Out with the boring, in with the exciting! How? Go for two-tone hair! Two-tone hair is a really cool trend in 2024, and it is totally easy to understand why. It allows us to get creative with our hairstyles in a super fun way.
Two-tone hair is a fun and creative way to change your look. It’s a hair color technique that means to dye your hair in two different shades. It is a hairstyle that can give you a unique and dynamic look that’s sure to turn heads.
Two-tone hair it’s a trend that’s here to stay this year also.There are many possibilities when it comes to two-tone hair color. You can go for a subtle look by choosing colors that are only a few shades different, or you can make a bold statement with contrasting colors. Some popular color combinations include blonde and pink, purple and blue, black and silver, or, half blonde half black hair. Imagine the effect of this last style.
One of the best things about two-tone hair is that it can be according to your individual style. Whether you want a bold and daring look, or something more understated and elegant, there’s a two-tone hair color for you.
Whether you want natural tones or intense hues, check out all of our two tone hairstyles below for major inspiration!
1. Dark on Top Light on Bottom
You’ll often find two-tone hair color ideas with a darker bottom and a lighter top. However, you can go against the grain and do the exact opposite for a truly memorable hairstyle. Try mixing a black top with a blonde bottom, for example.
2. Blonde in Front, Brown in Back
On the other hand, you can choose to combine your colors vertically instead of horizontally. In this regard, we recommend picking a lighter color for the area towards the front of your face. You can test brown hair in the back with blonde locks in the front.
3. Half and Half
Also, you can have loads of fun picking half-and-half colors for your two-tone hair idea. Just an example is this eye-catching copper and burgundy mix. We love how the colors are evenly separated by the side part here.
4. Shadow Roots
I just love this hairstyle! it’s so low maintenance, the best thing is that even if your roots are growing, you won’t have to dye them! It was impossible for us to talk about two-tone hairstyles without bringing up one of the hottest trends of the year – shadow roots. Whether you decide to grow your natural roots or darken them with hair dye, we recommend shadow roots as one of your go-to options.
5. Long Hair
If you have long hair, you can have loads of fun experimenting with different tones. For instance, you can color the lower part of your hair in black or dark brown and leave a honey blonde for the top coat. You’ll be edgy and chic, all at the same time!
6. Girly Hair
Nevertheless, if you want a more feminine approach to your two-tone hair, go for it! You can pick two girly colors, such as pink and purple, and go for an irresistible half-and-half look. The idea is amazing for girls with long hair and bangs who want to stand out. A cute way to showcase your charm. Try it out!
7. Ombre Hairstyle
We’re no strangers to ombre hair and the massive influence it has had in the industry for the past few years. Look beautiful like Vanessa Hudgens. An inspired look from a famous Hollywood celebrity.
If you’re into sharp but stylish gradients, we definitely recommend ombre for your two-tone hairstyle idea.
8. Color Melt Hairstyle
As an alternative, you can choose to melt your two colors for some eye candy. Whether you choose platinum and plum, like in the photo above, or any other colors, you’ll look amazing. Imagine tying your hair like this. Astounding, isn’t it? Try it out!
Work with a professional colorist to get the results you’re aiming for!
9. Black and White
For as far back as we can remember, black and white has always been the top combination for contrast. Whether it’s used in fashion, beauty, or any other aesthetic area, you can’t go wrong with it. Liven up your locks with a black and white two tone hair idea.
10. Bright Hairstyle
If you feel that black and white is too bland for you, explore the colorful options you have at hand. As far as two tone hair is concerned, you can go all out with any shades that fit your personality. Turquoise and magenta are sure to make your locks pop.
11. Fiery Style
There’s something truly special about ombre hairstyles inspired by fire. For your two tone concept, you can work in the velvety red and spicy orange tones that are found in flames. We particularly recommend this version for girls with long hair.
12. Funky Tips
Not all 2 tone hair ideas have to be symmetrical. In fact, plenty of women look outstanding when they dye only specific sections of their hair. Try coloring your tips and even the undercoat of your bangs for a high-fashion look.
13. Afro Curls
African-American women can always count on two tone hair ideas for accentuating their already gorgeous ringlets. If you have naturally curly, dark, and textured hair, you should consider an earth tone for your secondary color.
14. Medium Length Hair
Women with medium-length hair can opt for a natural approach to their two tone locks. Instead of going for a dramatic transition from one block color to the other, you can choose to ease in your second tone. Colors that belong to the same palette work the best for this version.
