9 Trending Hair Color Ideas for a Summer Refresh

The start of summer signifies a change in seasons, warmer weather, and the coming of exciting festive seasonal activities that largely take place outdoors. It is for these reasons and more that many clients choose to change their hair color. In the same way that darker shades of professional hair color are more popular and fitting for the fall and winter months, lighter and brighter shades and sun-kissed locks gain popularity during the spring and summer seasons. However, the decision involves more than just choosing between dark and light shades. Here are a few color ideas for a new hair look this summer!

A Note on Professional Coloring

Working with an experienced colorist is the best way to transform your hair with vibrant, fresh colors that reflect summer’s energy. They can help you find the perfect shade to complement your skin’s undertones, ensuring your new summer look enhances your natural beauty. Leaving coloring to the professionals also leads to more predictable results than DIY dye jobs.

Now, let’s explore some fresh color options for summer! 

Nectar Blonde: This rich, honey-inspired hair color is one of the year’s hottest color trends — and for good reason. Nectar blonde hair is a different take on blonde hair and a breath of fresh summer air. The look is vibrant and summery, though it’s a bit darker and richer than traditional platinum blonde hair. The color is a mix of rich, golden blonde shades and creamy vanilla and beige highlights. Stylists should consider recommending this buttery, natural-looking blonde hair color to clients looking for a manageable and breezy blonde look.

Balayage: Balayage techniques dominate summer hair trends because of their natural-looking, sun-kissed effect. Unlike traditional foil highlights and lowlights, balayage involves hand-painting color onto the hair, creating a multi-dimensional effect that mimics the sun’s natural lightening effect on hair. It works beautifully on brown hair, adding depth and movement without harsh lines. And since it grows out gracefully, balayage is a perfect low-maintenance look for laid-back summer vibes. 

Brunette and Babylights: Blonde hair is not for everyone, and it’s certainly not the only hair color that’s good for summer. With so many brunette color trends popping up as of late, summer-inspired brunette hair is bound to be a stylish and highly sought-after look for the summer. A summer brunette shade might be a light mocha, shiny caramel or any other hue that embodies the lightness and brightness of summer. Use a salon developer and high lift color to add in a few golden honey babylights to maximize shine and dimension!

Bronde: Going bronde is a perfect middle ground for anyone who wants to lighten up for the summer without going fully blonde. Fusing warm honey blonde sections with a rich brown base color, bronde has a sun-drenched appearance that’s perfect for summer. The best part? This versatile brown hair color works with both cool and warm undertones. 

Playful Pastels: Summer is the perfect time to try out a bold, creative hair color. From the beach and the pool to music festivals and summer travels, a bright pop of color makes a stylish statement anywhere. Stylists who specialize in color should familiarize themselves with the year’s creative color trends, including how to create pretty pastel hair looks. Cotton candy pink, pale blue and dreamy lilac shades are some of the most popular, though pastel looks are only limited by the imagination.

These looks require touch ups and special care to keep the color looking lustrous and healthy, so stylists should recommend professional shampoo options and other hair products that will preserve the unique color.

Ombre Techniques: Ombre effects are especially popular during the summer months, and modern techniques have evolved to be more natural-looking than earlier versions. For summer, ombre hairstyles that gradually transition from a natural brown to honey blonde or caramel ends create a beautiful effect. This technique requires minimal upkeep, making it ideal for clients seeking low-maintenance color options.

Vibrant Red: While many people gravitate toward lighter shades for summer, red hair makes a stunning statement. From rich auburn to bright copper, red captures the fiery essence of summer sunsets. Strawberry blonde pairs well with fair skin, while deeper red tones complement darker skin tones. If you decide to go red, ask your hairstylist for suggestions on how to maintain the color’s vibrancy.  

Rose Gold: Rose gold is the perfect summer hue for clients seeking a unique, wearable look. This romantic blend of pink and copper creates a soft, feminine look that flatters most skin tones and works with a variety of hairstyles. For the most natural-looking rose gold hair color, start with a light blonde base and add pink and copper toners. This color can be a bit tricky to maintain, but an appropriate color-depositing conditioner will help preserve its vibrancy between appointments. 

Bright and Blonde: This summer’s best hair color trends represent cool, creative color combinations as well as a few tried and true shades. A bright bombshell blonde look is always a great option for summer and embodies the best parts of the season. Bright blonde looks range from traditional gold bombshell blonde locks to even lighter platinum blonde locks, which utilize cool and even icy tones.When deciding on a light blonde look, stylists should consider their client’s complexion and make recommendations for specific shades of blonde based on their skin tone. This way, the resulting look will bring a halo of lightness to the face instead of washing it out. To avoid brassiness or toning issues, stylists should make sure to use a professional purple shampoo in the salon and recommend one to their clients for post salon use.