Are you ready to make a statement with your hair color? Chunky highlights are back and they are bolder and more stylish than ever. If you grew up in the 90s or early 2000s, you probably remember this iconic look. Think Kelly Clarkson on American Idol or Christina Aguilera’s dramatic streaks . Today, chunky highlights have been updated for a modern era, offering a fresh way to add dimension and personality to your hair.
The challenge of choosing a new hair color is real. You want something that feels current but also flatters your features and fits your lifestyle. Maybe you have had bad salon experiences or you are not sure what will work with your hair type. The good news is that chunky highlights are surprisingly versatile. They can create the illusion of fuller hair on fine strands and add texture to thicker hair . They can be customized to suit any face shape and hair color.
This guide is here to help you discover the best chunky highlight hairstyles. I have gathered 20 stunning ideas that are perfect for creating a bold, modern look. From face-framing money pieces to all-over dramatic streaks, these styles are designed to make you look and feel amazing. Get ready to find your next great hair color.
What Are Chunky Highlights?
Chunky highlights are a hair coloring technique where larger sections of hair are lightened or colored to create noticeable contrast against the base shade . Unlike subtle balayage or fine highlights that blend seamlessly, chunky highlights are designed to stand out . They create bold, dimensional streaks that add texture and movement to the hair.
Think of chunky highlights as the predecessor to the money piece . They are wider, more dramatic, and often a few shades lighter or darker than the surrounding hair . The modern take on this trend focuses on strategic placement and soft blending rather than the harsh, zebra-like stripes of the past .
Who Suits Chunky Highlights?
The beauty of chunky highlights is that they can work for almost anyone .
- Hair Type: Chunky highlights can add the illusion of fullness and body to fine hair . On thicker hair, they can be placed creatively to contour softness and make the hair look sleeker . They also naturally complement curly or coily hair without any dedicated styling .
- Face Shape: Strategically placed chunky highlights can enhance or soften facial features. Face-framing highlights can elongate a round face or add dimension to an angular jawline .
- Base Color: Chunky highlights look stunning on all base colors. The contrast is more dramatic on darker shades, while lighter bases create a softer, blended look .
Short Haircuts with Bold Chunky Highlights
1. Textured Bob with Face-Framing Blonde Highlights and Money Piece
Description: This modern bob features textured layers and bold face-framing blonde highlights. The money piece at the front adds a bright, eye-catching pop of color. It is a fresh, youthful style that is perfect for any occasion.
Why It Works: The chunky highlights add dimension and make the hair look fuller. The face-framing money piece draws attention to your features and brightens your complexion. This cut is flattering for any face shape.
Pro Tip: To style, use a texturizing spray at the roots to add grip and volume. This will enhance the textured layers and give your hair a beautiful, natural finish.
2. Short Bob with Straight Bangs and Blonde Under-Lights and Money Piece
Description: This edgy bob features straight bangs and bold blonde under-lights. The money piece adds a bright, face-framing pop of color. It is a modern, statement-making style.
Why It Works: The blonde under-lights add a fun, unexpected pop of color that is visible when the hair moves. The money piece adds brightness and draws attention to your features. This cut is perfect for women who want a bold, confident look.
Pro Tip: To style the straight bangs, use a flat iron to create a smooth, sleek finish. Apply a small amount of smoothing serum to keep them looking shiny and polished.
3. Curly Bob with Face-Framing Blonde Money Piece and Glasses
Description: This beautiful bob features soft curls and a bright blonde money piece. The money piece frames the face beautifully. The style is designed to look great with glasses. It is a modern, intellectual look.
Why It Works: The chunky money piece adds brightness and draws attention to your features. The curls add volume and movement. This cut is practical and fashionable for glasses wearers.
Pro Tip: Make sure your layers are cut to sit comfortably with your frames. This will keep your hair from getting caught and will perfectly showcase your beautiful eyewear.
4. Sleek Rounded Bob with Bright Blonde Money Pieces
Description: This chic bob features a sleek, rounded shape with bright blonde money pieces. The hair is smooth and glossy. The money pieces add a bold, face-framing pop of color. It is a sophisticated, modern style.
