A little sparkle in your hair can make you feel like you’ve been enjoying the golden hour all day. Whether you’re a beach bum or a city girl, this season’s brunette looks are getting a major glow-up. We’re talking sun-drenched, low-effort-but-high-impact highlights that bring warmth, softness, and just a hint of glamour. But not all brunettes are created the same—and that’s the magic. It’s the tone, the position and the energy that make the art special. Let’s dive into these glossy, summery shades that caught my eye (and honestly, stole my heart).
Bronzed Espresso Waves with Beachy Dimension
There’s something about this look that instantly reminds me of golden hour at the end of a long beach day. Although the dark espresso is strong, it’s the sweet caramel and bright champagne ash that make this blend stand out. Every highlight around the face seems to catch the light like sand reflecting from warm water and the waves? Soft, layered, and designed to move. It’s a style that seems effortless, but it actually took some effort to get right. A complete victory for summer hair color in 2025 is seen in the sun kissed look for brunettes.
To keep her radiant, this brunette requires a bit of extra care so she doesn’t look dull. I’d recommend Pureology Hydrate Sheer shampoo, as it gives your hair moisture and doesn’t make it feel heavy. I’d use Olaplex No. 8 once a week for extra bounce and shine and it really does make my hair look amazing.
When I used this style last July, my stylist advised me that it’s the placement that really matters, not only the tone. Instead of foils, she applied the balayage technique to give her hair that summery softness. Trust me, it was the best thing I did—it grew out just how I wanted it to.
If you want a look that’s both stylish and noticeable this summer, this brunette blend is the one to pick. It’s easy to take care of, but still feels luxurious enough to impress at brunch.
Neutral Cocoa Layers with Subtle Honey Ends
Let’s talk about understated glow. Almost no one notices the rich cocoa brown, but the ends are what make it really stand out. A little honey is added to make them taste like summer. It’s giving “natural brunette, but better.” The layers are long and smooth, so the style stays soft and elegant without appearing easy to do. Because honestly? That natural vibe usually takes a little effort.
Because this tone needs to shine, using a great serum is essential. I recommend Kérastase Elixir Ultime; a little bit on damp hair gives you a beautiful shine. I skip heavy oils in summer because they weigh things down and attract dust in city heat (learned that one the hard way).
I’ve always felt that summer colors can be lovely without being very bold. Some of the best changes you can get are the ones that appear like you’ve spent time in the sun. This color creates that effect just right—as if you spent May exploring vineyards or a beautiful fantasy.
If you’re looking for something soft, romantic and a bit French—it’s this. This is the one.
Golden Taupe S-Waves with Glossy Flow
I think of this shade when someone describes a luxury brunette. The roots have a taupe tone, but there’s a golden streak that appears in every section. It almost looks candlelit. The shape is made by soft S-waves that give the face a just-styled-but-not-stiff look. It’s the type of hair that turns a plain tee into a whole outfit. Effortless, warm, and quietly expensive-looking.
At times, this flavor can become too brassy when the water is wrong or the heat is too high. I add DpHue Cool Brunette to my routine every week or two to make sure the golden tones don’t take over. Using IGK Good Behavior spray helps your hair look good without damaging it.
A colorist I know on Instagram, @cassderosa, once pointed out that the best color is often that in-between shade, not just blonde or brunette. That really stuck with me. This tone? That’s the magic space.
If you hope for a color that will be complimented in elevators and remembered on Pinterest—you’ve found it.
Soft Ash Mocha with Vanilla Lights
Okay, this one is cool girl energy. The base of the ash mocha has a hint of smokiness and the vanilla on the face brightens everything up like sunshine on a stone. Waves are done to have bounce and texture, instead of being styled perfectly. It’s the kind of color you’d see on someone walking out of a Brooklyn café, iced matcha in hand, who didn’t even need to try that hard (but totally did).
Ash colors need to be cared for regularly to stop them from turning dull in the sun. I’ve been using Redken Color Extend Blondage (yes, even for brunettes with light streaks!)—it tones the ash and makes it pop again.
