Chunky highlights have made a striking comeback in the world of hairstyling. From sleek straight looks to voluminous waves, these bold streaks add depth and dimension, transforming ordinary hair into a statement of individuality.
Whether it’s honey blonde on chocolate brown or vivid jewel tones hidden beneath layers, chunky highlights offer endless ways to express style.
This trend blends drama with elegance, making it perfect for anyone wanting to stand out while maintaining a polished appearance.
With colors ranging from platinum to fiery red, chunky highlights bring a playful yet sophisticated edge to any hairstyle.
Exploring these 10 stylish hairstyles reveals how this versatile technique continues to inspire and redefine modern hair fashion.
1. Chunky Blonde Highlights and Copper Lowlights

Combine chunky blonde highlights with rich copper lowlights to create a warm, multidimensional look. Apply bold blonde streaks around the face for brightness, while placing copper lowlights underneath for depth.
This contrast enhances volume and adds richness to long, straight or wavy hair. The blend works especially well on brunette bases, giving hair a vivid yet elegant finish.
2. Calico Highlights on Kitty Cut Hair

Chunky calico highlights bring a playful contrast to a kitty cut hairstyle, enhancing its edgy charm. To achieve this look, stylists apply bold patches of bright orange, blonde, and dark shades strategically around the layered, short cut.
This technique adds vibrancy and texture, especially with flipped ends and curtain bangs, creating a lively, eye-catching style that’s perfect for those wanting a unique statement.
3. Wavy Brown Hair With Green and Silver Chunky Highlights

She enhances wavy brown hair with bold green and silver chunky highlights to create a fresh, edgy look. They apply wide green streaks around the face to add vibrancy, balanced by silver chunks throughout for contrast.
He styles the hair in loose waves to emphasize dimension and movement, making the highlights pop and giving the hairstyle a modern, dynamic appeal.
4. Milkshake Y2K Highlights

They combine soft pastel tones like creamy pinks, icy blues, and lavender with chunky white or platinum sections for a playful Y2K vibe.
Stylists create sharp stripes contrasting against ashy black or dark bases for bold dimension. This style shines with sleek straight cuts or light waves, offering a nostalgic yet fresh look that’s perfect for making a standout statement.
5. Silver Highlights on Black Straight Hair

Silver chunky highlights on black straight hair create a sleek, modern look with striking contrast. To achieve this style, stylists apply bold silver streaks strategically along the hair’s length, ensuring a smooth, glossy finish.
The long, straight hair enhances the vivid contrast, making the silver pop against the black base. This hairstyle adds an edgy yet polished statement, perfect for those seeking a fashion-forward aesthetic.
6. Modern 90s Chunky Highlights

Embracing modern 90s chunky highlights means combining bold, chunky stripes with balayage or babylights for depth and low maintenance.
Stylists focus on face-framing ribbons that continue through the strands, creating contrast and texture. Popular variations include razor-sharp cuts like The Rachel, layered shags, and skunk stripes for an edgy vibe, making this trend both nostalgic and fresh.
7. Floral Inspired Multi-Colored Highlights on Layered Hair With Birkin Bangs

She layers medium-length hair with soft curls to add volume and movement. They apply chunky highlights in shades of deep red, burnt orange, and honey blonde for a floral-inspired palette.
He frames the face with Birkin bangs, blending warm tones seamlessly to enhance depth. This style creates vivid dimension while maintaining a natural, playful look perfect for seasonal transitions.
8. Brown and Pink Color Blocking on Blonde Hair

She achieves a bold, striking look by blocking chunky brown and pink highlights on blonde hair. Applying wide sections of vivid pink near the face contrasts sharply with deep brown chunks toward the back.
Keeping the hair straight and layered enhances the color separation and adds movement. This playful color blocking offers a modern, edgy style perfect for those craving a unique, eye-catching hairstyle.
9. Red and Ash Blonde Chunks on Long Black Hair

She enhances long black hair with chunky red and ash blonde highlights. Start by sectioning the hair to place bold red chunks near the face and scattered ash blonde pieces throughout.
Next, maintain sharp contrast by keeping the base jet black. Finish with a smooth, straight style to showcase the striking color blocks, creating a sophisticated, eye-catching look.
10. Medium Layered Hair With Purple Highlights and Curtain Bangs

They achieve a vivid, edgy look by adding chunky purple highlights to medium-length layered hair. Stylists focus on bold streaks around the face to brighten features and enhance dimension.
Curtain bangs frame the face softly, blending seamlessly with the layered waves. This style combines movement and color contrast, perfect for those seeking a playful yet chic statement that stands out confidently.