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Even if your natural hair colour is as dark as Morticia Adams', lightening jet-black hair is entirely possible. Black hair with highlights is not only achievable, but also stunning. If we were to analyse beauty trends, black hair is back in vogue, and here to stay. Don’t believe us? If you’re unsure whether this is the year of black hair, just ask Dua Lipa, Billie Eilish, or Kim Kardashian, all of whom have been slaying a dark-hued mane for the longest time now.
There we said it: Black hair might look exotic but it doesn’t exactly spell fun; especially if you have sported dark tresses all your life. So, if you are in the mood to update your look, there’s nothing better than incorporating fun hues to create a dramatic contrast with your pitch-black strands. Want quirky? Meet pink. Want subtle? Meet brown. PS: Even the smallest change can transform your tresses.
So, get ready to spice up your jet-black locks with a dash of popping hue. Surely, the world of colours can be overwhelming which is why to save you the effort we’ve rounded up a list of options that work as best highlights for black hair.
Highlight Ideas For Black Hair
1. Black Hair With Blue Highlights
There’s something mermaid-esque about black and blue tresses. Blending blue highlights into a beautiful black base can add drama to your hair without overpowering it. This look is all about slightly lighter and brighter accents that add instant dimensions. Pro tip: Opt for a mix of aqua and royal blue shades and braid your hair to add dimension and depth to your hair.
Nykaa Recommends: Paradyes Ammonia Free Semi-Permanent Hair Color Jewel Tone
2. Black Hair With Red Highlights
Have a fling with fiery red highlights and watch them cut through your dark strands as sporadic glimmers when the sun hits ‘em. You have an array of shades to choose from – ginger red, cherry red, cool red and many more. The best part? This hair colour shade looks gorgeous on all skin tones to give it a refreshing poppy twist. P.S. Don’t skimp on the shine serum if you really want the highlights to come through.
Nykaa Recommends: Streax Hair Colour Highlighting Kit - Crimson Red
3. Black Hair With Blonde Highlights
Blonde is a definite way to lighten up the locks of dark-haired beauties. When going blonde, choose a hue that is two shades lighter or darker than the natural base colour to make it look natural. You can browse through options like chestnut blonde, honey blonde, platinum blonde, blush blonde, etc. to zero in on the one that complements your skin tone. Need more to be convinced? Diffusing blonde hues through the lengths of hair would act as a halo of flattering glow around your face.
Nykaa Recommends: L'Oreal Paris Excellence Fashion Hair Color - Shade 9.13 Golden Beige Blonde
4. Golden Highlights On Black Hair
Nothing spells elegance like golden. If too much gold is not your jam, you can opt for a cocktail of blonde and golden with subtle colour graduation from roots to tips on your black hair. If you are looking for a timeless shade that doesn’t lean on funky, don’t think twice before dipping your strands in gold. Also, it is best suited for cool skin tones. To offset the hue beautifully, create tight curls. Love.
Nykaa Recommends: BBLUNT Salon Secret High Shine Creme Hair Colour Chocolate Dark Brown 3
5. Black Hair With Purple Highlights
Are you looking for a shade that holds a place of its own, taking pressure off from the need for any makeup? Meet the chic purple. You can go for amethyst, lilac, smokey or pastel purple to bring life to your dark tresses. Pro tip: To keep your highlights looking fresh, use a purple shampoo.
Nykaa Recommends: Streax Hair Colour Highlighting Kit - Plum Purple
6. Pink Highlights On Black Hair
Dusky skin-toned ladies are in for some good news! The gorgeous pink has come to your rescue to keep you from sporting the same dark-coloured hair. Break the predictability with lush pink highlights and change things up by leaning on the vibrant scale. You can opt for pastel pink, soft pink or cotton candy. Vivid and intense, the pink hue packs a punch that holds a good dose of playful and rock chic.
Nykaa Recommends: Crazy Color Semi Permanent Hair Color Cream - Sapphire No. 72
7. Green Highlights On Black Hair
Zero to glam in a jiffy? Yes, please! An instant way to bring out your skin complexion, the stunning green gives your hairdo a whole new story. From lime green for fair skin tones to dark forest green for dusky skin tones, this colour offers an array of shades. Bless your mane with sultry green undertones and watch your locks play peekaboo as the colour reflects off light at the right places. When executed well, the rich hints of green can even make your eye colour pop.
Nykaa Recommends: Streax Professional Hold & Play Funky Hair Color - Glorious Green
8. Black Hair With Grey Highlights
Move over black, grey is here to stay. This grey colour balances with your dark roots to add depth without going overboard on the shimmer factor. Don’t expect brighter bits; this look is perfect if you are looking for a bolder and lighter look. If you decide to take a plunge with this colour that’s anything but safe be prepared to stir up a storm on social media. Pro tip: To keep the hue fresh and distinct, be generous with a good shine serum.