The first time I went ash-toned, I felt like my whole look improved just because my hair looked more mysterious. And paired with sun-kissed vanilla? It’s an unbeatable contrast.
If you’re not a fan of warm colors, this is the one for you to get that summer glow. It’s no secret that the combination of ash and vanilla is the perfect look.
Beach Bronze Balayage with Lived-In Roots
If summer had a signature brunette—it would be this. The color starts with deep, even roots and blends into a beautiful bronze balayage that has an airbrushed look. Each wave has a bit of warmth, just as sand reflects the sunset. There’s lots of movement, lots of excitement and a real sense of the easygoing California lifestyle. For sure, this is one of the most adaptable summer hair color ideas for brunettes I’ve come across lately.
A color like this is easy to grow out, but you still need your hair to shine. I suggest using Moroccanoil Color Depositing Mask in Cocoa every two weeks because it both conditions and revives your hair color like nothing else.
Last summer, when my colorist tried a similar look, she said I should avoid using oils and instead use salt spray and dry shampoo to keep the lift. I stick to that rule every time and it always does the trick.
This tone is bright, cheerful and easy to care for—just what we need in July. A nice cabana and a margarita would be all I need.
Face-Framing Honey Brunette with Creamy Balayage
This color is like receiving a warm hug when you see it. By using a dark brunette base, the golden-beige ribbons at the mid-lengths really stand out. The main reason this is so great is the positioning—those pieces that frame your face are key. They give you the brightness you want in the right spots, without washing out your whole head. It’s giving sunbeam, but in balayage form. A simple nod to summer hair color for brunettes is perfect for 2025 and it will never go out of style.
To stop this honey tone from turning brassy, I use Davines OI Shampoo and Amika Bust Your Brass Mask in rotation. One helps you feel relaxed, the other keeps you from feeling too warm. Bonus: neither strips moisture in this heat.
I believe this color is perfect for anyone who wants a warm glow, but still wants to stay close to brunette. It’s simple to put on, looks great on everyone and gets better with time.
This color looks great for both brunch and business meetings. Every time.
Sunlit Toffee Brunette with Boho Volume
It’s as if I’m in the mountains during golden hour, with its earthy, warm and textured feel. The main color is a medium toffee brunette and the highlights are added like shining threads. The messy, full texture gives the hair a natural, casual look that’s very cool. It’s beachy, yes, but also chic enough for city streets. Basically, it’s the Pinterest equivalent of looking like you just woke up perfectly.
Whenever I try this style, I always use texture products, especially when it’s warm outside. I rely on R+Co Trophy Shine + Texture Spray for this look. It gives your hair texture without making it lose its shine.
It looks especially lovely on those with warmer skin and matches well with a natural makeup look. I chose a similar color for a trip to Carmel Beach last year and the pictures? Chef’s kiss.
This look is sunny, easy to wear and can be used all season.
High-Gloss Walnut Brunette with Butterscotch Streaks
This is where chic meets structured. The color first appears as a cool walnut brown, but after that? Butterscotch streaks glide through the lengths like golden syrup. And the sleek styling? That shine says everything. It is a shade that reflects that classic, glamorous style that is still popular today—like a wealthy brunette meets a modern sun-kissed beauty. Brunettes will love this summer’s hair color trend which is all about sun kissed highlights.
I have found out the hard way that low-sulfate products are necessary for color like this. While Oribe Shampoo for Brilliance & Shine is a luxury, it’s well worth using if you want your hair to shine.
I really like that green is a great color all year, not just in summer. The warm streaks in the paint catch the light well, whether you’re outdoors or inside. It’s the kind of color you’d find at an office party that ends up on the rooftop.
If you’re looking for a clean, radiant and powerful look, this is the one for you.
Hazelnut Melt Balayage with Sandy Glow
This color is soft, subtle, and surprisingly fresh. The main color is a warm brunette and the balayage moves down into a natural-looking sandy champagne. It’s a combination that doesn’t shout but still manages to impress you. If you’re looking for a natural summer hair color for brunettes, these highlights are just what you need, without turning blonde.
