What is more naturally sexy than perfectly placed brunette highlights in the summer sun? Whether you’re craving a soft caramel glow or want to try bold contrast ribbons, this season’s hottest hair moves are all about dimension, warmth, and glow. I’ve rounded up my favorite Brunette Highlights for a Sun-Kissed Look – Summer 2025! so you can scroll, save, and get seriously inspired. Ready for your glow-up? Let’s dive into this year’s most irresistible color ideas.
Effortless Waves with Grown-In Glow
There is something so magnetizing about these dimensional, natural, soft waves – a combination of dark roots that slowly blend into sandy, blonde hair ends. It feels undone, yet intentional. The type of look that says, ‘Yes, I woke up like this,’ but with the Pinterest-worthy polish. This is a prime example of Brunette Highlights for a Sun-Kissed Look – Summer 2025! — subtle yet radiant, airy yet grounded. And the length? Medium, with just the right amount of bounce so that the light could catch on every strand. She is wearing her hair as she wears her trench coat: relaxed but styled, classic but totally now.
If you are going for that “did she just spend a week in Malibu?” finish, maintenance is critical. These highlights are on the edge of toned and carefree, so I am a fan of suggesting the dpHUE Gloss+ in “Light Brown” to keep the brunette base rich, while letting the highlights shine. A nice purple or blue shampoo rotation on a weekly basis can cancel out any brassiness that is creeping in under the summer sun.
I’ve done it myself; it is forgiving, flattering and makes you look alive even on the laziest days. Celeb colorist Nikki Lee usually says that low-maintenance color does not mean low impact, and I could not agree more. Particularly in the month of July when everything melts but your hair should be perfect.
What makes this feel especially now is the balance. It’s not platinum and it’s not basic. It’s caramel, light, a little “I might own linen everything”, and completely wearable whether you’re a city girl or heading for sand between your toes.
Butter-Soft Midlights with Contour Blending
There is an elegance about this mid-length look that is almost sculptural – like your favorite espresso with whipped cream. The hair moves in thick, polished waves, outlined by a buttery sweep of latte and caramel tones against a rich dark hair base. It’s dimensional without screaming for attention. The texture is satiny, the part is precise, and it outlines the face with the facility of perfect lighting. This look has salon-written-all-over-it vibes.
Moisture retention is the game with such a full head of hair and gently curled. I’m always going for the Oribe Gold Lust Oil — it locks in the hydration and provides that low-key gloss without making anything heavy. And if you heat-style, a ceramic barrel iron and a thermal protectant such as the Color Wow Dream Coat is a non-negotiable pair.
This combination of colors brings me back to that first iced latte after a heatwave – refreshing, comforting, somehow needed. I’ve found that it works especially well on straight hair and loose curly hair, as well — the versatility is insane.
It is a great choice for those of us who are not yet ready to go all the way blonde, but are in need of that lifted, summer hair color energy. Think of it as your entry glow — a palate cleanser before fall’s deeper hues take over.
Polished Honey Ribbons with Face-Illuminating Curves
This is the hair version of a golden hour selfie – easy to light, softly contoured, and full of movement. The brunette highlights for a sun-kissed look – Summer 2025! show up here in high-definition, with partial ribbons of caramel and honey sweeping through chocolate-toned layers. The blowout is luxe but casual and can be paired with a blazer or go to drinks after work.
You’ll want to keep the tone of this look fresh – particularly with the UV exposure in summer. I take the IGK Mixed Feelings Leave-In Blonde Drops on my word. A little bit into your conditioner or mask and it evens out the highlights without the need of a trip to the salon.
When I do my hair like this, I get that “you look rested” comment. Like… no, I’m not sleeping more, but thank you! That’s what a well-placed highlight can do. I have read somewhere that Tracey Cunningham says great hair color should whisper, not shout – this is that whisper.
The curved shape of the volume around the jawline makes it so flattering to so many face shapes. If you want hair inspo color that is a mixture of elegance and approachability, start here.
