Image credits: @shriya_saran1109
Colouring your hair can be a great way to switch things up. It is easier than a risky haircut but more effective than just styling your hair differently. Getting your hair dyed like golden highlights on black hair can especially make a statement. You can go for global highlights, balayage or even an ombré look, the world is your oyster! Easily jump on one of the trendiest looks you can sport this new year.
Did you know that the right colour can bring out the best in your complexion, frame your face better and make it look more attractive? But before you head to the nearest salon for your appointment, here’s all you need to know about these colouring techniques and which golden shade would work best for you.

Image credits: @sonamkapoor
Gorgeous Ways to get Golden Highlights for Your Hair: The Basics
If you’ve ever dyed your hair or even just entered a beauty parlour, you know that the simplest and most common way of highlighting your hair is through global highlights. Global highlights cover your hair strands in one single hue from root to tip like golden highlights on black hair. Not to be mistaken with global colouring which is usually done to cover up greys or offer a uniform base for further colouring. Taking anywhere between one to two hours, the procedure should be carried out by a professional.
But it is not recommended to colour your hair with store-bought dyes, as they contain ammonia. So, when getting your global highlights done, make sure you do your research beforehand. Plus, highlighting your entire mane with one single colour can instantly jazz up your style. So it is always good to pick the right shade according to your individual features.

Image courtesy: @happyinthehead
Tips on How to get Golden Highlights for Your Hair
1. Our picks for the best golden shade for Indian skin
Make the hair colour you choose work for you by picking one that compliments your skin tone. While it is completely your choice to pick a colour that you would love to sport, there are multiple shades you can try when you opt for golden highlights on black hair.
- Cinnamon: A light cinnamon is perfect for bringing out the warm undertones in olive and dusky skin tones. With more of a reddish than a yellow tinge, it also happens to be a great hair colour to catch the summer sun for an utterly flattering look!
- Caramel: Now for the desi ladies who sport cooler undertones and lighter skin, pretty caramel hues give you a sun-kissed look and will look great on beachy waves.
- Honey: Hair colours with a golden-honey undertone work very well for Indian skin tones. Honey global highlights are the closest to going fully brunette and can be easily maintained.
- Chestnut: Wondering which hair colour looks best with brown eyes and dusky skin tones? A warm chestnut shade should do the trick!

Image courtesy: @aashnashroff
2. Global highlights vs Balayage vs Ombré
Because of their popularity, you might be a bit confused about the difference between global highlights, balayage and ombré techniques. While global highlights use one single colour and are applied to selected strands over your crown, balayage and ombré are styles that fade out into a lighter hue towards the ends. Instead of using foil, these techniques use freehand strokes to give the illusion of a natural look, especially when creating golden highlights on black hair. They are characterised by a gradual (ombré) or sweeping (balayage) fading of colour.

Image courtesy: @diogoguerrahairstylist
3. When to colour your hair?
- Since highlights cover the entire hair length, they will cover premature greys better and more uniformly than streaks.
- If you wish to go a shade lighter from your actual hair colour without making a drastic change, simple golden highlights on black hair can do that for you.
- Golden highlights are the best option to add vibrancy and update previously-coloured hair that has now faded.

4. Precautions you need to take with highlights
Like any other hair treatment, highlights also come with their risks. Treating your hair with chemicals can cause hair damage, allergic reactions and dry hair. If you colour your roots, it could also lead to hair fall and weakened roots. There is also a possibility that the hair colour doesn’t take to your hair and starts fading more quickly. This is why you should always do a pre-consultation before colouring your hair. If you already have experience with hair colour, then it will be easier. If not, a simple patch test done by your hairstylist can determine how the colour will look on your hair.
Use products that are specifically designed for the TLC of colour-treated hair. The Love Beauty and Planet Murumuru Butter & Rose Shampoo and Conditioner give dyed hair a boost of moisture to fasten the recovery process. Instead of sulphates or parabens, they use murumuru butter and coconut oil to cleanse and moisturise your hair while the fresh Bulgarian roses give a refreshing fragrance.

5. Post colouring care
Post-colour care procedures may seem complicated but can be summed up in three simple steps - shampoo, condition and serum! The sulphates and parabens in shampoo and conditioner can dry hair. Instead, go for products that are specially designed for coloured hair like the Tresemme Pro Protect Sulphate-Free Shampoo and Conditioner. It is free of the harsh chemicals that usually dry out hair and worsen colour-treated hair. Instead, it uses argan oil, the liquid gold of Morocco to protect all types of hair. It keeps your hair smooth and soft while also preserving the colour and sheen of your highlights for a long time.
Wash in lukewarm water - Hot water will open cuticles and fade out your hair. And since colouring makes hair dry, hot water will make it drier. Follow up with a cold water rinse to stop fading. And avoid frequently washing your hair if you don’t want to strip off the natural oils and the colour.

Use serums to moisturise hair - Use a moisturising serum, such as the Tresemme Pro Pure Moisture Boost Hair Serum because the hair colourant would have dried your hair out significantly. With ingredients like coconut oil and aloe vera, it is specifically made for coloured hair and offers that extra moisture boost that the name promises. Free of harsh chemicals, it also doesn’t weigh down your hair or make it look greasy. Simply apply a few drops evenly from the mid-lengths to the ends of your hair to achieve a salon-like finish all day, every day.
FAQs about Ways to get Golden Highlights for Your Hair
1) Is global hair colouring safe?
A. The safety of a hair dye for your hair is dependent on multiple factors. The place you are getting it done, the composition of the dye and its short-term reactions to your skin and hair determine how safe the colour is for you.
2) How do you make golden highlights last longer?
A. There are a couple of ways to make your golden highlights last longer: Take cold showers. Minimise heat styling on your hair. Use a heat protectant spray for styling and before stepping out in the sun. Wash your hair fewer times and whenever you do wash, use a colour-protecting shampoo.
3) Does coconut oil fade hair colour?
A. No, coconut oil will not fade your hair colour on application. But don’t step out in the sun with coconut oil in your coloured hair. Only indulge in overnight hair oil treatments or pre-shampoo conditioning.
Well, what are you waiting for? From which technique to use to post-colouring care, we’ve got you. Now go ahead and get gorgeous golden highlights on black hair to flaunt this new year.
Written by Lopa K on 16th Jan 2023