Chunky highlights are back in style—these K-pop idols show how to make it work
With the return of the chunky highlights, we can definitely say "the 2000s are so in!"
Compared to typical highlights, this bold hairstyle is about dyeing large sections of your hair to create a contrast with your natural hair color. The e-girl-inspired hairstyle that became popular in the 90s and 00s can either be applied all over your hair or these highlights can frame your face, kind of like a skunk-stripe look.
And of course, no one rocks this hair trend more than K-pop idols. Ahead, check out these Korean celebs who rocked the chunky highlights look.
BLACKPINK’s Jennie
Starting with the K-pop trendsetter herself, BLACKPINK’s Jennie broke the internet when she debuted her skunk-stripe-inspired highlights when How You Like That was released in June 2020.
Jennie’s “hairband bangs” became a viral sensation among local and international fans that even Andrea Brillantes copped her iconic look. The K-pop icon once shared that her highlights were inspired by her As If It’s Your Last look—but with an updated twist.
TWICE’s Nayeon
If you’re looking for a girly twist on the trend, TWICE’s Nayeon à la The Feels has got you covered. Nayeon added a more feminine twist to the edgy trend as she combined her chestnut brown tresses with candy pink highlights.
ITZY’s Ryujin
We can’t help but go “loco” for this look! ITZY’s Ryujin traded her signature one-color hairstyle for a chunky highlights look that screams e-girl to the nth power. Her fringe bangs and tresses are dyed in blonde adorned with shoulder-length black highlights, creating a half-bleached look.
BTS’ J-Hope
Yup, even men can rock the edgy chunky highlights trend too. In September 2019, BTS’ J-Hope went back to his roots with his first solo collab track Chicken Noodle Soup featuring Becky G.
While we’re still rapping along to the song, we’re also obsessed with his long brown tresses with brown, beachy highlights. Perfect for summer, don’t you think?
Sunmi
Hey, chunky highlights can be pulled off with bold hair colors, too! For instance, soloist Sunmi went for blue streaks underneath her dark brown tresses.
IVE’s Wonyoung
Adding to the chunky highlights trend is another K-pop IT girl in the form of IVE’s Wonyoung. During her IZ*ONE days à la Secret Story of the Swan, the statuesque beauty showed how you can make an edgy trend look dreamy.
Wonyoung’s signature dark hair is adorned with baby pink streaks for a cute and feminine look. But that’s not all—her long locks are tastefully curled, giving the look a fairytale-inspired touch.
VIVIZ’s Umji
If you’re looking for a cuter spin to chunky hairstyles, VIVIZ’s Umji is the perfect K-pop idol to seek inspiration from. The former GFRIEND member looks like a flower with her gradient pink highlights that complement her black hairstyle.
EXO’s Baekhyun
Lastly, bringing on the sex appeal is EXO’s Baekhyun with his chunky red highlights that added dimension to his iconic mullet during the release of Kokobop in 2017.
The unique hairstyle seems a bit much since it features a lot of elements that are usually not seen on celebrities—but he made it work (in a beautiful way).