Hair streaks are the ever-lasting hot hair trend that has been popping up again in many fashion magazines and on social media.
They’re a way to get creative with your style and add some fun to your life and hair. If you’re thinking of getting streaky, we’re here with all the tips, tricks, and inspiration you need!
Adding a streak of color in your hair can be tricky. It’s not just about the style, it’s also about the maintenance!
You want to have fun with this trend, but you don’t know where to start or how long it will last. We got you covered on all fronts. From inspiration and ideas for styles, to easy application techniques so that you look great every day.
Our guide is here to help answer all of your questions and get you started with this hot new trend without any stress or hassle. We’ve even included some helpful tips from our own experiences of getting this style done by yourself at home.
From choosing which colors match your hair best, figuring out how many shades are right for you, we’ve taken care of it. Let’s go!
Table of Contents
The Basics Of Hair Streaks
This is a style that’s a fun way to add some flair to your hair without getting too crazy. They’re also a great way of adding depth and dimension and making hair look fuller.
Think of it as the grown-up version of those temporary stripes that kids get when they use hair chalks!
They’re a fun and affordable way to make your hair stand out. It’s all about taking small sections of hair and painting them to add a pop of different color, like blue or pink.
This is one of the easiest ways to make an old hairstyle feel new again!
How Are They Different from Highlights?
The main difference between hair streaks and highlights is the intention behind them.
Highlights aim to lighten your hair in a way that mimics natural sunlight, giving a subtle, blended look.
Streaks, on the other hand, are all about making a statement. They’re typically bolder and less about blending in.
How Hair Streaks Are Applied
Now, let’s talk about how you can get these fabulous streaks.
- Foil Method: This classic technique uses foils to separate the hair being colored from the rest of your hair. It’s precise, so you’ll get a more even application and it prevents the dye from getting on the rest of your hair. It can be time-consuming though and usually requires a trip to the salon.
- Balayage: If you’re after a more natural, sun-kissed look, beautiful balayage is the way to go. It’s a freehand technique where color is painted on the hair without using foils. This method gives a more blended result, but because it’s so specialized, it can be pricier!
- Hair Chalk and Temporary Sprays: For those who love to change their look without commitment, hair chalk and temporary sprays are perfect. They wash out after a few shampoos. The downside? They might not show up as vibrantly on darker hair.
- Peekaboo Streaks: This fun method involves coloring sections of hair that are hidden underneath the top layer. It’s a subtle way to add color that only shows when your hair moves a certain way. Great for a hint of color without the full commitment.
- Ombré: This technique blends one color into another, usually transitioning from darker at the roots to lighter at the ends. Ombré hair is stunning and creates a beautiful gradient effect, but it requires maintenance to keep the colors looking fresh.
Each of these methods has its own set of pros and cons, from the level of maintenance required to how bold the result is.
Whether you’re after a temporary splash of fun for a weekend or a more permanent expression of your personality, there’s a method out there for you.
Just remember, the best way to choose is to think about what fits your lifestyle, hair type, and how much upkeep you’re willing to do!
Pros
What’s great about hair streaks?
- Personal Expression: Hair streaks are a fantastic way to express your personality and style.
- Versatility: With a wide range of colors and application methods, you can choose what suits you best, from subtle to bold looks.
- Low Commitment: Unlike a full-head color change, streaks can be a less permanent way to experiment with color.
- Adds Dimension: Streaks can add depth and texture to your hair, making it look fuller and more vibrant.
Cons
What’s not so great about hair streaks?
- Maintenance: Colored streaks require regular touch-ups to keep them looking fresh, especially as your hair grows.
- Potential Damage: Bleaching and coloring can damage hair, leading to dryness and breakage if not properly cared for.
- Cost: Professional application and maintenance of hair streaks can be costly, especially with more complex techniques.
- Color Fade: Hair streaks, particularly vivid colors, can fade over time, requiring more frequent maintenance.
