With summer 2025 around the corner, it’s time to renew your look with the hottest summer highlights ideas to make you shine all summer long. Whether it’s a sun-kissed blonde shade or rich brunette balayage – there is the ideal color for each. Whether your hair is dark brown or blonde fading, these trendy highlights will give your look an instant lift. Ready to turn heads on Instagram? Continue reading for the most exciting summer hair color ideas for brunettes and blondes that will have you feeling fabulous!
Sun-Kissed Summer Vibes
If you’re dreaming of the perfect summer glow for your hair, this sun-kissed look is calling your name. No wonder, the change from dark brown to light brown hair color has never looked this good. The blend of brunettes balayage highlights in warm, golden tones softens the deep base and brings out a natural radiance that makes you look like you’ve just come from the beach. The waves give this that effortless yet polished vibe, which makes this style ideal for a sunny outing, or even an ordinary dinner. Plus, the low lights caramel combination gives depth to the overall look making it feel full of life.
When it comes to keeping this rich balayage, you want to keep those highlights fresh and vibrant. I’d recommend a nourishing shampoo and conditioner combo like Redken’s Color Extend Magnetics. It prevents your hair colour from fading too rapidly – which is so important in the long summer days when you spend so much time in the sun. You can also add a hydrating treatment week just to keep the moisture locked in – your hair will thank you for it!
From my own experience, balayage is one of the easiest, but most stunning ways to give your look a lift without having to constantly touch it up. The way the highlights grow out is so seamless, so you don’t have to worry about harsh lines or visible regrowth. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to add some depth to long layered brunettes or even shoulder length hair.
The best part? This look suits almost every hair type, starting from sleek and straight through the loose beachy waves. So, whether your vibe is low, high, or any other, this one will surely make you a head turner all summer long.
Boho Braids and Sunlit Locks
This next style radiates bohemian goddess energy and is ideal for summer highlights ideas on medium or longer hair. The dirty blonde hair color brings warmth, but it is still natural. This style combines the best of both worlds, beautiful layered brunettes with a touch of laid back braids to add texture. It’s that kind of hairstyle that says, “I woke up like this,” but in the best possible way.
For maintaining braids perfect and to avoid it frizzing that much, I suggest a lightweight styling bill such as the Ouai Wave Spray. It gives texture without weighing down your hair and keeps your beachy waves all day long. Also, a heat protectant is a must when styling – particularly in the summer months when the sun can leave your hair more susceptible to damage.
Personally, I adore this look because it’s so versatile. You can take it from casual to formal by just changing the size and position of the braids. Add a few blonde hair accents near the face for that sun-kissed effect, and you’re ready for anything from a brunch date to an evening out with friends. You’ll love how easy it is to maintain too—just a few spritzes of sea salt spray, and you’re set.
Soft Pastel Pops
If you aren’t afraid to get a little creative with your summer highlights ideas, why not try something soft and pastel as a pop of color? Imagine light lavender tresses interwoven through dark brown hair causing an odd yet thoroughly wear-able ombre to form. It’s bold but not too bold for those who want a little fun without neon colors. The best part? It’s the ideal way to add a unique twist to your brunettes balayage that shouts 2025.
For this appearance, proper care is all about color protection. A sulfate-free shampoo will prevent the pastel hues from fading, and make your hair smooth and shiny. Try L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Color Care System for long lasting results. To ensure that your pastel highlights remain vivid, regular retouching can be necessary every few weeks depending upon how many times you have a shampoo.
Last summer when I experimented with a pastel shade like this, it amazed me how effortless it was to add a little edge without fully committing to something too crazy. The colour really is a great help to bring the highlights to life without dominating the natural hair shades. Plus, it goes well with both sleek straight styles and messy waves, and you have limitless styling options.
Chunky Blonde Streaks
Are you feeling daring this summer? Chunky highlights are some of the bold blonde hair color ideas that give off major Instagram influencer vibes. The extreme difference in black roots and the blonde streaks certainly has an impact and is downright statement making. This is the tone for those who prefer their summer highlights ideas to be boldly and eye catching.
To keep these chunky highlights, you will have to be on the lookout for moisture. Bleach can also sometimes make hair feel a little dry, so it’s important to use a deep conditioning mask once a week. I swear by Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask for restoring moisture and leaving my strands soft and healthy post every color treatment.
This look is one of those that makes people talk and believe me, you’ll feel like a star every time you wear it. I love the fact that chunky highlights create an entirely new dimension to the hair. It’s edgy yet classy, and it really enhances those summer vibes. If you’re someone who loves a bold look, this style will definitely let your hair do all the talking.
