Block Hair Color: The High-Contrast Look That’s Making a Comeback

If you’re all about a statement hair color, you’ll be happy to hear that high-contrast looks are back in style—more specifically, block hair color. You may even recognize this hair coloring method from other popular trends like eGirl hair and the money piece. If you don’t, no worries, that’s what we’re here for! Keep reading to learn more about the latest hair color trend, what it entails, and some of our favorite ways to rock the look.

WHAT IS BLOCK HAIR COLOR?

You can probably guess that block hair color falls along the lines of color block makeup and clothing—but for your hair. The technique involves coloring a section of hair in a contrasting shade, so it stands out against the rest of your mane, creating a look that’s eye-catching and fun. You can ask your hairdresser for a single section of color-blocked hair or add a few different shades throughout your mane, depending on how bold you’d like your hair to be.

5 BLOCK HAIR COLOR IDEAS

Want to give color-blocked strands a try? Here are five of our favorite block hair colors to spice up your mane!

#1. FACE-FRAMING HIGHLIGHTS

It’s no secret that face-framing highlights are stunning, and high-contrast face-framing highlights fall under the category of block hair color. To create this look, your hairdresser will lighten your face-framing strands to a hue that is more than two shades lighter than your base color for a statement look that’s front and center.

#2. COLORED BANGS

Speaking of block hair colors that are front and center, colored bangs are another great option. Whether you have blunt bangs or a side-swept fridge, your colorist will use hair dye on your bangs to create a striking contrast against the rest of your hair.

#3. HAIR STREAK

Hair streaks don’t have to be scary! In fact, they’re a trendy option if you want to try an all-over block hair color. Have your stylist add various streaks of high-contrast shades throughout your mane to get the look.

#4. COLOR-BLOCKED ENDS

Another way to try the block hair color technique is with color-blocked ends. For this look, your colorist will create horizontal lines of different contrasting hues at your ends, stacking one on top of the other. Imagine this: rainbow ends! This differs from ombré hair since the technique is all about that stark contrast—aka, no gradual fading or seamless transition between shades.

#5. COLORED ROOTS

Colored roots are a great way to try this colorful hair trend while also disguising gray roots (or grown-out roots of any color) in the process. Consider it a win-win!

HOW TO DIY A BLOCK HAIR COLOR

Don’t want to head to the salon to try a block hair color? You’ll be happy to know that you can DIY this technique at home with the help of temporary hair makeup. Here’s what to do!

STEP #1. PICK YOUR PLACEMENT

Before reaching for your temporary hair color, consider what block hair color option you’d like to try. You can use one of the options we mentioned above or head to Pinterest for more inspo!

STEP #2. APPLY YOUR COLOR

Pick your favorite shade (or shades) from the L’Oréal Paris Colorista Hair Makeup Temporary 1-Day Hair Color Spray or L’Oréal Paris Colorista Hair Makeup Temporary 1-Day Hair Color lines, which both wash out in just one shampoo. Just make sure to pick a color(s) that will create contrast against your base color! Apply to dry hair, taking care to apply the color only to your block section or sections.

STEP #3. WASH AND REPEAT

When you’re ready to part ways with your block hair color or perhaps head to the salon for a more permanent version, wash your strands as you normally would and get ready to play again as you please!

Next up: Speaking of color block beauty trends, continue to embrace the craze with the help of our article, How to Do Color Blocked Eyeliner.