Airy Chocolate Lob with Flipped Ends
This is the moment of short hair, and it is everything — elevated French-girl bob with a toasted marshmallow twist. The chocolate base is hot and welcoming, while the blonde tips curl outwards like little exclamation marks. There’s so much personality in the texture: light, bouncy, and never too done. It is a daring but friendly way to lighten up for summer.
To prevent the ends from drying out or flipping too far into the retro territory I use the Kérastase Nutritive Nectar Thermique. It provides the perfect glide while blow-drying and saves from the heat-styling drama.
This is one of those hair dye ideas that will be effective regardless of whether you are going for a change from longer locks or you simply want a more defined silhouette. It feels intentional. Structured. But not stiff. The flipped-out ends? Total mood lifters.
If you are in need of refreshing your routine or just losing some weight for warmer days, this airy lob ticks all the boxes – style, lightness, trend.
Beachy Latte Length with Breezy Texture
This might be the softest serve in our lineup. Think summer tan, oversized tee, and hair that has the right amount of breeziness. These brunette highlights for a sun-kissed look – Summer 2025! lean into that effortless blonde-meets-dark blend, kissed with latte and light mocha tones that float throughout mid to long lengths. There is bounce at the ends and loose texture through midshaft to tips – the kind that makes you feel a bit cooler just by walking.
When styling soft textures like this, less is more. I scrunch in a little bit of Bumble and Bumble Surf Styling Leave-In and leave it to air dry – or twist a few sections with a large barrel wand if I’m pressed for time. The goal is lived-in, not layered-on.
This color provides just the right amount of lift to brighten without completely deserting your natural shade. I have been wearing something like that all the last August and can confirm: it’s the best thing to looking tan without tanning.
Those strands which reflect when you turn your head at brunch? That’s what this look delivers. It’s hair that moves — and glows.
Sunlit Curtain Contour with Soft Volume
This is the type of hair that makes you want to stay in the doorway for a second longer – all warm mid-brown depth with blonde hair-kissed ribbons catching the natural light. There is a juxtaposition here of the softness of the layers and the boldness of the highlighted curtain bangs. Everything is natural, but it’s so well thought out – this is the right way of doing hair color ideas for that summer-refreshed elegance without being too trendy.
In order to keep this soft flowy texture, I would recommend using a featherlight styling mousse, something like the Moroccanoil Volumizing Mousse, particularly for those of us with fine or straight hair. It lifts just enough without stiffening up the look. And always comb those waves out with a wide-tooth comb when you are done showering.
Honestly? This one’s on my mood board for mid-June. There is a glow about this place that makes you feel on vacation even when you are only going out for iced coffee. When I interviewed LA-based stylist Matt Rez in a color Q&A last year, he described this type of tone as “rich light” – not platinum, not beige – but a happy medium that flatters all skin tones.
It’s quietly transformative. You’ll be sun-kissed even on a cloudy Monday, and that is basically the point.
Golden Face Frame on Bold Brunette
If you have ever wanted a splash of sunshine without the whole deal of going blonde, now is the time. The contrast between the dark hair and those brilliant partial highlights at the front is giving some serious “glow up in one sitting”. The cut is a classic bob with the movement at the ends, but the color is what makes it scream summer. I love the way in which the dimensional panels accentuate the eyes and cheekbones. No contour needed.
I suggest Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother for this type of sleek, short finish – it keeps the hair looking moisturized without taking the sheen out of those sunlit streaks. And if you’re heat styling every day, don’t forget a UV shield, think of it as sunscreen for your strands.
This technique, which has sometimes been called “money piece” highlights, is adored by colorists such as Chris Appleton for a reason. it’s high-impact, low-maintenance. You will not believe how much it can brighten up your appearance until you try it.
Great for bold babes or anyone who’s flirting with change but not quite ready for a full head of foils.