Bright and Bold Blonde Balayage
If you’ve been considering a blonde balayage, this summer is the ideal time to jump in. The effortless blend of honey blonde and bright caramel highlights on a dark base will make you look like you’ve just walked out of a sun-drenched movie set. It’s a blonde hair color dream, combining just the right amount of warmth and brightness for an easy-going, vacation-ready feel.
To keep such a balayage requires frequent color treatments, but you will be rewarded with low-maintenance maintenance. Some may find that a root touch-up can help keep their dark brown base alive, and their blonde highlights can grow out without a break. I suggest a gentle, color-safe shampoo such as Pureology Hydrate which is great in being gentle as well as colour safe to maintain the summer colours and stop them from fading.
What is great about this look is that it suits every hair texture from long layered brunettes to a shorter shoulder length cut. I’ve seen too many women pull this off with confidence and it always does so in the best way. It is classic and trendy and provides you with chic effortless glamour vibe that is perfect for any summer event.
Subtle Ombre with a Twist
This stunning ombre has deep brunettes at the roots that fade to a light blonde on the tips creating a natural with elevated turning effect. The flow of the transition produces a soft but sophisticated contrast making this style ideal for people who want to highlight summer but not to the peak. The mad waves give off effortless look, which will also be chic and wearable. A great hair color idea for brunettes for summer balayage highlights!
In maintaining a look like this fresh, you’ll need to feed your hair with a color-protecting shampoo. I like Shu Uemura Color Lustre Brilliant Glaze Shampoo – it intensifies highlights while the hair remains soft. It’s perfect for maintaining that dirty blonde glow!
I like the versatility of this style. Whether you’re attending a summer wedding or just grabbing coffee with friends, this summer highlights idea works for any occasion. For anyone who likes that laid back and chic vibe it’s a great option.
Effortless Beachy Waves
For the people who love bold and subtle, this short blonde hair with a beachy wave is cracking major cool-girl vibes. It has more highlights at the tips making it the sun-kissed, post-vacation kind. The dark deep dark brown roots go perfectly with the lighter blonde ends providing contrast without being too harsh. The tousled texture just makes it even more Instagram-worthy.
To keep this beachy look intact, I’d recommend a texturizing spray like Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray. It is used not to make your hair feel sticky or crunchy but to make your waves better. Dry shampoo will also be useful in freighting the waves and increase volume between washes.
This style is really one of my favorites, especially for low maintenance hair color ideas for brunettes for summer balayage highlights. The texture is just so much personality and the lighter ends are just right for a pop.
Edgy Bob with Caramel Highlights
Here’s a daring but feminine take on the traditional bob – dark brown roots that flow into caramel highlights that soften the face, a new twist on summer highlights. The natural look is maintained just by blending them slightly. The edgy bob cut gives structure and dimension and is perfect for someone who wants to try something daring new this summer.
For a bob like this, it’s important to keep those blonde highlights bright. I would suggest Joico Blonde Life Brightening Shampoo to keep that soft, warm blonde. Pair it with something like Ouai Leave-In Conditioner – you don’t want to weigh the hair down.
This look is so fun and fresh and is a perfect summer highlights idea for anyone who likes a bold style. I’ve personally tried something similar, and it’s a game-changer! It’s perfect for shoulder-length cuts, and the low maintenance upkeep is a huge bonus.
Warm Blonde Tones with Waves
This hairstyle is a warm, sun-kissed dream come true. The dirty blonde color flows into a golden paler towards the ends organically and it gives that natural ombré that is beachy. The waves are ideal for figuring out the face and giving that laid back summer mood to the model. This is surely the perfect look for those who want summer highlights ideas that scream easy elegance.
To maintain this warm blonde color rich and vibrant, I strongly recommend you resort to an active color-dropping conditioner like Olaplex No4P Blonde Enhancer Toning Shampoo. It helps to keep the blonde bright and to nourish the hair. Remember to apply a heat protectant before the use of hot tools that otherwise commit the validity of the color.
To my mind, this blonde balayage style suits perfectly anyone who is in search of a long layered cut with some warmth. It’s effortlessly chic and radiates that summer glow.
Vibrant Purple and Blonde Highlights
This purple balayage is just what someone who wants to turn heads and a little bit of color needs. The deep purple tones blend into blonde highlights, creating a cool-toned contrast that’s both bold and playful. The ethereal feel of the waves in the hair gives the whole look that special; unique, vibrant something for this summer.
When trying to maintain bright colors such as purple, it is important to use a color safe shampoo that will keep your colors fresh without fading. Redken Color Extend Magnetics Shampoo is a must have for maintaining color while keeping the hair soft. I would also suggest a purple shampoo to prevent the color from going brassy.
This look is funny and fabulous, just for anyone who likes to have a little personality in their hair. I have used vibrant color before and I can tell you that it is wonderful to wear something bold and unexpected. If you’re adventurous, this one is a complete game-changer for summer highlight ideas.
