Chunky Highlights Are Back – And They’re Making a Statement
Thinking about a bigger change to your colour? If you love bold, high-contrast hair, chunky highlights could be just what you're looking for.
At Brooklyn’s Hair Salon in High Wycombe, we love getting creative with colour. It isn't always about a root retouch or traditional highlights, sometimes you want something that makes a real statement. Our colourists work across all aspects of hair colouring and keep up with new techniques and trends, so we can help you find a colour that feels current while still working for your hair.
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Please be aware that a patch test/skin test or Allergy Alert Test (AAT) may be required. This is particularly important if you're new to Brooklyn's Hair, haven't had your hair coloured with us for some time, or have experienced a previous reaction. Read our salon policies for more information.
Chunky Highlights vs Traditional Highlights
The chunky highlight trend has its roots in the 1990s and early 2000s, but the modern version is more considered. Rather than the harsh, stripe-like highlights you might remember, today's chunky highlights can be bold and bright while still being carefully placed and blended into the overall colour.
They work particularly well when you want contrast and dimension. A brunette base can be paired with bold blonde sections for a dramatic transformation, but chunky highlights aren't limited to brunette and blonde combinations. They can also work beautifully with red and copper tones, or with blonde hair that needs darker, thicker pieces woven through for contrast.
The biggest difference is the size and placement of the sections.
Traditional highlights usually use finer sections of hair to create a softer, more seamless result. Chunky highlights use larger, more deliberate sections, creating more noticeable contrast between the base colour and the highlighted pieces.
That doesn't mean they have to look harsh. Your stylist can adjust the placement, tone and level of contrast to create anything from a strong 90s-inspired look to a more modern, wearable version of the trend.
A Big Change For This Brunette Client
This particular transformation was created by Olga, taking the client from a more traditional brunette colour to a much bolder look with high-contrast blonde highlights. The result is all about dimension, contrast and impact, with the thicker sections of blonde creating a completely different feel to the original colour.
It's a great example of why we enjoy doing more creative colour work in the salon. If you've been having the same colour for years and fancy something completely different, a consultation is the perfect place to start.
How Will My Chunky Highlights Grow Out?
One thing worth knowing before choosing chunky highlights is that bold sections are more noticeable as they grow out than finer, more softly blended highlights.
That's not necessarily a bad thing, it is simply part of the look. If you'd prefer a softer transition as your colour grows, your stylist can talk to you about options such as incorporating lowlights, adding a root shadow or smudge, or adjusting the placement and blending of the highlights.
During your consultation, we'll look at your existing colour, hair condition, previous colour history and how much maintenance you're happy to commit to. That way, we can create a look that works not only on the day you leave the salon, but as it grows out too.
From subtle changes to dramatic colour transformations, our team enjoys working with different tones, techniques and placements to create something that feels right for each client. Trends are a great source of inspiration, but we'll always consider your existing colour, hair condition and what you're realistically able to maintain.
If you've seen a chunky highlight look you love, bring us your pictures. We can talk through what you like about them and how we could adapt the look to your own hair.