Buttercream Curls with Vintage Vibes
There is something about this that’s just dreamy – soft, clearly defined curls that bounce into a curtain of blonde hair thrown over a muted natural brown base. This is the type of summer hair color that seems to go with vintage sunglasses and a floaty sundress. The blend between tones is seamless, like marbled buttercream. These curls? Easy but very “put together” and the length makes it feminine, but not too precious.
Curls like these need moisture — lots of it. I always reach for Briogeo’s Curl Charisma Leave-In and follow it up with a bit of curl cream from Ouidad. Don’t brush through them once dry. Let them live.
Personally, this one gives me serious old-Hollywood-in-the-Hamptons vibes. If you have curly hair or you prefer a heatless styling, this palette is your bestie.
It’s wearable glamour with zero pretension. And who doesn’t want that?
Espresso Layers with Warm Reflects
Let’s talk rich depth. These long layers cascade like espresso poured over a cold glass — deep, luxurious, and totally mesmerizing. The dark background is gently filled with light gold-beige strokes which catch movement as the hair moves. This is for the girl who wants Brunette Highlights for a Sun-Kissed Look – Summer 2025!, but also wants something that transitions flawlessly into fall hair color later in the year.
This is a grow-out friendly style, therefore you do not have to get root touch-ups every few weeks. I’d still re-freshen with a gloss toner every 6–8 weeks — I suggest Madison Reed Color Reviving Gloss in “Cannella” for the same tone payoff.
I gave it a go last year and received more compliments in Whole Foods line than I’d care to admit. The movement and the contrast can add a lot to even the most simple outfits.
If you are on team long hair and looking for a subtle drama, this one does it.
Vanilla Swirl with Luxe Volume
This style is the height of volume and color extravagance – chocolate and vanilla swirled into one show-stopping style. The shape is very layered to create volume from the root to the tip and the blonde tones are soft, seamless and unapologetically bright. The base still comes across as brunette, which adds a little rooted texture to the overall look and keeps it down to earth. This is your high-glamour summer hair color moment.
This one requires a round brush and a volumizing blowout spray – I am currently addicted to the Living Proof Full Dry Volume & Texture Spray. You’ll get movement without crunch, and it really pumps those dimensional tones.
You do not have to be blonde to go bright, and this is the proof. I spotted a similar version of this look on someone leaving Nine Zero One salon in LA and screenshotted it straight away.
For the people who want a little drama, a little luxury, but are still wearable — this is your hair fantasy come true.
Cocoa Flicks with Soft Curtain Bangs
You know that time when you are stuck between being bold and lowkey? This is the answer. This is a short hair cut with softly feathered chocolate ends that are layered with honeyed caramel streaks over a rich dark brunette base. The curtain fringe is used to frame the face with just enough softness, and the overall cut gives bounce and polish. It is one of those perfectly in-between styles that are modern and timeless at the same time.
To style, I’ve been going for the Color Wow Raise the Root – it provides airy lift at the crown and keeps that volume in place all day without getting crunchy. These ends enjoy a bit of flip-out action with a round brush, and a spritz of dry oil spray is that silky swing.
This is a good candidate if you are looking for a summer change-up that grows out easily. “Structure creates freedom” – once said celebrity stylist Anh Co Tran, and this cut follows this rule. It moves, it frames, it lifts.
It’s dimensional, chic, and just flirtatious with sunlight.
Amber Ombre for Sunlit Curls
If you are looking for your perfect summer hair vibe that is fun, glowing, and unapologetically blonde, this look is about to go straight into your saved folder. The curls are soft, beachy, and tumbling from a warm cinnamon-brunette root into a glowing amber-to-blonde fade. This is the kind of summer hair color that improves with the growth, emulating that natural lift from the season in the sun.
These soft waves are best done with a diffuser and a lightweight curl balm – I use the Aveda Be Curly Curl Enhancer on damp hair and let it do its thing. The goal is that lived-in, toned, never-too-polished finish.