Pastel Pink and Blonde Fade
This pastel pink and blonde hair color combination is summer magic. The look flows from dark roots to soft lavender to a pastel pink at the ends creating a dreamy texture that is modern and fun. The tousled bob cut supports the ombre, and the soft waves give a laid back vibe sun-kissed. If you’re looking for hair color ideas for brunettes for summer balayage highlights, this style is just right for an unexpected twist.
To keep this kind of look, a color-protecting shampoo is a must. I suggest L’Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Vitamino Color Shampoo that helps to lock the color but makes it vibrant. Because this style is a combination of pastel and blonde coloring, regular use of a purple shampoo will stop brassiness and maintain the pink and lavender hues at their original colors.
Personally, I think this look is an absolute showstopper. It’s perfect for those who aren’t afraid to stand out and want to try something whimsical this summer. The pastel pink gives it a youthful finish and the roots in contrast really make the colors pop even more.
Bold Blonde Streaks
This blonde balayage style is all in all bold contrast and precision. With dark brown roots that are deep and dark and give way to thick platinum blonde streaks that run from the mid-lengths to the tips, it’s the ultimate statement look. This is the ideal way to rock summer highlights for anyone who likes a little edge to their style. The long layered brunettes have movement and the blonde highlights frame the face beautifully making it the perfect choice for someone who wants to make their hair color pop.
To maintain these blonde streaks fresh and cool-toned, I’d recommend the use of a good purple shampoo so that the unwanted yellow tones can be canceled out. Fanola No Yellow Shampoo is my go-to. It helps to eliminate the brassiness while retaining your blonde hair bright. Don’t forget about at least a weekly deep conditioning treatment to keep the moisture and health of your hair intact, especially processed with bleach.
I believe that this style has a strong presence and radiates high fashion vibe. Whether you’re entering a room or taking pictures for Instagram, this look will definitely catch eyes. It’s bold and daring, but still undeniably stylish.
Golden Blonde Summer Glow
If you want summer highlights that cry out sun-kissed and glamorous, this look is for you. A natural dirty blonde hair color base is easily blended into golden balayage with brighter ends. The natural waves go well with the warm colors, making this style easy going but polished. Whether you’re heading to brunch or a beach day, this style screams effortless chic with that perfect golden summer glow.
For a golden balayage like this, it’s important to keep the color nourished and protected. I suggest Pureology Hydrate Shampoo to preserve the warmth within the highlights and keep it smooth. For shine add a certification conditioner such as Oribe Supershine Moisturizing Cream which will smooth the hair and lift the richness of the golden tones.
Personally, in my opinion, golden balayage suits perfectly anyone who enjoys a natural, but polished look. It’s the kind of style that can take you from the office to a weekend getaway with ease, and it always feels fresh and vibrant.
Sunset Ombre
This sunset ombre look is as beautiful as it is described. It begins from dark roots and fades to caramel and platinum blonde highlights (a la sunset colors). The waves will add texture to this look making it seem soft and dreamy. The ombre blonde balayage is 100% perfect for those who would like to add some summer highlights with a little bit more drama. The contrast of dark to light colors make this look pop and high impact.
To make the platinum blonde as it should be, I suggest a deep conditioner such as Kerastase Nutritive Masquintense to bring moisture back and stop your hair from becoming dry or brittle. Also ensure before heat styling using a color protecting spray to keep the ombre’s vibrancy.
This sunset ombre is really something that would grab attention, and I really like the way it mixes warm and cool colors so nicely. It’s what anyone who wants to get out of their comfort zone and get a statement in their hair will love.
Subtle Blonde Ends
If a more subtle summer highlight is preferred, this style has soft platinum blonde ends which gradually fade into dark brown roots. The beachy waves really emphasize the light ends and a low maintenance color makes it effortless chic. This is that type of hair that is always trending but not screaming for attention—it’s ideal for someone whose style would be best described as laid-back high style.
For platinum blonde ends to stay fresh, I would recommend a sulfate free shampoo such as Amika the Kure repair shampoo. It will gently cleanse while keeping your color intact. Using a leave in conditioner will also help keep the strands hydrated particularly with the summer heat.
I love this style to death because of its subtlety and ease. This is perfect for all who don’t want to bother about regular touch-ups or harsh color lines. The ombre effect develops naturally, which makes it a perfect choice for low maintenance people.
Embrace the Warmth with Sun-Kissed Blonde
Radiant blonde highlights that merge with natural hair color easily form the look that this style is about. The hair is layered long with a soft wave to give the hair a dimensional feel of the blonde highlights. Subtly running through the hair, the blonde shade will give you a beachy, sun-kissed feel that will get plenty of attention wherever you go. It’s a flawless choice for anyone looking to capture that effortless, laid-back summer style. The natural dark roots of the model, complimented so nicely by light blonde tones, make for a fantastically seductive contrast.