15. Messy Bun
Once you have your two tone hair set up, you can start thinking about hairstyles that will flatter your creative coloring. One that you’ll never get sick of is the messy bun. In addition to clearly showcasing both colors, the messy bun also provides a comfortable hairstyle for the bearer.
16. Ghana Braids
Braids are a wonderful “canvas”, so to speak, for two-toned hair. There are plenty of African braids you can look into for your hairstyle, such as Ghana braids. Leave the top your natural hair color and blend out to your favorite hue for the extensions.
17. Contrasting Colors
Melanie Martinez proves that contrast can have a major impact on your overall appearance. What better way to incorporate contrast into your style than through your hair? Feel free to experiment with soft mint against jet black hair.
18. Dark Bangs and Light Hair
We love the creativity that was put into this two tone hair idea. Although you’ll need a professional hairstylist to get a similar outcome, we whole-heartedly recommend the approach. Focus on your bangs and the layer beneath your top coat of hair.
19. Highlights
Moreover, you can try out highlights for your two tone hairstyle. One of the all-time best combos is blonde and brown, but don’t hesitate to test the technique with any shades you like. The higher the contrast, the better the look will turn out.
20. Copper and Ash Blonde Hair
Want an unconventional hair color combination that will make you look fab? Ash blonde and copper hair is for you! You can keep the majority of your locks ash brown and add layers of copper throughout your hair.
21. Box Braids
As with Ghana braids, box braids are glamorous when colored in two tones. Just like with the first braids we talked about, we suggest leaving black for the top portion. After that, go crazy with your favorite colors for the rest of the braids.
22. Rockabilly Hairstyle
The success of your two tone hairstyle also depends on the type of haircut you pair the colors with. If you’re a rockabilly girl, have fun with a black and blonde hairstyle with short, blunt bangs. The outcome will be impossible to resist.
23. Short Hair
Contrary to what some girls may believe, two tone hair is possible with shorter haircuts. For example, if you have a pixie cut with long bangs, you can bring it to life with a layer of color on top. To get your desired results, use black for the lower portion and a lighter color for the top.
24. Balayage
We’re all for ombre hairstyles, but we’re well aware that the abrupt transition isn’t flattering for all women. If you want a smoother gradient, go for two-tone hair through balayage. The primary color will gracefully slide into the secondary tone.
25. Blonde and Red Hair
Cherry red and sunny blonde? Yes, please! There are few two tone combos that grab attention as much as blonde and red. After you apply your candy red undercoat, brighten the top with pieces of blonde all around.
26. Light Hairstyle
In many cases, you’ll find two tone hairstyles with contrasting colors. Be that as it may, some women become total knockouts with lighter combinations. If you have an olive or dark skin tone, a platinum and dark honey two tone hairstyle will look fabulous on you.
27. Partial Two Tone
Alternatively, you can use the same colorway but with a different technique. Instead of separating the platinum and copper in two distinct coats, you can use one of the tones for a smaller area of your hair. It’s yet another cool idea for girls with bangs!
28. Platinum and Silver Hair
You can also use platinum in combination with colors from a similar palette, like ash blonde/ brown, silver, or gray. By using the darker tone in the back, you’ll be emphasizing the platinum on the top and towards the front.
29. Mermaid Hair
Have you always been fascinated by the idea of mermaids? You can now look like one with your hairstyle! Mermaid hair has been trending and uses, what else, sea-inspired colors. Pick indigo and turquoise for a two tone mermaid hairstyle.
30. Platinum and Red Hairstyle
To get back to platinum for a moment, you can rely on a wine red hair color for your combination with it. The two exciting tones will complement one another glamorously, providing you with a dramatic hairstyle that you’ll just love.
31. Pink and Black Hair
Are you just as naughty as you are nice? Express your bittersweet attitude through your hairstyle. You can go for a half-and-half look with black on one side and cotton candy pink on the other. The contrast will be deliciously striking!
32. Brown Hair
Some girls want to keep their natural hair color as part of their two tone hairstyle. If you have brown hair, for instance, you can choose a brighter hue for the second tone. Turquoise looks astounding, but you can also try out teal, blue, pink, green, or orange.