Nykaa Recommends: Streax Cream Hair Colour
9. Black Hair With Cherry Red Highlights
Black hair highlighted with cherry red streaks is the edgiest hairdo to exist. The deep dark base really sets off the bright burgundy streaks, amps up the drama and providing the perfect base for the cherry red hue to shine through. It can be great for all kinds of lengths and textures, from short bobs to long beachy waves. Or, feel a bit adventurous and layer on the cherry red highlight in abundance for added pizzazz. This colour combination works wonders for any skin tone and personality, making it a great pick for those determined to dominate the look of mob-wife aesthetic.
Nykaa Recommends: BBLUNT Salon Secret Cherry Red Hair Colour 6.62
10. Black Hair With Rose Pink Highlights
Black hair with rose gold highlights perfectly complements the soft girl aesthetic, adding a gentle, romantic touch to the look. The contrast between the deep black and the subtle rose gold creates a dreamy effect, enhancing the soft, feminine vibe. Perfect for the girlies who are all about meadowy, wildflower feels and love to maintain their Instagram feeds with sunkissed pictures. The rose gold highlights add warmth and dimension, blending seamlessly with the natural black for a harmonious, promising ethereal look. This style the balances best of both worlds by blending in the soft girl and cottage-core aesthetics.
Nykaa Recommends: Crazy Color Semi Permanent Hair Color Cream
Black hair is celebrated for its bold simplicity and sleek, fashionable look. However, its timelessness doesn’t equate to dullness. We recommend embracing the distinctive beauty of black hair and experimenting with various hairstyles that enhance their natural appeal. The right haircut can elevate the impact of black hair, highlighting its inherent charm and leaving a lasting impression.
FAQs On Black Hair With Highlights
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Is it advisable to do highlights on your own at home without professional help?
If this is your first time colouring hair, you should definitely consider a consultation with a professional hairstylist. An experienced professional will offer perspectives that will help you choose a colour that actually flatters your complexion and looks good given your hair texture. Besides, professionals always do a strand test to check whether you are allergic to any product before moving ahead with the colouring exercise. This spares you from any potential damage to your hair.
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What’s the difference between semi-permanent, demi-permanent and permanent hair colour?
Semi-permanent hair colour:
- Due to the absence of peroxide in this formula, it can only make your hair darker and not lighter. It also works towards improving the shine and texture of your hair.
- The hair colour is deposited on the outermost layer of hair and doesn’t penetrate deeply as a result which will last for a maximum of twelve hair washes only.
- Opt for semi-permanent when you are not sure about how the color will look on you especially if you are trying something out-of-the-box and are on the fence about it.
Demi-Permanent hair colour:
- Demi-permanent does contain peroxide but in smaller amounts and thereby, can slightly lighten the hair.
- It deposits the colour a bit deeper unlike the semi-permanent formula and thus, the results last longer, say up to 24 washes.
Permanent hair colour:
- As the name suggests, the color will last much longer compared to the other two formulas. It will slightly fade but its traces will remain until the colored strands grow out.
- It can lighten up to 4 times as it doesn’t just deposit colour superficially on the hair strands. However, it is advisable to not lighten it any further as it could be damaging to the tresses.
- Opt for permanent hair colour if there’s grey or white hair you wish to conceal.
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I had opted for burgundy highlights on black hair but am not pleased with the results. How long should I wait until I paint my hair with another colour?
Everyone’s hair has a different texture and strength while being more or less prone to damage. It is advisable to wait for your coloured hair to grow out and allow your tresses time to recover and regain their shine before you decide to colour again. To ensure your hair is well conditioned and healthy enough to take on another session of hair colour, treat your tresses to nourishing hair spas or hair masks. If you are unhappy with the colour of your hair and are looking for an urgent change, talk to your stylist about colour-correcting options.
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How long does it take to highlight hair?
Highlighting hair can take anywhere between 1 to .5 hours depending on the length, and thickness of your hair and the amount and placement of highlights. It also depends on how light you want to overall look to turn out because the lighter the expected result, the longer the wait. When you book appointments, anticipate and allow a buffer period of 30 minutes, just to be safe.
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How to maintain highlights?
- Since lightening hair can make it a bit brittle, ensure you treat your hair with strengthening and nourishing treatments.
- Avoid oiling your hair a lot as it could interfere with the viability of the coloured strands.
- As much as possible, keep away from strong styling products that could make your hair dry.
- Limit washing your hair to 2 times a week if you want the colour to stay longer.