The classic bob haircut has been a staple in the world of hairstyles for decades, offering a versatile and timeless look that suits a variety of face shapes and hair types. However, as with any classic style, there’s always room for innovation. Enter the world of highlights—a simple yet transformative way to add depth, dimension, and personality to your bob. In this article, we’ll explore different “bob with highlights” ideas, perfect for anyone looking to refresh their look with a bit of flair. Whether you’re aiming for a subtle change or a bold statement, these ideas are tailored for everyone from fashion-forward brunettes to black women embracing their natural beauty.
Blonde Bob with Dark Lowlights
A blonde bob with dark lowlights is the perfect blend of sun-kissed brightness and deep, shadowy undertones. This style creates a multidimensional look that adds richness and depth to the hair, making it appear fuller and more voluminous. It’s an ideal choice for those who love the light, airy feel of blonde hair but want to add a bit of contrast for a more dynamic appearance. The lowlights work beautifully with blonde hair, especially when paired with a sleek, straight bob that hits just above the shoulders. This style is particularly flattering for those with fair skin tones and light eyes, as the contrast between the blonde and dark shades can make blue or green eyes pop. A blonde bob with dark lowlights is a great choice for both casual and formal settings, whether you’re attending a summer wedding or heading to a business meeting.
To achieve this look, a stylist will typically start by applying a base of blonde highlights throughout the hair. Once the highlights are in place, dark lowlights are added, usually in the underlayers of the hair, to create depth and contrast. Maintaining this hairstyle requires the use of a color-protecting shampoo and conditioner, such as Joico’s Color Balance Purple, to keep the blonde tones vibrant and prevent the color from becoming brassy. Regular salon visits for touch-ups are also essential to keep the lowlights looking fresh and defined.
Brunette Bob with Caramel Highlights
A brunette bob with caramel highlights is the epitome of chic and sophistication, offering a warm, rich palette that adds dimension to darker hair. This style is perfect for those who want to lighten their brunette locks without going full blonde. The caramel highlights add a soft, sun-kissed glow that brightens the face and enhances the natural beauty of brunette hair. This style works particularly well with a layered bob, as the different tones of caramel can play off each layer, creating a beautiful, multi-dimensional effect. It’s an ideal look for fall or winter when warm, cozy colors are in season, and it pairs beautifully with brown or hazel eyes, bringing out their golden flecks. This hairstyle is versatile enough to be worn both casually and in more formal settings, making it a great option for a day at the office or a night out on the town.
To create a brunette bob with caramel highlights, your stylist will start by sectioning the hair and applying the caramel color in strategic places, focusing on the ends and the pieces around the face to create a natural, sun-kissed effect. To maintain this look, use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner like Moroccanoil’s Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner, which helps keep the hair hydrated and the color vibrant. Regular trims are also recommended to keep the bob looking sharp and prevent split ends from dulling the highlights.
Bob with Platinum Highlights and Dark Roots
For a bold, modern look, consider a bob with platinum highlights and dark roots. This style offers a striking contrast between the lightness of the platinum and the depth of the dark roots, creating a visually captivating effect that’s perfect for those who love to stand out. The dark roots add a touch of edginess to the classic bob, while the platinum highlights bring a futuristic, almost metallic sheen to the hair. This look is especially flattering for those with cool skin tones and dark eyes, as the platinum highlights can create a striking contrast against darker features. It’s a great option for someone looking to make a statement, whether at a high-fashion event or simply wanting to turn heads in everyday life.
Achieving this look requires a bit of expertise, as platinum is one of the most challenging colors to maintain. The process typically begins with bleaching the hair to achieve the lightest possible shade, followed by the application of platinum toner to eliminate any yellow or brassy tones. The dark roots are either left natural or colored in afterward to create the desired contrast. To keep the platinum highlights looking fresh and vibrant, it’s essential to use a purple shampoo like Fanola’s No Yellow Shampoo, which helps maintain the cool tones and prevent the color from fading. Additionally, regular deep conditioning treatments are crucial to keep the hair healthy and hydrated, as bleaching can be quite damaging.
