23 Summer Hair Color Ideas for Brunettes
Want a fresh look this season? These 23 Summer Hair Color Ideas for Brunettes offer fun and stylish options for every vibe. Whether you love bold tones or subtle glows, there’s a summer shade waiting to match your unique personality.
Caramel Highlights
Caramel highlights work beautifully with brunette hair.
The golden streaks shine in the sunlight, giving your hair a gorgeous, sunkissed effect.
This look is easy to maintain and subtle enough for most workplaces.
It’ll instantly brighten your appearance and add a sweet summer feel.
You can go for chunky highlights, soft ribbons, or just a face-framing pop.
This style is a favorite for brunettes who want to warm up their look without going full blonde.
Chocolate Brown Balayage
Chocolate brown balayage blends natural tones with sun-kissed brightness.
The freehand coloring technique makes the color melt perfectly into your base hair.
Chocolate shades create a rich, sultry look, adding depth and dimension.
The best part?
You don’t need to worry about harsh root lines as it grows out.
This color idea works for both long and short hair, making your summer style look effortless and elegant.
Honey Blonde Ombre
Honey blonde ombre brings lightness and a playful vibe to your brunette hair.
The gradual transition from dark roots to golden ends looks natural and flattering, especially in summer sunshine.
It brightens your face without needing a complete color change.
This style works well with beachy waves or straight hair.
The ombre effect is generally low-maintenance, so you can enjoy your summer without stressing about frequent trips to the salon.
Sun-Kissed Babylights
Sun-kissed babylights give your hair a soft, luminous look.
These delicate highlights are scattered throughout your brunette base to mimic the way the sun naturally lightens hair.
The result is subtle, youthful, and perfect for summer.
Babylights look great on any hair length or texture.
Since they use fine sections of hair, the grow-out is gentle and doesn’t create harsh lines.
Your hair will catch the light and have a healthy summer shimmer.
Copper Tones
Copper tones add a vivid, warm twist for brunettes who love a hint of red.
These shades range from soft ginger to brighter penny hues.
Copper pops beautifully against olive, fair, or tan skin.
It’s bold enough to make a statement but still flattering and easy to wear.
Pair copper tones with loose curls or textured styles for a playful, summer-ready finish.
You’ll love the fiery, fresh vibe copper brings.
Mahogany Melt
Mahogany melt is a deep, luxurious shade with hints of red and purple.
It adds intensity to your brunette base without looking too dramatic.
This color suits most skin tones and shines beautifully in the sun, revealing hidden depths.
Mahogany hair looks especially pretty when styled in waves or left sleek and straight.
It’s an excellent choice if you want to move away from plain brown shades and try something richer for summer.
Golden Brown Balayage
Golden brown balayage uses ribbon-like highlights to give you a warm, radiant glow.
The balayage technique makes the color look natural and sunlit.
Golden browns bring lightness to dark hair without going too blonde or bright.
They flatter most skin tones and make your hair look healthy and dimensional.
You can style your hair straight or wavy to show off the beautiful blend.
It’s a fuss-free way to update your look for summer days.
Espresso With Ash Lowlights
Espresso hair with ash lowlights is a cool twist on classic dark hair.
The deep, rich brown shade creates a glossy base, while the cool-tone lowlights add texture and interest.
This combo is perfect if you want a refreshing update without lightening your hair much.
It looks polished and modern, especially when paired with sleek styles.
This look is trendy but understated, working for any summer event, from pool days to nights out.
Cinnamon Swirls
Cinnamon swirls create a spicy, sweet look for brunettes.
Think soft reddish-brown streaks blended through your hair, brightening your overall style.
The cinnamon touch adds warmth without overpowering your natural color.
It’s a great pick if you want a summer change that stands out without being too bold.
This shade works beautifully with curls, waves, or even a simple ponytail.
Your hair will look shimmered and full of movement all summer.
Toffee Tones
Toffee tones bring out a soft, creamy brown that looks stunning in sunlight.
These shades add richness and depth without much maintenance.
Toffee brown looks beautiful on all hair types, whether you wear it in a sleek bob or long layers.
The warm undertones give your look a sweet, approachable feel.
If you want to keep things natural but crave a summer refresh, toffee is the color to try!
Cool Ash Brown
Cool ash brown has a subtle, smoky finish that feels totally modern.
The ash tones add a touch of silvery grey, bringing a soft coolness to brunette hair.
This shade is great for those who dislike warm or reddish colors.
Cool ash brown works on both light and dark brunettes, making your hair look shiny and smooth.
It’s easy to wear every day and looks chic whether you style it up or let it flow.
Subtle Rose Brown
Subtle rose brown is a fun twist on classic brunette.
