Changing your hair color doesn’t always require a total overhaul. Sometimes, the most transformative shifts come from the subtle (or bold) art of highlighting. Highlights add dimension, movement, and a sense of “glow” that flat color simply can’t replicate. Whether you’re looking to brighten up for the summer or add cozy depth for the winter, the right technique can redefine your entire aesthetic.
From the seamless transition of a hand-painted balayage to the high-impact “money piece” that frames the face, the world of hair color is more creative than ever. If you’re ready to refresh your look, here are 18 of the trendiest highlight ideas to take to your next salon appointment.
1. Honey Blonde
Honey blonde is the ultimate “warm girl” aesthetic. It strikes the perfect balance between golden yellow and amber, making it an ideal choice for those with warm skin tones. Unlike icy blondes which can sometimes look harsh, honey highlights mimic the natural lightening effect of a summer spent in the sun. This shade adds instant radiance to the complexion and works beautifully on both light brown and blonde bases.
2. Caramel Balayage
For the brunettes who want to add warmth without going full blonde, caramel balayage is the gold standard. This technique involves hand-painting the color onto the mid-lengths and ends, creating a sun-kissed effect that is incredibly low-maintenance. Because the roots remain dark, you won’t have to deal with a harsh regrowth line, allowing you to go months between touch-ups.
3. Money Piece
The “money piece” is a nod to 90s nostalgia that has been refined for the modern era. It involves brightening the two front sections of hair that frame the face. This creates an immediate “pop” that draws attention to your eyes and cheekbones. It’s a high-impact, low-effort way to change your look without coloring your entire head.
4. Mushroom Brown
If you prefer cool tones over warm ones, mushroom brown is your best bet. This shade mimics the earthy, multi-tonal colors of a portobello mushroom. It incorporates ashy brown bases with silvery-beige highlights. It’s sophisticated, modern, and perfect for those who want to avoid any hint of red or orange in their hair.
5. Strawberry Copper
Red hair is having a major moment, but if you’re not ready for a solid ginger hue, strawberry copper highlights offer a stunning compromise. By mixing fiery copper tones with soft strawberry blonde, you get a multidimensional finish that looks vibrant and healthy. This color looks particularly striking on individuals with fair skin and light-colored eyes.
6. Icy Platinum
For a look that screams “cool girl,” icy platinum highlights are the way to go. These highlights involve removing almost all warm pigment from the hair to achieve a crisp, white-blonde finish. When paired with a dark root (the “lived-in” look), it becomes much more wearable and edgy. Be prepared for a bit more maintenance with this one, as purple shampoo will become your best friend.
7. Chocolate Cherry
Chocolate cherry highlights are the perfect way for dark brunettes to experiment with color. By adding deep red or black-cherry ribbons to a dark cocoa base, you create a look that is subtle in the shade but explodes with color in the sunlight. It’s a moody, romantic choice that adds incredible depth to thick hair.
8. Babylights
Babylights are all about subtlety. This technique uses very fine sections of hair to mimic the natural, multidimensional hair color of a child. The result is a shimmering, overall lighter appearance that doesn’t look like “streaks.” It’s the perfect choice for someone who wants to look like they were born with perfect hair.
9. Face-Framing Ribbons
Unlike the sharp contrast of a money piece, face-framing ribbons are softer and more integrated. They involve slightly thicker “ribbons” of color that start near the root and flow down the front of the hair. This technique brightens the face while maintaining a more traditional, blended highlight look throughout the rest of the head.
10. Espresso & Gold
There is something incredibly luxurious about the combination of deep espresso and metallic gold. These highlights work best when kept thin and sharp, providing a “glint” of gold every time you move your head. It’s a high-fashion look that suits olive and deep skin tones beautifully.
11. Rose Gold
Rose gold isn’t just for jewelry; it’s a stunning hair trend that refuses to go away. By blending pink, peach, and blonde tones, your colorist can create a metallic, rosy finish that looks ethereal. It’s a playful way to add a “fantasy” color to your hair without it feeling too over-the-top.
12. Silver Smoke
For those embracing the “silver fox” energy or just looking for a futuristic vibe, silver smoke is a top-tier choice. This look combines dark charcoal lowlights with bright silver highlights. It requires a high level of lift (lightening), so ensure your hair is in healthy condition before attempting this icy transformation.
13. Bronde
Can’t decide between being a brunette or a blonde? “Bronde” is the answer. This hybrid shade uses a brown base with heavy blonde highlighting to create a color that sits perfectly in the middle. It’s the ultimate “model-off-duty” look—effortless, sun-kissed, and incredibly flattering on almost everyone.
14. Peachy Keen
Peachy highlights are the softer, warmer cousin of rose gold. They lean more toward orange and apricot tones, which can make blue and green eyes truly pop. These highlights look best on a light blonde base and give off a warm, summery vibration year-round.
15. Toffee Swirls
Toffee highlights are slightly cooler than caramel but warmer than mushroom brown. They offer a “creamy” appearance that looks especially good on medium-brown hair. When done with a swirl-like application, they create a sense of movement and thickness, making them a great choice for those with fine hair.
16. Chunky 90s
The 90s are back in a big way, and that includes chunky highlights. Forget the seamless blending of the 2010s; this look is all about visible, high-contrast stripes. When styled correctly with modern layers, chunky highlights look intentional, edgy, and very high-fashion.
17. Midnight Blue
If you want a “secret” highlight, midnight blue is the way to go. On jet-black or dark espresso hair, deep navy highlights provide a cool, holographic effect. It’s a sophisticated way to wear a “unnatural” color in a professional setting, as it often looks black until you step into the light.
18. Sandy Beige
Sandy beige highlights are the epitome of neutral beauty. They aren’t too yellow, nor are they too ashy. This “nude” hair trend aims to match the neutral tones found in nature, like beach sand or driftwood. It’s an understated, elegant look that provides a clean and polished finish to your hair.
Tips for Maintaining Your Highlights
Once you’ve left the salon with your dream color, the work isn’t over. To keep those highlights looking fresh and vibrant, follow these expert tips:
- Invest in Color-Safe Shampoo: Sulfate-free shampoos are a must. Sulfates can strip the color and moisture out of your hair, leading to premature fading.
- Cool Water Rinses: While a hot shower feels great, hot water opens the hair cuticle, allowing color molecules to escape. Try rinsing your hair with cool water to seal the cuticle and add shine.
- Use a Heat Protectant: Highlighted hair is more porous and susceptible to heat damage. Always apply a heat protectant spray before using a blow dryer, flat iron, or curling wand.
- Gloss Treatments: Visit your colorist every 6–8 weeks for a clear or tinted gloss. This refreshes the tone of your highlights and adds a layer of brilliant shine without the need for a full color service.
- UV Protection: Just like your skin, your hair can be damaged by the sun. If you’re spending the day outdoors, use a hair mist with UV filters or wear a hat to prevent your highlights from turning brassy.
