Chunky Highlights Are Back From the Early 2000s—and They Look Better Than Ever

We’ve seen a lot of Y2K trends emerge from the ether in recent months—capri pants, French manis, and shimmery pastel eyeshadow—but chunky highlights is a comeback story we didn’t have on our bingo card. Yet here they are, as covetable as they once were two-ish decades ago, this time with a modern approach that makes them feel fresh for 2025.

“Chunky highlights became very popular in the late ‘90s and early 2000s; celebrities like Kelly Clarkson and Christina Aguilera come to mind,” says Zach Mesquit, a professional colorist and brand ambassador for Wella Professionals. “I personally think it’s a fun look, but the wearer has to have a certain style to pull it off—either edgy or very bubbly. Think pop-star vibes.”

What’s interesting about the return of chunky highlights is that it’s a sharp deviation from the subtle quiet luxury/old money/clean girl aesthetic that’s been popular for a while now. Both are trending at the same time, with the Y2K chunky highlight look serving as a bold alternative for those who want to embrace a bold, loud, and in-your-face style.
What Are Chunky Highlights?

Unlike subtle highlights that blend in with the rest of your hair, chunky highlights are thick, streaky stripes of blonde through the hair. “When the hair is parted ,there are distinct lines or streaks of blonde in the hair that create a very high contrast and artificial look,” Mesquit says.

This technique is also referred to as “block coloring,” which has actually been around for a while. For example, Audrey Hepburn had this look in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, says Becca Kraeger, a master colorist and educator at Spoke & Weal. She says that today’s chunky highlights can run the gamut from the high contrast we saw in the ‘00s to softer variations.

“I love when this trend is done more subtly. I like taking larger panels, but making sure the dimension is only a shade or two lighter than my clients’ natural [color],” Kraeger says. “This way it still looks blended, but gives a pop at the same time. [And] when the highlights are blurred at the top it gives a more expensive color.”

What to Know Before Getting Chunky Highlights
Chunky highlights are a look. If you haven’t had them before, it’s the equivalent of going from ultra-long strands to a pixie cut—people are going to notice, and you will definitely get a little shock every time you look in the mirror. Here are a few pro tips.

Prepare for Upkeep: The grow out can be very harsh, so prepare for routine salon visits to maintain your highlights. “The look is very much the opposite of blended or natural, so it isn’t something you can get away with going months between salon visits,” Mesquit says.
Use a Toner: Along with routine visits to the salon, Kraeger recommends toning your hair to prevent the chunky highlights from turning orange or brassy.
Bring Reference Photos: Always have a few reference photos with you. Kraeger says, “You’ll need to go to an experienced colorist that will collaborate with you on a finished look that suits your fashion style, haircut, and lifestyle.”
You Can Soften the Look: If you want to ease into chunky highlights, start with a lower contrast highlight. Also, Kraeger says to ask your colorist to blur the panels at the top so they blend in a little bit more (if that’s the look you want).
Deep Condition Regularly: As with any highlighting service, Mesquit says, “bleaching the hair will be required so the hair needs to be strong enough to handle that process.” Also, make sure to deep condition your hair weekly to keep it healthy.