Those 90s block-front highlights are back. Don’t panic, though, they’re better this time around, we promise. Whether you’re ready for it or not, we’re in the middle of a 90s and 00s beauty resurgence: we’ve already seen the chic 90s bob, messy grunge make-up and even nostalgic thin eyebrows (we’re still undecided on this one) make their way back into our everyday lives. One trend we’re definitely on board with is the return of block-front highlights (some people refer to then as chunky money pieces, which are the same trend just a different name). 

To help you make the most of this hair colour trend in 2024, we asked a top hairstylist everything you need to know. 

Typically when we say highlights, we mean tiny strands of colour that give natural-looking dimension and movement to the hair. Block highlights are the opposite. “Nineties block-front highlights involve highlighting large, chunky sections of hair, particularly around the front of the face,” explains Jason Collier, a hairstylist and key opinion leader for Jerome Russell Bblonde. They use lighter sections of hair to create a “striking contrast with the base for dramatic effect”. In short, they’re designed to be noticed.

“People who love bold styles and enjoy making a statement with their hair are ideal candidates for block-front highlights as it draws so much attention to facial features,” explains Collier. It’s also one for the 90s fans who can’t get enough of that nostalgia. You can get any colour combination but the most popular is brunette with blonde chunky highlights. 

I know what you’re thinking: “Aren’t block-front highlights just chunky highlights?” Well, no… and asking for the wrong one could land you very different results than you were hoping for. Block-front highlights are essentially thicker and more pronounced. “They’re carefully placed around the front of the hair to highlight the face, creating a face-framing finish,” Collier says. Since the highlighted colour usually has a significant colour difference from the based hair colour, it results in a “high-contrast, bold look – unlike chunky highlights, which tend to blend more subtly”, Collier adds.    

The best part about this hair trend is that it works for all hair types and textures. The key to achieving a look you’re happy with is all about effective communication with your colourist. “Don’t be afraid to bring visual references, such as photos of 90s block-front highlights or images of celebrities and influencers who have the style you’re aiming for,” says Collier. From there, your colourist will discuss how to use the elements of these inspirational photos for your hair type, face shape and skin tone to suit you and your desired result best.

In addition to photos, explain that “you want thick highlights specifically around the front of your face, with a high-contrast look that significantly differs from your base colour, emphasising the face-framing aspect”, he adds. 

The difficulty with maintaining block colour highlights is that you’ve now got to look after two distinctive colours. “You’ll need a shampoo and conditioner specifically formulated for colour-treated hair to prevent fading and dryness,” says Collier. It’s also a good idea to use a deep conditioning treatment weekly, particularly if you’ve gone for vibrant blonde highlights. For blonde highlights, Collier recommends using a purple shampoo to counteract any brassy tones. And don’t forget the heat protector to keep the colour vibrant and your strands from getting damaged.

You can’t keep perfect block colour highlights with at-home care only. You need to get regular salon visits to touch up the colour and keep its vibrancy. Collier also notes that using a toner is important in maintaining your look. “A toner helps neutralise unwanted brassy or yellow tones and keeps highlights looking fresh and vibrant. You’ll need to apply the toner every few weeks, depending on how quickly your highlights start to fade or change colour.” 

Images: Getty