Summer hair color can be summed up in one word: colorful. From the usual sandy blondes and blonds to bright hues like neons and pastels, the warmer months always bring some life to our hair choices.
But if you love bold hues, don’t worry. This summer, celebrity hair colorist and Redken brand ambassador Laurie Heaps suggests you should also consider embracing your softer side. “We’re leaning toward warm, natural, sunny tones,” says Heaps. “Don’t go too extreme, just soft [and] believable colors that enhance your natural vibe.”
At the start of summer, the world is your oyster, at least when it comes to hair. To inspire your new look, we asked the pros what colors they predict will be trending (and exactly how to get them). Take this ultimate hair color guide to get you through the hot summer months.
Soft Copper
Copper hair is all the rage, but this summer, Heaps says it’s taking a more subtle turn. For summer 2025, soft copper is going to be the oyster. “It’s not as bold as red,” Heaps says, “and it gives you that warm, sunny glow without being too overbearing.”
Cinnamon Gloss
In keeping with the soft copper hue, Heaps suggests opting for a product like Cinnamon Gloss to enhance your natural hair color. “It’s not about going all red, but adding soft cinnamon tones to dark brown or dark blonde hair to add depth,” she says. To keep your hair healthy and natural, she recommends using products like Redken Acid Shine Shampoo and Shine Conditioner, which can help keep your hair shiny and bright between touch-ups.
Golden Sunset
Summer is the season for blonde shine. Heaps says golden honey blondes are especially good for creating a beachy, sun-kissed vibe. “Think of soft, buttery blonde with a sheen,” she says. If you want a more natural look, she adds, you can blend your naturally dark roots with lighter ends. “This season’s color is about embracing your skin tone, not covering it up,” she says. “Accentuate without being overpowering. If your hair color looks like it’s been sun-kissed or looks like you were born with it, you’ve got it right.”
Espresso for Living
Heaps describes espresso as a deep, dimensional hue that gently ombres around the face, making hair look natural yet elevated.
Spice Rum
As spring turns to summer, we’re moving away from bubbly mint juleps in favor of something a little more summery—like rum punch served in a tall tiki cup. Of course, it wouldn’t be a tropical cocktail without a punch of rich spiced rum. While we’re at it, let’s get a shot or two in our hair. “I love this color because it’s simple and elegant,” says hair colorist Kirsten Stuke. She predicts this warm, coppery dark brown will be a big hit this summer. Naturally, dark hair is easier to maintain, of course, while blondes and redheads might have to run back to the salon every four to six weeks to get their roots retouched.
Blonde Brunette
If Lady Godiva were riding nude around town today, her waist-length hair would undoubtedly be this flowing dark brown with caramel gold highlights. “This trend adds warmth and dimension to dark brown, giving it a natural summery glow,” says hair colorist Lysa Carrillo. She suggests using a warm dark brown base with soft blonde highlights.
“This is best for people with naturally dark hair who want a smoother effect,” adds hair colorist Jessie Shumway. “Maintenance after the initial highlights is simple. To take the color a little further, simply book a gloss treatment.”
Charcoal Brunette
Not pure black and too mysterious to be a simple brunette, charcoal is a sexy cool hue with gray undertones. “It’s perfect for summer because a lot of dark brown hair can turn reddish when exposed to the sun—this cool hue can neutralize some of the red,” says hair colorist Lauren Myrdis.
But be warned: If you have light hair, visiting the salon for touch-ups every four to six weeks is non-negotiable, she says, because your roots will stand out compared to dark brown hair.
Barely There Pastels
These barely-there pastels are Ladurée’s macaron-like hair color. These colors start with a white-blonde base, then just a few splashes of color: Pick your favorite: lavender, pale pink, or mint. “I would ask your stylist to choose a semi-permanent, transparent shade so it’s easy to transition out when you’re ready to go back to your original color,” says hair colorist Philip Foresto. He also notes that these colors are extremely high-maintenance, so light touches are key.
Creme Brulee
Creme Brulee hair dye is like buttery blonde, but slightly smudgy for a warm brown hue. If you think you have three or four shades of blonde in one head, you’re really mistaken. “This is a multi-toned blonde that uses lemon, gold, and bronze bases throughout the hair,” says hair colorist Diana Myrdice. “Using multiple colors creates depth and makes hair look thicker.”
Sand Blonde
“These blonde tones have subtle, dimensional reflections,” says hair colorist Richy Kandasamy, who suggests opting for vintage-inspired highlights mixed with different shades of brown. Bonus: It’s easier to maintain than the creamy blondes that dominated Hollywood last season; dark roots add depth.
Ultralight
If highlights are high school cheerleaders, shimmer is the glamorous French exchange student. The effect is subtle and quiet, yet mesmerizing. “It’s just a few soft amber dots,” says Diana Myrdice, who thinks the color looks especially beautiful on wavy or curly hair.
Soft Black
There’s Wednesday Addams black (no offense), and then there’s soft black: a soft-touch hue that’s just shy of the darkest black on the spectrum. It’s sexy without being too harsh. Mysterious without being inaccessible. Deep without being glamorous. “If you want your hair to stay dark, ask for a one-time treatment,” says hair colorist Maria Joseph. “If you want to go lighter, ask for a gloss, which will naturally soften after each wash and make it easier to grow out.”
Color Blocking
Think of color blocking like your sun and moon signs. Incorporating every hue of your personality into your hair will make a confident statement. “You can play with everything: blonde, red, dark brown, or a creative, trendy color. It’s very versatile and it works for you,” Joseph says.
“The look can be symmetrical or asymmetrical. You and your stylist can have fun together and work out a good placement,” she adds. But if a full-on coloring like Billie Eilish and Hari Nef is too much, try some high-contrast highlights, “like light platinum on dark or black hair,” says hair colorist Anthony Garcia, adding that the effect can have an anime or manga vibe.