The sun is blazing, vacation plans are on the horizon, and your hair? Well, it's only crying out for a makeover.
This year it’s all about playing up the depth of the browns and checking off that the skin is basking in the sun. But here lies the dilemma how do you maintain a brunette base and still achieve that beachy brightness? From sun dulled ribbons to icy stark contrasts, summer hair color for darker shades is sure to turn heads in 2025. Whether loose, flowing waves are your thing or sleek layered cuts, there’s a highlight blend for every brunette that makes you glow under every sultry sunny gaze.
How about finding out which version of summer hair color for darker shades with highlights sun kissed blonde, brown or even pink is your favorite? Let us look at some summer styles which will definitely make you reach for your wardrobe and are eye grabbing enough to bookmark them.
Fluffy Waves with Messy Toned Highlights
This deep chocolate base melts into lighter shades through the flowing mid lengths highlighted with dreamy soft tones. The contrast is bold but apologetic and gives a strong soft refined look without loosing any heat. The flow of highlights, simulating where beams would naturally hit hair after a few weeks at the beach, is what places this style into a class of its own.
This works best with medium to long hair and compliments naturally darker brunettes who wish to lighten without becoming blonde. It provides immediate movement and dimension, particularly when styled in subtle waves like these.
This is perfect for someone who does not want a dramatic change but still wishes to enjoy a summer boost. This looks great on those with warm-toned olive skin but is equally as easy to wear for cooler undertones when toned properly.
If standing-out without an overly bold look is what you seek, this version of a summer color balayage on brunette hair might become your new favorite.
Sandy Beige Highlights with Feathered Layers
In this picture, we admire a seamless flow of warm light brown melting into sun-kissed beige blonde reminiscent of Malibu beach cafe aesthetics. The layered cut enhances the feathering of the highlights, adding soft and radiant movement.
For brunettes desiring effortless upkeep and a striking look, this is ideal. This hue strays to neutral-warm, perfect for those avoiding frosty shades. When exposed to natural light, it radiates with golden hour warmth.
The hairstyle itself has an effect–like soft, face-framing angles, and wispy layers that add lightness to the overall silhouette. This haircut works well for everyday looks, and even more glamorous when styled.
Brunettes are especially served with highlights this summer with a splash of sun-kissed brown hair—who wouldn't like looking so natural, gorgeous, and effortless
Short & Radiant Balayage Blend
This proves the point that "short hair don't care" since there's so much play to do with short hair. Consider a shoulder grazing haircut. This can be elevated by strategically placing highlights in the mid-lengths and ends where dark roots give way to lighter golden shades.
The color used for the tips is buttery blondes, and the ashy undertones serve contrast. Both hues together created a modern blend of summer hair for brunettes with highlights and warmth. This cut is straight, refined, and smooth, yet still retains the youthful spirit.
Brunettes who sport this style without too much maintenance will find the vibrant shades flattering on bobs or lobs. The forgiving grow-out means the colored hair will fade to the softened natural roots which enhance the look.
Effortless and bold are two words that describe this style summer hair color, while still being easy to style. Paired with quiet waves or flat-ironed for a sleek look, this style carries you from brunch to the boardwalk.
Beach Blonde Energy with Face-Framing Brilliance
This one is all about drama- the good kind. Sand to platinum blond highlights illuminated along the face and front top sections of the hair to give an inner glow and accentuate the features. The shadow of the roots gives it that freshly touched up flourish, depth and softness without hard, blunt lines in the root.
Ideal for the bold buinette, sun kissed blonde highlights perfect for summer. For hightlights, this leans platinum face framing but still maintains a multi tonal soft back.
This is a winning combination for warmer complexions, particularly striking on layered, mid length, arepa styled hair. Not to mention stunning in waves and straight.
Ranging from a dark brown base to bright tips gives it a lively mixed color. Perfect for the urban side, blended with the beachy effects this gives off. This is the color that turns “Who did your hair?” into a normal question.
Golden Beige Waves with Dimensional Shine
This hair is all about smooth, flowing movement. A warm, soft brown base with golden highlights create striking looking dimensions. The waves add height and body which is expensive looking, sun-kissed hair without the high-maintenance price.
