Hair color trends come and go, but blonde highlights are forever. And few people know them quite like celebrity colorist Rita Hazan, who is responsible for the hair colors of A-listers including Beyoncé, Jessica Simpson, and Savannah Guthrie. “The trend that I am seeing is the ‘money piece,’ [which are] chunkier face-framing highlights,” says Hazan. While the look’s popularity may be surprising after a decade of more natural hair colors dominating the trends, it’s clear the 2000s beauty resurgence is in full force. Still, the newer version isn’t an exact remake. “To be more 2021, make the money piece subtler and not overly done or drastic,” advises Hazan.
With that said, more discreet streaks will always be in. “Subtle highlights will add warmth to the hair, and blend it all together so it looks cohesive throughout,” says the colorist, who adds that “subtle pretty highlights make the hair look more luxurious and expensive.” Keep scrolling for the 25 celeb looks that we think are worth bookmarking right now plus a few products to help you maintain that gorgeous color.
Gisele has kept her iconic beach-blonde streaks pretty much the same since the ’90s. As they say, if it ain’t broke, why fix it?
Hazan says Jessica Simpson’s ultra-bright blonde is one of the most-requested hair colors from her clientele, and we can see why.
Beyoncé’s perfect face-framing highlights are the ultimate example of the “money piece” trend (and also one of Hazan’s most-requested looks).
Not even a face mask can hide the perfection that is Jennifer Aniston’s golden-blonde highlights.
Jennifer Aniston, is that you? Julianne Hough recently debuted sun-kissed highlights that would make Rachel Greene swoon.
If you go to your colorist and ask for “the Halle Berry,” they’ll likely know exactly what you mean (in this case, honey-blonde perfection).
Lily Aldridge’s ombré has been a Pinterest obsession for years, and although the model has recently gone darker, her caramel-colored ends are still to die for.
Another benefit of a money piece? It looks amazing when pulled back, as seen in Rosie Huntington-Whiteley’s chignon here.
J.Lo bounces between curls, waves, and slick-straight hair, but one thing always remains: her honey-blonde highlights.
Blake Lively has been working with colorist Rona O’Connor to achieve that iconic blonde, but she has husband Ryan Reynolds to thank for touching her up during the pandemic (as do we, for the content).
Lauren Conrad has had the Cali-girl beach-blonde thing down pat for years, and her laid-back ombré is a good option for those who don’t get to the salon as often as they’d like.
If you follow Ciara on Instagram, you know she loves a good hair change. But more often than not, she returns to her signature blonde balayage (aka, painted-on) highlights.
Lucy Hale is another frequent hair changer, and her recent caramel highlights are a pretty option for those looking to brighten up naturally darker tones.
Kristin Cavallari’s dimensional blonde is courtesy of longtime colorist Justin Anderson—with whom she co-created the DPHue Blonding Brush for touching up roots in between color appointments.
One fan of the visible highlight? Chiara Ferragni, who has a chunky—but not too chunky—highlight.
What do we mean by face-framing highlights? See this photo of JoJo Fletcher as exhibit A.
Warm blonde ends like Aimee Song’s are perfect for transitioning from summer to fall.
If you’re going for “natural highlights,” look no further than Elizabeth Olsen’s shiny, just-right shade.
One of the many great attributes of Ashley Tisdale’s subtle ombré? It looks gorgeous with her lob haircut but would look equally great if she decides to add length.
If I get highlights like Leslie Grace’s, will I look this radiant? Asking for a friend.
Attention, brunettes: Taylor Hill’s chunky highlights might be your next move. And if they happen to coordinate with your labradoodle, all the better.
Another great example of the money piece trend—this time a bit subtler—courtesy of Sofia Richie.
Don’t shy away from highlights if you have a short haircut! Maria Bakalova’s bob is gorgeous with sunny highlights from colorist Nikki Lee.
Even the slightest touch of blonde can make a huge difference. Case in point: Rocky Barnes’s barely there highlights.
She may have been the resident brunette on The Hills back in the day, but these days, Audrina’s highlights rival those of her co-stars.
Replacing your regular shampoo with purple shampoo every two to three washes can help neutralize orange or brassy notes in your highlights.
“Breaking Brass gloss is an in-shower treatment that is used between shampoo and conditioner to also maintain your color, keep hair vibrant and shiny, and prevent brassiness,” explains Hazan. “You can leave it in the hair for up to five minutes then rinse out.”
If you have color-damaged hair, Hazan recommends replacing your regular conditioner with this two-step conditioning treatment.
