You can almost guarantee that some form of highlights will always be on trend, from the melting honey strands of summer 2023 to the chic silver version of summer 2024. Bold and chunky highlights in particular are a throwback to ’90s frosty strands and Y2K skunk hair, and we haven’t seen this look back in the mainstream in the 2020s—until now. This maximalist aesthetic hardly fits with the reign of subtle, quiet luxury, but celebrities like Jennifer Lopez are proving that these thicker highlights are back in vogue.
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“For today’s standards, I think this look requires a concentration of tones in larger sections – the opposite of baby lights,” says Hollywood-based celebrity hairstylist Travis Ogletree. “It doesn’t have to feel like Kelly Clarkson from her ‘American Idol’ days. A thicker section around the face or a little lower in the middle and ends of the hair can look both modern and natural. Even something with little contrast and two shades of brown is interesting.”
Speaking exclusively to Glam, Ogletree reveals that the rising popularity of this trend could be due to people looking for a change after staying true to their natural color during the COVID-19 pandemic. Whatever the reason, JLo is just one of many stars embracing this vintage-inspired trend that is setting the tone for the second half of 2024.
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Which celebrities have perfected this look?
The beauty of the modern thick highlights trend is that it’s versatile enough to suit any hair color and type, so is it any surprise that we’re seeing it on many celebrities in 2024? “The trend is everywhere, sometimes it’s just less obvious,” Travis Ogletree tells Glam exclusively. “JLo has chosen thicker blonde strands that look more natural due to the shadow approach, while Kim Petras was more open for her last album cycle with thick blonde strands in contrasting tones.”
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Additionally, Elsa Hosk, Rosie Huntington Whitley, and Sophia Richie have been spotted with bold chunky blonde highlights, including ones that frame their face and ones that sit closer to the ends of their hair. This trend is certainly not limited to blondes, either. “For a brunette, I would look to Penelope Cruz and her color variations lately for a dimensional, low-contrast energy,” adds Ogletree. “I’ve also noticed that Sarah Jessica Parker is a great example of gray blends/chunky sections that lean more toward ‘balayage.'” If you follow Parker’s example and blend chunky highlights with natural highlights or gray areas in the lower sections of your hair, you’ll still get the effect of this coloring technique without all the maintenance.
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How to ask for bold highlights in the salon
According to Travis Ogletree, there are multiple ways to interpret the chunky highlights aesthetic. “There’s a modern approach that’s reminiscent of ‘yesterday’ and actually feels timeless because we can adapt the technique to any shade and contrast level,” he tells us exclusively. Since there are multiple interpretations of this look, it’s important to ask your colorist about it specifically.
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“If I wanted that look, I would focus on bringing photos that appeal to you rather than asking about a trend. I would also describe exactly what you like in the photo to get the best end result,” Ogletree explains. “Communication is key to any successful hair appointment.” In addition to knowing exactly what you want and communicating that, Ogletree recommends a two-way dialogue with your colorist, as their expertise combined with their extensive knowledge of your hair is invaluable in finding the right look for you. “Listen to your stylist if they have any concerns about trying that trend, and be open to moving forward with something they know will suit you better,” he says.
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If you’re looking for inspiration for your ideal version of bold highlights, focus on celebrities who have a similar hair type and color to you. This will give you the best idea of which looks work well and which don’t.