The thing I like about this look is the depth it keeps close to the roots. You are not leaving your natural base – just seasonally upgrading it. In addition, it is ideal for straightened appearances as well as for curly hair days.
Low effort, high glow. That’s the whole energy.
Vanilla Blonde Vintage Bob
This bob is straight-up silver screen magic. Softly curled ends are brushed through by creamy, toned blonde ribbons, ideally complemented by deeper root shading that gives depth and structure. There’s something so pulled together yet not at all fussy about the finish — think Grace Kelly if she summered in Malibu. It’s that combo of glam and coastal ease.
With this kind of short hair, shine and softness are all. I use the K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Mask as a weekly treatment – it’s a splurge, but believe me, the softness it gives is unreal. Finish with a flexible hairspray to hold the shape.
This is definitely a hair inspo color for girls who want brightness but still prefer cool, clean silhouette. The waves are soft and classic and the framing of the face is subtle contouring for your cheekbones.
It’s timeless — but totally 2025.
Espresso Balayage with Soft Glam Waves
When you want your hair to whisper sophistication whilst still turning heads — this is it. This full, cascading style is built on a silky dark base enhanced with brunette highlights for a sun-kissed look – Summer 2025! in creamy beige and soft caramel. The waves are loose, and they flow like summer breeze through long layers. There’s no heaviness here, just movement and shine.
To keep this looking glossy, I always recommend a satin pillowcase (yes, it really helps), and using the Redken Acidic Bonding Leave-In Lotion. It keeps moisture and helps to resist heat and humidity.
To me, I have always been attracted to this type of luxe volume. It gives you the liberty to style less as the color itself does most of the work. The balayage placement adds that effortless elevation.
It’s the look I’d be in for a rooftop dinner and carryover to the next morning’s latte run.
Feathered Shag with Smoky Contrast
Now for something a little edgier. This is a feathered, face-framing, and airy-moving cut – a throwback shag, but upgraded. The dimensional hair color works with smoky mushroom brown and blonde-ash ribbons to give that rooty, moody lightness that is so cool right now. You’ve got volume at the crown, messy layers to the ends and a curtain of soft bangs to bring it all together.
This one thrives on texture. I am in love with the Kristin Ess Dry Finish Working Texture Spray – just mist and scrunch to make those layers come alive. You don’t want it too perfect. It’s about mood, not maintenance.
“Lived-in hair is the new luxury” – once said colorist Tracey Cunningham, and I totally agree with her here. It’s trendy, expressive, and allows for imperfection, which, in summer, is basically a gift.
Take this to the farmers market, to the office, or a weekend getaway – it adjusts.
Face-Framing Brilliance with Contrast Drama
The juxtaposition of a dark hair and a bright money piece has something magnetic about it. This sleek bob adds dimension to the face in a way that immediately brightens the whole face. The partial blonde streaks are not only highlights, but attitude. The cut? It’s a blunt bob that is timeless and trendy at the same time, especially with thick, structured brows and minimalist gold jewelry. This is one of those hair color ideas that are fresh, but still wearable – it flatters without calling for attention.
To maintain this kind of tone-on-tone effect, I would always advise a purple shampoo once a week to cancel brassiness in the blonde hair pieces. Fanola No Yellow is still a winner for me. And don’t forget: sleek does not have to be stiff – end with a light anti-frizz serum such as Oribe’s Power Drops.
As for me, I am a big fan of the way this look combines minimal effort and major payoff. It gives “I woke up like this” but still states “I know exactly what I’m doing”. Gregory Patterson (yes, the Sally Beauty stylist!) once said that “color placement is the new contour,” and this money-piece moment proves it.
There’s one more thing to love here: this style will allow you to grow out your dark base without panic. It’s commitment-light, and we love that for summer.
