20 Summer Hair Color Trends You Need to Try Now
When summer rolls around, it’s not just your wardrobe that needs a refresh—your hair deserves a makeover too. The perfect summer hair color can uplift your look, match the sunny vibes, and make you feel like the best version of yourself. Here are the top 20 hair color trends for this season, complete with insights, tips, and advice to help you pick your perfect hue.
1. Honey Blonde
If summer were a hair color, it would undoubtedly be honey blonde. This warm and golden shade mimics the sun’s rays, making it perfect for those looking to brighten up their appearance.
Honey blonde works especially well on warmer skin tones, but don’t let that stop you if you have cooler undertones—adding a bit of icy blonde balayage can make this shade universally flattering. A personal tip? Keep the roots slightly darker to create dimension and reduce maintenance.
2. Peachy Pink
Soft, feminine, and delightfully quirky, peachy pink is like summer in a bottle. Think of it as the color of a fresh peach smoothie on a scorching day. It’s playful and chic, making it a go-to choice for adventurous spirits.
One reader once told me how peachy pink gave her a boost of confidence for a summer wedding. It’s not just a hair color—it’s a mood. Pair it with a glossy finish for that Instagram-worthy shine.
3. Sandalwood Blonde
Sandalwood blonde is the softer, subtler cousin of platinum blonde. It combines beige and sandy tones to create a neutral, beach-inspired look. Think of it as the hair equivalent of soft beach sand under your feet.
This shade complements most skin tones and pairs beautifully with loose waves for that effortless “I woke up like this” vibe. A great trick? Add soft babylights to mimic how the sun naturally lightens your hair.
4. Espresso Brown
Dark hair doesn’t have to feel heavy in the summer. Espresso brown adds just the right amount of richness and depth without being overwhelming.
This shade works wonders for brunettes who want to enhance their natural color. To make it summer-ready, consider adding caramel highlights or a glossy finish for extra shine. Imagine sipping an iced latte under the sun—this color gives off the same energy.
5. Golden Caramel
Golden caramel is the sweet spot between blonde and brunette. The golden tones reflect sunlight beautifully, making this color glow on any warm summer day.
This shade is perfect for brunettes looking to lighten up without going full blonde. For added texture, ask your stylist for a balayage effect. My stylist once compared this shade to “dripping honey on chocolate,” and honestly, I’ve never heard a better description.
6. Strawberry Blonde
Strawberry blonde is having a major moment this summer. It’s the perfect blend of blonde and red, offering a warm, sun-kissed look that screams vacation vibes.
This shade pairs especially well with fair skin tones, but it can be customized with lighter or darker undertones to suit everyone. Add loose curls to really let the color shine.
7. Ashy Platinum
For those who prefer cooler tones, ashy platinum is a timeless choice. It’s sleek, edgy, and looks especially stunning against summer tans.
Maintaining platinum hair can be a commitment, but using purple shampoos and regular toners can keep brassiness at bay. Trust me, the effort is worth it for that ice queen moment.
8. Sunlit Balayage
Balayage has been a go-to for years, but sunlit balayage brings a fresh twist. This technique mimics the natural lightening effect of the sun, making it ideal for summer.
Pro tip: Focus the lighter tones around your face to create a brightening effect. It’s like a built-in Instagram filter for your hair.
9. Cherry Cola Red
Bold, vibrant, and impossible to ignore, cherry cola red is for those who want to make a statement this summer. The deep red tones with hints of burgundy create a multidimensional look that’s simply mesmerizing.
Pair this shade with a sleek straight style to enhance the richness of the color. One friend swore this color turned her into “the life of every BBQ,” and honestly, I believe it.
10. Buttercream Blonde
Imagine the creamy richness of freshly whipped buttercream frosting—that’s the vibe of buttercream blonde. This color offers a soft, luxurious look with pale golden undertones.
It’s an excellent option for those who want something lighter than honey blonde but not as stark as platinum. Keep it moisturized with regular conditioning treatments to maintain its silky appearance.
11. Smoky Lavender
Smoky lavender is the cool-girl color of the season. It’s understated yet unique, blending soft purple tones with gray undertones for a dreamy, mystical vibe.
This color works best on pre-lightened hair and pairs beautifully with wavy or tousled styles. If you’re looking for something different yet chic, this might be your perfect match.
12. Warm Auburn
Warm auburn is like capturing the glow of a summer sunset in your hair. The reddish-brown tones bring warmth and richness, perfect for those looking to deepen their color.
Pair it with subtle highlights to add dimension, and don’t forget to use color-safe shampoos to maintain the vibrancy. This color will have people stopping to compliment your hair, guaranteed.
13. Toffee Highlights
Add a touch of sweetness to your look with toffee highlights. This warm brown shade is ideal for brunettes who want to keep things subtle yet stylish.
Ask your stylist to focus the highlights around the crown and tips for a soft, gradient effect. It’s a low-maintenance option that still feels fresh and trendy.
14. Rose Gold
Rose gold isn’t just for jewelry—it’s also a stunning hair color that’s perfect for summer. The blend of pink and gold tones creates a soft, feminine look that’s universally flattering.
Keep the roots darker for a seamless grow-out, and don’t shy away from adding a gloss treatment to maximize shine. A friend of mine once said this color made her feel like a “walking sunset,” and I couldn’t agree more.
15. Icy Blue
For the bold and daring, icy blue is a showstopper. This cool-toned shade is perfect for those who love experimenting with unconventional colors.
It looks best on pre-lightened hair and requires regular toning to maintain its vibrancy. Pair it with a sleek ponytail for an edgy summer look.
16. Bronde
Can’t decide between blonde and brunette? Why not go for bronde? This versatile shade offers the best of both worlds, blending light and dark tones for a multidimensional look.
It’s a great choice for anyone looking to add depth and texture to their hair. Plus, it grows out beautifully, making it a low-maintenance yet high-impact option.
17. Coral Crush
Coral crush is the color equivalent of a tropical cocktail—it’s bright, refreshing, and undeniably fun. This pink-orange shade is perfect for summer festivals or beach vacations.
To make it pop, pair it with beachy waves or a messy bun. Just be prepared for all the compliments you’ll get.
18. Lilac Dreams
Soft, whimsical, and utterly enchanting, lilac dreams is a pastel shade that’s perfect for summer. It’s playful yet sophisticated, making it ideal for all ages.
Keep the color fresh with regular toners, and don’t forget to use a heat protectant if you style your hair often. This shade pairs beautifully with loose braids or half-up styles.
19. Mocha Melt
Mocha melt combines rich brown tones with hints of caramel for a color that’s as indulgent as your favorite iced coffee. It’s warm, versatile, and perfect for summer.
Add soft waves to enhance the dimensionality of this color. It’s a look that’s both polished and approachable, just like a perfectly brewed latte.
20. Pastel Rainbow
Why settle for one color when you can have them all? Pastel rainbow is the ultimate summer statement. This look blends soft shades of pink, blue, purple, and green for a dreamy, ethereal effect.
While it requires a bit of maintenance, the results are absolutely worth it. This is the kind of color that turns heads and sparks conversations everywhere you go.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a new hair color is like picking a new persona for the summer. Whether you want something bold like cherry cola red or subtle like sandalwood blonde, there’s a perfect shade for everyone. Experiment, have fun, and don’t forget to protect your hair from the sun to keep it looking its best.
Which trend are you dying to try? Let me know!
