Sunlight has a way of inspiring fresh color choices, especially when it comes to hair. With warmer months calling for low-maintenance, glow-enhancing hues, the right highlights can instantly boost your summer style.
Whether it’s golden tones that shimmer in daylight or cooler blends that soften a sun-kissed look, seasonal highlights are more than a trend—they’re a strategy for effortless beauty.
The shift in lighting, wardrobe, and activities makes summer the perfect time to experiment with dimensional color that flatters your natural tones.
This guide breaks down the most flattering and trending options so you can find the perfect highlight match this season.
1. Medium Length Curls with Caramel Highlights
Soft spirals in a medium-length cut can truly come to life with the addition of caramel highlights.
This color pairing works beautifully on naturally brown or dark blonde hair, adding movement and depth that’s especially noticeable in sunlight.
Caramel tones bring warmth without overwhelming the natural base, making them ideal for anyone seeking a dimensional yet low-maintenance look during the summer months.
Whether styled in defined curls or tousled waves, the blend of mid-tones gives the appearance of fuller hair with minimal effort.
Caramel highlights also grow out gracefully, which means fewer trips to the salon during peak vacation season.
For those with fine or thin hair, this particular color treatment can also provide the illusion of volume, especially when paired with proper curl-enhancing styling products.
It’s important to protect both curls and highlights from UV damage, so using a sulfate-free, color-safe shampoo and leave-in conditioner is recommended.
This look suits oval, heart, and round face shapes, as the curls frame the features softly. The warm glow of caramel highlights enhances sunkissed skin tones, making it a perfect seasonal upgrade.
With its radiant dimension and easy maintenance, this combination remains a favorite among summer hair color trends.
2. Long Dark Brown Curls with Strawberry Blonde Accents
Lush, dark brown curls can become a true statement when highlighted with strawberry blonde accents.
This contrast creates a multi-tonal effect that feels bold yet balanced—making it a standout choice for summer.
Strawberry blonde adds a sunlit touch that lifts the deep base without clashing, resulting in a fresh, modern interpretation of classic highlights.
The key to pulling off this look lies in precise placement. Strategically placed accents around the face and mid-lengths catch the light, offering visual interest and drawing attention to facial features.
This pairing is especially flattering on warm and neutral skin tones, and it complements a wide variety of curl patterns from loose waves to tight coils.
To preserve vibrancy, use color-protecting serums and avoid heat styling as much as possible.
Weekly hydration treatments are also essential to keep the curls glossy and healthy, especially after lightening.
This look works particularly well on long hairstyles, as the length allows for a gradual blend that softens the transition between tones.
Strawberry blonde on dark brown is not only a high-contrast trend—it’s a celebration of dimension and texture.
For those looking to brighten up their curls without committing to a full-color overhaul, this highlight choice delivers a balanced mix of drama and elegance.
3. Pastel Rainbow-Colored Curls
Nothing says summer fun quite like curls infused with pastel rainbow hues. This vibrant and playful choice appeals to those who love standing out and embracing creative expression.
The pastel palette typically includes shades like lavender, mint, peach, and baby blue—each blending harmoniously into curls for a soft yet striking gradient effect.
The whimsical nature of this color style works best on pre-lightened or platinum hair, ensuring that the pastel tones appear vivid and true.
Those with naturally curly hair will appreciate how the spirals amplify the transition between colors, making every movement shimmer with dimension.
Maintenance is critical here, as pastels tend to fade faster under sun exposure. Using color-depositing masks or shampoos weekly can help extend vibrancy.
Cold water rinses and UV-protective sprays are also must-haves for preserving tone and preventing dullness.
This look is especially popular for festivals, beach vacations, and seasonal photo shoots. While bold, it can still be wearable if kept subtle with soft pastel saturation rather than bright neons.
Best suited for short to medium curls, pastel rainbow highlights offer a fresh, youthful spin on summer hair trends.
It’s an artistic approach that merges personality with style—ideal for those seeking a bold seasonal refresh.
4. Short Loose Curls with Subtle Ashy Highlights
Short, loose curls receive a refined twist with the introduction of ashy highlights. This subtle toning method enhances natural texture while adding just enough contrast to catch the eye without overwhelming the base color.
