When it comes to transforming your look, nothing works quite like highlights. They add depth, brightness, and dimension to your hair—without the commitment of a full-color change. Whether you’re going for a sun-kissed glow, a bold fashion-forward statement, or something soft and natural, highlights remain one of the most versatile coloring techniques.
In 2025, hair highlight trends are evolving faster than ever, blending timeless classics with bold new styles. If you’re ready for a hair refresh this year, here are the top highlight trends for women in 2025 that you need to know.
1. Face-Framing Money Piece Highlights
The “money piece” isn’t going anywhere in 2025—it’s only getting better. These are bold, face-framing highlights that instantly brighten your features and give your hairstyle a youthful glow.
Why it works:
- Perfect for women who want a change without a full-color overhaul.
- Draws attention to your eyes and cheekbones.
- Works with every base color—whether you’re blonde, brunette, or even rocking red hair.
Pro tip: Go with a softer, blended money piece if you want a natural look, or opt for bold, chunky streaks for a dramatic finish.
2. Lived-In Balayage
Balayage is still queen in 2025, but it has a twist: the lived-in look. This low-maintenance style uses natural, hand-painted highlights that mimic how the sun would naturally lighten your hair.
Why it works:
- Grows out beautifully with no harsh lines.
- Ideal for women who don’t want to spend every 6 weeks at the salon.
- Adds dimension and depth to both straight and wavy styles.
Trend alert: In 2025, balayage is leaning toward warmer, golden hues rather than ultra-ashy tones—perfect for adding a spring or summer glow.
3. Bold Chunky Highlights (Y2K Comeback)
Fashion always comes full circle, and this year chunky highlights are making a serious comeback. Inspired by the early 2000s but updated with modern techniques, these bold stripes are edgy, fun, and Instagram-worthy.
Why it works:
- Adds drama and personality to your look.
- Great for women who want their highlights to stand outrather than blend in.
- Looks stunning when paired with layered haircuts or curtain bangs.
Pro tip: Keep the placement strategic and modern—chunky highlights around the crown and face keep it stylish instead of outdated.
4. Caramel and Honey Highlights for Brunettes
Brunettes, 2025 is your year! Caramel and honey-toned highlights are trending big time, adding warmth and shine to darker bases. These shades create a natural sunlit effect, making them perfect for spring and summer.
Why it works:
- Enhances dark hair without making it look brassy.
- Universally flattering across all skin tones.
- Works equally well with straight, curly, or wavy textures.
💡 Best match: Women with olive or warm skin tones, though a skilled colorist can tailor caramel hues for cooler undertones too.
5. High-Contrast Highlights
For women who love a bold statement, high-contrast highlights are trending. Think platinum blonde streaks on black hair or bright copper on a deep brunette base. It’s all about striking contrast and standing out.
Why it works:
- Perfect for fashion-forward women who love to experiment.
- Creates a striking, editorial-inspired look.
- Works beautifully with sleek styles and sharp cuts.
Trend alert: Many women in 2025 are experimenting with peekaboo contrasts—bright colors hidden under natural tones for a fun, playful effect.
6. Glossy Highlights with Shine Finish
Beyond color trends, 2025 is all about healthy-looking hair. Glossy, reflective highlights are becoming more popular than matte or muted tones. Salons are using toners and gloss treatments to make highlights shimmer with light.
Why it works:
- Gives hair a salon-fresh, glassy finish.
- Adds instant vibrance to any highlight style.
- Works with both subtle and bold highlight placements.
💡 Pro Tip: Ask your stylist for a “color melt” paired with a gloss—it’s the ultimate combination for silky, radiant hair.
Final Thoughts
In 2025, highlights are all about expression, individuality, and healthy shine. Whether you’re embracing subtle face-framing pieces, low-maintenance balayage, or bold fashion streaks, there’s a highlight trend for every personality and style.
The best part? Highlights can be as subtle or as daring as you want them to be. With the right stylist and aftercare routine, your highlights will keep you glowing all year long.
So, if you’ve been waiting for the perfect time to refresh your hair color, 2025’s highlight trends are your sign to go for it!