking high-contrast blend. Slender Ash ribbons begin close to the crown and travel through the long waves, becoming broader and brighter toward the lower lengths. Darker sections remain between the highlights, giving the color strong vertical dimension rather than an all-over gray finish. I like how the mix of taupe, mushroom, and pale Beige creates a modern alternative to warm honey blonde.

A combination of fine Foils on light brown sections and softly painted Balayage highlights through the ends could produce this varied brightness. To maintain the cool tone, I would use Matrix So Silver Shampoo only when warmth starts to show, followed by a deeply moisturizing conditioner. Too much toning can leave ash blonde looking flat, so I would alternate it with a gentle color-safe formula and book gloss appointments when the shade needs a proper reset.

There is an edge to this palette that I find incredibly fresh. The blonde is cool and visible, yet the brunette background stops it from drifting into a single icy block. It would also translate beautifully to babylights blonde on brown hair curly, where every coil could showcase a slightly different smoky tone. If warm caramel has never felt quite like you, this cooler direction may be the answer.

Beige Blonde Lengths with a Soft Brunette Melt

This long, center-parted style gradually moves from medium brown at the crown into pale beige-blonde lengths. Fine babylights around the face provide immediate brightness, while the deeper interior sections preserve dimension and make the lighter ends feel airy rather than dense. The mostly Straight finish shows how smoothly the shades connect, with just enough bend through the lengths to reveal soft taupe and champagne undertones.

Because the lower half is considerably lighter, I would treat the ends as the most delicate part of the style. Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo and No. 5 Conditioner can support softness, while the brand’s No. 9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum adds heat protection before drying. A small trim every eight to ten weeks would also help the blunt perimeter remain clean instead of becoming wispy.

For me, this is one of the most wearable examples of babylights blonde on brown hair straight. It delivers a genuinely blonde impression without demanding that the natural brunette base disappear. The black sleeveless top creates a crisp backdrop for the pale lengths, making the entire look feel modern and uncluttered. Bright, balanced, and easy to style – what more could we ask from a color refresh?

Rose Gold Babylights on Warm Chestnut Hair

This warm chestnut base is threaded with delicate rose-gold and peachy blonde ribbons from near the crown through the ends. The closely blended placement creates a luminous Full head effect without hiding the richer brown underneath. I love how the long waves separate the shades naturally – cinnamon in the deeper curves, pale copper along the surface, and soft Golden blonde around the ends. The result feels romantic, warm, and slightly unexpected.

Rose-gold tones can fade more quickly than neutral blonde, so I would wash less frequently and use cool rather than hot water. Joico Colorful Anti-Fade Shampoo and Conditioner can help preserve the warmth, while Moroccanoil Color Depositing Mask in Rose Gold is useful when the peachy tone needs a gentle refresh. I would test any depositing product on a hidden strand first because porous ends may absorb more pigment.

This is a playful take on full head babylights blonde on brown hair, but it remains sophisticated because the color stays within a warm, tonal palette. The gray sweater and camel-brown bottoms echo the muted softness of the hair without competing with it. If traditional Caramel feels a little predictable, could a hint of rose gold be the update you have been waiting for?

Honey Caramel Babylights with Glossy Brunette Depth

Glossy medium-brown hair receives a generous sweep of Honey and caramel brightness through the face-framing sections, surface layers, and ends. The warmer ribbons are noticeable, yet they connect smoothly to the chestnut base rather than forming sharp stripes. Large waves make the color appear fluid, revealing dark chocolate beneath and molten amber along the raised curves. This is babylights blonde on brown hair caramel at its richest – dimensional, radiant, and unmistakably warm.

To keep the honey tone glossy rather than brassy, I would use Oribe Shampoo for Beautiful Color and follow with the coordinating conditioner. Color Wow Pop and Lock High Gloss Finish can add a polished sheen through the lengths after styling, but a small amount is enough. When recreating these waves, I would alternate the direction of large sections and brush through them gently once they have cooled.

Warm light, black tailoring, softly sculpted hair – the whole mood feels quietly confident. I especially like that the Highlights on the front pieces brighten the complexion while the brunette crown keeps the result grounded. It is glamorous without being fussy, and the growth should remain softer than an all-over blonde. For brunettes craving a visible seasonal change, this balance is hard to beat.

Golden Face-Framing Babylights on Extra-Long Brown Hair

Extra-long chocolate hair is illuminated with slender Golden ribbons placed mainly around the face and through selected surface sections. The deeper brown remains dominant across most of the length, giving the style richness and making every lighter strand stand out. I like how the brightest pieces follow the center-parted framing layers, while the rest of the hair falls in a smooth, relaxed pattern. It is an elegant example of using light strategically rather than everywhere at equal intensity.

Very long, lightened hair needs consistent protection at the ends. I would work Kérastase Nutritive 8H Magic Night Serum through the lengths before bed and use ghd Bodyguard Heat Protect Spray before any hot styling. If the ends begin to feel dry, a micro-trim can preserve the shape without sacrificing meaningful length. Gentle detangling from the bottom upward also helps prevent avoidable breakage.