It's the most popular option for brunettes who want to maintain warmth while still being radiant. These hues accentuate the neutral to warm skin types and provide a sunkissed illumination that nearly shimmers in sunlight. Not too light, not too dark, but just enough for that golden hour glow.
The highlight placement is purposeful, shifting mid-lengths and ends to create multi-tonal shimmer. This type of style is the best when in motion, like strolling on the beach or having brunch on the patio.
This sits firmly in the running for summer hair colors for brunettes highlights sun kissed brown hues, blending beach vibes with luxe charm.
Brunette base with rosy blush accents
This is where things become more interesting. Soft rosy pink highlights stand out against a medium brunette base for a chic and flirty twist. It is not Ina bold choice but it is also not subtle. The color placement is strategically face-framing with soft curves that reflect underlying movement of the hair.
This option is for the risk-takers and ward off chic glamour. It updates the traditional highlighting idea, which is perfect for people with creative professions or anyone looking for a contemporary youthful splash. Soft waves or other casual styles make this statement look shockingly easy to wear.
If you are looking for something unconventional and out of the box, this one is it. Sunkissed pink highlights scream summer hair for brunette. The look is extremely edgy, radiant, and sure to start a conversation.
Don’t forget, pink shades tend to fade quicker so grab a bottle of color-protecting shampoo if you want to keep it bright longer.
Trimmed Mid-Lengths Rosé-Toned Elegance
Understated and timeless, this muted rosé shade is an enhanced version of pink brunette balayage highlights. The delicate stripes bring polish and dimensionality while still keeping the overall look sleek and sophisticated. Imagine blush wine mingling with twilight in the summer.
Best suited for those who appreciate subtler hues yet want some vibrant elements while still wanting their color to ring clear. Sharp upcoming contours are ideal for mid-length cuts and straight textures creating a layered illusion accentuating every motion.
The highlights simply enhance, not overpower, the base color. This is astonishing balance. Perfect for someone who wants to test being a brunette without fully committing to bold colors.
A suggested hue for summer hair highlights for brunettes is sun kissed pink which feels chic, soft, and showcases Parisian inspiration. A mix of dreamy and daring.
Beach Blonde Melt with Long Layers
Now this is the definition of sun-kissed. So warm and buttery, the highlights melt effortlessly from a dark golden root into sandy Beach Blonde ends. The gold, flowing layers give that “just got back from vacation” look that everyone loves.
This color combo thrives and is amazing on the long, tousled layers, adding bounce and brightness without weighing down the base. These color combinations work wonders on naturally wavy hair.
What makes this color blend so effective is the contrast, bringing a fresh tan, making eye colors pop, looking ready for an instant camera shot. Bold enough to be seen, but subtle enough to grow gracefull is how the blend is approaching this scenario.
A dreamy representation of summer highlights for brunette hair is sun kissed blonde, ideal for free-spirited sun-seekers.
Defined Curls with Butterscotch Accents
These curls are living their best life. Curls with butterscotch highlights that twirl are bursting with brightness, they give definition and dimension over a rich danish brunette foundation. It is all about highlighting texture, not masking it.
This color placement works best for people with naturally curly or coily hair, as it requires little maintenance while still being exceptionally vibrant. It softens the face shape by framed features and enhancing the brightness near the ends.
This style not only embraces curl pattern, but also works exceptionally well for a wide variety of skin tones, which increases its versatility. It provides that sought after warmth, bounce, and sun-kissed glow.
For the world of summer hair colors for brunettes, this highlights sun-kissed curly hair—effortless, bright, and completely confident.
Mushroom-brown With a Soft Glow
This stylish haircut combines a soft, neutral-toned brunette and gentle summer radiance. The overall tone leans toward a mushroom brown with fine highlights adding light without overwhelming the base. It’s that, “your color but more elevated” vibe—polished, chic, and extremely wearable.
Brunettes who desire a subtle summer glow will find this shade to be the perfect fit. It flatters cool and neutral undertones while offering a modern take on classic brown. The light-reflecting pieces positioned around the face add just enough brightness to soften the features.