Soft hints of pink or dusty rose peek through a brown base, giving your hair a playful, modern vibe.
The rose tint isn’t too bright, so you get a unique look without being flashy.
It’s perfect for brunettes wanting a gentle pop of color for summer.
This hue looks especially pretty in natural light and is easy to match with any hairstyle.
Mushroom Brown
Mushroom brown is a mushroom-inspired mix of ashy and earthy tones.
This cool, natural color flatters every skin tone and suits short or long styles.
It’s a balanced shade—not too warm or too dark—so it feels fresh for summer.
Mushroom brown is low-maintenance because the roots blend simply with your natural color.
If you want an understated, stylish look for the season, this earthy hue is a winner.
Bronze Balayage
Bronze balayage adds a metallic, glowing effect to your hair.
Bronze highlights look especially stunning in the sun, catching light and creating movement.
The shade is deeper than gold but warmer than ash, making your hair look extra healthy.
Bronze balayage is easy to customize—go bold with thick ribbons or keep it soft and natural.
The sunlit tones make this color perfect for anyone looking for a golden touch this summer.
Auburn Streaks
Auburn streaks brighten brunette hair with red and brown warmth.
Auburn’s rich color pops when the sun hits it, giving you a lively, dimensional style.
This idea is great if you love red notes but aren’t ready for an all-over change.
Auburn streaks work on both light and dark brunettes.
You can choose thin, face-framing pieces or chunky streaks to create more drama.
Either way, you’ll stand out with a fiery vibe this summer.
Dark Chocolate With Burgundy Tint
Dark chocolate with a burgundy tint is a sultry summer pick.
The deep brown base keeps things classic, while hints of burgundy add subtle drama.
The purple-red shine catches the light beautifully but isn’t too loud for everyday wear.
This style works for all hair types and lengths, especially glossy, straight styles.
If you want the richness of chocolate with a touch of edge, this color combo is for you.
Peachy Balayage
Peachy balayage is a fun way for brunettes to try a touch of pastel.
Soft peachy tones are blended through the ends, creating a gentle gradient from dark roots to light, fruity tips.
The peach stands out best in sunlight and adds a playful flair.
This look feels creative and fresh without requiring bleach all over.
Peach balayage pairs well with loose waves and braids for a vacation-ready style.
Maple Brown
Maple brown is a warm, golden-brown shade that gives your hair a sun-drenched look.
The subtle reddish tint adds richness and looks lovely on every skin tone.
Maple brown is low-maintenance and grows out naturally, so you’ll spend less time at the salon.
This shade is stunning for anyone seeking a soft, inviting look that glows in the sunshine.
Wear it straight or wavy to show off its beautiful color depth.
Face-Framing Blonde Highlights
Face-framing blonde highlights brighten your face without a full-color commitment.
These lighter pieces draw attention to your features, making your eyes pop.
They work for all skin tones and hair types, from curls to sleek lobs.
The placement gives an instant glow, perfect for summer selfies or trips out with friends.
The upkeep is simple since the highlights are focused on the front, so you get brightness with minimal fuss.
Mocha Lowlights
Mocha lowlights add depth and richness to lighter brown hair.
These darker strands break up your base color, giving a multi-dimensional, full-bodied look.
Mocha shades bring a cozy warmth, perfect for summer nights and beach days.
You can pair lowlights with waves or a classic ponytail.
Mocha is also easy to blend for natural-looking results, making it great if you want to refresh your hair while keeping it soft and understated.
Golden Chestnut
Golden chestnut is a mix of warm, golden brown and rich red tones.
This shade gives off a cozy warmth and natural shine, perfect for sunny summer afternoons.
Golden chestnut flatters most complexions and looks fresh with layered cuts or soft waves.
The radiance of the golden and chestnut mix makes your hair look lively and healthy.
It’s a classic option if you want your brunette color to shine for the season.
Brunette With Platinum Tips
Brunette with platinum tips is a striking, edgy look for summer.
This high-contrast color idea blends dark roots with frosty silver ends.
The style looks bold and cool, especially with loose curls or textured waves.
Platinum tips stand out in sunlight, giving off a fun, festival-ready vibe.
This style is great for anyone ready to make a splash with their hair without changing their whole head to blonde.
Soft Sandy Brown
Soft sandy brown is a light, breezy shade perfect for hot days.
This color lifts dark hair to a gentle, sunlit brown, looking laid-back and fresh.
Sandy brown’s soft highlights can be scattered all over or focused at the ends.
The look works well on both straight and wavy hair.
It gives that just-back-from-the-beach vibe, making your summer hair easy, natural, and fun to style all season.