Light brown hair with blue highlights is an easy way to try a fun color without going all in. Light brown is soft enough that blue looks fresh rather than harsh, and you can keep it hidden underneath or put it right at the front.
Below are eight light brown and blue looks, with exactly what to ask your colorist for. For warmer shades, see our copper brown hair with blonde highlights, and for more brunette ideas, our short brown hair with caramel highlights.
How do you get blue highlights on light brown hair?
Your colorist lightens thin sections of light brown hair to a pale blonde, then tones them with a blue semi-permanent color. Lighter sections give a brighter blue; less lightening gives a deeper, denim blue. Ask for peekaboo or underlayer placement if you want it subtle, and a front money piece if you want it to show.
Light brown hair with blue highlights
Save the color closest to what you want. That's the photo to show your colorist.
1. Peekaboo blue underneath
Light brown on top with a hidden layer of blue underneath that shows when you move or tuck your hair. It's the easiest way to try blue.
Ask for:light brown on top, a hidden underlayer of bright blue at the nape and sides.
2. Denim blue balayage
Soft, painted denim blue through the mid-lengths and ends of light brown hair. It's muted and looks natural for a fun color.
Ask for:light brown roots, soft denim blue balayage from the mid-lengths.
3. Icy blue money piece
Two pale icy blue face-framing pieces on light brown hair. It brightens your face and is easy to refresh.
Ask for:light brown base, an icy pastel blue money piece at the front.
4. Navy blue ribbons
Fine ribbons of deep navy blue running through light brown hair. It's subtle indoors and shows in sunlight.
Ask for:light brown base, fine navy blue ribbon highlights throughout.
5. Blue ombre ends
Light brown at the roots fading into bright blue at the ends. There's no root line, so it grows out easily.
Ask for:light brown roots, blended ombre into bright blue ends.
6. Pastel blue streaks
Soft pastel blue streaks through the top layer of light brown hair. It's playful and fades softly.
Ask for:light brown base, soft pastel blue streaks through the top layer.
7. Blue tips on a bob
A light brown bob with the last inch or two dipped in blue. It's a fun, low-commitment look you can cut off later.
Ask for:light brown bob, ends dipped in bright blue.
8. Teal blue highlights
Light brown hair with teal blue highlights that lean slightly green. Teal looks softer and more natural next to warm brown.
Ask for:light brown base, teal blue highlights through the lengths.
Who it suits
- Cool skin: icy, pastel and navy blue look the most flattering.
- Warm skin: teal and denim blue sit better next to warm brown.
- Low commitment: choose peekaboo underlayers or blue tips that are easy to hide or cut off.
Keeping blue bright
Blue is a semi-permanent color, so it fades with every wash. Wash with cool water, use a sulfate-free shampoo, and refresh with a blue color-depositing conditioner every few washes. Expect it to fade toward teal or silver over four to six weeks.
FAQ
Do blue highlights look good on light brown hair?
Yes. Light brown is soft enough that blue looks fresh, and it lifts easily so the blue shows clearly.
Do you have to bleach for blue highlights?
Yes, the sections need to be lightened first. The lighter they are, the brighter the blue.
How long do blue highlights last?
About four to six weeks. Cool water and a blue color-depositing conditioner help.
What is the most subtle way to wear blue?
Peekaboo blue underneath or navy ribbons. Both stay hidden until your hair moves.
The bottom line
For light brown hair with blue highlights, start with a peekaboo underlayer or denim balayage, and keep the blue bright with cool washes. Save the look you like and browse more hair ideas.