The layered, tousled style adds texture while maintaining smoothness—this comes off as unpretentious but put together. For those that prefer to air-dry their hair, this look is perfect. It can also be enhanced with a big-barrel curling wand for added glam.
A Summer hair color for brunettes that highlight sun-kissed brown and is perfect for understated elegance.
Layered Caramel Flow With Volume
Sleek brown roots smoothly transition to soft caramel mid-tones, with brightened ends, all through air light face-framing layers. This blend creates bounce and movement, especially in a medium-length style, making it a perfect fit for those who crave volume.
This shade works effortlessly to provide volume and texture to finer hair strands without looking overly done. Warm coloring coupled with light, round brushed styling is a classic for anyone who’s looking for lift and fullness.
This is one of those hairstyles that have an “I woke up like this” vibe but still skims the line of polished. The best part? This suits nearly all complexions, and the warmer ribbons add life and glow to your skin.
Worn stunningly tucked into the summer hair color for brunettes, highlights sun-kissed family, this style is chic, welcoming, and flattering in every angle.
Light Bronze Layered Luxe
Here we have a toned-down sun-kissed bronze that gives luxury without center stage. The lighter blonde highlights are diffused just enough to keep things smooth. The darker base also adds depth which softens the overlying color. The layering helps build body and gives the ends that bouncy, swishy effect we all adore.
This shade pops beautifully on those with medium to light brunette bases wanting something softer. This color is perfect for summer because it brightens the look without venturing into the territory of high-maintenance blonde.
And grows out lovely as well, making it ideal for anyone with travel or packed schedules. It’s the type of hair that appears wonderful with only a blowout and some shine serum.
This falls right under summer hair color for dark brunettes highlights sun kissed blonde, but with an older, softly golden twist.
Deep Brunette with Mocha and Ash Blend
Bold, dimensional, and full of depth—this color is a dream for brunettes wanting richness without going red or gold. Mocha and ash brown streaks blend seamlessly over a dark base, offering contrast and texture that feels bold yet polished.
Well-placed highlights can make darker tones feel fresh and bright in summer, like this sink-into summer look. The curled finish gives it that red carpet wave without too much work.
This shade works perfectly on deeper, cooler undertones and suits more tanned skin, but works on a wide variety of complexions. Best of all, it’s extremely low-maintenance and low upkeep.
If you’re looking for something that falls into summer hair color for dark brunettes highlights sun kissed vibes, this is a beautiful, contemporary choice.
Balayage Smoky Blonde for a Striking Summer Refresh
Ending beautifully with a light, icy blonde balayage that elegantly melts from a deep ash brunette, this stays true to form with a cool tone. This summer smokey masterpiece is great for brunettes who want a striking summer refresh that is a bit edgy.
The flattering gradient effect has no harsh lines which makes it even more magical in soft waves. It looks especially magical in soft waves where each highlight catches the light differently. Fantastic for those who prefer cool undertones and bold contrasts.
Even with the blonde finish, this works best for transitional seasons allowing darker roots to be blended for a sophisticated brunette identity. Pair it with a center part or curtain bangs for that 2025 It-Girl look.
This one belongs solidly in the sun-kissed blonde group for summer hair colors for brunettes, but with a cool twist for those ready to step out of the warm zone.
Champagne Blonde Blend on Long Waves
This look gives off an effortlessly elegant look with the ash-toned brunette roots relating to the blended champagne blonde mullet which works perfectly for long hairstyles. The head also appears to feature a diaphanous cool-toned champagne blonde which are blended into the ashy brown roots simoultaneously blended into one another in a balanced and shining summer hairstyle. The colour appears diffused, yet distinctly dimensional, especially in soft, sculpted waves.
This works wonders for vintage brunettes who are toying with ditching the dark hues while keeping the brightness and overall effect understated. The cool undertones are flattering for fair to neutral complexions, almost giving a mythic gold-silver gleam under sunlight.
This is designed for those who revel in movement and glam but do not want hands on maintenance. It works particularly well on textured layers and loose curls to achieve that effortlessly tousled finish that is becoming so trendy this 2023.