I recommend using the K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Mask on a regular basis. Not only to maintain the tone, but to keep the hair’s softness and prevent frizz, especially since summer humidity is around.
Personally, I’m happy that I don’t have to reapply this tone very often. It comes on so easily and looks great on all types of skin tones.
If you want something that’s effortless, moves well and looks great, this might be the one for you.
Caramel Cream Brunette with Swooping Texture
Now this? This is the Pinterest girl brunette of 2025. The hair starts with a dark, cool base and ends in creamy caramel tones that add a little depth. The face-framing pieces? Strategically placed and sweeping in just the right direction. The whole outfit is luxurious yet it’s still very comfortable. It’s both comfy and playful—similar to wearing a button-down on a warm evening.
I always rely on L’Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Gloss Protect System to maintain a perfect caramel color without it turning orange. It gives your hair a professional and elaborate finish.
At one point, my stylist suggested, “Caramel it up if you’re not sure,” and I’ve found that to be true. She wasn’t wrong. This color suits every eye color and makes your face look warmer instantly.
This is the color that surprises people so much they wonder what kind of style you asked for. You know it when you see it.
Buttery Blonde Ribbons on Deep Brunette Flow
This color is the definition of contrast done right. The roots are left dark, providing stability and buttery blonde highlights run through the whole look like lines of sun. That’s the special “pop” that lights up your hair without making the brunette base too strong. It’s a fun look that also feels very chic and polished—definitely one of the best summer hair colors for brunettes highlights sun kissed 2025.
This blend thrives on moisture and tone, so I’d rotate between ColorWow Dream Filter (to detox dulling minerals) and a gentle brass-neutralizing mask every few washes. Trust me, it keeps the blonde buttery, not brassy.
I like that this tone is easy to style—you can wear it with beachy waves, sleek locks, curls or straight hair and it always turns out great. And that face-framing? It highlights your features without the use of a contour stick.
This color is for the ladies who want their hair to look bright but aren’t ready to go blonde. Just the right dose of drama.
Cool Beige Brunette with Wind-Tousled Texture
There’s something so naturally pretty about this tone. The base is a nice beige brunette and light beige highlights are added to give the hair movement and shine. There’s no loudness here, just a gentle, neutral look that reminds me of a week at the beach. The texture? Loose, lived-in, and airy. A great easy way to try summer hair color for brunettes is with sun kissed 2025 highlights.
If your water is hard, it’s a good idea to tone this tone from time to time. I use dpHUE Cool Brunette Shampoo once a week to make sure the beige doesn’t lose its shine.
It makes me think of the days spent on the road, breezy mornings and afternoons without makeup. It’s so easy to wear, just like the colorful version of a classic white linen dress.
If you don’t like spending much time on your hair but want it to shine, this is your solution.
Iced Mocha Ends on Cocoa Root Blend
This one makes a statement without yelling. The roots are always deep and cool, but those iced mocha ends? They turn heads. It’s an easy-to-use, blended look that looks professional, but can be worn every day. You might say it’s the brunette version of the icy blonde look, but it’s warmer and less likely to fade in the sun. Sun kissed 2025 highlights are a great way for brunettes to add movement to their hair this summer.
Since the bottom of your hair gets a lot of damage, a weekly repair treatment is essential. A shine spray like Kenra Shine Mist is a great way to finish off the style—this kind of tone looks great when it reflects light.
The reason this style is unique is that it mixes sharpness with elegance. It’s bold, but not too out there. And it looks amazing because of the root-to-tip blend.
Great for brunettes who are looking for a new look without having to go to the salon every two weeks.
Dimensional Root Stretch with Honey Swirl
Okay, let’s talk dimension. This style is a work of art—long roots turn into soft golden curls that play down the hair. It’s all about softness and fluid motion. The waves make the color reflection stronger, but even without them, this tone looks amazing. It’s a universally appealing summer hair color for brunettes, with highlights that look sun kissed in 2025.
After every wash, I’d recommend applying Redken Acidic Color Gloss Leave-In Treatment to keep the lift and color melt safe. It helps to keep everything inside protected and looking fresh, even when exposed to UV rays.
