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Black and white hair—you may recognize the look from celebs like Miley Cyrus and Bebe Rexha, or the iconic Disney character Cruella de Vil. But this dual-color look is having a moment, with nearly 60 million TikToks of people posting their edgy color-blocking strands. It’s safe to say this split-dye color combo is trending.
"It's all about creating something unique, bold, and edgy that stands out," says Edson Ibarra, celebrity hair stylist and resident colorist at OVERTONE. "The stark contrast between the two colors for your split-tone look can give a main character vibe and look so cool."
Meet the expert
- Edson Ibarra is a celebrity hair stylist and resident colorist at OVERTONE. Elena Ruiz is a colorist at Voël Hair.
According to Elena Ruiz, colorist at Voël Hair, this look is usually achieved by bleaching half your head white and dyeing the other side black. This can also be achieved by adding sections of dark color throughout the hair but it really just depends on the look you want. You'll want to make sure you're committed as this look can be a big adjustment for many folks. "Once you want to change it, it will take some time to get it back to a more natural color unless you do it all black," she adds.
Below, we've rounded up some of the best black white and hairstyles from classic half-and-half down-the-middle to dyed tips, chunky highlights, and more.
Dark Tips
If you're not ready to fully commit to fully black and white hair, then you can start small. Have your hair stylist dye the ends of your hair black whether that's an inch or even a few. You'll be able to see the contrast when wearing your hair down or even up in a ponytail or other up-do.
Down the Middle
Half-and-half is the most striking way to take on the black and white hair trend. It provides stark contrast that will be seen from near and far. Add some beach waves or loose curls to bring some volume and dimension to this style or simply wear it as is.
Braided Pigtails
Looking for a youthful and fun hairstyle? Braided pigtails are a great option for black and white hair as they can highlight the contrast while keeping hair out of the face. Try this style when headed to a concert or out to brunch with the gals to showcase your bold strands without loads of hair spray and bobby pins.
Classic Braid
You can't go wrong with a classic braid to showcase the contrast in your black and white hair. To really show off the colors, allow one of your three sections to be all one color.
Black and White Ombré
Fans of ombré will rejoice with this black and white take on the classic moving from light to dark. This look can be easier to achieve for those with blonde virgin hair as it may only require dyeing the ends and not the entire head.
Underlights
Underlights are a fitting option for those who want to keep the top of their hair one color but still want to participate in this trend. It's another great option if you don't want to dye your real hair—just add white extensions.
French Curls
French curls are another great style for the half-and-half look. To soften the contrast, the braiding hair in the dark section has bits of blonde in it.
Dutch Braid
Braids are a great way to play with color, as you can weave colored extensions into your look without a drop of dye. This look features thick Dutch braids completed with one side of white braiding hair.
Chunky Highlights
Chunky highlights are back—and the perfect option for this two-toned trend. And while the color job is still bold, its softer than the traditional split-dye.
Mohawk
Feeling adventurous? Opt for a black and white mohawk that can keep hair off your face while adding height and volume. This style isn't for everyone, but if you aren't afraid to be bold and make a statement, then you will want to consider trying it out for yourself.
Bubble Braids
Channel your inner Powerpuff Girl with these black and white bubble braids. This is a more advanced take on the classic pigtails but instead of having the hair rest flowy, it's tied into sections and pulled out to create a voluminous effect.
Moneypiece
A moneypiece is an easy way to frame the face and lends itself well to the black and white hair trend.
Buzz Cut
Just because you have short hair doesn’t mean you can’t participate in this trend. Let your creative juices flow with this black and white buzz cut. Ask your hairstylist or barber if they can create a fun and funky design, like this spider look.
Split Dye
This is a different take on the half black and white hair trend where it's split up and down instead of down the middle. All you have to do is decide whether you want to have black or white on top and it can be worn up or down to showcase both colors.