Choco-mocha Waves with Platinum Pops
Head turning and fun, the look combines a rich chocolate base with icy platinum strands shimmering throughout, all together making this multi-dimensional masterpiece. Substantial ultra-light strands layered throughout the waves add stunning definition and contrast to each curl.
This is perfect for people who want to decently stand out. It's striking against medium to deep skin tones and adds an artistic edge to your standard brunette tones, albeit beautiful on naturally wavy hair which brings shape with the high contrasting streaks.
While the look is bold, it is surprisingly easy to wear. Best with layered cuts, it grows out beautifully keeping the appeal intact—hello, built-in dimension.
For brunettes, the sun-kissed summer hair color is alarmingly interpreted as highlighted with a bit of a punk edge.
Ashy Brunette with Money Piece
This short to medium bob is of deep ash brunette with a lightly blonde money piece. It is still a contemporary classic. This highlight framing technique, which is known as ‘money piece’ still reigns supreme in 2025, gives brilliance and contrast without the need for highlights all over the head.
The look goes very well with slight waves or pretty straight hair. This is perfect bronzed summer switch up for a brunette, but the risk is considerably low. The ash undertone keeps it cool and sophisticated, good for anyone who does not want warm and brassy finishes.
This cut and color combo goes with everything from office to beach attire -- that’s how versatile it is. If effortless color that enhances one’s natural tone is what you’re after, look no further than this.
This one sits tidily in the realm of summer hair color for brunettes highlights sun-kissed short, providing blunt style with the least amount of work needed.
Creamy Root Melt with Flowing Honey Ends
The creamy honey-blonde lengths of this rooted style starts fading from a dark mocha brunette. The gradient blended is butter smooth creating an almost ombre effect that looks flawlessly blended. The mid-shaft dimension still adds warmth and brightness while the low maintenance roots keep everything effortless.
Perfect for the brunette looking to lighten up without a maintenance-heavy schedule at the salon, this technique adds the illusion of volume and texture. It is stunning on long layered locks, creating soft cascading light-reflecting strands.
The honey tones beautifully balances out summer skin while enhancing a tan to brighten your overall vibe. Gorgeous with beach waves and polished curls.
This is a go-to summer color refresh for brunettes—highlights are a sun-kissed blonde. Low-effort, high-reward color.
Smoky Soft with Defined Ribbons
Last but definitely not least—this smoky brunette style features soft, icy-blonde ribbons that enhance waves and frame the face. The base is a neutral and slightly cool-brunette that anchors the whole look.
This is a chic urban adaptation of the sun-kissed effect. Refined yet with a rebellious undertone. Highlight placement provides dimension and brightness, while maintaining a cool-toned overall look.
It’s stunning on medium to long hair, especially when worn voluminous at the crown or layered out mid-lengths. Think model-off-duty with some downtown chic.
Completing the collection with a stylish touch, this final look rounds off the collection with a stylish exhale.
Wavy Ombre Platinum For a Relaxed Summer Aesthetic
In case you were looking for a bold aesthetic change for the summer, look no further than platinum ombre. This hairstyle begins with a soft brunette base and icy blonde waves, giving the signature suncut vibe, but with a twist. There are no harsh lines or marks, just fluid motion that captures sunlight beautifully. This look works wonders for drawing attention to the cheekbones and brightening the face.
This look appears effortless, and the soft, sculpted waves really take it to the next level. Hair styled with a curling wand or soft rollers gives bouncy, airy curls that feel romantic. This look is perfectly balanced for casual summer outings, more formal events, or any other type of summer gathering. The long, soft layers retain length while providing shape.
This color does a particularly good job of standing out, and is perfect for any occasion. Whether you're enjoying brunch at a rooftop or attending a wedding at the beach, some platinum hues paired with frameworks and natural waves will get you noticed. Plus, for those with easier styles, the ashy tones help eliminate haziness and means this look won't age too quickly. Simply adding purple shampoo to your routine is all that is required.