Why It Works: The sleek finish gives fine hair a strong, full silhouette. The bright money pieces add dimension and draw attention to your features. This cut is flattering for any face shape.
Pro Tip: To achieve this sleek look, use a smoothing cream on wet hair before blow-drying. Use a flat iron for a super smooth, shiny finish. A few drops of shine serum will add that extra glossy gleam.
Medium-Length Styles with Chunky Highlights
5. Wavy Layered Hair with Bright Blonde Face-Framing Highlights
Description: This beautiful style features soft waves and bright blonde face-framing highlights. The waves add movement and body. The highlights add brightness and draw attention to your features. It is a romantic, feminine style.
Why It Works: The face-framing highlights add dimension and make the hair look fuller. The soft waves add volume and movement. This cut is flattering for any face shape.
Pro Tip: To create these soft waves, use a curling wand on medium heat. Wrap small sections of hair around the barrel, leaving the ends out for a more natural look.
6. Textured Wavy Bob with Copper and Warm Blonde Highlights
Description: This beautiful bob features soft waves with a blend of copper and warm blonde highlights. The waves add movement and body. The highlights add warmth and dimension. It is a modern, stylish look.
Why It Works: The copper and warm blonde highlights add depth and make the hair look fuller. The soft waves add volume and movement. This cut is flattering for any face shape.
Pro Tip: To keep the copper and blonde highlights vibrant, use a color-safe shampoo and wash with cool water. A glossing treatment can also help to maintain their warmth and shine.
7. Textured Shoulder-Length Shag with Bold Face-Framing Money Pieces
Description: This edgy shag features textured layers and bold face-framing money pieces. The layers add movement and body. The money pieces add a bright, eye-catching pop of color. It is a modern, statement-making style.
Why It Works: The bold money pieces add dimension and draw attention to your features. The textured layers add volume and movement. This cut is perfect for women who want a bold, edgy look.
Pro Tip: To style, use a matte paste or a texturizing cream. Work it through your hair with your fingers to enhance the shaggy texture and give your fine hair grip and separation.
8. Face-Framing Layered Blowout with Bright Blonde Highlights
Description: This glamorous style features a voluminous blowout with bright blonde face-framing highlights. The blowout adds incredible volume and shine. The highlights add brightness and draw attention to your features. It is a red-carpet ready look.
Why It Works: The voluminous blowout adds incredible body and bounce to fine hair. The face-framing highlights add dimension and make the hair look fuller. This cut is perfect for special occasions.
Pro Tip: To achieve a voluminous blowout, use a round brush and lift the roots up and away from your scalp. Focus on creating height at the crown. Finish with a light mist of hairspray to hold the volume.
Long Hair Looks with Bold Chunky Highlights
9. Long Curly Hair with High-Contrast Blonde Money Pieces
Description: This stunning style features long, flowing curls with high-contrast blonde money pieces. The curls add movement and body. The money pieces add a bold, face-framing pop of color. It is a glamorous, romantic look.
Why It Works: The curls add incredible volume to fine hair. The high-contrast money pieces add dimension and draw attention to your features. This cut is perfect for women who want a bold, glamorous look.
Pro Tip: To style, use a curl-enhancing cream on damp hair. Scrunch your hair as you blow-dry with a diffuser. This will enhance the curls and give your hair a beautiful, natural finish.
10. Long Wavy Copper Hair with Bright Blonde Money Piece and Bangs
Description: This beautiful style features long, wavy copper hair with a bright blonde money piece and soft bangs. The waves add movement and body. The money piece adds brightness and draw attention to your features. It is a warm, inviting style.
Why It Works: The copper color adds warmth and depth to fine hair. The bright blonde money piece adds dimension and makes the hair look fuller. The soft bangs add softness and frame the face.
Pro Tip: To keep the copper and blonde colors vibrant, use a color-safe shampoo and wash with cool water. A glossing treatment can also help to maintain their warmth and shine.
