Table of Contents
● The resurgence of chunky highlights
● Modern interpretations of the trend
● How to get and maintain chunky highlights
● Styling ideas for chunky highlights

The fashion world is known for its cyclical nature, and hair trends are no exception. As we dive into 2024, a blast from the Y2K past is making waves among Gen Z: chunky highlights. This bold hair coloring technique, once synonymous with pop icons of the early 2000s, is experiencing a renaissance. But don’t expect a carbon copy of the stark stripes from two decades ago. Today’s chunky highlights are a modernized version, offering a fresh take on dimension and contrast. In this article, we’ll explore why this trend is capturing the hearts of young fashionistas, how it’s evolved, and ways you can embrace this eye-catching style while keeping it contemporary and chic.

The resurgence of chunky highlights

Chunky highlights are making a triumphant return, riding the wave of Y2K nostalgia that’s swept through fashion and beauty circles. According to TikTok trends, the hashtag #ChunkyHighlights has amassed an impressive 207 million views, signaling a significant shift in hair color preferences.

This revival isn’t just about recreating the past; it’s about reimagining it. Today’s chunky highlights are a far cry from the stark, stripy look of the early 2000s. Instead, they offer a more refined and versatile approach to bold hair coloring.

The trend’s resurgence can be attributed to several factors. Gen Z’s fascination with Y2K aesthetics plays a crucial role, as the younger generation is drawn to the bold, expressive styles of the early 2000s, seeing them as fresh and exciting. Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have become breeding grounds for nostalgic trends, allowing them to spread rapidly among young fashion enthusiasts.

In a post-pandemic world, many are seeking ways to stand out and express their individuality through their appearance, and chunky highlights offer a perfect avenue for this self-expression. Celebrity endorsement has also fueled the trend, with influential figures like Kerry Washington and Serena Williams spotted sporting modern versions of chunky highlights.

As hair colorist James Earnshaw noted, the popularity of chunky highlights has been “on a gradual increase” and has “started to get a lot more popular” recently. This gradual adoption suggests that the trend is more than just a fleeting fad, but rather a significant shift in hair coloring preferences.

Modern interpretations of the trend

While the term “chunky highlights” might evoke memories of stark, contrasting stripes, today’s version of this trend is far more nuanced and sophisticated. Modern chunky highlights, often referred to as “ribbon highlights” or “chunky money pieces,” offer a fresh take on the Y2K aesthetic.

According to celebrity hairstylist Sunnie Brook, the key difference lies in the technique and placement. “Ribboning is a modern take on chunky highlights,” Brook explains. This updated approach features big panels of color that pop out from underneath the hair, creating a more dimensional and natural-looking effect.

One popular interpretation is the face-framing highlight, where thicker, lighter pieces are concentrated around the face. This technique draws attention to the features and adds brightness to the overall look. Another modern twist is the combination of chunky highlights with other coloring techniques, such as babylights or balayage, for a more multidimensional effect.

Color choices have also evolved. While the classic blonde-on-brown remains popular, stylists are experimenting with a wider range of hues. Pastel tones, vivid colors, and even metallic shades are being incorporated into chunky highlight designs, allowing for more personalized and adventurous looks.

The placement of these highlights has become more strategic as well. Instead of uniform stripes all over the head, colorists are focusing on creating contrast and negative space. This approach allows the chunky highlights to truly stand out while maintaining a more natural overall appearance.

Importantly, modern chunky highlights are designed with grow-out in mind. By making the highlights thicker towards the ends and more subtle at the roots, stylists create a look that’s both bold and low-maintenance, addressing one of the main criticisms of the original trend.

How to get and maintain chunky highlights

Achieving the perfect chunky highlights requires skill and precision, making it a task best left to professional colorists. However, understanding the process can help you communicate your desired look effectively.

The process typically begins with sectioning the hair and selecting the pieces to be highlighted. Your stylist will then apply bleach to these sections, often wrapping them in foil to process. For darker hair, multiple sessions may be necessary to achieve the desired lightness without causing damage.

If you’re feeling adventurous and want to try at-home highlighting, there are kits available. However, caution is advised as DIY attempts can lead to uneven results or hair damage. If you do choose this route, be sure to follow instructions carefully and consider starting with fewer, more subtle highlights.

