If you’re searching for a way to add instant depth and dimension to your hair, dark brown with red lowlights might be exactly what you need.
This striking combination pairs the richness of a brunette base with the subtle glow of red accents, creating a look that feels both bold and refined.
The interplay between the dark and warm tones brings out movement and shine, making your hair look more dynamic in every light.
In this post, I’ll explore how this dark brown with red lowlights works, what shades of red to consider, and the best ways to maintain it so it stays vibrant and fresh.
Table of Contents
What Are Red Lowlights
- Definition: Lowlights are darker—or in this case, contrasting—strands added beneath or through the main hair color to create depth. With red lowlights on dark brown hair, the red isn’t usually the main color but rather accents that peek through, especially in certain lights.
- Effect: They make hair appear more dimensional. It prevents hair from looking flat, especially under lighting that would otherwise make rich brown hair look one-toned. The red tones catch light and add warmth, giving a more dynamic and textured visual effect.
Choosing the Right Red for Dark Brown
The red you choose can make a big difference. Factors to consider:
- Shade of red:
- Auburn / copper red gives warm glow.
- Burgundy or wine tones give deeper, richer accents.
- Violet-red or burgundy work well if you have deeper or cooler skin tones.
- Orange-leaning reds are more vivid but can clash if your undertones are cooler.
- Skin tone & undertone:
- Warm skin tones: copper, auburn, rich red-browns.
- Cool skin tones: cherry reds, burgundy, maybe violet-leaning reds.
- Medium or neutral tones often have flexibility.
- Hair type & texture:
- Straight hair: red lowlights show more sharply.
- Curly/wavy hair: the dimension is more diffused but can be very flattering because of how light catches the curls.
Dark Brown With Red Lowlights Application Techniques
- Placement:
- Underneath the top layers so it peeks through with movement or when hair parts.
- Around the face for framing.
- Throughout for a more subtle, all-over dimension.
- Method:
- Foils: more control, sharper contrast.
- Balayage or freehand painting: softer look, more natural fade.
- Babylights: very fine, delicate red strands for a subtle sheen effect.
- Processing:
- Usually doesn’t require heavy bleaching if the red is deep or mixed with the brown.
- For lighter or vivid red tones, pre-lightening (lifting) might be needed, which can cause more damage.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Adds depth & movement; doesn’t feel too drastic | Red fades faster than many brown shades, so maintenance is higher |
| Warms up the complexion; can make features pop | Red tones can bleed or stain fabric, towels, etc. |
| Less damaging than full red-color or full highlights if done subtly | If not well matched, the red can look unnatural or clash with skin tone |
Maintenance Tips
- Use color-safe, sulfate‐free shampoos to help preserve the red.
- Wash with cooler water, since hot water opens the hair cuticle and speeds up fading.
- Use glosses or toners when needed to refresh red tones between major color sessions.
- Use deep conditioning to keep hair healthy, since coloring (even with lowlights) can dry hair out.
- Limit heat styling or use heat protectant to preserve both pigment and hair health.
Red Brown Lowlights
Dark Brown Hair Black Lowlights
If you would like to know more about black lowlights in dark brown hair, click here.
Black Lowlights in Brown Hair: Black Lowlights in Light Brown Hair
Photo credits: Theresa, Jessica Aguilar- Brunette + Blonde Specialist