Choosing the Right Color for Your Streaks
Alright, let’s talk about choosing the perfect color for your streaks. Let’s get into how to pick that perfect hue that makes you go, “Wow!”
Expert Insights
“The right shade for hair streaks is like picking the right shade of lipstick. You want something that complements your look, not clashes with it.”
Enza Piazza, Hair Stylist & Color Consultant
Skin Tone Matters
First things first, consider your skin tone.
Just like with makeup, certain hair colors will make you glow while others might not do you any favors.
If you’ve got a cooler skin tone, think about cool-toned streaks like blues, purples, or even silvery blonde.
Warm skin tones? Go for the golds, reds, or warm browns. It’s all about balance.
Look at Your Current Hair Color
Your current hair color is your canvas.
Lighter hair? You’ve got a wide spectrum of colors that can easily take.
Darker hair? Bold, deep colors like burgundy, dark blue, or emerald green can make a striking statement without needing to lighten your hair too much.
Desired Look
What’s the vibe you’re going for? Subtle and soft or bold and daring?
If you want just a whisper of color, softer, pastel shades might be your best bet. If you’re looking to turn heads, go for bright or dark, saturated colors.
Remember, it’s not just about the color itself, but how bold you want to be.
The Magic of the Color Wheel
Here’s where it gets fun – the hair color wheel.
Remember art class? Complementary colors, those opposite each other on the wheel, can really make your features pop. For example, if you have green eyes, adding red or pink streaks can make those eyes stand out even more. It’s all about playing with contrasts and complements.
Choosing the right color for your streaks isn’t just about following trends; it’s about creating a look that’s uniquely you.
Whether you’re aiming for something that stands out or just a subtle enhancement to your natural beauty, the right color can make all the difference. And hey, if you’re unsure, chatting with a stylist can help you find that perfect match. After all, hair is a big deal – it’s your crowning glory!
10 Trending Hair Streak Ideas for 2024
Let’s dive into the trendiest hair streak ideas for 2024 that’ll make your hair pop and turn heads. From classic looks to bold new trends, there’s something for everyone.
#1. Caramel Money Piece
- Who it suits: This warm, golden hue works wonders on those with medium to dark hair looking to brighten up their face. Caramel highlights are especially flattering for people with warmer skin tones, as it enhances the natural glow of the skin.
- Style vibe: Perfect for a subtle yet impactful change, the caramel money piece adds sophistication to your look.
#2. Vivid Purple Streaks
- Who it suits: Bold purple streaks are versatile and can complement both cool and warm undertones, depending on the shade of purple you choose. They’re particularly striking on darker hair, where they add a mysterious, deep contrast.
- Style vibe: If you’re someone who loves to stand out and express individuality, vivid purple streaks are your go-to. They scream creativity and are perfect for those who view their hair as a form of self-expression.
#3. Electric Blue Highlights
- Who it suits: Electric blue can be a cool contrast to warm skin tones or enhance the coolness of pale, cool-toned skin. It works best on lighter hair where it can truly pop but can also give a stunning, jewel-toned effect on darker bases.
- Style vibe: Ideal for the adventurous and the bold, electric blue highlights signal confidence and a fun-loving personality. They’re great for adding a bit of edginess to any look.
#4. Rose Gold Touch
- Who it suits: Rose gold is a universally flattering shade that works well across a variety of skin tones, but it particularly complements fair and medium complexions with peachy or golden undertones. It blends beautifully with blonde to light brown hair, offering a soft, romantic flair.
- Style vibe: For those who lean towards a feminine, chic aesthetic, rose gold streaks offer a hint of color without overpowering. It’s the perfect choice for adding a bit of whimsy and elegance to your everyday style.
#5. Silver Ash Streaks
- Who it suits: This cool, sophisticated tone works best on those with cool or neutral skin undertones. It’s particularly striking in contrast with dark hair, offering a sleek, modern look.
- Style vibe: Silver ash streaks are perfect for those aiming for an edgy, yet elegant appearance. It’s a chic choice that speaks of refinement and a touch of futurism.