Ash tones—ranging from smoky beige to muted silver—are especially suited to those with cooler undertones or olive complexions.
Unlike warmer highlight shades, ashy tones offer a modern, slightly edgy aesthetic. They’re often achieved through a professional lightening and toning process that neutralizes brassiness and adds a muted shimmer.
This technique pairs particularly well with bob or pixie-length curls, where dimension is more visible in shorter layers.
Daily upkeep is relatively easy, especially when using purple-toned shampoos to maintain the cool hue.
Lightweight leave-ins and curl creams help define curl structure while keeping the strands hydrated. Since short curls can dry out quickly, conditioning regularly is essential for keeping the look fresh.
Ashy highlights are an excellent choice for professionals who want subtle dimension without committing to high-maintenance color.
The overall finish feels effortless and tailored—perfect for warm weather when lighter hair reflects sun naturally.
For those preferring an understated yet stylish summer change, this look offers versatility and sophistication wrapped in soft curls.
5. Highlights on Dirty Blonde Hair
Dirty blonde serves as the perfect base for a wide range of highlight options, especially during the summer when natural light can amplify its tones.
Adding lighter highlights—such as golden blonde, icy beige, or soft platinum—can give this already multi-dimensional shade an even more radiant finish.
This technique works beautifully for enhancing depth and texture in both straight and curly styles, but it particularly shines when paired with soft beach waves or natural movement.
Rather than overwhelming the base, well-placed highlights lighten and lift the look just enough to mimic a natural sun-bleached effect.
Balayage is a popular method used on dirty blonde hair, allowing for a seamless blend that grows out subtly and requires less maintenance.
It’s ideal for those who want that effortless “just came from the beach” vibe without the need for constant salon visits.
To keep the highlights looking fresh, opt for sulfate-free shampoos and moisturizing masks to prevent brassiness and dryness.
The beauty of this color choice lies in its flexibility—it suits nearly all skin tones and works year-round while feeling especially vibrant under summer sun.
For an easy-going yet impactful update, highlighted dirty blonde hair remains a reliable, universally flattering choice.
6. Wide Streaks of Blonde Highlights
For those wanting a standout look this summer, wide streaks of blonde offer a bold upgrade that doesn’t shy away from contrast.
This style focuses on thicker, more defined sections of light blonde woven through a darker or neutral base, creating instant dimension and brightness.
It’s particularly effective on medium to long hair, where the broader streaks have enough surface area to showcase their full impact.
While subtle highlights blend in, wide streaks are meant to pop. They draw attention to movement, face shape, and styling details, making everyday waves or ponytails appear more dynamic.
This technique also reflects sunlight more prominently, contributing to a natural shimmer under summer rays.
Maintaining the vibrancy of the streaks requires a regular tone-refreshing routine. Purple shampoo helps keep brassiness at bay, while heat protectants and UV-blocking sprays are essential for color longevity.
The placement of the streaks can vary—some prefer face-framing emphasis, while others opt for an all-over pattern.
Either way, the outcome is high-impact and perfect for those who enjoy a bolder approach to color.
With minimal maintenance and maximum payoff, this highlight method has become a favorite for trend-conscious individuals looking to refresh their summer hair with personality and polish.
7. Caramel Blonde Hair with Highlights
Dimensional and radiant, caramel blonde hair paired with lighter highlights creates a harmonious, sunlit effect that flatters a variety of skin tones.
The base shade, a blend of golden and toffee tones, acts as a warm canvas for strategically placed lighter accents like vanilla, wheat, or champagne blonde.
This combination provides both depth and brightness, giving the hair a more voluminous appearance.
It’s especially effective on wavy or curled hair, where the movement helps catch the light and showcase the variation in tones.
Because caramel tones naturally exude warmth, they’re ideal for those with golden or neutral undertones in their complexion.
To maintain the richness of the caramel and prevent the lighter sections from fading, a balance of hydration and toning care is key.
Sulfate-free products, nourishing masks, and occasional gloss treatments help keep both the base and highlights looking fresh throughout summer.
The overall effect is luxurious yet approachable, making it suitable for everyday wear as well as special occasions.
It’s a color blend that grows out softly and requires minimal salon touch-ups—perfect for a season filled with travel and spontaneity.