Smoky Blonde Highlights with Tousled Layers
For those who want to indulge in a more sultry summer vibe, smoky blonde highlights virtually soften the look. This color combines cooler tones, such as ash brown and beige, with ribbons of silver to create a timeless and trendy finish. It’s refreshing upgrade from warm golden blondes because it is bold yet easy to wear.
A muted-silver blonde chunky toner enables change whilst still keeping the wearer subdued. Paired with the right outfit, this hairstyle shifts the style from frumpy to chic instantly.
The true charm of the look lies within the air-dried waves done sparcely with a blow dryer. Pillow waves can be created by layering the hair in such a fashion that is wispy. To achieve added body without weighting down the hair, some spray volumizing adds to the lift and dry texturising boosts the body.
Wouldn’t it be great if one could look good without even trying? Keeping this style means it’s become supercharged for time-poor women who want to look styled without any effort. Soft enough for weekdays and sharp enough to hang out at night, these lightweight tones bring the right amount of structure for work and chill vibes. Best yet, anyone looking for effortless, big changes in minimal effort will rejoice that smoky blonde works with nearly every skin tone.
Smooth Fade Beige Balayage on Lob Cut
Balayage is a hairstyle technique that is always in vogue. Getting a beige balayage combines summer elegance with chic, especially when styled on a long bob. It subtly surpasses the shoulders, striking that sweet spot of length needed for versatility around hair styling. For brunettes, the beige shades complement the underlying locks beautifully and serve to soften the creamy gradient while enhancing the depth.
Balayage also offers additional benefits, including a lower maintenance color and a more effortless upkeep routine, which means more time spent enjoying summertime. The color casts also change to a warm shade which is good when basking with a tan hence perfect for summer. Balayage tint provides soft glowing aid on complementary skin tones, particularly on fair skin. Soft waves add a relaxed sophistication which elevates the look tremendously, automated serving elegance with a bronzed summer vibe.
This style gives freedom whether worn glammed with full-on curls. A relaxed nonchalant look can also be achieved with casual messy side flip. With every styling option, understated goes a long way and is simply chic brings the braid to youthfulness. Baldy tubing framed with relaxed band hints of bright summer with ease. Decodes graceful and balanced sophistication without taking sexiness to new heights. It's classically modern and a must-have summer hairstyle for 2025.
Curls with Ashy Blonde Dimension
Been dreaming of turning heads like a model off duty? This ashy blonde combination is overflowed with elegance. Deep brown roots softly blend into muted blonde, emitting an ombré look that is seamless, striking and natural at the same time. As the hair is deliberately soft colored, the harnessed blow lifts the spirit without washing anything out.
What truly captures the essence of this hairstyle is the use of S-shaped curls, or those elegant, long curls that flow in alternating arrangements. Contributing to the movement and volume of a hairstyle, they elevate the artistic nature of braids. The curls cascade towards the shoulders, generating softness while retaining a voluminous silhouette that is both chic and natural.
This color concerns the people with cooler undertones, or those hoping to eliminate and neutralize brassy tones. It works best when paired with clean lined minimalist outfits — think crisp white, neutral colors and silver complements. All it takes to make this style effortless is a little bit of shine serum and voila! It can confidently be said to keep all summer long camera-ready.
Face-Framing Highlights on Warm Brunette
Face framing highlights can go a long way in elevating a warm brunette's effect. The soft golden highlights are purposely positioned in the front so they can amplify the facial structure, add brightness, and deliver a flattering spritz of bronzed refresh. The refresh in color requires low commitment and skimp on fashion at the same time.
Without harsh lines or contrasts, the highlights are blended deftly within the rest of the hair, producing a softer dimensional effect. This helps maintain an effortless and natural look which is ideal for those who wish to have some color without the attention. Additionally, the color highlights gorgeously compliment natural waves, bobs and long layers. The warm highlights also soften light and make the hair appear fuller and healthier.
This shade works best for someone trying color highlights for the very first time or for someone wanting a mellow seasonal change. It is chic and easy to upkeep, and flattering enough to be worn for work, weekends and everything in between. For shine, add gloss treatment and your hair will sparkle under the sun.
