Summer is all about freedom, fun, happy-go-lucky vibes, and most of all—vibrant, sun-kissed hair color. Whetheryou’re looking for the latest hair color trends of or simply want to keep your go-to color looking its best,we’ve got you covered. This summer hair color guide will reveal summer top hair color ideas and trends. Plus,keep reading for tips on summer hair color maintenance—including how to use our best shampoosfor colored hair.
Summer Hair Color Trends
There’s something about the summer months that calls for reinvention, and this year’s summer hair color ideas arethe perfect example. Whether you’re looking for a complete color transformation or subtle glow-up, summer haircolor trends have something to fit every aesthetic, hair type, and style. Let’s take a closer look at some ofthe top hair color trends making a splash this summer.
1. Bright, buttery blonde
Buttery blonde is the quintessential “summer blonde.” For this reason, highlights and balayage styles using warm,sun-kissed yellow tones will probably always be on-trend for summer. If blonde is your go-to color, tryembracing warmer shades. The result will be a natural-looking “I just got off the beach” aesthetic. This classicbeachy blonde has also been coined “sun-baked blonde,” but we recommend describing it to your colorist as awarm, soft, and golden shade of blonde with plenty of dimension. If you’re ready to make that request, use ourSalon Locator, and book your appointment.
2. Cappuccino blonde (a.k.a. “bronde” hair)
This summer, more and more celebrities and color trendsetters are ditching their ultra-light, platinum blondehighlights in favor of a more natural, darker blonde hue. One hair color trend in particular to steal thespotlight is cappuccino blonde (also known as “bronde”). And it’s not hard to see why everyone’s loving brondehair colors this summer. As the perfect in-between shade for natural blondes and brunettes, this color createsan effortless and ultra-versatile way to embrace your roots with minimal upkeep. One of the most in-demandbronde looks is honey-gold bronde—which perfectly blends blonde and brunette hues together for a vibrant,glistening effect.
3. Brown toffee and strawberry brunette
Bronde hair isn’t the only summer hair color trend that falls in between two colors. The rise in popularity ofsubtle colors like brown toffee and strawberry brunette showcase how in-demand this trend is. Much likestrawberry blonde, the strawberry brunette trend features various shades of brown combined with a subtle wash ofrosy-pink color. Brown toffee, on the other hand, adds caramel hues to brunette hair, typically using a balayagetechnique. The goal of these hair colors for summer is to emphasize your natural color with slight highlighttweaks that offer gorgeous dimension and shine.
4. Luxe brunette
It’s no surprise that everyone’s love affair with rich, warm brunette hues has carried into summer. This isespecially true for mocha brown, which was a huge trend last winter and continues to be one of the mostrequested colors this summer. Other rich brunette shades worth mentioning are copper-tinted chestnut, leatherbrown, cognac brown, and mushroom brown. What these trendy summer brunette shades have in common is that theyscream luxury, with tons of dimension, shine, and movement.
5. Pastel peach
When we think of summer, we think of an explosion of color and playfulness. This applies to your wardrobe, poolaccessories, and, of course, hair color. Pastel peaches and pinks are a big hair color trend this summer,showing up everywhere and in a wide variety of different tones. This colorful trend is the perfect way toexperiment with fun, fantasy-inspired colors. Pastel peach and pink work especially well for light blondeslooking to put a bold twist on their natural hair color.
6. Crimson red and copper tones
Warm, glossy red tones are another not-to-be-missed hair color idea for summer—especially in shades like amber,strawberry blonde, fiery red, and copper. Red shades can be surprisingly versatile as there are so manydifferent hues to suit any skin tone and style.
How To Take Care of Color-Treated Hair This Summer
Sun, chlorine, and saltwater can all take a toll on your hair during the summer months. And there’s nothing worsethan giving your locks a gorgeous summer makeover only to find that fading, dullness, dryness, and brassinessstart to creep in after a couple of washes. The secret to keeping your summer hair color looking “fresh out ofthe salon” for as long as possible comes down to your at-home hair care routine.
Next up, we’re highlighting how to care for color-treated hair and the steps you shouldn’t neglect this summerif you’re planning a few coloring sessions at the salon.
1. Do a hair detox to help prevent color fade
Summer is the ultimate time to reset, so why not give your hair a detox, too? Hard water (and the resultingbuildup of metals) can put some serious stress on your strands—especially in the summer when you probably spendmore time in the water. This can result in breakage, dullness, andbrassiness. Studies also show thatwashing hair with hard water is a proven aggressor on hair color—playing a key role in how quickly hair colorfades.1
L'Oréal Professionnel Metal Detox features in-salon services and at-home products designed specifically forcombating hard water and metals—resulting in 87% less breakage* and 100% reliable color results.** As part ofyour at-home summer regimen, use the Metal Detox Sulfate-Free Shampooand Mask. These two anti-metal productsmake the ultimate combination for keeping your hair color fresh and vibrant between color appointments.
For wavy, curly, and coily locks, try L'OréalProfessionnel Curl Expression’s range of eight curly hairproducts—including our CurlExpression Curls Reviver Sprayand 10-In-1 Cream-In-Mousse. Infusedwith glycerin, urea, and hibiscus seed, this curl-loving range produces immediate results for 2x moreconditioning,*** 11x more definition,*** and 48-hour frizz-free protection.
2. Combat brassiness and yellow tones
Being well-prepared for summer means keeping products on hand to help combat any unwanted brassiness and yellowtones between color appointments. When in doubt, ask your colorist for recommendations at your next appointment.They can help you choose the best shampoo and conditioner for colored hair, as well as products thatspecifically target brassiness.
3. Deep condition weekly with a hair mask
Help keep your hair in good condition by using a hair maskat least once per week.Since chlorinated pools, the sun’s rays, and the ocean can all dry out and potentially damage your strands, anourishing, deeply-hydrating hair mask can help restore moisture to your locks.
4. Choose color-safe shampoo and conditioner
The right shampoo for colored hair can be agame-changer for maintaining vibrant color. To help preserve your color results this summer, opt for color-safeshampoo and conditioner options. These gentle, moisturizing products are specially formulated so that they won’tstrip color from your hair.
5. Use plenty of heat UV protection
"The sun can damage the cuticle of the hair, leaving your hair frizzy and brittle, with hard to maintain haircolor," says L'Oréal Professionnel Artist Marques Scholten. To help combat this, look for styling products thatoffer UV protection to help protect your locks and the longevity of your color. Likewise, always use a heat-protecting productbefore blowdrying or using hot tools to help protect your locks this summer.
For even more hair color ideas, tips, and tricks for fabulous summer hair, check out our guide on how to avoid brassy balayage hair.
References:
1. Zhou, Y et al. “Protection of oxidative hair colorfading from shampoo washing by hydrophobically modified cationic polymers.” Journal ofCosmetic Science vol. 60,2 (2009): 217-38.
*Instrumental test Metal Detox pre-treatment+ technical procedure shampoo + mask
**No impact on lift and optimized coloruptake
***vs. non-conditioning shampoo when using deep moisturizing shampoo + rich mask;clarifying shampoo + mask or 10-in-1 mousse
