In the midst of summer’s heat, why not infuse your look with a burst of freshness and color? We often focus on updating our wardrobes when the weather shifts, but I find that a hair update can be just as impactful.
Whether you are looking for a subtle change or a total transformation, the right shade can make you feel polished even on the hottest days. Here are a few ideas that feel fresh now yet will transition seamlessly as the seasons shift.
1. Iced Brunette
If you want to keep your brunette locks but crave something a little more refined and sleek, this look is for you. Think of this as the brunette version of platinum blonde because it uses cool, ashy undertones to create a smoky and dimensional finish.
It is effortlessly cool and works perfectly for natural brunettes who want to switch it up without the commitment of going lighter.
This is also a fantastic option if you want a look that is chic but low maintenance regarding brassiness.
Keep those cool tones looking crisp with a blue or purple shampoo every other week. I also recommend using a shine serum to really make that icy depth pop.
2. Muted Auburn
Have you been wanting to try red hair but feel a little hesitant about going too bold? This muted auburn shade is the perfect gateway color.
It features a soft, earthy copper red that feels much more natural and wearable than a bright fire engine red. Picture a mix of cinnamon and terracotta that gives you a vibrant and spicy energy but in a very grown up way.
This looks absolutely stunning on warm or neutral undertones and you can customize it to be as subtle or bold as you like.
Since red tones can fade fast, make sure you grab a sulfate free shampoo. You can also use a color depositing conditioner to keep that rich hue looking fresh all summer.
3. Golden Hour Blonde
This shade is inspired by that magical time of day when the sun makes everything look absolutely glowing.
It mixes warm blonde with soft copper and caramel tones to create a luminous effect that makes it look like you are lit from within. It is the perfect choice for anyone wanting to add warmth and radiance without going fully ginger.
I love that this is soft yet vibrant and flattering on almost every skin tone, especially if you have golden or peachy undertones.
Ask your stylist for face framing highlights to really brighten the look. To maintain that glow, use a lightweight hair oil to enhance the shine.
4. Linen Blonde
If you are a fan of blonde hair but dread the constant touch ups, this might just be your dream shade. It is a soft and muted blonde with taupe and beige undertones that reminds me of sun bleached linen.
It is incredibly wearable and natural looking without giving off that fresh from the salon vibe.
This shade is trending because it is so low maintenance. It blends effortlessly with darker roots, especially when you pair it with a root smudge, so you avoid that harsh grow out line.
Use a purple shampoo once a week to keep brassiness away and consider a monthly gloss to keep it looking fresh.
5. Statement Pastels
Pastel hair is officially having a moment again in 2025, and it is more wearable than ever. We are seeing smoky lilac, soft peach, mint, and cherry cola hues popping up everywhere from Pinterest boards to festival lineups.
These shades are bold but diffused, giving them a dreamy quality rather than looking cartoonish.
This trend is all about self expression, whether you go full cotton candy or just add some pastel streaks to your bangs.
It is the perfect time to try something fun if you have pre lightened hair. Just remember that pastels fade fast, so use a color refreshing conditioner and avoid hot water.
6. Burnt Sugar Brunette
For my brunettes looking for a subtle upgrade, say hello to burnt sugar. This gorgeous shade blends deep chocolate brown with caramel gold highlights to create a glossy finish that looks rich and expensive.
It is essentially like if brown sugar and toasted caramel had a baby.
What makes this color so great is that it works with your natural brunette base instead of against it, so you don’t need a dramatic transformation.
It looks incredible in the sunlight and gives your hair that quiet luxury depth without going blonde. A sulfate free shampoo and a caramel toned gloss every few weeks will keep your color vibrant.
7. Calico Hair
If you are ready to make a serious statement, Calico hair is one of the boldest trends of 2025.
Inspired by the multicolored coats of calico cats, this look combines chunky sections of blonde, brunette, and red tones. It is playful, edgy, and ideal for the creative souls out there.
You will often see this paired with asymmetrical patterns or vibrant contrast panels that create visual interest from every single angle.
This look isn’t for the faint of heart, but it is perfect if you want your hair to be your personality piece. Since bold colors require more upkeep, make sure to refresh the brighter tones regularly with a gloss or toner.
8. Mocha Bronde
Can’t decide between blonde and brunette? You don’t have to with this option. Mocha bronde is the perfect in between shade that blends cool toned brown with soft, ashy blonde for a neutral and sophisticated look.
It is inspired by Pantone’s Mocha Mousse and has a latte like vibe that works for just about everyone.
It is a natural looking color that gives you depth and dimension plus a little bit of that sun kissed summer brightness.
This is especially flattering if you have a medium skin tone or want something that feels fresh without being over the top. Use a blue or violet toning shampoo every couple of weeks to keep the ash tones from turning brassy.
9. Apricot Copper
Apricot copper is the fruit inspired hue you didn’t know you needed until now. Sitting somewhere between peach, strawberry, and light copper, this shade brings a playful and juicy warmth to your hair that feels 100 percent like summer.
It is also a super fun choice if you are transitioning out of blonde or looking to try something new without going too dark.
To keep the color from fading too fast, use a pigmented copper conditioner. You should also protect it from sun exposure with a UV hair mist.
10. Honey Blonde
Honey blonde is one of those timeless summer shades that never really goes out of style, but it is having a major moment in 2025.
This warm, golden blonde is rich without being too brassy and gives your hair that soft, sunny glow like you have been vacationing in Greece for weeks. It is perfect if you want to go lighter without diving into icy or platinum territory.
Honey blonde flatters warm and neutral skin tones beautifully and is super versatile. You can go full honey or add it in as highlights over a darker base.
Use a color safe shampoo and try a weekly gloss designed for warm blondes to keep that sweet golden tone alive.