Y2k trends have been coming back strong, and that includes hairstyles and hair trends too. Black hair with red highlights is one of those comebacks we’re seeing right now and it’s not even subtle! Like every time I scroll through Instagram there it is again. Something so cool and a bit edgy about this color combo. And honestly I’m not complaining about these trends coming back about because it just looks so cool, and so fun to do these transformations for clients!
Black hair with red highlights is basically when you add any shade of red to black hair and watch the magic happen. You can go with bright cherry red or deep burgundy or even orange-red tones. The contrast is just so good no matter what. Some people do chunky pieces and some do subtle balayage but either way the red really pops against that dark base in a way that’s bold but still wearable you know?
1. Bright Red Chunky Highlights
This is BOLD with capital letters. Long straight hair plus bright red chunky highlights. The thick red pieces are so visible against black. If you’re shy maybe skip this one lol.
2. Face Framing Fire
Red around your face is super flattering on long wavy black hair. Your whole face looks brighter! I love doing face framing highlights because they’re strategic and make you look good.
3. Extra Long Red Drama
Extra long wavy hair with bright red chunky highlights? So dramatic. Like mermaid vibes but edgy. The length shows off all that red and waves make everything blend nice.
4. Subtle Red Glow
Sometimes you don’t want too much color. Long straight black hair with just a little bit of red highlights. The red peeks out when sun hits it which looks mysterious and cool.
5. Burgundy and Black Combo
Bangs plus burgundy red highlights on wavy black hair is such a vibe! The bangs frame your face really nice. Burgundy is easier to keep looking good than bright red too which is a bonus.
6. Cherry Red Blend
Cherry red balayage on long wavy black hair is really pretty. It’s that perfect bright red without being orange you know? Balayage looks natural because you paint it on instead of using foils.
7. Short Bob Edge
Red highlights in a short black bob is so edgy. Black and red on short hair makes people notice you. Bobs are actually great for showing off color because all the color is in a small area.
8. Dimensional Red Waves
Medium wavy hair looks so full with bright red dimensional highlights. The red in different places creates depth. Your hair looks thicker when you have dimensional color instead of flat color.
9. Bright Red Ribbons Straight
This is different! Long straight black hair with red highlights going vertical. The bright ribbons look really unique and cool. It’s like racing stripes but pretty lol.
10. Orange Red Ombre
Black hair going to orange red ombre literally looks like fire. Long layered hair shows off the ombre so good. The orange red at the bottom is super vibrant and fun!
11. Subtle Red Lowlights
Lowlights are different than highlights because they go under your hair. Red lowlights in straight black hair are classy and subtle. Some people don’t want obvious color and this is perfect for them.
12. Peekaboo Layer Perfection
You can really see the bright red highlights when long straight black hair is in a ponytail or half-up hairstyle. All the hidden red peekaboo pieces show up. Ponytails actually show highlight placement better than hair down sometimes.
13. Bright Red Balayage
Bright red balayage on long wavy black hair is so pretty. It looks hand painted which is cool. The contrast between black and bright red is impossible to miss!
14. Magenta Streaks
Magenta highlights in long wavy black hair look amazing from the side. Dark pink/almost red is fancy and sophisticated. You can see the color move through your hair when you look from different angles.
15. Classic Burgundy Beauty
This combo never goes out of style. Long wavy black hair with burgundy red highlights. Black and burgundy just go together perfectly. Wavy hair makes it look romantic and elegant but still fun.
16. Bright Red Peekaboo Streaks
Streaks are thicker than regular highlights. Bright red streaks in long wavy black hair really pop out. This is definitely statement hair not quiet hair.
17. Deep Burgundy Richness
Deep burgundy highlights in long wavy black hair looks expensive! It’s almost like wine color. The light hits it different than bright red and it’s more mysterious.
18. Burgundy Foil Highlights
Foils let you control exactly where color goes. Long wavy black hair with red burgundy foils. The burgundy is deep and pretty but not screaming at people.
19. Bright Red Ombre Blend
This looks like a sunset! Long wavy black hair with bright red balayage ombre. Starts dark at top and gets brighter going down. Ombre plus balayage together is the best for blended color.
20. Medium Red Streaks
Medium straight black hair with red streaks is good for trying this color. Medium length is way easier to deal with. The streaks give you red without doing your whole head.
21. Face Framing Red Surprise
Face framing highlights make your face look brighter and add a lot of playfulness. Medium wavy black hair with bright red peekaboo and bangs is playful! Bangs and peekaboo color together is so cute.
22. Chunky Red Medium Chunky Streaks
Bright red chunky highlights on medium straight black hair. Shorter hair is less work than super long hair. The chunky pieces are really easy to see and you get bold color without crazy long hair to take care of.
23. Burgundy Red Layers
Long wavy black hair with burgundy red ombre is moody and romantic. Burgundy works better for jobs than bright red. Ombre looks good when it grows out too so that’s nice.
24. Crimson Highlight Volume
Voluminous black hair with crimson red highlights looks so thick! Crimson is a true red color. Your highlights show up more when you have volume because there’s more dimension happening.
25. Medium Subtle Highlights Combo
Medium wavy black hair with red highlights plus bangs. Bangs are flattering on almost everyone. Red highlights give you that color pop you want. This whole look works for every day but still feels special.