Bob with Highlights and Lowlights for Black Hair
If you have black hair and are looking to add some dimension, a bob with highlights and lowlights is a stunning option. This style combines the depth of dark hair with the vibrancy of highlights, creating a beautiful, multi-dimensional effect that catches the light and adds movement to the hair. The highlights can range from caramel to honey tones, providing a subtle contrast that enhances the natural beauty of black hair. Lowlights, on the other hand, are slightly darker than the base color and add depth and richness, making the hair appear fuller and more voluminous. This look is particularly flattering for black women with warm undertones, as the highlights and lowlights can create a beautiful, glowing effect that complements the skin.
Creating this look involves a careful balance of light and dark tones. The stylist will typically start by applying the highlights, focusing on the pieces around the face and the ends of the hair. The lowlights are then added to the underlayers, creating a subtle contrast that adds depth and dimension. To maintain this hairstyle, use a color-protecting shampoo and conditioner like SheaMoisture’s Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Shampoo and Conditioner, which helps keep the hair hydrated and the color vibrant. Regular trims are also recommended to keep the bob looking fresh and prevent split ends from dulling the highlights and lowlights.
Bob with Blonde Highlights and Lowlights for Black Women
For black women who want to embrace a lighter, brighter look, a bob with blonde highlights and lowlights is a beautiful choice. This style combines the brightness of blonde highlights with the depth of lowlights, creating a stunning contrast that adds dimension and movement to the hair. The blonde highlights add a sun-kissed glow that brightens the face, while the lowlights provide a subtle contrast that enhances the natural beauty of the hair. This look is particularly flattering for those with warm undertones, as the blonde highlights can create a beautiful, golden effect that complements the skin. It’s a versatile style that can be dressed up or down, making it perfect for both casual and formal occasions.
Achieving this look involves a careful balance of light and dark tones. The stylist will typically start by applying the blonde highlights, focusing on the pieces around the face and the ends of the hair. The lowlights are then added to the underlayers, creating a subtle contrast that adds depth and dimension. To maintain this hairstyle, use a color-protecting shampoo and conditioner like SheaMoisture’s Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Shampoo and Conditioner, which helps keep the hair hydrated and the color vibrant. Regular trims are also recommended to keep the bob looking fresh and prevent split ends from dulling the highlights and lowlights.
Brunette Bob with Blonde Highlights and Lowlights
A brunette bob with blonde highlights and lowlights offers a beautiful contrast that adds depth and dimension to darker hair. The blonde highlights create a striking contrast against the brunette base, while the lowlights add richness and depth, making the hair appear fuller and more voluminous. This style is particularly flattering for those with warm skin tones and brown or hazel eyes, as the combination of blonde highlights and brunette base can create a beautiful, sun-kissed effect that enhances the natural beauty of the skin and eyes. It’s a versatile style that can be dressed up or down, making it perfect for both casual and formal occasions.
Creating this look involves a careful balance of light and dark tones. The stylist will typically start by applying the blonde highlights, focusing on the pieces around the face and the ends of the hair. The lowlights are then added to the underlayers, creating a subtle contrast that adds depth and dimension. To maintain this hairstyle, use a color-protecting shampoo and conditioner like L’Oreal Paris EverPure Blonde Shampoo and Conditioner, which helps keep the hair hydrated and the color vibrant. Regular trims are also recommended to keep the bob looking fresh and prevent split ends from dulling the highlights and lowlights.
Bob with Highlights and Lowlights for Dark Brown Hair
For those with dark brown hair looking to add some dimension, a bob with highlights and lowlights is a stunning option. This style combines the depth of dark brown hair with the vibrancy of highlights, creating a beautiful, multi-dimensional effect that catches the light and adds movement to the hair. The highlights can range from caramel to honey tones, providing a subtle contrast that enhances the natural beauty of dark brown hair. Lowlights, on the other hand, are slightly darker than the base color and add depth and richness, making the hair appear fuller and more voluminous. This look is particularly flattering for those with warm undertones, as the highlights and lowlights can create a beautiful, glowing effect that complements the skin.