For a sun-drenched update that remains effortlessly chic, this pairing delivers timeless warmth with a modern edge.
8. Honey Blonde Balayage on Darker Hair
Golden honey tones brushed through a darker base create an inviting, radiant look perfect for sun-filled months.
This balayage approach introduces soft, gradual highlights that begin subtly near the roots and become more noticeable toward the mid-lengths and ends. The goal is to mimic how the sun would naturally lighten strands over time.
The contrast between the deeper base—typically chocolate brown, espresso, or dark chestnut—and the honey highlights brings noticeable depth without harsh lines.
This style is especially flattering for brunettes who want a lighter, low-maintenance look that doesn’t require full commitment to blonde.
Because the application is hand-painted, it allows for a customized placement that complements individual face shapes and hair movement.
The lighter strands add a sun-kissed glow, brightening the overall complexion. Honey blonde balayage is also versatile across various textures, from straight to tightly coiled curls.
Color-safe products and occasional gloss treatments help maintain the warm undertones and prevent brassiness, especially under summer sun.
This style offers an organic feel—elegant enough for professional settings yet carefree for weekends.
For darker-haired individuals seeking a natural-looking brightening effect with seasonal appeal, honey blonde balayage is one of the most flattering and wearable summer choices.
9. Sun-Kissed Balayage Style
Warm-weather hair color trends consistently favor the subtle luminosity of sun-kissed balayage.
This technique mimics the natural lightening that occurs during summer, with soft golden and champagne tones delicately feathered through the hair. Unlike traditional highlights, the results are more diffused and rooted in effortless elegance.
What makes this style particularly desirable is its ability to add radiance without stark contrast.
It works beautifully on a range of base colors—light brown, dark blonde, and even auburn—and gives the impression of a long beach holiday.
Sun-kissed balayage offers a universally flattering glow that lifts the face and adds dimension to both straight and textured styles.
Strategically placed highlights are blended seamlessly, allowing for a graceful grow-out that requires minimal salon upkeep. It’s also one of the few coloring techniques that ages well, transitioning softly between seasons.
To keep the tones luminous, use shampoos designed for color preservation and UV-protective leave-ins.
Occasional hydrating masks support softness and manageability, especially if the hair has been lightened significantly.
This seasonal favorite delivers a polished yet laid-back finish that suits virtually any lifestyle.
Whether worn loose and wavy or styled into braids and updos, the effect remains effortless and breezy—just like summer itself.
10. Spiced Cider Front Highlights
Striking the balance between bold and wearable, spiced cider front highlights bring warmth and edge to any summer hairstyle.
This technique features face-framing streaks in a blend of copper, cinnamon, and amber hues, set against a brunette or darker blonde base. The result is a vivid focal point that brightens facial features while adding seasonal richness.
Often referred to as “money pieces,” these prominent front sections provide an instant glow, drawing attention to cheekbones and eyes.
What sets spiced cider apart from standard copper highlights is its depth—it’s multidimensional, blending orange undertones with subtle golden warmth for a more complex finish.
This look suits both short and long cuts and can be worn straight, curled, or styled up without losing its impact.
Maintenance is relatively low since the rest of the hair remains untouched, allowing for longer periods between salon visits.
Color-safe shampoo, weekly conditioning, and occasional color-refreshing glosses help preserve vibrancy. Heat styling should be minimized to prevent the highlights from dulling.
With its ability to add personality without overwhelming the overall style, spiced cider highlights continue to gain popularity among those seeking a high-impact yet low-effort update. This modern twist on classic color feels fresh, flattering, and perfectly tuned for summer.
11. Dimensional Golden Babylights
Strategic placement of golden babylights can instantly add depth and shimmer to sun-kissed strands.
These ultra-fine highlights mimic natural lightening by weaving thin golden threads throughout the hair, resulting in a soft, radiant effect that feels both effortless and refined.
Babylights are especially flattering on medium brown or dirty blonde bases, where the subtle contrast adds volume without harsh lines.
Ideal for those looking for a low-maintenance yet polished summer color, this technique grows out gracefully without obvious regrowth lines.
The golden tones complement warmer complexions, adding warmth and glow to the overall appearance.
When styled in waves or curls, the babylights enhance movement and catch the light beautifully, giving the illusion of fuller, multidimensional hair.
