Instead of one-size-fits-all looks, Gen Z are choosing highlights that reflect their personality and lifestyle. From soft, sun-kissed highlights to bold pops of color, they’re mixing styles and choosing what actually suits them. Knowing what’s trending can help you find a look that feels modern and right for you.
Face-Framing Money Piece Highlights
Money piece highlights are lighter strands added around the front of your hair to brighten your face and make your features stand out.
They’re one of the most requested highlight trends among our younger clients because they create a noticeable change without requiring a full head of highlights. Some people prefer a soft, natural blend, while others choose brighter pieces for a bolder look.
Soft Balayage With Natural Grow-Out
Balayage’s hand-painted approach creates a seamless transition between darker roots and lighter ends, producing a soft, lived-in finish. Many Gen Z clients are drawn to the effortless appearance and flexibility that balayage offers.
It’s a style that looks polished without appearing overly done.
Babylights for Natural Dimension
Using ultra-fine sections of color, babylights create gentle brightness and movement throughout the hair. With these highlights in Burbank, you can get a refreshed appearance that enhances your natural color rather than dramatically changing it.
Expensive Brunette Highlights
The “expensive brunette” trend focuses on richness, shine, and depth through strategically placed highlights. Tones such as caramel, mocha, and chocolate add visual interest while maintaining a sophisticated finish.
Its growing popularity reflects a broader shift toward healthy-looking hair and effortlessly polished color.
Honey Blonde Highlights
The warm, golden hue offers brightness without the icy appearance of cooler blondes. It complements a wide range of skin tones and creates a soft, sunlit finish that feels both modern and wearable.
Copper and Auburn Dimension
Warm tones continue to make a strong statement in 2026. Copper and auburn highlights add richness, warmth, and personality while offering an alternative to traditional blonde shades. Depending on the placement and intensity, they can create either a subtle glow or a more eye-catching transformation.
Modern Chunky Highlights
Modern chunky highlights offer a refreshed version of the early-2000s look, with softer blending and more intentional placement. The result feels playful and nostalgic without appearing dated.
Fashion Color Accent Highlights
Rather than coloring the entire head, many are choosing peekaboo highlights or strategically placed sections featuring shades like lavender, pink, blue, or cherry cola. These accents allow for creativity while maintaining versatility in everyday styling.
What We’re Seeing Most in Hair Color Requests
While technique plays an important role, the right shade can make just as much impact. Some of the most requested hair highlight color shades in our Burbank salon include:
- Honey blonde for natural brightness
- Caramel highlights for warmth and depth
- Ash blonde for a cooler, modern finish
- Copper and auburn tones for vibrant richness
- Beige blonde for a soft, balanced appearance
- Fashion shades like lavender, rose gold, and cherry cola for creative expression
The best shade depends on your natural hair color, skin tone, lifestyle, and overall style goals.
Ready to Try One of 2026’s Most Popular Highlight Trends?
From soft dimensions to bold color, our team can help you find highlights that suit your style and goals.
Book your consultation at De Cielo Salon & Spa today and see why so many women trust us for hair highlights and color in Burbank.
FAQs About Hair Highlight Trends in 2026
1. Which hair highlights are most popular in 2026?
Face-framing money pieces, soft balayage, babylights, and dimensional brunette looks are among the most requested hair highlight styles in 2026.
2. Are highlights still trending for Gen Z?
Yes. Gen Z continues to drive demand for highlights and hair color in Burbank, especially softer, more personalized techniques that enhance natural hair instead of fully changing it.
3. What is the lowest-maintenance highlight style?
Balayage is one of the lowest-maintenance options because it blends naturally with your base color and grows out without harsh root lines, making it easier to maintain between appointments.
4. What is the difference between money piece highlights and balayage?
Money piece highlights focus on brightening the front sections of the hair around the face, while balayage is a full highlighting technique that adds soft dimension throughout the hair.
5. Why choose De Cielo Salon & Spa for hair highlights?
At De Cielo Salon & Spa in Burbank, we specialize in hair highlights for women, offering customized color techniques based on your hair type, lifestyle, and goals. Our color specialists help you choose the right shade and placement for a natural, flattering result.
