Frosted tips were once the staple hairstyle of the late ‘90s and early 2000s—those spiky highlights paired with everything from puka shell necklaces to oversized cargo pants. Fast forward two decades, and this bold trend is making a surprising, yet totally welcome, comeback! But don’t think of frosted tips as just a nostalgic throwback; today’s version features modern twists and personalized touches, giving a whole new edge to this iconic style.
Whether you’re someone who loves experimenting with hairstyles, a fan of retro trends, or just on the lookout for your next killer look, frosted tips might be exactly what your style needs. Curious to know more? Keep reading to learn the history, who can rock this look, and how to make it your own.
A Brief History of Frosted Tips
First popularized by pop culture icons like Justin Timberlake, Mark McGrath, and the entire boyband scene of the early 2000s, frosted tips quickly became a hairstyle synonymous with youthful rebellion and playful individuality. At the time, it was all about grabbing a box of store-bought bleach or heading to a salon to highlight those spiky, gel-coated ends.
After fading out post-2005 (blame it on evolving fashion trends), frosted tips have returned with enthusiastic endorsement from social media influencers and Gen Z tastemakers. This time around, the look is sleeker, more refined, and open to creative interpretation—a true glow-up for the generations.
Who Can Rock Frosted Tips?
Are you wondering if frosted tips will suit your vibe? The good news is this style isn’t a one-size-fits-all. Thanks to its modern renaissance, it can work on a variety of haircuts, textures, and colors.
Haircuts That Work Best
- Short buzz cuts or fades create a low-maintenance frosted look.
- Medium-length hairstyles with texture (think wavy or tousled) add sophistication to the bold highlights.
- Long, spiked layers provide that classic throwback effect for those feeling nostalgic.
Hair Textures That Shine
Frosted tips look amazing on straight, wavy, and curly textures alike! While straight hair gets that iconic spiky effect, curls give the frosted tips a more natural, sun-kissed look—a modern twist on a retro classic.
Who Should Try It?
If you’re experimental, love standing out, or enjoy channeling the unapologetic energy of the early 2000s, this is your moment! Frosted tips are versatile and can skew edgy for those aiming to make a statement or subtle for a laid-back aesthetic.
How to Achieve Frosted Tips
Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a salon-goer, achieving frosted tips has never been easier. Here’s everything you need to know to nail the look.
DIY at Home
You don’t need to be a professional to frost up your tips. Here’s how to get started:
- Prep your tools:
- Bleach kit or highlighting kit (check your local beauty store)
- Gloves, mixing bowl, and application brush
- Foil or caps for sectioning your hair
- Section your hair: Focus on the ends or specific pieces of your hair that you want highlighted.
- Apply bleach sparingly: Dip the desired tips into the bleaching mix (or brush them carefully). This is the moment to remember—less is more for subtle, modern frosted tips!
- Wait, then rinse: Follow the instructions on your bleach kit. Always rinse out thoroughly and condition your hair to prevent damage.
Salon Perfection
For a polished, totally Insta-worthy look, visit a professional hairstylist. They can customize the shade and placement of your frosted tips while ensuring your hair stays healthy. Plus, they’ll help you pick colors that work with your natural tone and achieve that perfect blend.
Styling and Maintaining Frosted Tips
You’ve committed to frosted tips—now it’s time to style them to perfection and keep them looking fresh.
Styling Your New Look
- Textured products like pomades or clays will give short hair that spiked, classic effect.
- Add a soft tousle with sea salt spray to medium-length hair for a natural, laid-back vibe.
- Style curly hair with a defining cream to highlight both your curls and frosted tips.
Maintenance Made Simple
- Use color-protecting shampoo and conditioner to maintain vibrant highlights.
- Moisturize your hair with masks or oils to offset any dryness from bleaching.
- Catch up with your stylist for touch-ups every 4–6 weeks to keep your frosted tips on point.
Frosted Tips x Celebrity Style
Need some inspiration? Here are a few familiar faces driving the frosted tips resurgence.
- Zayn Malik has rocked frosted tips as part of his evolution toward edgier style.
- Odell Beckham Jr. proves blond accents can make a major statement even on short buzzcuts.
- Chris Messina’s platinum-frosted tips in Barbie turned heads and infused new vitality into this classic look.
- Brad Pitt’s golden ends (as seen on recent red carpets) show how the look can remain effortlessly classic.
From boyband icons of the past to modern trendsetters, frosted tips continue to evolve and influence.
What’s Next for Frosted Tips?
While frosted tips are having their moment right now, their adaptability suggests they’re more than just a fleeting trend. With the rising prevalence of bold hairstyles and playful personal expression, expect new iterations—think pastel frosted tips, ombré blends, or even alternating colors.
Frosted tips offer a balance between individuality, nostalgia, and trendy appeal, making it easy to incorporate into everything from casual streetwear to red carpet-ready looks.
Frosted Tips Are Waiting for You!
Whether you’re stepping back into the nostalgia of the 2000s or giving the frosted tips a modern, edgy twist, there’s no limit to how you can make this trend your own.
Have you tried rocking frosted tips before? Thinking about giving it a shot now? Drop your thoughts and photos in the comments—we’d love to see your experiments!
Feeling unsure about your next hair venture? Reach out to a stylist today to learn how to fully own the frosted tips trend that’s sweeping 2024.