11. Long Layered Blowout with Soft Face-Framing Blonde Highlights
Description: This glamorous style features a long, layered blowout with soft face-framing blonde highlights. The blowout adds incredible volume and shine. The highlights add brightness and draw attention to your features. It is a red-carpet ready look.
Why It Works: The voluminous blowout adds incredible body and bounce to fine hair. The face-framing highlights add dimension and make the hair look fuller. This cut is perfect for special occasions.
Pro Tip: To achieve a voluminous blowout, use a round brush and lift the roots up and away from your scalp. Focus on creating height at the crown. Finish with a light mist of hairspray to hold the volume.
12. Long Layered Waves with Soft Highlights and Side-Swept Bangs
Description: This beautiful style features long, layered waves with soft highlights and side-swept bangs. The waves add movement and body. The highlights add dimension and brightness. It is a romantic, feminine style.
Why It Works: The long layers add movement to fine hair without weighing it down. The soft highlights add depth and make the hair look fuller. The side-swept bangs add softness and frame the face.
Pro Tip: To create these soft waves, use a large barrel curling iron. Wrap large sections of hair around the barrel. Once all the curls are set, brush them out gently for soft, flowing waves.
13. Voluminous Cascading Layers with Chunky Front Highlights
Description: This stunning style features cascading layers with bold chunky front highlights. The layers add movement and body. The highlights add brightness and draw attention to your features. It is a glamorous, eye-catching look.
Why It Works: The cascading layers add incredible volume and movement to fine hair. The chunky front highlights add dimension and make the hair look fuller. This cut is perfect for women who want a bold, glamorous look.
Pro Tip: To maximize volume, apply a root-lifting spray to damp hair. Blow-dry your hair with a round brush, lifting the roots up and away from your scalp. Focus on creating height at the crown.
14. Curly Layered Hair with Bright Blonde Face-Framing Curls
Description: This beautiful style features curly, layered hair with bright blonde face-framing curls. The curls add movement and body. The highlights add brightness and draw attention to your features. It is a romantic, feminine style.
Why It Works: The curls add incredible volume to fine hair. The face-framing highlights add dimension and make the hair look fuller. This cut is perfect for women who want a bold, beautiful look.
Pro Tip: To style, use a curl-enhancing cream on damp hair. Scrunch your hair as you blow-dry with a diffuser. This will enhance the curls and give your hair a beautiful, natural finish.
15. Long Layered Cut with Prominent Face-Framing Curtain Highlights
Description: This stunning style features a long, layered cut with prominent face-framing curtain highlights. The layers add movement and body. The curtain highlights add brightness and draw attention to your features. It is a glamorous, romantic look.
Why It Works: The long layers add movement to fine hair without weighing it down. The curtain highlights add depth and make the hair look fuller. This cut is perfect for women who want a bold, glamorous look.
Pro Tip: When styling your curtain highlights, blow-dry them forward and then away from your face using a round brush. This will give them that signature “curtain” shape.
Textured and Shaggy Styles with Chunky Highlights
16. Long Shag Haircut with Voluminous Layers and Silver-Gray Face-Framing Highlights
Description: This edgy shag features voluminous layers and silver-gray face-framing highlights. The layers add movement and body. The highlights add dimension and a modern edge. It is a bold, stylish look.
Why It Works: The voluminous layers add incredible body to fine hair. The silver-gray highlights add dimension and make the hair look fuller. This cut is perfect for women who want to embrace their natural gray with a bold twist.
Pro Tip: Use a purple shampoo once a week to keep the silver-gray highlights vibrant and to banish any unwanted yellow or brassy tones.
17. Straight Layered Hair with Full Bangs and Blonde Highlights
Description: This sleek style features straight, layered hair with full bangs and bold blonde highlights. The layers add movement and body. The highlights add dimension and brightness. It is a modern, stylish look.
Why It Works: The straight, sleek finish gives fine hair a strong, full silhouette. The blonde highlights add depth and make the hair look fuller. The full bangs add softness and frame the face.
Pro Tip: To achieve this sleek look, use a smoothing cream on wet hair before blow-drying. Use a flat iron for a super smooth, shiny finish.