33. Black and Purple Hair
Natural brunettes should seriously consider using a vivid mauve or purple for their two tone hair, whether through highlights, ombre, or balayage. The mixture looks lovely on women with any eye color and skin tone.
34. Undercut
We’re delighted to see that undercuts are becoming more and more popular among women. If you love rocking short and edgy hairstyles, you can consider mixing in two tones for yours. Use a darker shade for the undercut part and a lighter one for the rest of your hair.
35. Subtle Style
Still, if you don’t want a flashy hairstyle, you can always go for elegant subtlety with your two tone hair. For this approach, we recommend maintaining your natural hair color and adding a tone that will complement it smoothly.
36. Dreadlocks
Dreadlocks are already a super cool hairstyle. But what if you took yours to the next level by sporting them in two tones? We especially recommend the idea for girls who plan on getting dreadlock extensions for their hairstyle. This way, you’ll be adding the color without damaging your natural hair.
37. Peekaboos
We’ve talked all about the benefits of peekaboo highlights in the past. In a nutshell, they’re a fun, creative, and playful way to spice up your hairstyle. For two tone hair, you can use the peekaboo method for an undercoat you can conceal or reveal at your leisure.
38. Brunette
Brunettes don’t even have to go through that much struggle to obtain a flattering two tone hairstyle. Considering that black hair is rich in its nature, you can choose to blend out to a warm, intense shade of chocolate brown.
39. Dark Accents in Blonde Hair
Sometimes, all you need is a splash of contrast to get a marvelous hairstyle. A full blonde hairstyle can easily be upgraded with the help of a few dark accents here and there. The results are even nicer on women with long, side-swept bangs.
40. Pastel Tones
There’s no doubt that pastels draw attention and, most importantly, admiration. Top them off with a two tone coloring technique and you’ll have a spectacular hairstyle you’ll be proud of. Pick your favorite pastels and go!
41. Ginger and Purple Hair
If you want a two tone hair idea that you won’t see on every other girl, take some time to think about unusual colors. You can also make use of your natural hair color, especially if you’re a redhead. Sprinkle in some bright purple for a fantastic look.
42. Braids
Want a neat look for the day at school or at work? It’s easy; all you have to do is braid your two tone hair! We suggest exploring braiding techniques that will make your two distinct colors stand out. French braids, fishtails, and Dutch braids are all great examples.
43. Highlights and Lowlights
A harmonious combination of highlights and lowlights can be the perfect idea for your two tone hairstyle. Blonde and reddish brown, for example, go amazingly well together. We recommend the blend as a feminine look you can rock all year round.
44. Emo Hairstyle
Plenty of scene and emo hairstyles for girls involve mixing two hair colors in an unconventional way. If you love wearing long bangs swept to the side and shorter layers on long hair, upgrade your emo hairstyle with two tones.
45. Faux Hawk
Some hairstyles are the perfect foundation for playing around with colors. The faux hawk, for instance, becomes even more attention-grabbing with two tones. It’s one look you can’t miss out on if you have long braids.
46. Black and Blue Hair
Just like black and purple, black and blue go terrifically well together for dark and mysterious hairstyles.
To get results similar to the ones in the photo above, talk to your hairstyle about applying a contourage coloring technique.
47. Artsy Hairstyle
If you’re an artist or have an artistic soul that isn’t constrained by a traditional workplace, you have to check out this hairstyle. Not only does it use eccentric colors, but it’s also accentuated by an equally artsy haircut.
48. Pigtails
Half and half colored hairstyles look absolutely brilliant with pigtails. Owing to the nature of pigtail braids, your colors will each stand out beautifully. You can try boxer braids out for a trendy and flattering approach to two tone pigtails.
49. Silver and Gray Hair
Gray, silver, and ash hair are still maintaining firm positions among hair trends. Instead of using one of these colors for a block tone, why not combine two of them? A primarily silver coat, for example, will shine with a darker section of gray.
50. Aqua Hair
Finally, here’s a cute and edgy hair idea that will bring out your colorful side. Aqua hair typically involves shades of turquoise and navy blue, hence the name. Find the best way to combine them and you’ll have a head-turning hairstyle for sure!
51. Purple Peekaboo Hair
Here is a two-toned hairstyle that would work great for women with medium brown natural hair. Here she has added a beautiful purple peekaboo hairstyle with a lighter tone. She then curled her hair a bit to show off her new peekaboo style and it looks amazing.
