Thinking of adding highlights to black hair but not sure how it’ll turn out? You’re not alone. A lot of people worry that highlights will look too harsh or won’t show up at all.
But when done right, black hair with highlights will look amazing. That’s why, you will find here everything you need to know before you decide to take this step.
Best Highlights for Black Hair
You want shades that pop but still blend naturally. Warm tones like caramel, honey, or bronze give a soft lift without looking too stark.
You can also play with cooler tones like ash brown that can add depth without going brassy. Even bold colors like deep violet can work if you want something edgier. Keep these ideas like a quick guide. We will go into nitty-gritty details soon.
What Colors Should You Avoid with Black Hair
Some shades just don’t play well with black hair.
For example, super light platinum or icy blondes can be too jarring. These shades will create a high-contrast effect that looks more patchy than polished.
And sometimes it’s not all about contrast. We should also keep in mind our hair health. So neon or pastel tones that usually require heavy bleaching, aren’t the best option.
Keep in mind your undertones also. For example, if you have warm undertones, you should avoid grayish tones. On the other hand, people with cool undertones shouldn’t go with highlights that are too warm or golden.
Those with natural undertones have much more flexibility. But they should avoid extreme shades like silver or yellowy blondes.
Different Highlights for Different Hair Lengths
You can throw highlights on any black hair and get a nice effect. But if you want astonishing results, you’ve got to think about how your hair length (and even face shape) plays into the look.
Short hair benefits from bold, well-placed highlights. A few chunky pieces or a pop of color around the face can instantly add edge and movement without overwhelming the cut.
Medium-length hair gives you more room to play. Soft balayage or face-framing highlights can contour your features and add dimension.
Long hair is perfect for layered highlights that fade and blend gradually, creating that effortless, sun-kissed vibe.
The idea is to work with your hair’s natural flow and your face shape so you can go from “this is nice” and “damn, that looks good.”
Short Hair (Pixies, Bobs, and Lobs)
Short cuts are bold on their own so here’s how to play it smart with highlights:
Smoky Silver Accents
Silver adds a sleek, modern edge without stealing the spotlight from the cut. Fine, scattered highlights around the crown or ends give a soft shimmer that elevates the look without overwhelming it.
Bold Red Chunks
Want to make a statement? Deep red chunks create a bold contrast against a black base. Focus them around your bangs or the front to keep it edgy but intentional.
Peek-a-Boo Purple
This is the low-key way to play with color. Tucked under the top layer, peek-a-boo purple shows up only when your hair moves. Perfect if you want something fun but not full-on.
Emerald or Blue Money Piece
A front streak in jewel tones like emerald or smoky blue adds instant personality and frames the face beautifully. It’s bold but temporary-friendly, so you can switch it up easily.
Caramel Babylights
If you’re going for subtle and soft, caramel babylights add just enough warmth and brightness. Placed around the face or tips, they add dimension without high upkeep.
Medium Hair (Shoulder-Grazing Cuts to Mid-Back Length)
Medium-length hair gives you the most freedom to experiment with highlights. It’s long enough to show off color but short enough to keep it fresh. Here’s how to make it work:
Ashy Balayage
Ash tones give a cool, polished vibe that blends beautifully with black hair. The balayage technique creates a smooth, gradual fade from dark to light, which looks especially clean on mid-length styles.
Cinnamon Blonde Highlights
Warm and rich, cinnamon blonde brings out movement in layered cuts. It gives just enough contrast to make your hair pop without going too bold.
Mocha and Chestnut Blend
These two shades work together to add warmth and depth, especially if you’ve got natural waves or curls. The result is a soft, dimensional color that feels effortless.
Copper or Mahogany Pop
If you want something punchier but still classy, copper or mahogany streaks through the mid-lengths add fire and light without being too in-your-face.
Chunky Rose Gold Face-Framing
Rose gold has just the right amount of edge and elegance. Chunky pieces framing your face brighten things up and give your cut a trend-forward, Instagram-worthy touch.
Long Hair (Below the Shoulders and Beyond)
With all that length, you’ve got room to play with fades, blends, and bold pops of color that really show up.
Ombre with a Pop of Burgundy or Raspberry
The ombre technique, dark roots fading into vibrant ends, looks especially dramatic on long hair. Burgundy or raspberry adds richness and personality without clashing with your base.
Caramel Brunette Balayage
If you’re going for something softer, caramel brunette balayage is a natural win. Starting mid-length or lower, it gives a sun-kissed glow that’s warm, low-maintenance, and super flattering.
Platinum or Gray Streaks
Want contrast that turns heads? Platinum or smoky gray streaks scattered through long black hair create sharp dimensions. It’s bold, modern, and pairs well with both sleek and voluminous styles.
Brown-to-Blonde Melt
Mixing chocolate, honey, and light blonde shades gives a layered, seamless gradient. On long hair, this melt creates depth and movement. Great if you want the color that shifts with every angle.
Oil Slick or Navy Balayage
Long hair is ideal for this bold, iridescent trend. Subtle blends of navy, teal, and purple reflect like oil in the light, giving your black base a mysterious, head-turning vibe that peeks through as you move.
Products That You Need if You Go with Black Hair with Highlights
The right products can keep your color fresh, your hair healthy, and your highlights from turning brassy or fading out too soon. Here’s what you’ll want in your lineup:
Color-Safe Shampoo and Conditioner: Skip anything with sulfates. Go for formulas made for color-treated hair to lock in moisture and prevent your highlights from dulling out fast.
Purple or Blue Toning Shampoo: Depending on the tone of your highlights (blonde, ash, silver), a purple or blue shampoo once a week can neutralize brassiness and keep your color crisp.
Deep Conditioner or Hair Mask: Lightening even small sections of black hair can dry it out. A rich, hydrating mask once or twice a week helps repair and strengthen your strands.
Leave-In Conditioner or Heat Protectant: If you’re styling with heat, this is non-negotiable. It’ll protect your color and keep your ends from breaking off or getting crispy.
Gloss or Color Refresher: Every few weeks, a color gloss or refresher can revive your highlights, boost shine, and extend the life of your tone without a full touch-up.
Oil or Serum for Shine: To keep those highlighted strands smooth and vibrant, finish with a lightweight oil or serum. It helps tame frizz and adds that polished glow.
Final Thoughts
Highlights on black hair can be subtle, bold, edgy, or soft. It all depends on the shades you choose and how they’re placed.
If you’re in Ridgewood, New Jersey and want a stylist who knows how to bring out the best in black hair with highlights, come see us at Artists and Architects Salon. We’ll help you choose the right tones, technique, and care plan to make sure your color looks amazing from day one and beyond.
