Beachy Highlights Are Trending Much Earlier This Year
As far as we’re concerned, late winter is the peak time for dreaming of summer. The lack of sunshine, freezing temps and all-around gloomy weather have us craving a seasonal pick-me-up. Maybe that’s why the consistently summer-focused highlight trend is already gaining steam. That’s right, beachy highlights are making their February debut! Ahead, experts weigh in on what beachy highlights are and why they’re trending earlier than ever.
Featured Experts
What Are Beachy Highlights?
For the best explanation, we’re turning to the pros. “Highlights look beachy when we do our best to emulate the way the sun would lighten hair around the face and the longest lengths of the hair,” explains master stylist, owner of Glass Beauty Bar and Goldwell arist Steven Picciano. “It has an intentionally undone and natural feel.”
This look is achieved using more than one sun-inspired shade, adds celebrity stylist, natural hair educator and creator of the Kim Kimble Hair Collection by HairUWear, Kim Kimble. It involves ‘using a mix of tones like warm blondes, honey, caramel, or even golden beige to mimic how hair naturally lightens from being in the sun,” Kimble says. “Texturing techniques like balayage or babylights can help achieve this organic effect. It’s less about precision and more about that carefree vibe, like you just stepped off the beach.”
Beachy Highlights Hit Early
According to Picciano, there’s no such thing as too soon when it comes to beachy highlights. “I think this look will always be trending as long as people like feeling beautiful and have the desire low maintenance,” he explains.
Still, if it seems like beachy highlights are making an earlier debut than usual, you’re not imagining it. “I think the beachy highlight trend is popping earlier because people are craving a sense of escape and relaxation, especially coming off the holidays and into a new year,” Kimble explains. “With everything happening in the world, people are leaning into looks that feel easy, fresh, and uplifting.”
And social media is only speeding up the shift, Kimble says. “You see influencers and celebrities embracing that sunkissed glow year-round, and it inspires others to get that same vibe. Plus, people are starting to plan their spring and summer looks earlier than ever, and hair is always the first step to setting the tone for the season.”