52. Balayage
Next up is another purple and brown hairstyle with a two-toned look. In the photo above she added the purple color on top of her light brown hair and it looks amazing. She went with a light purple color and it blends perfectly with her light brown hair.
53. Red and Black Split Dye
Red and black are always a good color combo. In the look above she went with a classic two-toned look with one side black and the other side a fiery red color. Be sure to add in your favorite type of bangs because it sets this style off.
54. Neon Pink Money Piece
Next up is a classic money-piece hairstyle with a fashionable hot pink tone. Here she went with a black base with a chunky hot pink money piece in the front. Most people part their hair in the middle to help show off their new money piece.
55. Modern Short Hair
This next hairstyle is a short and sassy style with a blunt bob cut. She made it two-toned with a lovely burnt-red color and kept the base of her hair a pretty black color. You can keep it straight for a sleek style or add in a few curls for a whole new vibe.
56. Razored Teal Peekaboo Hair
Next up is another short style for two-toned hair. She kept it funky here with a teal color added under her dark black hair and it looks so cool. If teal isn’t in your wheelhouse you could always add your favorite color to complete this style.
57. Neutral Hairstyle
Another way to go when looking into two-toned hair is this pretty dark style with chunky blonde highlights. This is a classic style that has been around for years. Add in thin side bangs and keep it straight to get the most out of this pretty style.
58. Lilac to Blonde Ombre Hair
If you are looking for a lovely lilac style for your two-toned style then you have to give this one a try. Here she has kept her hair right around mid-length with plenty of face-framing layers added in. Add the lilac tone to the top and kept it pin-straight.
59. Sandy Blonde Money Piece
Next up is a beautiful two-toned hairstyle with mostly dark hair and a bright sandy blonde money piece in the front. She has styled her long hair with a middle part and beautiful waves.
60. Soft Purple
Next up is another mid-length hairstyle for women with dark hair. In the photo above she has added a soft purple color even throughout and looks amazing. She parted it on the side and kept it straight for a sleek style.
61. Blonde Hair
Here is one of the most popular two-toned hairstyles. Here she has kept her hair cut right passed her shoulders and added a beautiful blonde color. Keep it wavy, and straight, or add in beautiful curls and you are going to love your new style.
62. Face-Framing Hair
Next up is this beautiful-looking two-toned hair. Here she kept most of her hair a burnt orange with bright blonde bangs. She has styled her long hair with beautiful spiral curls and it helps to show off your fresh new color.
63. Shaggy Hair
Shaggy hairstyles are right on trend in women’s hairstyles. In the look above she took her already trendy look and took it to the next level with a fresh two-toned style. Keep most of your hair a dark orange and add in a few pops of blonde to get the most out of this look.
64. Bob
After your next bob haircut if you think you still need a little spice then you should try out this feminine two-toned style. In the photo above she has kept the top section of the hair light and bright and added in a bright pink hue to the tips.
65. Honey Blonde Tips
This next hairstyle is one of the prettiest two-toned hairstyles on this list. Here she has kept her hair long and shoulder length and added an even amount of blonde highlights throughout. She kept it straight but you could always go with beach waves and you are going to love the way you look.
66. Blonde Balayage
A balayage is always a good idea when you are thinking about going with a two-toned hair look. In the photo above she has kept her hair extra long and went with a light brown base. She then added in plenty of sandy blonde color and it blended flawlessly.
67. Dark Hair with a Pop of Sandy Blonde
This next hairstyle has an edgy two-toned look using the classic black and blonde look. She added plenty of layers and curls to create volume and it looks amazing.
68. Beautiful Two Tone Hair Color
A blunt bob is one of the cutest hairstyles and it looks amazing on women of all ages. Here she took it a step further and added an ashy silver color to one side and on the other she went with a pretty rose pink tone. Add in the spiral curls and you are all set.
69. Dark Hair and Ash Blonde
Dark hair and ash blonde always blend perfectly. Here she has kept her hair extra long with a light blonde hue and added an ashy blonde hue throughout. Add in thin bangs and spiral curls and you are all set.
70. Black and Pink Split Dye Hair
Up next is a black and pink split-dye hairstyle for women with extra long hair. She parted her hair right down the center and went with a beautiful purple side and kept the other side a dark black hue. Add in waves and you are going to love your new look.
