Ribbon highlights: The secret to expensive-looking summer hair

As the sun shines brighter and summer settles in, hair trends are evolving from carefree beach vibes to intentional, polished looks. While air-dried texture and sun-kissed beachy colours continue to be popular staples, there is a noticeable appetite for styles that offer both ease and sophistication.

This shift is manifesting in some truly glamorous new looks. We are seeing the rise of brushed-out curls, playful Y2K-inspired pastel colour palettes, and sharp, precisely tapered bobs emerging as the season’s hottest style statements. It’s a perfect blend of effortless texture and defined structure.

But where intentional styling meets bold colour is perhaps the most exciting frontier right now: the rise of ribbon highlights.

This technique pays homage to the high-contrast streaks popular in the early noughties, but it delivers a more subtle, sophisticated result. Instead of fine, blended highlights that fade into the hair, ribbon highlights create thicker, more defined sections of colour that weave through the strands. The result is immediate: added lightness, brilliant brightness, and beautiful dimension.

Hair colour specialist Jessica Elwell describes this approach as creating bolder, more defined pieces that add movement and depth rather than simply fading away. This method works exceptionally well across various hair types, particularly during the warmer months, because the wider ribbons create clearly visible strands of light.

The magic lies in contrast. As one expert notes, when applied strategically, these thicker sections diffuse beautifully throughout the hair, creating an effect that looks like actual ribbons of colour and light. This technique is about strategic placement—focusing on face-framing areas and where the light naturally catches the hair to maximize definition without overloading the style.

In fashion, this trend is being embraced by stars. Models showcase chunky blonde highlights framing their faces, while others explore sophisticated mixes, such as deep espresso brown lengths paired with creamier beige highlights, achieving a rich mocha tone. Other celebrities have utilized these bold techniques for iconic looks, demonstrating how ribbon highlights can offer drama and polish simultaneously.

Achieving this stunning effect requires dedication to aftercare. Because ribbon highlights sit close to the roots, maintenance is key. Experts recommend revisiting the salon every eight to twelve weeks for a refresh, depending on the contrast level of the colour and hair growth rate.

At home, the focus must be on hydration. Nourishing hair with deep moisture is essential. Using hydrating masks once a week and sealing the cuticle with lightweight oils ensures that highlights remain healthy, shiny, and vibrant throughout the summer.

By Ethan Wright