Hey beauty lovers! Summer is almost here, and you know what that means for me? It’s time for a little refresh! There’s just something about the longer days and warmer weather that makes me want to brighten things up, starting with my hair. If you’re feeling the same way, then you’re in the right place because I’m sharing my absolute favorite ideas. Get Ready for a Refresh? 16 Summer Hair Colors are on my mind, and I can’t wait to dive in with you.
I’m Ella Kohn, and I started TressNails.com because I truly believe every woman deserves to feel amazing and confident in her own skin, and a fresh hairstyle is such a powerful way to do that. I’ve spent years trying different looks and learning what works, and I love sharing that with you all. From subtle shifts to bold statements, we’ve got a little something for everyone in this list. Let’s find your perfect summer shade!
16 Summer Hair Colors to Brighten Your Look
Okay, let’s get to the good stuff! I’ve picked out 16 summer hair color ideas that I think you’ll absolutely love. We’re going to count them down, starting with one that’s lovely but maybe not as widely popular, and working our way to my number one pick for bringing serious brightness this summer. There’s a shade here for everyone, no matter your style or natural color.
16. Deep Burgundy
Deep burgundy is such a gorgeous, rich shade. It’s like a fine wine for your hair! I find it looks stunning on those with cooler skin tones, adding a touch of drama without being overpowering. For summer, it brings a lovely depth, especially as the light catches it. To keep this color from looking dull, I always recommend using a really good color-safe shampoo. It helps lock in that vibrant hue.
15. Copper Ombre
Copper ombre is a fantastic way to add warmth without coloring all your hair. It starts darker at the roots and fades into beautiful coppery tones on the ends. It’s perfect if you want a subtle change that still feels summery. This look works well for lots of different hair colors. A key tip for this style, especially the lighter ends, is to protect them from the sun. A little UV spray goes a long way!
14. Rose Gold Highlights
Oh, rose gold! It’s so playful and trendy. Adding rose gold highlights is like sprinkling fairy dust on your hair for summer. They look amazing on lighter hair bases, from blonde to light brown. It gives a fun, unexpected pop of color. Since fashion colors can fade, I like to use a color-depositing conditioner in rose gold every now and then to keep the highlights looking fresh between salon visits.
13. Ash Blonde Balayage
Ash blonde balayage gives off serious cool-girl, beachy vibes. It’s a softer highlighting technique that looks really natural, like you’ve spent all summer by the ocean. This cool-toned blonde is especially flattering on those with cooler undertones in their skin. My go-to for keeping ash blonde from turning brassy? Purple shampoo! It’s a must-have in my shower.
12. Strawberry Blonde
Strawberry blonde is such a sweet, soft shade. It’s that perfect mix of red and blonde that just screams sun-kissed. I think it looks absolutely radiant on those with fair skin. It adds a lovely warmth without being too bold. This delicate shade can fade quickly, so protecting it from the sun and using products designed for color-treated hair is super important.
11. Honey Brown Lowlights
Sometimes adding depth is just as important as adding brightness! Honey brown lowlights are perfect for adding dimension to darker hair. They weave in warmer, deeper tones that create beautiful movement and richness. If you have medium to dark brown hair and want a subtle change, these are for you. To keep lowlights looking natural and blended, I always use a moisturizing conditioner.
10. Bright Coral
Ready to make a statement? Bright coral is a bold and vibrant choice for summer! It’s definitely for the adventurous, but it’s so much fun. It can range from a soft peachy coral to a really punchy orange-pink. Maintaining such a bright shade takes work. Using sulfate-free shampoo and washing in cool water helps keep that intensity locked in.
9. Caramel Swirl
Caramel swirl is a technique that adds beautiful ribbons of warm caramel throughout your hair. It’s amazing for adding warmth and makes your hair look like it’s got incredible movement. This is a fantastic option for those with medium to dark hair who want to add some brightness. To keep hair healthy and the color looking its best, I always use a deep conditioner regularly.