To keep this beautiful blonde shine intact, you’ll need some maintenance. A sulfate free shampoo and a purple conditioner can do wonders to keep brassiness at bay and keep your blonde cool and neutral. You can use a hydrating hair mask such as the Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector, to help retain a healthy hair while avoiding frequent hairstyles’ damage. If you’re receiving these highlights, keep in mind that maintenance is a must, and salon visits every few weeks will maintain them.
From my personal experience, I always love the way blonde highlights brighten up a look—it’s like a quick way to add a little sunshine to your life. If you’re not sure, begin with some gentle highlights and become bolder as you become more confident. It’s all about getting that perfect balance of brightness without feeling too “overdone”.
Rich Caramel and Honey Highlights for a Soft Look
Next in line is the beautiful caramel and honey blonde blend. These warm tones are a fantastic option for people with darker hair that want to introduce some softness and warmth for the summer. Both the face and the hair have therefore been littered with the highlights, creating a natural and plutonically sophisticated, appearance. Slowly retreating from deep tanking caramel roots is a light honey highlight, which makes a fantastic contrast. This look works great for those who want dimension without being too light.
Caring for these highlights requires a little extra TLC. I suggest using a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, if your hair is dry. L’Oréal Paris EverPure Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner are excellent choices to keep your hair hydrated, while protecting the color. For styling, use a light weight styling cream to give texture without making your hair heavy.
For me, this look screams summer glow. The glow of the caramel highlights complemented by the honey tones even gives a glow to the face on cloudiest days. Plus, it’s a low maintenance option – you can leave your natural roots to grow in without fear of harsh regrowth lines. It’s the kind of effortless beauty we all crave for summer.
Bold Burgundy with Blonde Ends for a Fun Twist
If you’re in the mood for adventure and want to make a statement, then a surprising burgundy-to-blonde ombre is definitely for you. This is bold and fabulousness: deep burgundy at the roots fading to platinum blonde at the ends. The flowing hair waves make this color combo become even more dynamic, and the boldness of the hues is screaming. This look is ideal for those who could use a statement, but at the same time, nothing is more stylish or chic.
To maintain this color combo, maintaining your hair healthy is a must. A color protecting shampoo like Redken Color Extend Magnetics will guarantee the color burgundy and blonde remain rich and brilliant. Also, remember a deep conditioning treatment every two weeks so your strands stay hydrated and you won’t lose them from breakage, especially on the lighter ends.
Personally, I find this look super fun and playful. It’s bold but not too loud and I really like how it blends two unexpected colors so smoothly. If you’re in search of something unusual but easy to maintain, this might be your perfect summer hairstyle.
Long, Dark Locks with Bold Blonde Highlights
For the more classic, but still want to stand out, dark brown hair with bold blonde highlights is the way to go. The rich, dark brown base gives a wonderful, deep contrast to the blonde highlights, the long flowing hair is the ideal place to show off this dynamic look. The blonde highlights are artfully placed to frame the face, and to draw focus to your features, and you’ll feel glamorous and chic.
To keep this look, you may want to use a color safe shampoo and a leave in conditioner that will help to protect color treated hair. I have discovered that Pureology Hydrate Shampoo does a fantastic job of locking color in and keeping the hair hydrated. In addition, a nourishing serum can prevent your blonde highlights from drying or becoming brittle in time.
In my case, this style has a certain elegance about it. It’s eternal, but the blonde highlights add just the right amount of freshness and vibrancy to the classic dark hair color. It’s a bold choice that’s still incredibly wearable. If you’re looking to make your hair feel refreshed without stepping too far outside the box, this could be your perfect match.
Blonde with Dark Brown Accents: A Contrasting Look
If you’re going for a contrast look, try combining blonde with dark brown accents. The long hair on the model has deep brown undertones, combined with the lighter ones, which is an aggressive yet soft ‘do. The secret to this hairstyle is the dramatic difference between the dark roots and the lighter, brighter blonde ends. This style will suit both straight and wavy hair and it will be perfect for different hair types.
When it comes to taking care of this hairstyle frequent salon touch-ups are key to maintaining fresh colours. Color protecting shampoo is a must, and I would also urge for a heat protectant while styling to protect the blonds’ strands. An It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In leave-in conditioner will give you extra shine and protect your hair from environmental stressors.
This look is somewhat wow factor, wouldn’t you agree? The dark brown and blonde combo feels luxurious and bold, but it’s also surprisingly versatile. Whether you’re going for a sleek, straight look or soft waves, this color pairing can do no wrong. In addition, the contrast truly brings out the brightness of the blonde, and makes it stand out even more.
