Kelly Clarkson, Lindsay Lohan, and Jennifer Aniston are considered to be the queens of rocking chunky streaks of hair. They were really popular in the 00s and everyone was obsessed with them. Well, they’re making a solid comeback. And with the knowledge of contemporary hair highlights and balayage hairstyles, they are better than ever. Here is everything you need to know about them.
Chunky Highlights
Chunky highlights are just like regular highlights, but they are a bit more prominent and stand out. These highlights have thicker strands that are streaked with a different colored dye and it looks a lot more edgy.
This hair highlights option is a perfect blend of subtlety and drama because not only do these highlights frame the face, but they can also look muted in certain hairstyles and orientations. This was a pretty famous technique of adding drama to the hair in the late 90s and early 00s, and it’s getting pretty famous again too.
Better Than Traditional Highlights?
These highlights are unique and they can be spotted from a mile away. A lot of people don’t like the look of traditional highlights because they can seem a bit blank and for a lot of hair colors, especially extremely light and dark tresses, they don’t even stand out.
This is why chunky highlights are a much better option because they can really elevate the look of the streaks and the color of the strands can stand out more.
Chunky Highlights Colors
These highlights can be done in a lot of colors, but the most wearable options are blonde chunky highlights, caramel chunky highlights, and light brown highlights. You can play with color as well, but if you’re looking for a subtle and everyday look with highlights, then the above-mentioned colors are safe options to go for.
The trick to the perfect and beautiful chunky highlights is in the selection of the colors. If you’re someone who has color-treated hair and has decent knowledge about color matching and complementary tones, then you can choose your own color for the highlights.
But, if you’re just starting out with hair dyeing and don’t know the basics, then it’s best to hand the task over to an experienced hair colorist. Because these people can really evaluate your hair and select the right color for the highlights that is not only going to look great, but it will add more depth and dimension to the tresses as well.
How Are Chunky Highlights Done?
Now that you know what chunky hair highlights are, this is what you can expect in the dyeing process when you go to a salon to get your hair done.
- First of all, your hair needs to be washed and dried. There shouldn’t be any product or build-up on your scalp because that can prevent the hair dye and chemicals from dyeing your hair shaft and you definitely don’t want that. If the colorist applies hair dye on unwashed hair, then there will be a huge difference in the vibrancy of the colors at the end.
- After your hair is washed, the next step is to lighten your hair. With highlights, there is going to be bleaching involved so that you can get the right color payoff in the end. Strands of hair are taken that are relatively thick, about an inch or more if you want more drama. Then, bleach is applied and foiled up. The hair is left to be lightened for about 30 minutes, and then the strands are washed individually.
- The next step is the hair dyeing process. Once you’ve selected your desired hair color and your hair is bleached and washed, the dye is applied to the strands and then folded in foil and left to develop. The waiting time is almost 30 to 40 minutes, and after that, the hair dye is washed from the hair. In a lot of cases, mostly in women with darker hair, another application of hair dye is necessary to ensure that the results are vibrant and rich in appearance.
- After the dye is washed, it’s time to style your hair. The hair stylist will generally blow dry your hair and, if you want, your hair can also be styled. Voila! You have beautiful, chunky highlights in your tresses.
How To Take Care Of Chunky Highlights?
Like any hair dyeing process, there is going to be maintenance and aftercare involved to ensure that your hair stays the same for longer. Here are some maintenance tips for chunky highlights.
The Right Products
After getting lighter highlights, it’s a good idea to invest in products that are going to help preserve the color of your hair.
For shampoo, a purple shampoo will be your best friend and it’s going to leave your hair feeling soft as well as color correcting the blonde highlights so that you don’t get those brassy highlights that we all know and hate.
Fewer Hair Washes
You want to limit washing your hair and reduce your hair cleaning routine to once a week. Shampooing frequently will make your hair brittle and the highlights won’t look as great either, so it’s better if you wash your hair just once or twice a week because that’s going to ensure longevity.
Restore Moisture
Try to invest in products and treatments for your hair that are going to restore moisture and repair damage. Let’s be real; your hair won’t be in its prime after getting it bleached and highlighted, so it’s better that you deeply condition your hair and oil it every so often so that your hair shaft isn’t dehydrated.
Using the right products will make a world of difference in how your hair looks and feels. Hair and scalp massages are also quite luxurious and amazing for the mane and you’ll be getting relaxed and de-stressed while taking care of your hair.
Hair Toner
Use a good hair toner for color correction. Usually, this toner is added to the mix of the dye to ensure the color is vibrant and isn’t brassy or orange, but you can use products that have toners infused in them as well. That’s going to neutralize the hair dye and make it look picture perfect.
No Chlorinated Water
Avoid chlorinated water, especially right after you dye it or get highlights. Chlorine is a natural bleaching agent and it can strip the hair dye from your tresses and make it look patchy, not to mention, it isn’t good for the hair either.
Chlorinated water can make your hair dry, dull, and brittle and you definitely don’t want to risk any more damage to your mane.
Suitable Hairstyles
Lastly, if you want chunky highlights to be the center of attention in your hairstyles, then try to research different hairstyles and ideas that bring out the highlights. You can style your tresses and wear them down or you can also go for simple ponytails and buns that are going to emphasize the highlights, especially the chunks framing your face and jaw.
Conclusion
Chunky highlights are prominent, loud, and very edgy, but that doesn’t mean that they’re not wearable. You can definitely rock this style today with a touch of modernity and now, you know exactly how to do it. Find hair salons specializing in color Rockville to get perfect chunky hair highlights.