With over 100 million searches on social media, black and red highlights have emerged as one of the most sought-after hair trends in 2023. This bold and vibrant combination offers a striking contrast that can transform any hairstyle. Black roots, whether natural or dyed, provide a rich base for the fiery red highlights to pop, creating a look that is both edgy and alluring.
The cost of black and red highlights varies depending on factors such as the length and thickness of your hair, the desired placement and amount of highlights, and the skill level of your stylist. Salon prices can range from $100 to $300 or more, while home coloring kits typically cost between $20 and $50.
The time commitment required for black and red highlights also varies. Bleaching and coloring hair can be a lengthy process, especially for those with darker hair or who want a significant amount of highlights. The entire process can take anywhere from 2 to 6 hours, depending on the complexity of your desired look.
Benefits:
- Bold and Eye-Catching: Black and red highlights create a dramatic and unforgettable look.
- Customization: The placement and amount of highlights can be tailored to suit individual preferences.
- Low Maintenance: Once the initial coloring is done, touch-ups can be limited to every 6 to 8 weeks.
- Youthful Appearance: Brightening up dark roots with red highlights can rejuvenate the overall appearance.
Drawbacks:
- Damage to Hair: Bleaching and coloring can damage hair, especially if done frequently or without proper care.
- Color Fading: Red highlights tend to fade faster than other colors, requiring more frequent touch-ups.
- Incompatible with Certain Hair Types: People with very dark hair or tightly coiled hair may have difficulty achieving vibrant red highlights.
- Uneven Results: Home coloring kits can sometimes result in uneven or patchy highlights.
“Black and red highlights are a versatile trend that can complement a wide range of skin tones and face shapes,” says celebrity hairstylist Jen Atkin. “The key is to customize the placement and intensity of the highlights to enhance each client’s unique features.”
According to hair colorist Guy Tang, “The perfect balance between black and red highlights is achieved when the red complements the natural undertones of the hair, creating a harmonious blend of hues.”
Materials:
- Bleaching kit
- Red hair dye
- Hair developer
- Mixing bowl and brush
- Gloves
- Aluminum foil
- Wide-toothed comb
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Deep conditioning treatment
Instructions:
- Bleach the sections of hair you want to highlight using the bleaching kit according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Rinse and dry your hair.
- Mix the red hair dye and developer in a 1:1 ratio.
- Apply the dye mixture to the bleached sections of hair using a brush or comb.
- Wrap the highlighted sections in aluminum foil.
- Process the dye for the amount of time specified in the instructions.
- Rinse the dye thoroughly and shampoo your hair.
- Condition your hair and apply a deep conditioning treatment to restore moisture.
- Style your hair as desired.
- Use color-protecting shampoos and conditioners. These products help to lock in color and prevent fading.
- Limit heat styling. Excessive heat can damage colored hair. Use heat protectant spray before using hot tools.
- Deep condition regularly. Deep conditioning treatments help to repair and strengthen colored hair.
- Get regular trims. Trimming away split ends and damaged hair helps to maintain healthy hair and prevent breakage.
- Avoid over-washing. Wash your hair less frequently to reduce color fading.
- Protect your hair from the sun. UV rays can damage colored hair. Wear a hat or use a UV protectant spray when spending time outdoors.
The black and red highlights trend is expected to continue gaining popularity in 2023 and beyond. Stylists are experimenting with new techniques to create unique variations of this look, such as:
- Red balayage: Subtle red highlights blended into darker hair.
- Cherry cola highlights: A vibrant and bold combination of red and brown highlights.
- Fiery ombré: Red highlights gradually transitioning from dark roots to bright tips.
| Feature | Salon | Home |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $100-$300+ | $20-$50 |
| Time | 2-6 hours | Varies (typically longer than salon) |
| Skill Level Required | High | Low |
| Results | Professional-looking | Can vary, may be uneven |
| Convenience | Salon visit necessary | Can be done at home |
| Product Type | Brand |
|---|---|
| Bleaching Kit | Olaplex |
| Red Hair Dye | Manic Panic |
| Developer | Redken |
| Color-Protecting Shampoo | Kerastase |
| Color-Protecting Conditioner | Aveda |
| Deep Conditioning Treatment | Ouidad |
| Bleaching Frequency | Hair Damage Risk |
|---|---|
| Every 4-6 weeks | Low |
| Every 2-4 weeks | Moderate |
| More often than every 2 weeks | High |
| Hair Type | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Fine Hair | Adds volume and texture |
| Thick Hair | Creates movement and interest |
| Straight Hair | Enhances shine and dimension |
| Curly Hair | Defines curls and highlights natural texture |
Black and red highlights are a bold and captivating hair trend that continues to soar in popularity. By embracing the beauty of contrasting hues, this look offers endless possibilities for customization and self-expression. With the right care and maintenance, black and red highlights can enhance your natural features and turn heads wherever you go. So, embrace the fire within and elevate your style with this striking and unforgettable hair transformation.