What I like about this style is how it seems like summer hair without much effort. It’s as if balayage already has a filter applied to it.
If you’re after a soft, elegant and seasonal look—this is it.
Soft Sandstone Brunette with Whispered Lights
This one is a whisper, not a shout. The hair is a soft sandstone brunette and the lights are gentle enough to catch you off guard. They look cool and almost like ash and the whole style is modern and minimal. There’s no big contrast here—just harmony. And sometimes that’s exactly what summer needs. A breath, not a bang.
This tone works best with shine-focused styling. I suggest using L’Oréal Professionnel Tecni.Art Liss Control Gel to keep flyaways in check and add shine. A heat protectant is essential, as it keeps your color from fading if you overheat it.
If you’re not ready for a bold hairstyle, this one is sure to appeal to you. It still feels new, just not loud.
It’s a great option for people who want to transition from a highlight or try color for the first time.
Bronze Root Fade with Toasted Ends
If summer had a color theme, it would look just like this. The roots keep their rich bronze color, while the ends become sandy and toasted, looking almost like they’ve been in the sun. It’s a medium haircut with soft layers and ends that are blunt, so it looks stylish and full. There’s something rebellious yet refined about it. It’s true that this matches the summer hair color for brunettes highlights sun kissed 2025 trend perfectly.
A little extra shine would look great here, so I’d suggest using ColorWOW Dream Coat before you dry your hair. It helps keep your hair looking sunny and prevents frizz, especially when the weather is humid in July.
I wore something like this last summer and was stopped by a mom and a makeup artist in Whole Foods. That’s how you know it’s working.
This is the vibe for anyone craving structure, edge, and that “it-girl who doesn’t try too hard” finish.
Cool-Toned Mocha with Vanilla Tipping
This is one of the most interesting differences I’ve come across. The majority of the crown and mid-lengths are cool mocha and icy vanilla tones appear at the tips and outer parts. It’s beachy, a little rock-and-roll, and absolutely Pinterest-board worthy. It’s that sharp contrast that makes this a great choice for summer hair color for brunettes highlights sun kissed 2025.
Try to stop your hair from turning yellow at the ends. I apply Fanola No Yellow Mask every two weeks to avoid it muting the brunette color too strongly. Balance is everything here.
I appreciate that this color is deliberate, but not too fashionable. It’s bold, but still wearable. You can pull it off at a meeting and at a rooftop party and feel great both times.
Great for the girl who wants to show off her summer tan with a little edge.
Soft Cinnamon Brunette with Velvet Curls
Let’s take a detour into warmth. This look is so cozy yet seasonally appropriate. The cinnamon spice in the brunette base is soft and not very noticeable. The curls give the hair a lot of texture, so every bit of light catches and makes it move like you often see in hair ads. Although it’s traditional, it can be quite charming with the right setting. Brunettes can find summer hair colors for 2025 that don’t rely on blonde—as this example shows.
This color loves light-reflecting sprays. Give Bumble and Bumble Invisible Oil UV Protective Dry Oil a shot—it protects, moisturizes and gives your hair the shine that makes people wonder if you’re using a filter in real life.
When I see this shade, I picture lazy Sundays, almond milk lattes and your favorite knit over your swimsuit at sunset. Warm, inviting, and totally wearable.
It’s designed for people who prefer softness to contrast and it’s just as beautiful.
Golden Blend Brunette with Natural Fade
This one nails the “barely touched” highlight trend. The color starts out dark and then fades into a golden hue that seems like summer just before it ends. It’s soft, subtle, and incredibly believable. The styling is chill too—those waves? They’re just enough to show off the depth. Brunettes will find it easy to wear this sun kissed 2025 highlight for summer.
If you don’t visit the salon every 6 weeks, this look is right for you. If you use Amika Color Lock Leave-In Conditioner, your hair tone will stay fresher and your mane will remain soft between washes.
If you love natural, this is your summer color. It doesn’t announce itself—but people notice. Quiet beauty is power too.
This color is perfect for every age, every time of year and every version of yourself.
