Transform Your Look with These 10 Summer Hair Color for Brunettes Highlights Ideas!
Summer is the perfect time to refresh your look, and what better way to do that than with a stunning new hair color? If you're a brunette, highlights can add depth, dimension, and brightness, giving you that effortless sun-kissed glow. Over the years, I’ve experimented with different hair colors and techniques, and I’ve learned that the right highlight can make all the difference.
In this article, I'll walk you through 10 trendy summer hair color for brunettes highlights ideas that are perfect for this season. Whether you want a subtle glow or a bold transformation, there's something here for everyone!
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1. Sun-Kissed Blonde Highlights for a Natural Glow
Blonde highlights are the ultimate summer look! If you want a natural, sun-kissed effect, go for subtle blonde streaks throughout your brown hair. This look mimics the natural lightening effect of the sun, making it perfect for beachy summer vibes.
Best for: Medium to long brunette hair
Maintenance: Low – touch up every 8-10 weeks
Pro Tip: Use a purple shampoo to prevent brassiness.
2. Balayage Grey for an Edgy, Modern Look
Grey balayage is a daring, ultra-modern trend that adds cool, ashy tones to dark brunette hair. It’s perfect for those who want to experiment with a high-fashion color while maintaining a low-maintenance look.
Best for: Cool-toned brunettes
Maintenance: Medium – touch up every 6-8 weeks
Pro Tip: A sulfate-free shampoo helps keep the grey vibrant.
3. Caramel Ombre for a Sweet, Dimensional Look
Caramel ombre is warm, rich, and perfect for adding softness to dark hair. This look starts with darker roots that gradually melt into golden caramel ends—giving you a luxurious yet effortless summer style.
Best for: All brunette shades
Maintenance: Low – grows out beautifully
Pro Tip: Use a deep-conditioning mask weekly to maintain shine.
Product Recommendation: Moroccanoil Treatment
One of my go-to products for keeping highlights silky and healthy is Moroccanoil Treatment. It nourishes hair, reduces frizz, and enhances shine—perfect for color-treated hair.
Get it on Amazon: Moroccanoil Treatment
4. Dark Ombre Caramel for a Sultry, Mysterious Vibe
If you prefer a more dramatic ombre, try dark caramel tones that add warmth to deep brunette locks. This style is perfect for a chic yet sultry transformation.
Best for: Medium to long hair
Maintenance: Medium – touch up the transition every 8 weeks
Pro Tip: Avoid excessive heat styling to keep the color fresh.
5. Ombre Short for a Chic, Playful Change
Short hair doesn’t mean you can’t rock an ombre! A soft, blended ombre on a bob or lob creates an edgy yet feminine effect, making it a standout summer trend.
Best for: Bobs and lobs
Maintenance: Low – grows out seamlessly
Pro Tip: Texturizing spray enhances movement in ombre short hair.
Product Recommendation: Byrd Sea Salt Surf Spray
For tousled, beachy waves that complement ombre short hair, try Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray. It gives your hair that effortless summer texture without weighing it down.
Get it on Amazon: Byrd Sea Salt Surf Spray
6. Blonde Long Layered Highlights for an Effortless Summer Glow
Long, layered hair with blonde highlights is a timeless summer favorite. This style adds movement and dimension, making your hair appear fuller and more voluminous.
Best for: Long hair
Maintenance: Medium – requires toner every 6-8 weeks
Pro Tip: Layered highlights look best with soft curls.
7. Trendy Balayage for a Dimensional, Sun-Kissed Look
Balayage remains a top trend for a reason—it’s low-maintenance, natural-looking, and perfect for summer. The hand-painted technique gives your hair a custom, blended effect that grows out beautifully.
Best for: All hair types
Maintenance: Low – minimal root touch-ups
Pro Tip: Avoid washing hair too often to prolong color vibrancy.
Product Recommendation: Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector
If you want to keep your balayage hair healthy, Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector is a must-have! It strengthens and repairs damage from bleaching and highlights.
Get it on Amazon: Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector
8. Dark Brunette Highlights for a Subtle, Luxurious Shine
Not a fan of light colors? Dark brunette highlights add subtle contrast and dimension without drastic changes. It’s perfect for a classy, natural-looking summer refresh.
Best for: Deep brunettes
Maintenance: Very low – touch up every 10+ weeks
Pro Tip: Gloss treatments enhance shine and depth.
9. Short Caramel Highlights for a Warm, Playful Style
Caramel highlights on short hair add a touch of warmth and brightness, making them ideal for summer. The golden hues complement olive and warm skin tones beautifully.
Best for: Pixie cuts, bobs, and lobs
Maintenance: Medium – touch up every 6-8 weeks
Pro Tip: A heat protectant spray keeps caramel tones from fading.
10. Trendy Blonde Face-Framing Highlights for a Modern Refresh
Face-framing highlights, also known as the money piece, instantly brighten your complexion while keeping the rest of your hair natural. It’s a trendy and effortless way to refresh your look.
Best for: All hair lengths
Maintenance: Low – occasional touch-ups needed
Pro Tip: Pair with soft waves for maximum effect.
Conclusion
Changing up your hair color for summer is one of the easiest ways to refresh your look. Whether you opt for subtle sun-kissed tones or bold balayage, there’s a highlight style perfect for every brunette.
I hope this guide has inspired you to try something new! Have a favorite summer hair color for brunettes highlights idea? Let me know in the comments!
Ready for your summer transformation? Book an appointment with your stylist or grab one of the recommended products to maintain your gorgeous new look!