#6. Honey Blonde Chunky Highlights
- Who it suits: Honey blonde is a warm color that beautifully complements those with warm skin tones and works well with any hair color, adding a natural sun-kissed effect.
- Style vibe: If you’re looking for a subtle enhancement to your natural beauty, honey blonde highlights offer a soft, approachable look that’s easy to maintain.
#7. Fiery Red Accents
- Who it suits: Bold and dynamic, fiery red accents can suit a wide range of skin tones, but they particularly pop on neutral to warm skin tones and make a statement on darker hair.
- Style vibe: For those who embody passion and vibrancy, fiery red accents are your way to shine. They add an instant spark to your look, perfect for creative souls.
#8. Pastel Pink Wisps
- Who it suits: Soft and whimsical, pastel pink flatters light to medium hair and is versatile enough for cool or warm skin tones, giving a youthful glow.
- Style vibe: Embrace your playful side with pastel pink wisps. They’re ideal for those who love a touch of fantasy in their everyday style, adding a gentle pop of color.
#9. Peacock Green Streaks
- Who it suits: This vibrant shade stands out on all hair colors and suits those with cooler skin tones, adding an exotic flair that’s hard to miss.
- Style vibe: Peacock green streaks are for the bold and the adventurous, a surefire way to turn heads and showcase your unique style.
#10. Sunset Orange Highlights
- Who it suits: Warm and radiant, sunset orange highlights are stunning on those with warm skin tones and work well with dark to medium hair, mimicking the captivating colors of a sunset.
- Style vibe: If you’re inspired by nature’s beauty and want to carry its warmth with you, sunset orange highlights are your call to adventure. They bring energy and life to your look.
How to Get Hair Streaks: DIY vs. Pro Application
If you want to join the world of hair streaks, you’re faced with a choice: to DIY or not to DIY? That is the question.
Let’s break down the benefits and drawbacks of both paths to help you decide which route to take for your next hair adventure.
DIY Hair Streaking
Benefits:
- Cost-Effective: Doing it yourself at home can save you a good chunk of change. No salon prices here!
- Convenience: You can do it on your own time, in the comfort of your home. No need to schedule appointments or wait in line.
- Personal Satisfaction: There’s a unique sense of achievement in successfully transforming your look by yourself.
Drawbacks:
- Risk of Mistakes: Without professional expertise, it’s easier to make mistakes, whether it’s choosing the wrong color, uneven application, or damaging your hair.
- Limited Techniques: Some techniques, like balayage or foil, are tough to pull off on your own and might not turn out as expected without the skilled hands of a stylist.
- Potential Damage: Using bleach or dyes without proper knowledge can risk hair damage, leading to breakage or unwanted hair conditions.
Professional Salon Services
Benefits:
- Expertise: Stylists bring years of experience and training to the table, ensuring your hair streaks look exactly as you envisioned, with minimized risk of damage.
- Access to Professional Products: Salons have high-quality products and tools that might not be readily available or affordable for home use.
- Customization: Professionals can offer personalized advice on what colors and techniques would suit you best, considering factors like skin tone, hair texture, and overall look.
Drawbacks:
- Cost: Professional services come at a price, which can be significantly higher than DIY methods, especially for complex techniques or high-end salons.
- Time: Getting your hair done at a salon can take a considerable amount of time, including travel, waiting, and the service itself.
- Availability: Depending on where you live, finding a salon with stylists experienced in the specific technique you want might be challenging.
Certain hair streaking ambitions—especially those involving intricate techniques like balayage, precise foil highlights, or dramatic color changes—may indeed require the finesse of a professional to achieve the best results.
In the end, whether you choose to embark on a DIY journey or opt for the salon experience, remember it’s all about feeling great in your skin (and hair!).
How to Do Streaks in Your Hair at Home.
The good news is that adding colored strips to your hair can be achieved easily at home in just minutes. All you need is your favourite hair colors, dye kits or temporary hair chalks to create some of the best looks around!