71. Dark Brown and Copper Blonde Hair
Here is another beautiful way to color your hair for fall. She has kept her style cut right around the shoulders and parted it down the middle. She then added a copper color to one side and kept the other side dark and the two colors look amazing together.
72. Blue and Purple
Blue and purple blend together perfectly when you use the same color palette. Here she added a bright blue color on the top and added a lovely pink hue underneath. She kept it straight but you could always add in beautiful curls to help show off your new color.
73. Bright Orange Money Piece
Bright orange and black are beautiful two-toned hairstyle to wear all year long, but it shines in the fall. Here she went with a short style and added the orange color to the front of her style using a money piece style and it looks amazing.
74. Pink and Purple
At some point in their lives, all women have thought about adding pink and purple to their hair. Now is the perfect time because it is right on trend. In the photo above she kept one side purple and the other hot pink and it looks so pretty.
75. Pink Hair with Blonde Highlights
Here is another take on the pink and blonde style. This is a unique style though because she kept the base pink and added in blonde highlights. Keep it straight or add in a few curls and you are going to love your new look.
76. Green Hairstyle
Black and green is another two-toned classic style. She has added only a few pops of green in the front to frame her face and kept the rest of the hair dark and short; it looks so beautiful.
77. Mid-Part Style
Mid-length hair is so versatile because you can do so many different things with it. In the look above she has kept the base a beautiful light blonde and added in a few blue highlights with a fresh money piece and it looks amazing.
78. Peach and Pink
Two-toned hairstyles come in so many different styles and color combinations. In this next look, she has kept her hair a rosy gold and added hot pink to one side of her curtain bangs and it looks amazing.
79. Messy Hairstyle
Messy styles for women will always be in style because they are low-maintenance and they leave you looking beautiful. Here she kept most of her hair dark and added a bright blonde section in the front. Keep it styled with messy curls and you are going to love the way you look.
80. Chunky Two-Toned Highlights
Next up is a chunky-looking style for your two-toned hair. She has evenly added thick sections of brown and orange and it looks amazing. Keep it straight as she has done here or throw in a few curls for a whole different vibe.
81. Double Knots
If you are looking for a fresh new look after you get your two-toned hair you could always try this double knot style. Here she went with the funky fresh colors of hot pink and orange and then twisted her long hair into two big knots on top and it looks so beautiful.
82. Black Hair with Blonde Streaks
Black hair with blonde streaks is one of the first two-toned styles out there. It leaves you looking edgy and fresh and it still has a feminine side. She has kept her hair extra long and straight and it looks incredible.
83. Dark Hair with Red Highlights
Next up is another dark hairstyle to try out for women with shoulder-length hair. She has kept most of her hair a dark red and added in a few black streaks and it looks amazing. Keep it straight and curl out the ends a bit and you are all set.
84. Black and Purple Underneath
Peekaboo hairstyles are always a good idea when you are thinking of adding a funky fresh hair color. In the look above she kept it mostly dark with pops of purple added in. Be sure to ask your hairdresser to add in a few side bangs to get the whole vibe of this photo.
85. Thick Hair
Next up is a lovely two-toned hairstyle for women with long hair. She went with the classic combo of dark hair with blonde highlights and it looks so beautiful. Be sure to add beach waves to get the most out of this style.
Two Tone Hair Color FAQS
Is two-tone hair still in style?
Two-tone hair is a popular hair color trend that has been around for a while and is still in style as it can be a unique way to express oneself. It’s one of the 2024 trends for hairstyles.
How to do 2 colors in hair?
There are various techniques like balayage, ombre, highlights, lowlights, or hair dye. You better consult a specialist before deciding to dye your hair, it will help you make the best choice!
Who started the two-tone hair trend?
This trend was first sow in the 80s, beginning of the 90s. But since is around for so many years and will be for more to come, you won’t make a mistake if you decide to go for this hairstyle.
So, What Is YOUR Hair Motivation?
To conclude, the possibilities are limitless if you go for two tone hair. Although similar or complementary colors are popular approaches, you can let your imagination run free with your hues. Pick your favorite two tone hair colors or what you feel would flatter your features the best.
When you’re done, make sure you tell us what your two tone choice was in the comments!
Jenni Haward
Jenni Haward has been working as a hairstylist for almost 11 years. With that much experience, she was able to start her own business. It has been two years since she started and had made three salons in three different cities and is still growing. She is continuing to pursue the career hoping to impact more with her skills and knowledge.
