20 Must-Try Hair Colors That Stylists Can’t Stop Suggesting For This Summer

Summer is here, and it’s the perfect time to refresh your look with a new hair color! Stylists around the world are buzzing about exciting shades that complement the season’s vibrant energy. From sun-kissed highlights to bold fashion colors, this summer’s palette offers something for everyone, regardless of your natural hair color or skin tone.

1. Honey Blonde Balayage

Warm honey tones painted through the hair create a sun-kissed effect that’s low-maintenance yet stunning. The hand-painted technique means less visible roots as your hair grows.

Perfect for brunettes wanting to lighten up without the commitment of all-over color. The golden hues catch sunlight beautifully at beach parties and outdoor events.

2. Strawberry Copper

Redheads are having a moment! This vibrant copper shade with subtle strawberry undertones brings warmth to all skin tones. The rich, multidimensional color mimics natural redheads but with extra punch.

Celebrities like Sophie Turner have embraced this fiery shade, making it this summer’s hottest trend for those ready to make a statement.

3. Mushroom Blonde

Not quite brown, not quite blonde—this ashy, neutral shade offers the perfect balance for those who can’t decide. The cool-toned hue features subtle beige and gray undertones that look incredibly sophisticated.

Surprisingly flattering on most skin tones, mushroom blonde requires minimal maintenance compared to traditional platinum shades.

4. Pastel Lavender

Fantasy colors have gone mainstream, with lavender leading the pack for its flattering softness. This dreamy purple shade works beautifully on pre-lightened hair and fades into a gorgeous silvery tone.

The color looks magical in braids and updos, creating dimension that solid colors can’t match. Bonus: it photographs amazingly well for your summer social media posts!

5. Caramel Money Piece

Face-framing highlights in warm caramel tones brighten your complexion instantly. This targeted approach to color means less overall damage while still creating major impact.

The technique works on all hair colors but looks especially striking against darker bases. Many stylists recommend starting with just the money piece before committing to full highlights.

6. Vanilla Cream Blonde

Move over, platinum! This softer take on blonde incorporates warm cream tones that flatter olive and warm skin tones. The buttery shade feels fresh yet timeless for summer.

Unlike harsh bleach blonde, vanilla cream incorporates subtle lowlights for dimension. The result is a natural-looking blonde that doesn’t wash out your complexion in bright summer light.

7. Chocolate Cherry

Rich brown base infused with subtle burgundy undertones creates depth that’s both sophisticated and playful. The red tones become more visible in sunlight, giving a beautiful dimension to dark hair.

Unlike obvious red dyes, this subtle approach works well in professional settings while still offering something special. The color is particularly flattering on deeper skin tones.

8. Rose Gold Ombré

The perfect blend of pink and copper creates a metallic sheen that’s both trendy and flattering. Starting with darker roots that fade into a luminous rose gold minimizes maintenance.

The warm peachy-pink tones complement most skin tones beautifully. Even better, this color fades gracefully over time, shifting through pretty pastel stages before needing a refresh.

9. Bright Copper

Bold, statement-making copper is summer’s answer to feeling instantly more confident. The vibrant orange-red shade pops against sun-kissed skin and makes blue and green eyes stand out dramatically.

Celebrity colorists report unprecedented demand for this head-turning shade. The key to making it work? Multi-dimensional application with slightly deeper roots for a more natural grow-out.

10. Silver Smoke

Gray is no longer just for covering silver strands—it’s a deliberate fashion choice. This smoky, metallic shade ranges from light silver to deeper graphite, creating a cool, editorial look.

The urban-chic color works beautifully on short cuts and long layers alike. Maintenance is key, with purple shampoo becoming your new best friend to prevent unwanted yellow tones.

11. Butterscotch Balayage

Golden amber tones swept through brunette bases create a natural sun-kissed effect perfect for summer. The rich, warm highlights mimic what happens naturally after days spent outdoors.

Colorists love this option for clients who want noticeable change without dramatic maintenance. The soft blend of colors means roots grow out seamlessly, requiring touch-ups only every 3-4 months.

12. Denim Blue

Fashion-forward yet surprisingly wearable, denim blue offers a muted alternative to bright fantasy colors. The smoky, faded blue mimics well-worn jeans and flatters most skin tones.

Unlike vivid blues, this shade incorporates gray undertones for sophistication. Stylists recommend starting with darker denim at the roots that gradually lightens toward the ends for the most flattering effect.

13. Toasted Caramel

Brunettes rejoice! This rich, dimensional brown incorporates warm golden highlights that create movement without going blonde. The multi-tonal approach brings life to dark hair that can sometimes look flat in photos.

The subtle warmth brightens your complexion instantly. Celebrity colorists often recommend this shade for clients wanting natural-looking enhancement rather than dramatic transformation.

14. Peach Sorbet

Softer than pink but warmer than blonde, this delicate peachy hue is summer’s sweetest color trend. The pastel shade works best on pre-lightened hair and creates an ethereal, romantic effect.

Surprisingly versatile, peach flatters most skin tones by bringing warmth to the complexion. The color fades beautifully too, evolving through pretty apricot and blush tones before returning to blonde.

15. Espresso Glaze

Ultra-glossy, deep brown with subtle mahogany undertones creates dimension without obvious highlights. The rich, coffee-inspired shade looks incredibly luxurious when paired with a glass-like shine.

Colorists achieve this look through gloss treatments that enhance natural dark tones. The result is healthy-looking hair with depth that catches light beautifully, even without dramatic color change.

16. Buttery Blonde

Warm, golden blonde tones create a sun-drenched effect that screams summer. Unlike platinum or ash blonde, these yellow-based shades bring out warmth in the skin.

Celebrities like Margot Robbie showcase this natural-looking blonde beautifully. The key to success is incorporating multiple golden tones rather than a single flat color for authentic dimension.

17. Chocolate Mauve

This unexpected combination pairs rich brown bases with subtle purple-pink undertones for a sophisticated twist. The mauve tones peek through primarily when hair catches the light.

Perfect for brunettes wanting something special without going dramatic. The color looks particularly stunning on those with olive skin tones, creating a harmonious, flattering effect.

18. Sunset Copper

Vibrant orange-red tones reminiscent of summer sunsets create a show-stopping effect that’s gaining popularity. This bold, multidimensional copper incorporates hints of gold and magenta for incredible depth.

While definitely not for the color-shy, this head-turning shade photographs beautifully. Stylists typically recommend a gloss treatment between colorings to maintain the vivid intensity.

19. Platinum Pixie

Ultra-light blonde paired with super-short cuts creates a bold summer statement that’s both cooling and chic. The icy shade works particularly well on those with cool undertones and fair skin.

Beyond looking fashion-forward, the combination is practical for hot weather. Many stylists report clients choosing this dramatic pairing for both style and summer comfort.

20. Black Cherry

Deep, nearly-black base with rich burgundy undertones creates mysterious depth that reveals itself in sunlight. The subtle approach to red works beautifully for those wanting dimension without obvious color.

Low-maintenance yet distinctive, this shade flatters olive and deep skin tones particularly well. The color looks especially striking when styled in sleek, shiny finishes that showcase the multidimensional effect.