Get creative with your look by adding different textures like stand-out, bright bold colored strands among natural ones. You can also add peekaboo strips on the underside of your hair.
Luckily these days there are plenty of ways to do this without expensive salon visits. This video is a great guide on how to get it right.
Caring for Hair Streaks
Taking care of your hair streaks is key to keeping them looking as vibrant and fresh as the day you got them. Here are some maintenance tips to ensure your streaks stay stunning:
Use Sulfate-Free Products
Sulfates can be harsh on colored hair, stripping away the dye and causing your vibrant streaks to fade prematurely.
Go for sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners, which are gentler and help retain your color longer. These products help maintain the integrity of your hair, keeping it healthy and the color locked in.
Protect Your Hair from the Sun
Just like your skin, your hair can suffer from too much sun exposure. UV rays can fade your streaks faster, so consider using hair products with UV protection, or cover up with a hat or scarf when you’re out in the sun for extended periods.
Limit Heat Styling
High temperatures from blow dryers, straighteners, and curling irons can further damage colored hair, leading to dullness and dryness.
When you do need to heat style, use a heat protectant spray and keep the temperature on the lower side. Better yet, embrace your hair’s natural texture as often as you can to avoid additional stress.
Cold Water Rinses
Hot water can open up the hair cuticle, allowing the color to wash out more easily. Rinsing your hair with cold water, on the other hand, helps to close the cuticle and seal in the color, making your streaks last longer.
Regular Touch-Ups
The frequency of touch-ups can vary depending on the color’s vibrancy, how quickly your hair grows, and the contrast between the streaks and your natural hair color.
Generally, touch-ups for roots and to refresh the color are needed every 4 to 6 weeks. However, for less dramatic colors or more subtly blended streaks, you might be able to stretch it a bit longer.
Deep Conditioning Treatments
Colored hair needs extra moisture to keep it looking shiny and healthy.
Make time for a deep conditioning treatment into your hair care routine once a week to replenish lost moisture and nourish your locks.
Look for products specifically designed for color-treated hair to enhance the color’s vibrancy and longevity.
Be Mindful of Chlorine
Chlorine and other chemicals found in swimming pools can be disastrous for colored hair, causing your beautiful streaks to turn odd shades or fade away quickly.
Before swimming, wet your hair with clean water and apply a leave-in conditioner. This creates a barrier between your hair and the chlorine. Better yet, wear a swim cap!
By following these tips, you can ensure your hair streaks remain as lively and striking as ever, turning heads and adding that special pop to your overall style. Remember, the key to long-lasting, vibrant hair color lies in regular care and protection.
Parting Words
Jumping into the world of hair streaks is like picking the perfect accessory—it’s all about adding that extra something special to your look. Whether you’ve gone bold with a splash of color or kept it subtle, it’s about making a statement that feels right for you.
Just remember, keeping those streaks looking fresh is all about the care you put in. A little bit of love goes a long way.
So, embrace your new look, enjoy the compliments, and when it’s time for a touch-up or you’re ready for a change, you know where to find us. Here’s to hair that tells your unique story—colorful, vibrant, and uniquely yours!
Found your perfect shade? We’d love to see it! Tag us on Instagram @colouredhaircare or Facebook and share your hair dye success stories. Looking for more hair care tips? Check out How to Look After Colored Hair: 11 Expert Secrets For Long-Lasting Color.
Our Research & Review Process
To ensure our recommendations are as comprehensive and reliable as possible, we’ve undertaken an extensive research effort.
We cite scientific evidence and journals, collect real user reviews and gather impartial perspectives from hair stylists, users, and experts in the field.
Additionally, we conduct hands-on testing by using products and applying hair dyes not only on our own locks but also on real human hair extensions and hair pieces of different hair type, textures and lengths.
This rigorous approach allows us to provide you with insights into which products genuinely live up to their promises.
As always – please consult with a professional hair colorist or stylist for advice on how to color your own hair at home. It’s different for everyone!
