24 Chunky Highlight Ideas Making a Bold Comeback

What Are Modern Chunky Highlights?

Let’s clear the air. The new chunky highlight is strategic, not scattered. Instead of uniform stripes all over the head, contemporary techniques focus on placement. Think: face-framing blocks of light, concentrated color around the ends (a modern take on “tip highlights”), or bold panels hidden within the underlayers. The contrast is higher, the sections are wider, but the execution is artful. It’s less “pop-punk 2003” and more “editorial runway 2024.”

The Chunky Money Piece: A Modern Classic

This is arguably the trend that reignited the chunky flame. The money piece involves bold, highlighted sections directly framing the face—at the front and sides. It’s a low-maintenance highlight that makes your features pop and grows out gracefully.

1. Icy Blonde Money Piece on Jet Black Hair: For the ultimate contrast, this look is stark, dramatic, and incredibly chic.

2. Warm Caramel Money Piece on Chestnut Brown: A sun-kissed, natural-looking option that adds warmth and brightness.

3. Pastel Money Piece: Dip-dye the face-framing chunks in a soft pink, lavender, or baby blue for a playful, artistic twist.

4. Shadow Root Money Piece: Ask your colorist to blend a darker root into the chunky highlight for a seamless, grungy grow-out.

Bold & Blocky: The Statement Panels

For those who want to truly commit, statement panels are where chunky highlights become wearable art. These are larger, more isolated sections of color, often placed underneath the top layer of hair for a peek-a-boo effect.

5. Underlight Panels in Platinum: Hidden treasures of bright platinum underneath a canopy of dark hair. Revealed with movement or an updo.

6. Colored Block Highlights: Instead of blonde, opt for panels of vibrant red, cobalt blue, or emerald green.

7. “Earring” Highlights: Small, chunky highlights placed specifically around the ear area—perfect for showcasing with a slicked-back ponytail or behind-the-ear tuck.

8. Diagonal Panel: A single, sweeping diagonal panel from the crown to the ends. Architectural and striking.

Nostalgic Nods: The Y2K Revival

If you’re here for the pure, unadulterated nostalgia, lean into it! These looks are updated with better color technology and toning, but the spirit is 100% throwback.

9. Chunky Zebra Stripes: Even, alternating stripes of dark and light, but ask for a balayage-like blend at the root to soften the regrowth.

10. Pop-Punk Skunk Stripe: A single, bold white or platinum streak at the front. The quintessential early-2000s rebel look, now worn with irony and style.

11. Chunky Tips (Dip-Dye Revival): Just the ends of your hair are saturated with a chunky, highlighted effect. Great for lobs or long bobs.

12. Peek-a-Boo Highlights: Remember when we colored the bottom layer of our hair? It’s back. Choose a contrasting color that flashes when you walk.

Soft & Blended: The Chunky Balayage

This is the perfect middle ground for the highlight-hesitant. The chunky sections are hand-painted and blended at the roots for a softer, more gradual effect, maintaining the boldness but losing any harsh lines.

13. Chunky Bronde Balayage: Wide, sweeping pieces of honey and caramel blended into a medium brown base for a sun-drenched look.

14. Ash Blonde Chunky Sections: Cool-toned, smoky blonde chunks on a dark blonde or light brown base. Elegant and modern.

15. Root Smudge Chunky Highlights: The highlights are chunky, but the roots are deeply smudged and shadowed for an effortless, lived-in vibe.

16. Face-Framing Chunky Balayage: Concentrate the hand-painted chunks solely around the face, letting them melt into the mid-lengths and ends.

Colorful & Creative Chunky Looks

Why stop at blonde? The chunky highlight technique is a perfect vehicle for fantasy colors, allowing for bold statements without full-head dyeing.

17. Neon Chunky Accents: Electric yellow, hot pink, or lime green chunks on black or dark brown hair. Ultra-high impact.

18. Sunset Layers: Chunky sections dyed in a gradient of orange, pink, and purple, mimicking a sunset.

19. Jewel Tone Panels: Deep sapphire, ruby, or amethyst chunks on a black base. Rich and luxurious.

20. Two-Tone Chunky: Alternate chunky sections of two different colors, like platinum and rose gold, or navy and silver.

Chunky Highlights for Short Hair & Bobs

Short hair is a fantastic canvas for chunky highlights, as they can add incredible texture and shape.

21. Chunky Highlighted Pixie: Bold pieces throughout a pixie cut to add definition and a touch of punk-rock edge.

22. French Bob with Chunky Money Piece: The classic, chic French bob is given a jolt of modernity with a stark, face-framing highlight.

23. Textured Bob with Chunky Ends: Concentrate the highlight color on the ends of a textured, choppy bob for a piecey, dimensional effect.

24. Bowl-Cut Inspired Blocks: For the truly fashion-forward, chunky, geometric blocks of color on a blunt bowl cut shape.

How to Ask Your Stylist for Chunky Highlights

Communication is key to getting the modern chunky highlight of your dreams. Bring photos from this list! Use terms like “bold, face-framing pieces,” “high-contrast panels,” or “peek-a-boo chunks.” Discuss placement—do you want them all over, just in the front, or underneath? Talk maintenance; chunky highlights can be more forgiving than fine ones, but toning shampoos are your best friend to keep brass at bay.

Pro Tip: If you’re nervous, start with a single, larger highlight or a money piece. It’s a lower commitment but delivers the same bold effect.

Embrace the Boldness

The return of chunky highlights is a celebration of confidence and individuality. It’s a trend that refuses to be subtle, and in a world of endless beauty options, sometimes the boldest choice is the most rewarding. Whether you opt for a soft, blended take or go full-on Y2K revival, these 24 ideas prove that chunky highlights have earned their place in the modern hair hall of fame. So, book that appointment, bring your inspiration, and get ready to make a statement that’s anything but thin.

Are you ready to bring back the chunk?