A Guide to Men's Hair Highlights: Different Styles & Care Tips

Adding highlights to your hair can be a great way to switch up your style and add dimension to your look.

From the frosted tips of the 90s to a modern balayage, there are endless ways to incorporate highlights into men's hair, and it's becoming a popular look again.

Whether you're just toying with the idea or ready to go all in, this guide will cover everything you need to know about men's hair highlights – from the different techniques to how to care for your newly highlighted locks to make the colour last.

Highlighted hair has been a popular hairstyle for men since the 90s, and it's making a bigger comeback. With the resurgence of the 90s style across fashion and hair, highlights have once again become a go-to.

From celebrities and influencers to everyday men, highlights are now a trendy choice to add dimension and depth to any hairstyle.

Particularly in the summer months, blonde highlights can add a sun-kissed look to dark hair and give it some extra character. However, highlights can also work for colder seasons.

When we talk about highlighted hair, we're not only talking about Justin Timberlake's infamous frosted tips.

There are several techniques to add highlights to your hair, and each one creates a different effect.

Balayage is a freehand technique where the colourist paints highlights onto your hair in a sweeping motion, creating a natural, sun-kissed effect.

This technique is ideal for men who want a low-maintenance look, as the highlights will grow out seamlessly.

There's certainly no reason why you can't try to highlight your own hair at home, but we're not sure we'd advise it unless you're a stylist yourself or you've done it before.

Highlighting hair involves using bleach to strip away some of your hair's natural colour, and if not done correctly, it can result in damage and an uneven finish.

The techniques used by professional stylists take into account your hair type, colour, and desired outcome, so it's always worth investing in a professional for the best results.

The time it takes for the whole highlighting process will depend on a few factors, including:

A typical highlighting session can take anywhere from 45 minutes to a few hours, which will include application, processing time, and washing.

The good news is that highlights can work for almost any hair type and texture, whether you have wavy, straight, or curly hair.

If you're unsure about what would work best for your hair, consult with a stylist who can give you guidance based on your specific hair type and desired outcome.

The work still continues after getting your hair highlighted (or highlighting it yourself if you've decided to take the risk).

Now that your hair has been chemically treated, it's essential to give it some extra TLC to maintain its health. If you didn't have a proper haircare routine in place with your natural hair, now is the time to start.

Here are some tips for caring for your highlighted hair:

Harsh chemicals like sulphates can strip away the colour from your hair, so opt for a gentle shampoo and conditioner.

Natural ingredients are much kinder to the hair and will limit the colour from fading and looking dull.

The colour will take some time to settle into your hair, so avoid washing it with shampoo for at least 2 days.

Of course, you'll need to wash your hair to remove the bleach or hair dye after the highlights, but after this, try to wait 48 hours before washing it with shampoo again.

As well as using a quality conditioner, you can incorporate nourishing treatments. Eating well and drinking plenty will also boost your hair's health.

Bleaching hair can often cause it to feel dry, so you'll need to give it some extra hydration.

Heat styling tools, such as blow dryers and straighteners, can also cause damage to your hair. Try to limit how often you use them, and always use a heat-protectant product.

Test out using styling creams and mists that don't require heat to style your hair, too.

Our premium sea salt spray, Marine Mist, is a must-have in any man's hair styling routine, giving you effortless, textured hair without the need for heat.

Plus, it's formulated with ingredients that strengthen and nourish your hair, which you'll need after highlighting.

With a couple of spritzes, you can achieve a natural wavy texture without needing to use heat.

Adding highlights to your hair is a great way to switch up your typical 'do, but it comes with some aftercare and maintenance.

No matter whether you opt for subtle babylights or bold foil highlights, make sure to properly care for your hair to maintain its health and the vibrancy of your new colour.

For more men's hair care tips, check out our blog and shop our range of premium grooming products to keep your hair in its healthiest and best-looking state.