Soft Ombré with Latte Vibes
Long, messy and softly toned, this style makes those easy summer hair color dreams come true. We’re talking rooty brunette melting into light, latte-inspired ends – like someone stirred milk into cold brew and said “vacation”. The vibe is beachy, but city-approved, and it’s great for anyone who’s dipping their toes into the blonde hair pool from a darker place. The length provides you with choices – messy buns, high ponies or tucked behind the ear with sunnies.
If you are going for these long layers, then you will need to come in for glosses every six weeks to make sure that the dimensional tones are shiny and not dull. And yes, bond-repairing shampoo is a must – Olaplex No. 4 and 5 or it is not.
From personal experience? This was my gateway look into lightening up. It’s what I wore last July when I wanted to change but not to give up the richness of my brunette. It takes a great picture during golden hour, and trust me, you will feel like the main character every time your hair blows in the wind.
The only thing I’d add here if you’re feeling bold: a few caramel babylights around the temple area. Just enough to say “I’m ready for my iced matcha moment”.
Curly Dimension with Warm Honey Tones
This shoulder-length curly hair look proves one thing: volume and color go so well together. The waves embrace the face in all the right places, and those chocolate lowlights under honey-toned strands make for a dramatic halo effect. There is warmth, brightness and structure – all in one hairstyle. The center part adds to it that modern symmetry, but the texture keeps it playful and wearable.
Moisture is everything here. When you have this type of hair inspo color, you need to take care of those curls as silk. I swear by the DevaCurl CurlBond Mask – a post-wash routine that keeps the bounce and stops fade. Heat styling? Optional. Diffuser? Absolutely.
Truthfully, I admire this style for its personality. You don’t blend in with this look. You glow. And honestly? It’s ideal for those who are bored with flat curls and are looking for color that sings their ringlets.
One of the top stylists of Nine Zero One Salon in LA told me once: “The highlights on the curly hair should resemble the sun’s natural places – the halo and the crown.” And that little gem rent-free in my head whenever I pick my color.
Hollywood Blowout Meets Sunlit Balayage
Let’s talk summer hair color with maximum glam. These soft, dimensional waves mix blonde ribbons on top of a natural dark foundation and I swear, it’s like a blow-dried Malibu sunset. It’s polished but not too done, and the sweeping layers of the curtain add that signature bounce that we see in all the Pinterest saves. Basically, if your hair is to do the talking, then this is it.
It is not so much about the color with these kinds of hair dye ideas, but more about finish. You want shine, body, and a smooth cuticle. A round brush, Dyson Airwrap, and the Color Wow Dream Coat turn it into a red-carpet-worthy hair every single day.
I think that this is the look that turns heads at brunch. It says that you know your colorist by name and tip well. It’s also so versatile — throw it up in a clip and the light strands still peek out beautifully.
Want a little upgrade? Ask for a “ribbon highlight” technique — it’s more strategic and helps color sit in the layers for max reflectiveness. Thank me later.
Cool-Toned Contrast with Effortless Edge
This is for the bold girls — and honestly? I’m kind of obsessed. This short hair bob with soft black hair undertones and cool partial blonde streaks is a remix of the e-girl aesthetic, all grown up for 2025. The waves are undone and deliberate, the arrangement of the toned streaks is symmetrical but gentle, and the outcome is simply edgy elegance. This is not going to be for everyone — but for those who do, they will own it.
Color-safe toning shampoo is non-negotiable here. And if your hair has a tendency to frizz, I’d add in a little bit of IGK Mistress Hydrating Balm – just scrunch and go.
The reason I adore this look? It feels rebellious and refined. It’s unexpected but chic. It’s also surprisingly flattering on different face shapes – the contrast between light and dark gives lift.
And hey, if you’re leaning into this cooler fall hair color palette early, you’re not wrong. You’re just ahead of the game.
Textured Layers with Caramel Pop
This haircut is what I would refer to as the golden hour in motion. This style with its flirty curtain bangs, dimensional waves, and soft caramel tones melting into a natural brunette base is basically walking confidence. There’s form from the layers, of course, but it’s the color placement that gives it that shimmer — like your strands just got kissed by the sun itself.
