While it may seem that blondes have all the fun when it comes to summer hair colour transformations, I’m here to tell you that there are so many summer hair colours for brunettes too. Brunettes have an equally exciting and chic palette to play with—from sun-warmed caramels to espresso glosses. If like me, you’re a brunette to your core but are ready for a seasonal switch-up, consider this your cue to book that salon appointment. I’ve been saving a Pinterest board full of hair colour inspiration, and I’m sharing my notes with you.
If you look at the summer hair trends in recent years and now, it’s less about drastic overhauls and more about nuanced shades and clever colouring techniques that bring out the best in your natural tones. Think soft brunette balayage for a subtle sun-kissed effect, rich chestnut and cinnamon glazes to enhance depth, or face-framing highlights that create brightness without a full all-over dye commitment.
Whether you’re considering balayage or want to add barely-there babylights for that effortless “just back from holiday” effect, there are multiple hair colouring techniques, such as foilayage and hair glosses, to offer bespoke finishes with low-maintenance upkeep. Ready for your seasonal refresh? Scroll ahead for all the brunette summer hair colour inspo to take to the salon.
Summer Hair Colours For Brunettes
1. Golden Hour Ombré
Daisy Edgar-Jones may be my favourite hair crush of all time (she’s the only person who could ever influence me to try a fringe) and her hair colour from last summer remains rent-free in my mind. If you’re naturally brunette or have a medium-brunette base already, opting for a golden ombré hair colour is an easy way to bring lightness to your hair in the summer season.
In fact, it’s one of the trends that hairstylist and trend forecaster Tom Smith predicted would be huge this year. “[Ombré is] characterised by a gradual fade from one tone into another, unlike dip-dye, which has a harsher transition, or balayage, which is a technique that gives more of a highlighted look,” he says. “The great thing about this colour is that it makes available any shade to any skin tone because you can keep a flattering tone near your face and fade out into a bolder shade. It’s also great to add blonde into darker hair with a super low maintenance result—no roots at all.”
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