What appeals to me is the restraint. Instead of covering the entire base with pale blonde, the placement uses Highlights half around the visible layers to create maximum impact with less lightening. The cropped graphic top gives the long hair a casual, youthful contrast, while the luminous ribbons keep it polished. Would this work without waves? Absolutely – babylights blonde on brown hair straight would make those golden lines look even longer and sleeker.

Icy Champagne Babylights with a Seamless Root Blend

This is the brightest transformation in the collection, with finely woven blonde extending from a softly shadowed root into creamy champagne lengths. The cool beige base is crossed with pale pearl and Icy ribbons, producing a near-solid blonde effect while preserving subtle tonal variation. Long face-framing layers curve away from the cheeks, and the smooth blowout makes the color appear clean, airy, and exceptionally luminous.

Achieving this brightness from brown hair usually requires many fine Foils and may take more than one appointment, depending on the starting shade and condition. I would prioritize hair integrity over reaching the palest result immediately. At home, K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask can support damaged lengths, while Fanola No Yellow Shampoo can be used occasionally when unwanted warmth appears. Moisture should remain the everyday priority.

Fresh, bright, and polished – this is for someone ready to lean fully into blonde. The softly blended root saves it from looking harsh and gives the Light lengths a more believable transition. I also appreciate the faint Beige warmth at the ends, which keeps the result from becoming overly silver. If you want a dramatic change that still feels refined, this may be the salon reference to save.

Natural Mocha Babylights with Silky Soft Waves

A medium mocha base receives an exceptionally subtle veil of neutral brown and soft beige babylights. The highlights sit only a little lighter than the foundation, so the effect comes through as shine and movement rather than obvious blonde streaks. Broad waves reveal gentle tonal shifts from cocoa at the crown to milky brown through the lower lengths. I find this restrained blend especially flattering because it enhances the hair’s natural richness instead of competing with it.

For this understated finish, I would ask for micro-fine Foils on scattered sections and a neutral gloss over the full head. Redken Acidic Color Gloss Activated Glass Gloss Treatment can help maintain the reflective surface between appointments when used according to its directions. Before blow-drying, Davines OI All In One Milk offers conditioning and heat protection without making the hair look heavy.

This is my idea of easy, expensive-looking color. It remains deeply brunette, but the soft Natural variation keeps the long shape from appearing dense or flat. The babylights would also look beautiful on Medium or shorter lengths, particularly when finished with a gentle bend. Sometimes the best transformation is not the loudest one – it is the version that simply makes your own hair look better.

Cool Taupe Babylights with Cascading Face-Framing Layers

This ultra-long style blends a medium brunette base with finely woven taupe and muted beige babylights. The brightness is distributed from the crown through the ends, but slender darker ribbons remain visible beneath the surface, giving the hair genuine depth. I especially like the softly illuminated face frame and the cascading layers, which curve away from the cheek before flowing into long, polished waves. The combination of Ash brown and neutral blonde feels refined rather than frosty.

For a seamless blend like this, I would ask for micro-fine Foils through the upper sections and a soft root melt to remove any obvious lines. At home, I would use Davines MINU Shampoo and Conditioner to support color longevity, followed by Color Wow Money Masque once a week for moisture. A large round brush or oversized rollers can shape the long layers without creating tight curls that hide the delicate color placement.

This is the sophisticated side of full head babylights blonde on brown hair – bright enough to reveal every layer, yet subtle enough to remain unmistakably brunette. The tonal restraint also makes the grow-out feel less demanding than a high-contrast blonde. If you want a color that looks equally polished in loose waves and Straight, this taupe blend offers a beautifully versatile middle ground.

Soft Hazelnut Babylights with Glossy Vintage Waves

Hazelnut brown sets the mood here, enriched with quiet honey-beige babylights that create warmth without producing obvious streaks. The color appears nearly uniform at first, but the sculpted waves reveal fine ribbons of chestnut, muted Caramel, and soft golden brown. A smooth side part and gently swept front section frame the face, while the rounded ends give the long style a graceful vintage finish. It is subtle, feminine, and wonderfully wearable.

I would maintain this warm, reflective color with Pureology Hydrate Sheer Shampoo and Conditioner, especially if the hair is fine or easily weighed down. Before styling, Kenra Platinum Blow-Dry Spray can reduce drying time and add heat protection. To recreate the waves, I would use a large-barrel iron, allow each section to cool, and then brush everything together until the individual curls form one continuous pattern.

There is no dramatic contrast here, and that is exactly why I find it so elegant. The Natural babylights make the brown base appear fuller and more dimensional while the warm beige top complements the softness of the color. Could this placement work on a Medium or shorter cut? Easily. It would give a bob or lob the same quiet glow, proving that even the most restrained highlights can completely change how brown hair catches the light.