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7 Ways to Make Black Hair Pop with White Underneath

Thanks to the Cruella hair and skunk hairstyles, we’ve been reminded of one simple fact: a splash of white color can make black hair pop. But if you find those hairstyles to be a bit too loud, you can go for the more subdued and elegant black hair with white underneath.

A darker blonde underneath can soften the contrast with black hair compared with an icy white underlayer.

Also called peekaboo hair, this technique involves dyeing the underlayer of the hair in a different shade. With the white hair’s strategic placement, you can easily conceal it when needed and show it off when you want to.

Before you go for this technique, here are some things you need to know first:

  • It may take a few bleaching sessions before you can achieve the white hue that you want.
  • Platinum and white hair dries easily, so you need to use moisturizing hair products to keep it healthy.
  • Heat styling tools can damage bleached hair, so avoid using them as much as you can. When you do use them, opt for the lowest possible heat setting.

Striking Black Hair With White Underneath Ideas

If you finally want to try the subtle black-and-white hair combination, here are some black hair with white underneath ideas that you may want to check out.

1. Silver-Gray Peekaboo Underlayers

shoulder-length black hair with bangs and silver-gray underneath
@ajameshair

For a more attention-grabbing take on the classic peekaboo highlights, you may want to place them at the sides of your face instead of at the back. In this way, the frosted highlights will peek through every time you tuck hair under your ears.

2. One-Sided Silver Underlayers

medium-length black hair with one-sided silver underneath
@aleythehairwitch

Make your straight lob look extra chic and edgy with a one-sided peekaboo highlight. Follow your hair parting when deciding which side you should put the highlights on so they can get the maximum exposure.

3. Half-Up Bun with Silver-Lavender Underlayers

black half-up hair with silver-lavender underneath
@popenaznikovapatricia

While white under-highlights can certainly light up a simple hairstyle, you can even take it to the next level by adding a metallic tinge to it.

Don’t be afraid to show off this gorgeous silver shade and the best way to do that is to pull your hair into this loose half-bun.

4. Curled Lob with Silver-Lavender Underlights

curled dark long bob with silver-lavender underneath
@salonfarcom_beograd

If you can’t decide between a curly or straight lob, this dark lob with silver-lavender underneath combines both.

The curled dark top adds movement and volume and provides face-framing strands. The straighter hair underneath shows off the silver-lavender underlights.

5. Long Hair with Icy Silver Underlights

straight black hair with icy-silver underneath
@stylesbysuzy.q

For the subtlest take on this trend, this is the hair inspiration for you. Instead of putting the under lights on the sides or on your entire back, you can just place them on one side at the back portion of your hair.

It might not be as noticeable as the other styles, but people get a glimpse of your icy-white hair in the most surprising way possible.

6. Braids with Cool Silver Underlayers

half-up black braided hairstyle with cool silver underneath
@hairdressersjournal

A braided half-up style shows off the cool silver underlayer. Gathering the dark top section into a central braid exposes the pale hair on either side while keeping the dark braid visible down the back.

7. Two-Toned Bubble Ponytail

black ponytail with white underneath
@elizahis

The addition of white underlights can elevate a simple bubble ponytail and give it a high-fashion look, and this two-toned ponytail is the perfect example. It gives off that skunk hair vibe but with much more finesse and elegance.

If you wish to turn your plain black hair from drab to fab, these ideas for black hair with white underneath are your best bet. The addition of white peekaboo highlights will brighten up your locks and give them a head-turning update.