Let’s talk caramel highlights on brown hair!
Brown hair is a classic yet versatile color that is perfect for many people. But if you want to add some dimension and warm tones, caramel highlights might be the answer. These rich, golden hues can instantly bring out any shade of brown, from dark chocolate to a lighter ash.
In this guide, we’ll explore 25 stunning examples of candy that are sure to inspire your next salon visit.
Whether you want subtle dimensions or bold balayage highlights, there’s something here for everyone. Find out how to choose the perfect shade, what the highlighting process entails and most importantly, how to keep your caramel highlights glowing.
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Understanding Candy Points
This is a popular hair coloring technique in which the hairs are lightened to create a warm caramel tone on a darker brown base. These highlights can range from subtle, soft accents to bolder, bold streaks, depending on personal preference.
Caramel tones add depth and dimension to brunette strands, creating a natural, sun-kissed look. This technique involves strategically placing lighter strands throughout the hair to mimic how sunlight will naturally lighten hair. It can be achieved through the traditional look with foil highlights, ombre hair color or a soft caramel baize.
Plus, caramel highlights are versatile and complement a variety of skin tones and hair textures, making them a great way to enhance dark hair with warmth and brightness.
Caramel highlights on brown hair
Choosing the right look
Choosing the right caramel highlights for your brown hair involves factors such as skin tone, base hair color and personal style preferences. Here’s a guide to help you choose the perfect caramel shade:
1. Skin Tone Estimation:
- Determine if you have warm, cool or neutral skin tones.
- For warm skin tones: Choose caramel shades with golden or honey tones to complement the warmth of your skin.
- For cool skin tones: Consider highlights with whiter or cooler tones to balance the coolness of your skin.
- Neutral tones: You have the flexibility to experiment with a wide range of caramel shades, but consider a balanced combination of warm and cool tones.
2. Hair color test:
- Evaluate your current base color. Lighter shades can be paired with light, warm caramel tones, while dark brown hair can benefit from richer, deeper shades.
- Think about the contrast you want to achieve. Subtle highlights can enhance your natural hair color, while bolder blonde highlights can create a more dramatic effect.
3. Consultation with a professional colorist:
- Schedule a consultation with a stylist who specializes in hair coloring.
- Bring inspirational photos that showcase the candy highlights you love.
- Discuss your skin tone, hair color and desired effect with your stylist to determine the most flattering caramel color.
4. Personal Style Preferences:
- Consider your personal style and lifestyle when choosing the intensity and placement of caramel highlights.
- If you prefer a low-maintenance level, go for soft, blended highlights that require minimal maintenance.
- For more drastic changes, incorporate bolder, face-shaping highlights or use the balayage technique.
5. Testing legs or temporary options:
- If you’re not sure about committing to a certain shade, ask your stylist to do a trial run or try temporary hair dye products to see how different caramel shades will look against your brown.
By considering these factors and consulting a professional stylist, you can confidently choose the perfect shade and look.
The process
The process for caramel highlights usually involves several steps to ensure the desired result and minimize damage to the hair. Here’s an overview of the typical process:
1. Consultation:
- Schedule a consultation with a professional hair colorist to discuss your desired caramel hair color, including the shade, placement, and overall style you envision.
- Your stylist will assess your current hair condition, color and texture to determine the most appropriate highlighting technique.
2. Preparation:
- Before the highlighting process begins, your stylist will protect your clothes with a cape and your skin with a barrier cream or foil.
- If necessary, your hair can be shampooed and towel dried to ensure it is clean and ready for dyeing.
3. Section:
- Your stylist will cut your hair into smaller sections using clips or hair ties to ensure evenly distributed highlights.
- Sections can be separated based on the desired placement of the highlights, such as around the face, along the section, or throughout the length of the hair.
4. Lightning:
- Your stylist will apply a hair lightening product, such as bleach, to selected sections of hair.
- Processing time depends on things like your natural color, desired level of lightness, and your sensitivity to bleach.
- Your stylist will closely monitor the lighting process to ensure the highlights reach the desired caramel shade without over-processing or damaging the hair.
5. Stimulation:
- After the hair has been lightened to the desired level, your stylist can apply a toner to neutralize any unwanted bronze or to enhance caramel tones.
- The toner helps to achieve a more cohesive and natural result by adjusting the undertones of highlighted hair.
6. Rinse and care:
- Once the highlighting and toning process is complete, your stylist will rinse the hair thoroughly to remove any remaining bleaching or toning products.
- A deep conditioning treatment can be applied to restore moisture and nourishment to the hair, helping to minimize potential damage from the coloring process.
7. Styling:
- After rinsing and conditioning, your stylist will style your hair as desired, whether it’s blow-drying, straightening, or adding curls to show off the new caramel highlights.
8. Aftercare Instructions:
- Your stylist will provide aftercare instructions to help you maintain the vibrancy and health of your caramel highlights, including recommended hair care products and tips for protecting your hair from damage.
By following these steps and entrusting the process to a qualified hairstylist, you can achieve the perfect combination of caramel highlights that enhance the natural beauty of your brown hair while maintaining its health and integrity.
Maintenance and Care
Preserving your caramel spots is essential to keeping them vibrant and beautiful.
To extend the life of your highlights, use sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners designed for color-treated hair, as they help prevent fading. Additionally, limit washing your hair to a few times a week to preserve the color and natural oils in your hair.
When styling, use heat protectant products to protect your hair from damage caused by heat styling tools. Regular trims can also help keep your hair healthy and prevent split ends, which can dull the look of your highlights.
Finally, consider scheduling appointments with your stylist every few months to refresh your highlights and maintain their brightness. With proper care and attention, your warm caramel highlights will continue to shine brightly, elevating your overall look with minimal effort.
Final thoughts
Caramel highlights offer a subtle way to add subtle warmth, dimension and shine to your brown hair. Whether you opt for subtle highlights or bold streaks, these versatile highlights can transform your hairstyle and enhance your natural beauty.
By choosing the right shade, following proper maintenance techniques, and consulting a professional stylist regularly, you can enjoy the benefits of caramel highlights for months to come.
Embrace change, experiment with different styles and enjoy the confidence that comes with a hair transformation that really shines. Let your caramel highlights reflect your individuality and style, brightening up your gorgeous look with every strand.
Until next time,
MEET THE AUTHOR 🤩
Hollee is a licensed cosmetologist with over nine years of professional experience in the hair industry. With her unique insight and versatile experience, she’ll help you discover the latest hair trends or even crush your next DIY hair project.
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