Neutral Sunkissed Brunette with Sculpted Waves
It’s a color that surprises you, even if you aren’t looking for it. It’s balanced, not too warm or too cool and includes sunlit caramel highlights woven in carefully. What really makes it special are the sculpted waves; each curve catches the light and highlights the car’s many layers of color. This style is very elegant in the sun and that’s how you know it’s peak summer hair color for brunettes highlights sun kissed 2025 energy.
I find that using Shu Uemura Essence Absolue Hair Oil after soft glam styles gives the hair a shiny texture without making it heavy.
What I find interesting is that this tone seems to have no expiration date. You could choose this now and still be fashionable in 2025 or 2035. That’s the magic of neutral tones.
If you want to look radiant this season, but not go blonde, this is the perfect shade for you.
Soft Sand-Toned Balayage with a Root Melt
The clothing makes you look like you’ve just come back from a weekend at the coast. The combination of brown roots and sand-blonde tips is all I could ask for. The thing I like best is the way the highlights are light, but the main color is brunette which gives the style a nice warmth. It’s not too light and not too dark, so it’s great for anyone who wants a little more color without turning blonde.
I suggest using Pureology Hydrate shampoo to keep balayage color bright and buttery, as it won’t dry out the hair and make the color look dull like some other shampoos. I like to gloss my hair at home every few weeks to keep the shine at the ends.
I think this color is perfect for those easy July brunches or for dancing outside as the sun goes down. It doesn’t scream “I just left the salon.” It whispers “I live in the sun.”
Want something timeless but trendy? This one’s your golden ticket.
Ribbon Highlights with a Luxe Espresso Base
Let’s talk volume—not just in shape but in color. The espresso base is rich, elegant and has a lot of depth, with ribbon highlights spread from mid-shaft to the ends. They add movement and depth to the hair, but they don’t take away from the richness of the brunette. The color story here? It’s clear that bold and soft come together, as those ribbons show how light naturally shines on healthy, full hair.
This type of color can dry out quickly in summer (especially at the tips), so I like layering Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil into my ends—keeps everything silky and shiny without flattening the texture. If you heat-style a lot, don’t skip this step.
I really like that this outfit works for both day and evening. It feels romantic but grounded. I could be out running errands or having cocktails on the roof and it still looks great.
If you want a style that’s not too fussy and still stands out, you’ll love this brunette look.
Dimensional Beachy Curls with Honey Veils
Seeing this style inspires me to carry a big tote, wear linen shorts and spend my days sipping iced lattes. For brunettes in 2025, sun kissed highlights are the perfect summer look—a rich brunette base with golden highlights that move through the curls. The reason it’s not too bright is that the highlights are mostly placed around the face and blended at the ends.
I’ve noticed that it takes some effort to keep this color bright during hot days, so using UV protection is necessary. I swear by Sun Bum’s UV Protecting Hair Mist. Use some spray before you go outside, especially if you’re going to the beach or pool.
This one gives “low-key golden goddess.” If you’re happy when people notice your hair without understanding the reason—it’s probably this soft genius.
And girl, those curls? Just chef’s kiss.
Sun-Kissed Chocolate with Cinnamon Swirls
Let’s just call this one what it is: irresistible. Although the chocolate is rich and delicious, it’s the thin, warm cinnamon swirls that really make this dessert special. I find it fascinating that it allows light and shadow to interact, mainly on layered cuts. It reminds me of caramel, as if your hair caught the light of the sunset and wanted to keep the effect.
A lot of people believe brunette highlights don’t fit summer—but this color proves them wrong. It’s cozy, it has a spicy scent and it looks great on darker and olive skin.
With dpHUE’s Gloss+ in Warm Brown, the color stays bright and won’t turn brassy. I apply it every two weeks to get that lovely cinnamon toast smell.
This is one of those looks that looks expensive. Like, salon-visit-level expensive. But it’s secretly low-effort once it’s in.
Toasted Mocha Waves with Blonde Ribbons
If I had to pick just one dramatic and wearable brunette hair idea, it’d be this one. The mocha waves are made special by adding ultra-thin blonde ribbons in unexpected places. They are not too big and they don’t take over—the way they are placed makes the whole look more stylish.