Creating this look involves a careful balance of light and dark tones. The stylist will typically start by applying the highlights, focusing on the pieces around the face and the ends of the hair. The lowlights are then added to the underlayers, creating a subtle contrast that adds depth and dimension. To maintain this hairstyle, use a color-protecting shampoo and conditioner like SheaMoisture’s Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Shampoo and Conditioner, which helps keep the hair hydrated and the color vibrant. Regular trims are also recommended to keep the bob looking fresh and prevent split ends from dulling the highlights and lowlights.
Blonde Bob with Lowlights and Dark Roots
For a bold, modern look, consider a blonde bob with lowlights and dark roots. This style offers a striking contrast between the lightness of the blonde and the depth of the dark roots, creating a visually captivating effect that’s perfect for those who love to stand out. The lowlights add a touch of edginess to the classic bob, while the dark roots bring a futuristic, almost metallic sheen to the hair. This look is especially flattering for those with cool skin tones and dark eyes, as the lowlights can create a striking contrast against darker features. It’s a great option for someone looking to make a statement, whether at a high-fashion event or simply wanting to turn heads in everyday life.
Achieving this look requires a bit of expertise, as blonde is one of the most challenging colors to maintain. The process typically begins with bleaching the hair to achieve the lightest possible shade, followed by the application of lowlights and dark roots. To keep the blonde highlights looking fresh and vibrant, it’s essential to use a purple shampoo like Fanola’s No Yellow Shampoo, which helps maintain the cool tones and prevent the color from fading. Additionally, regular deep conditioning treatments are crucial to keep the hair healthy and hydrated, as bleaching can be quite damaging.
Bob with Blonde Highlights and Lowlights for Black Hair
For those with black hair looking to add some dimension, a bob with blonde highlights and lowlights is a stunning option. This style combines the depth of black hair with the vibrancy of blonde highlights, creating a beautiful, multi-dimensional effect that catches the light and adds movement to the hair. The highlights can range from caramel to honey tones, providing a subtle contrast that enhances the natural beauty of black hair. Lowlights, on the other hand, are slightly darker than the base color and add depth and richness, making the hair appear fuller and more voluminous. This look is particularly flattering for those with warm undertones, as the highlights and lowlights can create a beautiful, glowing effect that complements the skin.
Creating this look involves a careful balance of light and dark tones. The stylist will typically start by applying the blonde highlights, focusing on the pieces around the face and the ends of the hair. The lowlights are then added to the underlayers, creating a subtle contrast that adds depth and dimension. To maintain this hairstyle, use a color-protecting shampoo and conditioner like SheaMoisture’s Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Shampoo and Conditioner, which helps keep the hair hydrated and the color vibrant. Regular trims are also recommended to keep the bob looking fresh and prevent split ends from dulling the highlights and lowlights.
Brunette Bob with Blonde Highlights and Dark Roots
A brunette bob with blonde highlights and dark roots offers a beautiful contrast that adds depth and dimension to darker hair. The blonde highlights create a striking contrast against the brunette base, while the dark roots add richness and depth, making the hair appear fuller and more voluminous. This style is particularly flattering for those with warm skin tones and brown or hazel eyes, as the combination of blonde highlights and brunette base can create a beautiful, sun-kissed effect that enhances the natural beauty of the skin and eyes. It’s a versatile style that can be dressed up or down, making it perfect for both casual and formal occasions.
Creating this look involves a careful balance of light and dark tones. The stylist will typically start by applying the blonde highlights, focusing on the pieces around the face and the ends of the hair. The dark roots are then added to the underlayers, creating a subtle contrast that adds depth and dimension. To maintain this hairstyle, use a color-protecting shampoo and conditioner like L’Oreal Paris EverPure Blonde Shampoo and Conditioner, which helps keep the hair hydrated and the color vibrant. Regular trims are also recommended to keep the bob looking fresh and prevent split ends from dulling the highlights and dark roots.
Bob with Ash Blonde Highlights for Brunette Hair
The bob with ash blonde highlights offers a cool-toned contrast that beautifully complements brunette hair. This hairstyle features subtle streaks of ash blonde woven through a deep brown base, creating a sophisticated and modern look. The cool tones of the ash blonde highlight blend seamlessly with brunette hair, giving it a soft and natural appearance. This style is perfect for those with cool undertones in their skin and light-colored eyes, such as blue or grey, as it enhances their natural features without being overly dramatic. The ash blonde highlights add a subtle brightness to the face, making this look ideal for both everyday wear and special occasions.