Updos and Styling with Chunky Highlights
18. High Ponytail with Wavy Texture and Face-Framing Money Pieces
Description: This stylish updo features a high ponytail with wavy texture and face-framing money pieces. The waves add movement and body. The money pieces add brightness and draw attention to your features. It is a fun, modern style.
Why It Works: The high ponytail lifts the hair, creating the illusion of volume. The face-framing money pieces add dimension and make the hair look fuller. This style is perfect for special occasions.
Pro Tip: To create the wavy texture, use a curling wand on medium heat. Wrap small sections of hair around the barrel, leaving the ends out for a more natural look.
19. Messy High Bun with Face-Framing Highlights and Loose Pieces
Description: This effortless updo features a messy high bun with face-framing highlights and loose pieces. The highlights add brightness and draw attention to your features. The loose pieces add softness and frame the face. It is a romantic, feminine style.
Why It Works: The high bun adds height and creates the illusion of volume. The face-framing highlights add dimension and make the hair look fuller. This style is perfect for special occasions.
Pro Tip: To create the messy bun, gently tease the crown of your hair for added height. Pull your hair into a high bun and secure it. Leave a few soft pieces out to frame your face.
20. Curly Layered Hair with Dimensional Blonde Highlights
Description: This beautiful style features curly, layered hair with dimensional blonde highlights. The curls add movement and body. The highlights add dimension and brightness. It is a romantic, feminine style.
Why It Works: The curls add incredible volume to fine hair. The dimensional blonde highlights add depth and make the hair look fuller. This cut is perfect for women who want a bold, beautiful look.
Pro Tip: To style, use a curl-enhancing cream on damp hair. Scrunch your hair as you blow-dry with a diffuser. This will enhance the curls and give your hair a beautiful, natural finish.
How to Get Chunky Highlights
At the Salon
When heading to the salon, bring inspiration photos to show your stylist . Discuss placement and decide whether you want all-over chunky highlights, face-framing highlights, or highlights concentrated on specific areas . Ask about maintenance and how to care for your new color .
A skilled stylist will use techniques like hair ribboning, which combines the thickness of chunky highlights with the seamlessness of freehand painting . This results in bright, dimensional strokes that give hair plenty of body-boosting movement .
At Home
If you want to try chunky highlights at home, use a balayage highlighting kit . Select sections that are about half an inch to an inch thick . Apply the lightener starting about 2 inches from the root and saturate through the ends . After washing out the highlights, apply a toner to refine the tone . Use a deep-conditioning treatment to replenish moisture .
How to Care for Chunky Highlights
Chunky highlights can last 2 to 4 months, though the timeline depends on growth, fading, and upkeep .
- Use lukewarm water: Wash your hair with lukewarm, not hot, water to help protect moisture and keep the color looking fresh .
- Apply heat protectant: Use heat protection before blow-drying, curling, or straightening since lightened sections can be more prone to dryness and breakage .
- Wash less often: Space out shampoo days when possible to slow color fading and help your highlights maintain their tone for longer .
- Schedule regular touch-ups: Refresh your highlights as needed when regrowth becomes noticeable so the wider sections stay balanced and defined .
- Protect hair from sun and chlorine: Cover your hair in strong sunlight and rinse before and after swimming to help prevent dryness .
Conclusion
Chunky highlights are the perfect way to embrace a bold, fun update to your look. This trend offers endless possibilities for adding depth and texture to your locks in a different way than your standard foil highlights . By updating the style with strategic placement, soft blending, and modern styling techniques, you can make this Y2K-inspired look feel refreshed and gorgeous .
The key is choosing a style that works with your hair type and lifestyle. Do not be afraid to experiment with different colors, placements, and techniques. Work with your stylist to find a look that flatters your face shape and personal style. With the right highlights and a few pro care tips, you will achieve a look that is modern, fresh, and incredibly stylish. Your perfect chunky highlights are waiting for you. Try one of these beautiful styles and rediscover your love for bold, gorgeous hair.