Soft Blonde Balayage Waves
These soft blonde balayage waves are perfect for the summer 2025 season as they offer a natural sun-kissed appearance. The combination of warm and cool tones creates a multi-dimensional effect, while the loose curls give volume and movement to the hair. The sun-kissed ends of the waves offer a striking contrast to the natural root color, letting the hair grow effortlessly and maintain low upkeep.
This hairstyle is ideal for those with medium to long hair and suits different base shades. This looks great for someone who wants to change up their style without regular maintenance. The positioning of the lighter highlights accentuates the texture of the waves, especially when it is sunny outside.
For better softness, shine, and hold of the curls, use lightweight mousse and a wide-barrel curling wand. Finish with a sea salt mist to keep the breezy, windswept allure. This casual style radiates refined charm whether you’re going to brunch or spending a day at the beach.
Chic Tapered Brunette Bob with Subtle Highlights
This chic and tapered brunette bob speaks of understated sophistication. It is cut right above the chin, showing off the jawline and neck which is perfect for draping quirk earrings or subtle necklaces. The soft layering along with precision ends gives the bob structure and movement while still being polished.
The ash-brown base is mixed with soft mushroom and mocha hints, giving the hairstyle depth and richness. This versatile shade behold both timelessness and trendiness, most especially with cool skin tones. The highlights sit so subtly that they barely whisper contrast, further enhancing the softness of the bob.
In achieving the hairstyle, blowing dry with a round brush tightly held around the sides will guarantee the under-chin curves. Also, the use of flat irons on the ends elevates sleekness. Adding the right smoothing cream will prepare you for anything from corporate meetings to night outs.
Edgy Textured Lob with Platinum Highlights
For the lob (long bob) style, this edgy 2025 platinum-highlighted cut may spark inspiration. This style has shoulder-length soft and feathered layers for movement. The ash brown base is also bold with icy platinum streaks.
The pretty mix of chic and trendy platinum highlights are perfect for framing the face and drawing focus to the eyes and cheekbones. The vibrant color streaks can be a playful accessory that elevates the style for a bold statement. The style does feature darker roots which will add to the forgiving grow-out period and low-maintenance appeal.
To style, use light-hold mousse with a texture spray when air-drying to define the layers. Gentle waves with a flat iron can also be added for a more modern look. The hairstyle is best worn with statement accessories and streetwear.
Warm Blonde Lob with Soft Gradient
This warm blonde lob gently gradients from a soft brunette base to golden honey blonde tips. It’s a classic summer look that exudes warmth. The medium-length cut is A-line, and falls slightly below the collarbone at the front, elongating the neck and framing the face. The cul gives volume and bounce, especially when styled with loose waves, and flatters just about every face shape.
This technique is ideal for anyone wishing to lighten their hair without a full blonde dye. It's understated and great for summer brunch or evening garden parties. To keep this glow, purple shampoo should be used to tone the blonde ends while a moisturizing mask keeps the hair’s moisture full. Light curls with the ends held to the cuff and shine spray complete an effortless glamorous look.
See Through Highlights with Ash Brown Lowlights
The tousled bob is the best ‘cool girl’ haircut we’ve seen so far for summer 2025. Its base is a deep warm brown covered with ashy lowlights and gentle highlights for added dimension and interest. The cut rests right at the nape of the neck, with a lot of internal layering to encourage volumetric lift and depth.
With fine and medium hair, this hair cut works exceptionally well as it gives lift without looking heavy due to the fine layers. This option is also ideal for those moving from long hairstyles wanting modernity without extreme change. The look is effortlessly polished, perfectly effortless blended for casual and elevated settings—just how we like it!
Style with a diffuser for the undone bedhead look, or add soft bends with a curling wand. Matte texturizing spray will deepen the modern, lived-in feel. Stunning for day to day activities, this hairstyle does not fall flat and is perfect for every occasion.
Conclusion
Ranging from delicate sun-kissed blonde highlights to vibrant pink and deep brunette hues, these summer hair color ideas for highlighted brunettes pay attention to bringing warmth and effortless beauty to your 2025 look. No matter if you prefer it short or long, curly or sleek—there’s a perfect sun-kissed shade waiting for you. Get ready to change your style this summer!
