Spring has officially arrived, and with it comes the perfect opportunity to refresh your look with one of the season’s most flattering hairstyle trends: face-framing highlights with layers. This transformative combination brings life, dimension, and movement to hair that may have lost its luster during the cold winter months.
Why face-framing highlights are taking over spring 2025
As the trees begin to bloom this March, hair colorists and stylists are seeing an unprecedented demand for customized face-framing techniques. “Face-framing highlights are the perfect way to transition into spring because they mimic the natural lightening effect the sun would create, but in a controlled, flattering pattern,” explains celebrity colorist Arianna Jenkins, who works with A-list clients in New York and Los Angeles.
These strategic highlights brighten the complexion and accentuate your best features without requiring a full color overhaul—making them ideal for those wanting a seasonal refresh without a dramatic change.
The science behind the perfect face frame
What makes this technique so universally flattering is its customization potential. “When we analyze face shapes and features, we’re essentially creating an optical illusion with light and shadow,” says Dr. Julia Markham, who studies the psychological impact of appearance changes.
Think of face-framing highlights as your personal lighting crew, strategically placing brightness where it enhances your natural beauty—similar to how photographers use reflectors to capture a subject’s best angles.
Layering: The perfect complement to highlights
Adding layers to highlighted hair creates a synergistic effect that elevates the entire style. Layers provide:
- Movement that showcases dimensional color
- Customized framing specific to your face shape
- Volume where you need it most
- Versatility for various styling options
“The combination of layers with highlights creates what I call the ‘spotlight effect’—drawing attention to the eyes and cheekbones while softening any areas a client might be conscious about,” shares master stylist Derek Powell.
Spring 2025 highlight trends to request
This season’s most requested face-framing highlight styles include:
- Honey-toned money pieces for warm complexions
- Cool champagne frames for fair skin
- Subtle copper glints for redheads
- Caramel ribbons for deeper skin tones
For a truly transformative effect, consider finding the perfect style for your face shape, which can make a remarkable difference in how your features are perceived.
The butterfly effect of face-framing
Recent client Miranda experienced what stylists are calling the “butterfly effect” after getting face-framing highlights with layers. “I never realized how much brighter my eyes would look, or how my cheekbones would suddenly appear more defined,” she reports. “It was like watching a butterfly emerge—subtle but completely transformative.”
This transformation is particularly dramatic for those with round faces, as demonstrated in this pixie-bob hybrid technique that’s gaining popularity.
Low-maintenance upkeep for busy schedules
Unlike all-over color, face-framing highlights grow out more naturally, requiring less frequent salon visits. “My clients love that they can go 8-12 weeks between appointments while still looking polished,” notes color specialist Grace Rodriguez.
For those seeking instant age-defying effects, strategic highlight placement can lift features similarly to facial contouring, but with more natural-looking results.
Trying the trend with different hair types
Face-framing highlights work beautifully across hair types and lengths. Those with thicker hair might appreciate how French bob-inspired cuts can reduce weight while showcasing dimensional color.
For a sophisticated spring update, consider how side-swept bangs paired with face-framing highlights can create the illusion of length and elegance.
Ready to transform your look this spring?
As we embrace the renewal of spring 2025, face-framing highlights with layers offer the perfect balance of freshness and sophistication. Whether you’re looking to brighten your complexion, define your features, or simply welcome the season with a style update, this customizable technique delivers results as unique as you are.