Once you’ve achieved your desired chunky highlights, maintenance becomes key. Matrix celebrity colorist George Papanikolas warns that “brass is going to be your biggest enemy, especially on darker hair.” To combat this, he recommends using a blue- or violet-based shampoo. These products help neutralize unwanted yellow and orange tones, keeping your highlights fresh and vibrant.

Regular deep conditioning treatments are also crucial, as the bleaching process can leave hair dry and prone to breakage. Look for products specifically formulated for color-treated hair to maintain both the health of your locks and the vibrancy of your highlights.

When it comes to washing your hair, less is more. Over-washing can lead to faster color fading. When you do wash, use lukewarm water as hot water can strip the color more quickly. Additionally, heat styling should be minimized and always accompanied by a heat protectant product.

Lastly, touch-ups will be necessary to maintain your chunky highlights. The frequency will depend on how fast your hair grows and how noticeable the regrowth is. On average, expect to visit your stylist every 6-8 weeks for maintenance.

For those hesitant about committing to permanent chunky highlights or concerned about potential hair damage, there are inspiring alternatives to consider. Wigs and hair extensions offer a fantastic way to experiment with the chunky highlight trend without the commitment or risk to your natural hair.

High-quality wigs with pre-styled chunky highlights are readily available in various colors and styles. These allow you to try bold looks, such as stark blonde streaks on jet black hair or even multicolored highlights, without any chemical processing of your own hair.

Clip-in hair extensions with chunky highlights are another versatile option. These can be easily added to your natural hair for a temporary pop of color and dimension. You can experiment with different placement options, from face-framing pieces to full-head highlights, and remove them whenever you like.

These alternatives not only protect your hair from potential damage but also offer the flexibility to switch up your look as often as you’d like, making them perfect for those who love to frequently change their style or are unsure about committing to a permanent change.

Styling ideas for chunky highlights

Chunky highlights offer a versatile canvas for various styling options, allowing you to showcase your new color in creative ways. Here are some inspirational ideas to make the most of your bold new look:

Sleek and Straight: For a modern take on the classic Y2K look, try straightening your hair to really show off the contrast between your base color and highlights. This style works particularly well with face-framing chunky highlights, creating a striking, polished appearance.

Beachy Waves: Loose, tousled waves can add dimension to your chunky highlights, creating a sun-kissed, effortless vibe. This style is perfect for showcasing multitonal highlights and works well for both casual and dressy occasions.

Messy Bun or Updo: Pulling your hair up into a textured bun or updo can create an interesting interplay of colors, with your chunky highlights peeking through in unexpected places. This style is great for showing off highlights placed throughout the hair.

Braided Styles: Braids, whether they’re French braids, fishtails, or more intricate styles, can create a beautiful woven effect with your chunky highlights. This is an excellent way to showcase bolder color combinations.

Curly or Coily Textures: If you have naturally curly or coily hair, chunky highlights can add depth and dimension to your texture. Consider a “curly frohawk” or a half-up, half-down style to really make your highlights pop.

Retro Flip: Embrace the Y2K aesthetic fully with a retro flip hairstyle. Use a round brush to curl the ends of your hair outwards, emphasizing your face-framing chunky highlights.

Voluminous Blowout: A big, bouncy blowout can really showcase your chunky highlights, especially if they’re placed strategically throughout your hair. This glamorous style is perfect for special occasions.

Remember, the key to styling chunky highlights is to have fun and experiment. These bold color statements are meant to be noticed, so don’t be afraid to try different styles that put your new look front and center.

Conclusion

The resurgence of chunky highlights proves that fashion truly is cyclical, but with a modern twist. This bold Y2K trend has been reimagined for today’s style-savvy individuals, offering a perfect blend of nostalgia and contemporary flair. Whether you opt for face-framing money pieces, subtle ribbons of color, or go all out with contrasting hues, chunky highlights provide a versatile canvas for self-expression.

As with any significant hair change, it’s crucial to consider maintenance and care. Consulting with a professional stylist can help you achieve the look you desire while keeping your hair healthy. And for those not ready to commit, alternatives like highlighted wigs or extensions offer a low-risk way to experiment with the trend.

Ultimately, the chunky highlight trend is about having fun with your look and embracing bold, statement-making style. So why not take a cue from Gen Z and dive into this exciting hair color revival? Whether you’re reliving your Y2K glory days or discovering the trend for the first time, chunky highlights offer a fresh way to illuminate your style and boost your confidence.