Because the highlights are fine and evenly dispersed, upkeep is minimal. A sulfate-free, color-safe shampoo combined with UV protection helps preserve vibrancy through hot and sunny months. Gloss treatments every few weeks can also refresh the golden hue and maintain shine.
For a natural-looking update that works across styles and ages, golden babylights remain a summer staple.
Their versatility makes them suitable for professional environments while still allowing a playful, beachy feel on weekends and holidays—making this style both functional and fashionable.
12. Chunky Beige Money Pieces
A high-impact way to brighten the face during summer, chunky beige money pieces offer a striking contrast against darker or neutral bases.
These face-framing highlights are broader in width than standard strands, giving the hairstyle a bold, defined look without committing to a full head of color.
Beige tones, sitting between warm and cool, blend well with a variety of hair shades—particularly ash brown, sandy blonde, and light brunettes.
This neutral hue creates a sunlit halo effect around the face, drawing attention to the eyes and cheekbones while adding dimension to otherwise flat tones.
Application typically involves lightening just the front sections while leaving the rest of the hair untouched or minimally blended, making it an easy option for those craving a seasonal shift with low effort.
Styling versatility is another plus—whether worn in a sleek ponytail or tousled waves, the color contrast remains visible and flattering.
To maintain the beige tone and avoid brassiness, purple or blue shampoos may be necessary depending on undertones. Glossing treatments can further neutralize yellow hues and boost shine.
Chunky beige money pieces strike the right balance between edgy and wearable. This bold accent style offers a fresh, on-trend update that fits right into the laid-back energy of summer.
13. Dark Hair, Bright ‘Lights
Lifting dark hair with bright highlights creates an unmistakable contrast that instantly draws the eye.
The technique brings intensity and flair by placing platinum, ash, or golden streaks throughout a rich brunette or black base, making it one of the most transformative highlight trends for summer.
The key to success lies in precision. Stylists often use balayage, foil, or teasy-light methods to maintain a smooth gradient while achieving noticeable brightness.
The result is dimensional, bold, and flattering—especially for those with warmer skin tones looking to brighten their features.
This trend is particularly effective on layered haircuts, as the varying lengths give the highlights a chance to reflect light and add movement. Whether curled, straightened, or air-dried, the color contrast remains vivid and dramatic.
Maintaining brightness on darker hair requires regular toning to prevent brassiness and fading.
A sulfate-free regimen, paired with deep conditioning masks and UV protection, keeps strands strong and vibrant throughout the season.
Bright highlights on dark hair provide a confident, statement-making look while staying polished and wearable.
For those looking to shake up their style with a bold edge this summer, this highlight technique delivers maximum impact with the right balance of style and individuality.
14. Wavy Bob with Subtle Highlights
When soft waves meet carefully placed highlights, the result is an effortlessly chic summer style.
This combination enhances the natural bounce and volume of a bob haircut while adding subtle glints of brightness that reflect beautifully in the sun.
Rather than opting for high-contrast coloring, the focus here is on nuance—think champagne, wheat, or pale gold woven just a few shades lighter than the base.
These highlights are often feathered through the mid-lengths and ends, complementing the natural movement of the waves without overpowering the cut.
This style works exceptionally well for those with fine to medium hair, as the highlights add visual fullness and dimension.
It’s a great low-maintenance option since the grow-out is soft and non-disruptive. Air-drying or loosely curling the bob accentuates the color variation, allowing each strand to catch light differently.
Regular gloss treatments can help maintain the tone and prevent dullness, especially in sun-exposed hair.
Lightweight texturizing sprays enhance the wave definition while keeping the style breathable for warm weather.
Wavy bobs with subtle highlights remain a go-to for summer because they marry ease with elegance. It’s a refreshing, versatile option for anyone craving a change without going overboard on color or upkeep.
15. Shaggy Bob with Caramel Highlights
Messy texture meets warm dimension in a shaggy bob accented by caramel highlights. This look plays up the layers and movement of a shag cut while using honeyed tones to add depth and radiance—making it an ideal match for carefree summer styling.
Caramel highlights work particularly well with medium to dark brown bases, providing a noticeable yet natural-looking contrast.