Taking care of such a mix requires one to be up to date with hydration and toning. I apply Pureology’s Color Fanatic spray – it de-tangles, protects, and does not make the lightened pieces dull with buildup. You’ll also need a light weight curl cream for those days when you just let the waves do their thing.
What I adore about this look? It doesn’t try too hard. It’s fun without being crazy – it says, “I’ve got good taste and I’m not afraid to let it get a little bit long.” The curtain fringe softens everything and you know what, it is one of the easiest ways to look instantly refreshed.
In need of a glow up that does not involve a total hair makeover? This is it. A couple of well-placed pieces, and boom! – full summer goddess energy.
Retro Blonde Gradient on Dark Base
This style is an amazing clash of retro glam and contemporary edge. From dark roots to the icy platinum and lavender tips, this gives major 2025 trend alert. There’s volume, there is movement, and the color gradient is a mix of storm clouds and sunshine. Unexpected? Yes. Gorgeous? Absolutely.
This level of lift requires serious commitment. A great bonding treatment such as K18 is a must – and yes, a cool-toned shampoo is your best friend. I would also suggest a visit to your colorist every 6-8 weeks for a refresh. It’s bold color, and it deserves bold care.
I had a similar look in a transition-from-boring period in early spring and I swear – the confidence it provided me with was unreal. Everything felt a little more dressed up, even a hoodie. That is when you know that a hair change was right.
Wanting to go light but don’t want to leave your dark base? This might be your answer. It’s drama, but make it pastel.
Rose Latte Luxe
You know that shade that is in between blonde, latte, and a little bit of red? This is her. These long, easy waves are dripping with buttery transitions – no hard lines, no contrast, just warm, toned, wearable glam. The face-framing pieces provide the shape, while the subtle pink undertones whisper femininity without getting too fantasy.
To maintain those subtle hair dye ideas and not faded, I would suggest using sulfate-free color shampoo. Redken’s Color Extend Blondage is a sure thing even for these rosé-tinted locks.
This color truly brings to my mind my first salon moment after the pandemic. I walked out feeling reborn. If you are looking to dip your toes into the water with hair color ideas that are unique but not too out there, then this is a dreamy in-between.
Also? This works beautifully on every skin tone. Warmth without brass. Shine without flash. Summer, sorted.
Bold Placement with Contrast Ribbons
We’ve talked about subtle — now let’s get striking. This style overlays dramatic partial blonde ribbons over black hair, but does it in an architectural, but still feminine way. The exactness in the color placement creates the perfect framing of the face, the halo effect while leaving the rest of the mane deep and moody. This is not only summer hair color, this is a statement.
I always say bold placement deserves bold protection. This type of contrast is the most stunning when it is kept clean – so spend on glossing treatment such as dpHUE Gloss+ in cool blonde or platinum.
To be honest, this one is a love letter to fearless styling. My girlfriends have gone for this look before milestone birthdays or new beginnings – and it works every time. The regrowth is even chic if you request for a blended root melt.
Pro tip? Ask your colorist to feather the edges of the light pieces so that it does not look too graphic. Balance is everything here.
Soft Blend for Low-Key Glam
This is the style if you are looking for a slow-burn change. The rich chocolate roots blend softly into warm blonde ends, making a perfect fall hair color vibe that is still great in summer. It’s wearable, timeless, and so easy to style. The big, soft waves add that little extra polish without being too precious.
If your hair frizzes when it is hot or humid, this one is your friend. It’s layered, but not choppy, so the ends act out even when you air-dry. I love R+Co’s High Dive for styling — it gives moisture without weighing things down.
What I love most? This is “I just got back from the salon” hair – everyday. And yet, it grows out wonderfully, particularly, if your natural tone is on the dark side.
This is the transition look of dreams if you are not quite ready for platinum or red hair. Just enough light, not too much lift. It’s balance in a bottle.