8. Platinum Blonde
Platinum blonde is striking and so cool for summer. It’s a head-turning shade that feels super modern and bold. But, I have to be honest, it’s a big commitment! It requires professional help and lots of upkeep to keep it looking good and your hair healthy. Regular toning and deep conditioning treatments are non-negotiable with this color.
7. Sun-Kissed Brunette
Sun-kissed brunette is all about effortless, natural beauty. It’s adding just a few strategic, lighter pieces around the face and ends, like the sun naturally lightened your hair. If you have brown hair and want subtle brightness, this is it. Using a gloss treatment at home can really enhance the shine and make those lighter pieces pop.
6. Fiery Red
Fiery red is for those who aren’t afraid to stand out! It’s a bold and attention-grabbing color that feels so alive for summer. If you love vibrant shades, this could be your perfect match. Red is notorious for fading, so protecting your hair with a UV spray and minimizing washing helps keep that fiery color from losing its punch.
5. Golden Blonde
Golden blonde is a classic for a reason. It’s warm, bright, and feels totally summery. It’s particularly flattering on those with warmer skin tones, bringing out a lovely glow. When styling golden blonde hair, especially with heat tools, I always use a heat protectant spray. It keeps the color looking bright and prevents damage.
4. Chocolate Cherry
Chocolate cherry is a rich and sophisticated blend of deep brown and subtle cherry tones. It’s a gorgeous way to add color to darker hair for summer without going too light. It feels luxurious and adds a lovely hint of red that catches the light. To keep this color looking glossy and vibrant, I love using a shine serum or spray.
3. Sandy Blonde
Sandy blonde is that perfect in-between shade – not too warm, not too cool. It has a natural, beachy vibe that’s super low-maintenance, which I love for summer. If you want a subtle change that feels natural, sandy blonde is ideal. Letting it air-dry can enhance that relaxed, beachy texture that goes so well with this color.
2. Balayage Highlights
Balayage highlights are a perennial favorite, especially for summer! This hand-painted technique creates soft, blended highlights that grow out beautifully. It works on almost any hair color and gives a natural, sunlit effect. Because it’s so low-maintenance, you won’t need frequent touch-ups, but scheduling one before summer starts is a good idea.
1. Caramel Highlights
My number one pick for brightening your look this summer is caramel highlights! They are universally flattering and add the most beautiful warmth and brightness. They work on brunettes and even darker blondes, adding dimension and a gorgeous sun-kissed glow. To keep caramel highlights looking healthy and bright, I always use a good leave-in conditioner, especially on the ends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Thinking about a new summer hair color brings up some questions, right? I get asked these a lot, so I wanted to share some quick answers to help you out. It’s all about making sure your new shade looks amazing and stays healthy.
How do I protect my summer hair color from fading?
Protecting your beautiful summer hair color is key when the sun is strong. I always suggest using a UV protection spray before you head outside. Wearing a cute hat helps too! Also, try not to wash your hair too often. When you do, use cooler water and sulfate-free products. This really helps lock in the color.
What summer hair color is best for my skin tone?
Choosing a summer hair color that suits your skin tone makes a huge difference. Generally, if your skin has cooler undertones (think pink or blue), ashier or cooler blondes and deep burgundies look fantastic. For warmer undertones (peachy or golden), golden blondes, caramel, and coppery shades are usually stunning. When in doubt, a stylist can help you find your perfect match.
How often should I get a touch-up for summer hair color?
How often you need a touch-up really depends on the color and technique you choose. Balayage and ombre are lower maintenance, often needing a refresh every few months. All-over colors or vibrant shades like red or coral might need touch-ups every 4-6 weeks. Your stylist can give you the best timeline based on your specific color and how fast your hair grows.
Conclusion
Alright, there you have it! Sixteen amazing summer hair color ideas to get you thinking about your next look. Picking a new color is such a fun way to refresh your look and just feel good about yourself. Don’t be afraid to try something new this season! Choose a shade that makes you feel confident and ready to soak up all that summer goodness. A little change can make a big difference, and I hope this list gave you some great inspiration. Happy coloring!