I avoid using purple shampoo on this hair since it can make the brunette look dull. I still use Oribe’s Bright Blonde Shampoo for Beautiful Color which is designed for blondes, because it helps my blonde pieces stay bright and my base stays strong.
Honestly? If I went to a summer wedding, I’d choose this hairstyle. Or a fancy dinner. To be honest, sometimes I just want to feel extra when I’m out running errands.
It’s confident, polished, and perfectly sun-kissed. Just what a brunette deserves in 2025.
Layered Mocha Melt with Subtle Beige Accents
This style seems casual, yet classy, much like a white tee and your favorite old jeans. The background is soft and comfortable, yet the beige highlights keep the layers looking light. What makes this unique is the feathered cut; the way the mid-lengths and ends move allows the lighter strands to stand out a little without making the darker ones fade.
If you want your hair to stay soft and bouncy all summer, you’ll need to look after it. I enjoy using Amika’s The Wizard Detangling Primer as a mist—it shines my hair, stops frizz and protects my ends from drying out in the sun.
Whenever I wore a similar style, I’d always hear compliments after being at the beach—as if the salt and sun enhanced it. Which is exactly the energy this color brings.
If you’re looking for a sound that is soft and subtle, this is the record for you.
Cool Brunette Fade with Pearl Blonde Highlights
This one is such a power move. A warm brown base gives way to icy beige and pearl blonde highlights that accentuate the face with lots of drama. The blend is seamless, but the impact? Major. The reason this summer hair color for brunettes highlights sun kissed 2025 is so trendy is that the bottom half is very light but the top remains dark, creating a current ombré look that’s not overdone.
To stop the cool tone from turning brassy in hot weather, I suggest using Matrix Total Results Brass Off once each week. It’s very gentle, but still keeps the pearly tone looking fresh and bright.
Personally, I think this style feels rebellious in a good way—like you’re breaking the brunette mold but still embracing your roots (literally). It looks great, is sharp and is perfect if you’re looking for something different this summer.
Golden Cocoa Ribbons on Warm Chestnut Waves
For a moment, let’s appreciate the chestnut base with golden-colored cocoa beans near it. The highlights are thick but not too noticeable which makes the look both fun and mature. It’s a bold color, it’s warm and that warmth fits the late-afternoon sun perfectly. Honestly? In my mind, it’s what would result if toffee and brunette had a summer romance.
This kind of coloring really pops on waved or curled hair, so I always suggest a wide-barrel curling wand (1.25″ or bigger) and a flexible hold spray like IGK Beach Club Texture Spray to keep it soft, not crunchy.
It’s not flashy, but it can make you look cozy or glamorous and it goes well with both casual and work clothes. Yes, please.
Vanilla-Toned Brightening with Ash Root Blend
If you’re looking for a bright look without going all the way to blonde, this is the right choice. Generous vanilla highlights adorn a cool ash-brown base which brightens the face and ends. It’s light, it’s fancy and it seems like something you’d notice on your favorite influencer’s holiday trip.
A lot of stylists advise using a glaze or toner every 4–6 weeks to maintain this tone. I’m a fan of Redken Shades EQ Gloss in 09V Platinum Ice because it adds a cool touch without being too much.
This color is similar to iced coffee in your hair: it’s refreshing, gives you a boost and you can’t get enough of it.
Neutral Mocha Blend with Lightened Panels
This one is subtle perfection. Imagine a smooth mocha brunette shade with almost transparent, very light pieces added in. It’s different from both balayage and babylights, but it’s a mix of the two. The way the colors are placed near the face and ends seems carefully designed and light. Perfect for those who are looking for a change but don’t want to worry about upkeep for brighter blondes.
I love this style for an easy way to look glamorous. It looks just as good on smooth or curly hair and doesn’t need to be touched up often. I’d still keep Kérastase Elixir Ultime L’Huile Original Hair Oil in rotation—keeps things glassy and protects from sun fade.
If you’ve thought about highlights but still want to be a brunette, this could give you the sun-kissed look you’ve been missing out on.