The placement often targets the crown and face-framing sections, amplifying the choppy texture that defines a shag. When paired with tousled styling, the result is effortlessly edgy and sun-drenched.
Because the cut is inherently low-maintenance, the highlights follow suit. A soft blend near the roots helps avoid sharp grow-out lines, while the warm tone remains flattering across a wide range of skin undertones.
It’s especially effective for those wanting to bring life to dull or flat hair without committing to a full-color change.
Protecting the color involves using gentle, color-preserving products and deep conditioners to maintain moisture in layered ends. Occasional toners or glosses can refresh vibrancy if the shade begins to fade.
A shaggy bob with caramel highlights delivers personality, movement, and seasonal glow in one cohesive look.
It’s a perfect match for those who want a relaxed yet fashion-forward approach to summer hair.
16. Punk Rock Perfection
Edgy hair color finds new life in summer through punchy highlights that mirror punk rock attitude.
This trend embraces individuality, combining unconventional tones like electric blue, lime green, cherry red, or stark silver streaks against darker bases. The contrast is intentional, pushing boundaries while amplifying personality.
Punk-inspired highlights often involve bold placements—front chunks, underlayers, or even asymmetrical streaks—and pair well with layered, shaggy, or undercut styles.
For those willing to commit, bleached sections allow vivid pigments to show in full saturation, turning the hair into a rebellious canvas.
Maintenance is key when dealing with vibrant pigments. Color-safe products, minimal heat styling, and weekly refreshers using color-depositing masks help prolong the boldness.
While not for the faint of heart, this look offers full creative freedom and resonates with Gen Z and millennials looking to express their identity.
Spiked texture, textured waves, or slicked-back finishes further highlight the drama, allowing the color to stand out from every angle.
Summer events, concerts, and festivals provide the perfect excuse to go bold. For those tired of traditional balayage and highlights, this high-impact style delivers a statement-worthy aesthetic.
Punk rock perfection remains a fearless way to stand out while embracing a carefree, DIY spirit rooted in self-expression.
17. Long Waves with Caramel Highlights
Sunlit waves get a fresh upgrade when enriched with caramel-toned highlights. This timeless combination brings warmth, glow, and effortless movement to long hair, making it a perfect fit for sunny seasons.
The soft golden-brown hues blend naturally into chestnut, brunette, or dirty blonde bases, creating a seamless gradient that mimics the effect of long days in the sun.
Caramel highlights add visual depth to loose waves without overpowering the base color. Placement usually begins mid-shaft and carries through to the ends, offering a soft, radiant finish that works well with layers or blunt cuts alike.
Whether worn air-dried or styled, the multidimensional tones highlight texture and bounce beautifully.
Ideal for warm and neutral skin tones, this color choice flatters a wide range of complexions.
Because it blends into the base, maintenance is low—regrowth is subtle and salon visits can be spaced out.
Using hydrating treatments and UV-protecting products ensures the tones remain glossy and vibrant.
This look suits casual, everyday wear as well as more formal occasions, thanks to its polished but relaxed vibe.
For anyone with long hair looking for a seasonal refresh that balances sophistication with ease, caramel highlights offer a flattering and fuss-free approach to summer styling.
18. Low-Maintenance Highlights for Long Hair
Busy routines and summer adventures call for a color strategy that’s beautiful without demanding constant upkeep.
Low-maintenance highlights, especially on long hair, deliver natural-looking brightness with minimal salon visits.
The secret lies in techniques like balayage, teasy-lights, or smudged roots, which allow the highlights to grow out subtly and gracefully.
Color tones often lean toward neutral or warm shades—think golden beige, soft caramel, or sandy blonde—that blend easily into brunette or dark blonde bases.
These tones work with the hair’s natural fall, emphasizing layers and movement while avoiding harsh lines.
The length provides ample room to play with light placement. Most stylists recommend concentrating the highlights on the mid-lengths and ends, leaving roots natural for a lived-in effect. This approach maintains brightness through the summer without requiring frequent touch-ups.
Proper care includes color-safe shampoo, hydration masks, and occasional glossing treatments to keep the tones vibrant and healthy. Sun protection is equally important to prevent fading from UV exposure.
This highlighting method is especially popular with professionals, students, and travelers who need style longevity.
It’s practical, flattering, and works across all hair textures. For those seeking an easygoing look that still feels put-together, these highlights strike a perfect summer balance.
