Ribbon Highlights Are The Latest Hair Trend We're Obsessed With

By Mary Shannon Wells
March 09, 2018
Credit: Instagram/@sarah.styles.texas
Take a guess at what ribbon highlights look like– and you’d probably be right. They’re cascading ribbons of hair that are highlighted in a different color than the base color. Because the highlights are gently painted on, they still blend well with the natural color, so don’t worry—chunky, starkly contrasting highlights of the 1990s and 2000s are not back. Ribbon highlights are distinctly different shades than the base color, but they’re done in a way that flows well and adds depth and movement to the hair. The ribbon highlight effect is especially beautiful when worn with waves that the ribbons can tumble down. (Check out this  wavy hair tutorial.) Ribbon highlights are a great highlighting technique for summer, as they usually add warmth to the overall look. Or for those new to the highlighting game, they can be done subtly with ombré effects and babylights. If you’re looking for new hair color inspiration to bring to your stylist, look no further than ribbon highlights—they’re as pretty as they sound.
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Face-Framing Ribbons

Credit: Pinterest

For a halo effect that will brighten your face, go with a few subtle ribbon highlights toward the front of your hair.

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Irish Coffee

Credit: Instagram/@merrgg

A dark base with cascading ribbons in lighter shades of brunette and bronde make for creamy color.

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Sunkissed Ribbons

Credit: Instagram/@sarah.styles.texas

Don’t these sunny highlights remind you of summer?

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Espresso Base with Hazel Ribbons

Credit: Instagram/@saloncouture_ny

Two tones of ribbons add texture and movement to deep brown hair.

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Cool Brunette with Bronde Babylight Ribbons

Credit: Instagram/@hairby_btaylor

This color job is full of trends—cool-tone colors and subtle babylight ribbons.

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Coppery Ribbons

Credit: Instagram/@salonspruce

These caramel-y, coppery ribbons are gorgeous if your hair has a natural red undertone.

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Rich Brunette with a Touch of Caramel

Credit: Pinterest/Neil George Blog

This rich, chocolate-y brunette is lightened up with a few caramel ribbons that start midway down the strands.

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Root Beer

Credit: Instagram/@chrisgreenhair

No, not the soft drink you used to sip as a kid. This trendy hair color mixes dark brunette with warm, red-tone ribbons that remind us of cinnamon.

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Ribbons in Shades of Blonde

Credit: Instagram/@the_blondologist

These highlights have both light and dark blonde, which creates an overall bronde effect.

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Ombré Ribbons

Credit: Instagram/@jmalonehair

These ribbons have an ombré effect, moving from a light, caramel brown to an almost-platinum blonde.

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Golden Blonde Ribbons

Credit: Pinterest/NUOVO Salons

These shiny, golden blonde ribbon highlights are perfect for welcoming warm weather.

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Deep Plum Ribbons

Credit: Instagram/@imallaboutdahair

Adding deep purple ribbon highlights to black hair is subtle but impactful.

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Rose Ribbons

Credit: Instagram/@alliepie_hair

Rose gold is still one of the trendiest hair colors, and ribbon highlights are the newest way to get the look.

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By Mary Shannon Wells