To achieve this style, the hair is sectioned off, and the highlights are applied using a balayage technique to ensure a soft and natural blend. Maintaining this look requires using a purple shampoo like Redken’s Color Extend Blondage to keep the blonde tones from becoming brassy. Additionally, regular conditioning treatments are recommended to keep the hair hydrated and the color looking fresh.
Bob with Balayage Highlights and Lowlights
For those who want a more natural and sun-kissed look, the bob with balayage highlights and lowlights is a perfect choice. Balayage is a freehand highlighting technique that gives the hair a more natural and blended appearance, as if it were lightened by the sun. When combined with lowlights, this style adds depth and dimension to the hair, making it appear fuller and more voluminous. This hairstyle is particularly flattering for those with wavy or curly hair, as the balayage technique enhances the natural texture and movement of the hair. It’s a versatile look that can be worn both casually and for more formal occasions.
The balayage process involves painting the highlights onto the hair in a sweeping motion, allowing for a more natural and blended look. Lowlights are then added to the underlayers to create depth and contrast. To maintain this style, it’s important to use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner like Pureology’s Hydrate Shampoo and Conditioner, which will keep the hair moisturized and the color vibrant.
Bob with Chunky Highlights and Lowlights
For a bold and eye-catching look, consider a bob with chunky highlights and lowlights. This style features thick, contrasting streaks of color that create a dramatic and edgy appearance. The chunky highlights add a pop of brightness to the hair, while the lowlights add depth and richness, creating a striking contrast that’s sure to turn heads. This hairstyle is perfect for those who love to make a statement with their hair and are not afraid to experiment with bold colors. It works particularly well for short or medium length bobs, as the chunky highlights add a sense of volume and movement to the hair.
To achieve this look, the hair is sectioned off, and the highlights and lowlights are applied in thick, bold streaks. Maintaining this style requires regular touch-ups to keep the highlights and lowlights looking fresh and defined. Additionally, using a color-protecting shampoo and conditioner like Matrix Total Results Keep Me Vivid is recommended to keep the color vibrant and prevent fading.
Bob with Red Highlights for Black Hair
For those with black hair who want to add a pop of color, a bob with red highlights is a stunning option. The deep, rich red tones add a vibrant contrast to black hair, creating a bold and dramatic look that’s perfect for those who love to stand out. This style is particularly flattering for black women with warm undertones in their skin, as the red highlights can create a beautiful, glowing effect that complements the skin. It’s a versatile look that can be worn both casually and for more formal occasions, making it a great option for anyone looking to add some color to their life.
The process of adding red highlights to black hair typically involves bleaching the sections of hair where the highlights will be applied, followed by the application of the red color. To maintain this look, it’s important to use a color-safe shampoo and conditioner like Aveda’s Color Conserve Shampoo and Conditioner, which will help keep the red tones vibrant and prevent fading. Regular touch-ups are also recommended to keep the highlights looking fresh and defined.
Bob with Honey Blonde Highlights and Lowlights
For a soft and natural look, consider a bob with honey blonde highlights and lowlights. The honey blonde highlights add a warm, sun-kissed glow to the hair, while the lowlights add depth and richness, creating a beautiful, multidimensional effect. This style is particularly flattering for those with dark brown or black hair, as the honey blonde tones create a beautiful contrast that brightens the face and enhances the natural beauty of the hair. It’s a versatile look that can be dressed up or down, making it perfect for both casual and formal occasions.
To achieve this look, the hair is sectioned off, and the honey blonde highlights are applied using a balayage technique to ensure a soft and natural blend. Lowlights are then added to the underlayers to create depth and contrast. To maintain this style, use a color-protecting shampoo and conditioner like L’Oréal Paris EverPure Blonde Shampoo and Conditioner, which helps keep the hair hydrated and the color vibrant. Regular trims are also recommended to keep the bob looking fresh and prevent split ends from dulling the highlights and lowlights.
