Meet Mary Allen, a writer at The Right Hairstyles Magazine with a passion for the artistry of hair, who first joined our editorial team in January 2022. With a keen eye for trends in haircutting and coloring techniques, Mary Allen explores the diverse spectrum of beauty, ensuring that her articles resonate with women from all walks of life.
Read full bio Editorial guidelinesThis hair trend is hard to miss. And we mean quite literary! With its two-tone coloring and stripy pattern, skunk highlights are daring, fun, and extremely original. Ready to unleash your inner boldness? Here are 15 creative ideas to inspire your next hair transformation.
Skunk hair color takes its inspiration from the black-and-white pattern of a skunk, featuring two-tone color combinations with a stark contrast. Typically, this involves pairing a darker hue with a very light blonde, but any colors on opposite ends of the spectrum can work. You can personalize this trend with neon pops or gentle pastels for a unique touch.
For minimal damage and maintenance, use your natural hair color as one of the tones and select its opposite on the color wheel. Darker natural bases can pair with bright white streaks, while lighter bases can incorporate deeper tones for a vivid contrast. Explore the trendy hair color combinations below.
Rocking classic black-and-white skunk streaks on a butterfly cut with a fringe is a total vibe. The stark contrast of the colors makes the cut pop, while the fringe adds an airy touch. It’s a bold yet elegant look that effortlessly combines trendy styles.
@stylesbyblackbear
If you love warm, confection-inspired hair shades, try cinnamon and cream streaks. Their warm tones will beautifully counterbalance the shaggy textures of a mullet, a wolf cut, or a classic shag. This color combo is especially flattering on those with a warm complexion.
@memmieyo
Bronde streaks are less damaging for brunettes because they don’t require as much bleaching as lighter colors. On black hair, the transition to bronde is gentler, reducing the risk of damage while still adding a stylish contrast. It’s a great way to lighten up without stressing your hair.
@katiesheltonhair
Dark chocolate and vanilla streaks look great on people with warm or neutral skin tones. The rich brown and creamy blonde shades complement golden undertones, making your complexion glow. It’s a versatile combo that can add depth and dimension to your hair.
@_taylorthehairwitch
Getting vivid streaks on dark hair takes more time since you need to lighten the base color first. Once the bleach does its job, your colorist will rinse it out and apply the pink dye. For the best results, ask your colorist for tips on keeping those vibrant colors looking fresh.
@stylesbyblackbear
Consider your face shape and natural part to choose the best dark streak placement on blonde hair. Adding streaks around your face can highlight your features while placing them underneath adds depth. Talk to your stylist to find the most flattering spots based on your hair’s natural flow.
@geminiglam
Good news for all the curly-haired beauties: this highlight trend works great on any hair texture! The key is just having two contrasting colors side by side. You can play with the placement, try thinner or thicker streaks, or even add them to your bangs.
@kelleyacover
You can rock skunk streaks on short hair like a pixie, wedge, or short mullet. The bold contrast really stands out on shorter styles, giving them a cute look. Just work with your stylist to find the best placement for the streaks.
@koffinkutz
If you love the look of sunny blonde in your hair, try going a bit lighter instead of pairing it with black. Interweaving caramel blonde and toffee brown strands look amazing, especially on brown hair. This combo gives a rich, warm contrast that’s delicate and feminine.
@joycemariehair
To get a sun-kissed effect with skunk streaks, ask for warm tones like honey blonde or caramel. Place the streaks around your face and through the top layers for a natural, highlighted look. Style your hair with loose waves to enhance the sun-kissed vibe.
@dereqc
Red makes a fantastic highlight color, adding a spicy pop to cool, dark hair. That’s why it’s perfect for skunk stripes! The bold crimson really stands out against the black strands, creating an eye-catching look. Wear your hair smooth to emphasize the graphic stripes or with texture for a more subdued look.
@marlenes.hair
For naturally wavy hair, consider how the streaks will flow with your waves. Skunk streaks look great, but make sure they enhance your natural texture. Any length works, but medium to long hair shows off the streaks best. And you can definitely get bangs; just keep them wavy.
@eliitha_hairstyler
For straight hair, make sure the skunk streaks are bold and well-placed for a striking contrast. To keep them sleek, use a smoothing shampoo and conditioner, and apply a heat protectant before straightening. Style with a flat iron for a smooth, polished look that shows off the streaks.
@oddlycreative_salon
Solid face-framing highlights look great on oval and heart-shaped faces. For color combos, try contrasting shades like platinum blonde on dark hair or bold colors like blue on black. These combos draw attention to your features and add an intriguing touch to your appearance.
@hairbynataliemv
To pair unconventional colors for skunk streaks, mix bold and contrasting shades. For a berry smoothie-inspired look, go with deep purples or bright pinks and warm reds. These colors together create a groovy effect that adds a playful touch to your style.
@softihair
The skunk highlights offer a flamboyant and customizable approach to hair color, allowing for endless creativity. Whether you prefer neon, pastels, or classic black-and-white combinations, this guide offers ideas to inspire your next daring hairstyle.
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