19. Pale Pink and Platinum Blonde Highlights
Unconventional yet ethereal, the pairing of pale pink and platinum blonde creates a dreamy highlight palette that’s perfect for summer experimentation.
This combination plays on pastel trends while offering a clean, high-fashion finish that stands out without feeling overwhelming.
The look typically begins with pre-lightened hair to ensure that both the pink and platinum tones show their full vibrancy.
Pink is often applied as a glaze or accent streak among platinum sections, offering soft pops of color that shift with light. The result is a multidimensional effect that’s both playful and polished.
This style suits those with cooler undertones and works best on lighter bases—such as icy blonde or silver.
Long or medium-length hair allows the color pairing to blend fluidly, whether styled straight, in braids, or loose waves.
Because pastel shades fade more quickly, maintaining this look requires gentle cleansing routines and periodic toner refreshes.
Gloss treatments and leave-in conditioners help retain moisture, keeping the strands healthy and vibrant despite chemical lightening.
Whether worn subtly or with full saturation, pale pink and platinum highlights bring a fun, festival-ready edge to summer styling.
It’s a go-to option for those looking to explore creative color while maintaining an elegant and whimsical finish.
20. Bright Style with Purple Ombre
Daring color lovers often gravitate toward purple ombre for a bold summer change that’s equal parts edgy and artistic.
This look transitions from a natural base—typically black, brown, or dark blonde—into vivid purple ends.
The gradient can vary in intensity, ranging from soft violet to bold ultraviolet, depending on personal style.
The appeal of purple ombre lies in its versatility. It suits various lengths, textures, and skin tones while offering the creative freedom to adjust saturation and placement.
Some prefer a high-contrast dip-dye effect, while others opt for a smoother blend that softly fades into purple toward the ends.
Because the vibrant hue sits only on the lower half of the hair, root touch-ups are minimal. Maintenance revolves around color-preserving products and occasional pigment-refreshing masks to combat fading.
Purple is prone to losing brightness under sun exposure, so UV protection is essential for preserving its richness.
This highlight technique shines when styled with curls, waves, or braids, allowing the color gradient to fully reveal itself.
For those wanting to break free from traditional blondes and brunettes, purple ombre delivers a high-impact look with surprisingly manageable upkeep. It’s ideal for self-expression, festivals, and making an unforgettable summer statement.
21. Long Auburn Hair with Peachy Highlights
Natural red tones get a radiant seasonal lift when peachy highlights are added to long auburn hair.
This color pairing is subtle yet striking, offering a warm glow that feels perfectly tailored for summer.
Peach tones introduce a soft coral sheen that brightens the face and brings light to the natural depth of auburn.
Highlights are usually concentrated toward the ends and framing sections, allowing the peach tones to blend in smoothly without overpowering the base.
The result is a sun-kissed look that feels organic and effortless. When styled with loose curls or beachy waves, the dimension becomes more pronounced, showcasing the soft contrast between shades.
This combination works especially well on those with fair to medium skin tones, as the peach undertones complement warm and neutral complexions.
Because both colors fall within the red-orange spectrum, regrowth is less noticeable, making maintenance relatively simple.
Color-safe products, heat protection, and weekly hydration treatments help preserve the vibrancy and health of the strands.
Peachy highlights on auburn offer a fresh update without venturing too far from natural tones.
The result is sophisticated yet playful—a look that transitions seamlessly from casual day outings to evening events while embracing the essence of summer brightness.
Lives In: New York, NY
Expertise: Cosmetology (Hair, Skin & Nails)
I’m Anna Peterson, the founder of Salon Route and a seasoned beauty salon owner. As a licensed cosmetologist, I pursued in-depth studies in Cosmetology at the Aveda Institute. My professional journey spans over a decade, during which I’ve worked with top-tier brands like Sephora, L’Oréal Paris, MAC, and RMS Beauty. This experience has been invaluable in managing my salon, where I regularly cater to diverse client needs and preferences. At Salon Route, we provide practical guides and information, helping real-world individuals navigate the beauty landscape with confidence. My expertise in various beauty domains, coupled with my experience in addressing unique client requirements, underscores my commitment to excellence in the beauty and wellness industry.