Bob with Rose Gold Highlights for Blonde Hair
For a trendy and feminine look, consider a bob with rose gold highlights. The soft, pinkish tones of rose gold add a unique and modern twist to blonde hair, creating a beautiful, romantic look that’s perfect for those who love to experiment with color. This style is particularly flattering for those with light or platinum blonde hair, as the rose gold tones blend seamlessly with the blonde, creating a soft and subtle effect. It’s a great option for anyone looking to add a bit of flair to their hair, whether for a special occasion or just for everyday wear.
The process of adding rose gold highlights to blonde hair typically involves applying a rose gold toner over pre-lightened sections of hair. To maintain this look, it’s important to use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner like Davines Alchemic Shampoo and Conditioner in Silver, which will help keep the rose gold tones vibrant and prevent fading. Additionally, regular conditioning treatments are recommended to keep the hair hydrated and the color looking fresh.
Bob with Blue Highlights for Black Hair
For those with black hair who want to add a unique and edgy twist, a bob with blue highlights is a fantastic option. The deep, rich blue tones create a striking contrast against the black hair, adding a pop of color that’s both bold and stylish. This look is particularly flattering for those with cool undertones in their skin, as the blue highlights can create a beautiful, icy effect that complements the skin. It’s a great option for anyone looking to make a statement with their hair, whether at a special event or just for everyday wear.
The process of adding blue highlights to black hair typically involves bleaching the sections of hair where the highlights will be applied, followed by the application of the blue color. To maintain this look, it’s important to use a color-safe shampoo and conditioner like Aveda’s Color Conserve Shampoo and Conditioner, which will help keep the blue tones vibrant and prevent fading. Regular touch-ups are also recommended to keep the highlights looking fresh and defined.
Bob with Lavender Highlights for Blonde Hair
For a soft and whimsical look, consider a bob with lavender highlights. The pale, purple tones of lavender add a unique and modern twist to blonde hair, creating a beautiful, ethereal effect that’s perfect for those who love to experiment with color. This style is particularly flattering for those with platinum blonde hair, as the lavender tones blend seamlessly with the blonde, creating a soft and subtle effect. It’s a great option for anyone looking to add a bit of flair to their hair, whether for a special occasion or just for everyday wear.
The process of adding lavender highlights to blonde hair typically involves applying a lavender toner over pre-lightened sections of hair. To maintain this look, it’s important to use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner like Davines Alchemic Shampoo and Conditioner in Silver, which will help keep the lavender tones vibrant and prevent fading. Additionally, regular conditioning treatments are recommended to keep the hair hydrated and the color looking fresh.
Bob with Golden Highlights and Lowlights for Dark Hair
For a warm and sun-kissed look, consider a bob with golden highlights and lowlights. The golden highlights add a warm, radiant glow to the hair, while the lowlights add depth and richness, creating a beautiful, multidimensional effect. This style is particularly flattering for those with dark brown or black hair, as the golden tones create a beautiful contrast that brightens the face and enhances the natural beauty of the hair. It’s a versatile look that can be dressed up or down, making it perfect for both casual and formal occasions.
To achieve this look, the hair is sectioned off, and the golden highlights are applied using a balayage technique to ensure a soft and natural blend. Lowlights are then added to the underlayers to create depth and contrast. To maintain this style, use a color-protecting shampoo and conditioner like L’Oréal Paris EverPure Blonde Shampoo and Conditioner, which helps keep the hair hydrated and the color vibrant. Regular trims are also recommended to keep the bob looking fresh and prevent split ends from dulling the highlights and lowlights.
Conclusion
Bob with highlights ideas are a fantastic way to add dimension, depth, and personality to your hairstyle. Whether you prefer subtle, natural-looking highlights or bold, contrasting colors, there’s a bob with highlights style that’s perfect for you. We hope these ideas have inspired you to try something new with your hair. Don’t forget to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below, and feel free to share your own favorite bob with highlights styles.
I’m Yevgenia Kopenko, a hairstylist with over 10 years of experience in creating beautiful haircuts and hairstyles. On my blog, I share a wide range of styling ideas, from the latest trends to timeless classics. My goal is to inspire and connect with women who love expressing themselves through their hair. Join me as we explore the art of hairstyling and discover new ways to elevate your look.
