As summer rolls around, it’s time to let your hair shine. For brunettes, there are countless ways to play with color and capture the vibrance of the season. From tiny hints of hazelnut to cascades of spice-colored locks, each style is a slice of summer waiting to be tried on. As the world warms up and we all take a deep breath in under the sun, let’s dive into the hottest summer hair color trends for brunettes in 2024.
Golden Glow: The Summer Classic
Let’s start with a staple: golden glow. This timeless pick brings out an inner sun that never sets. With balayage strokes and blonde highlights that frame your face and make your features pop, this natural look is always a crowd-pleaser.
This summery style looks great on just about any skin tone and gets you as close as possible to looking like you spent your days lounging at the beach, even if you didn’t. It’s also especially forgiving for people with fine hair, as all those different tones add depth and volume.
For healthy long hair straight or wavy, try using a nourishing oil like Ouai Hair Oil to keep it glistening in the sunlight.
If you’re looking to add a touch of whimsy to a simple look for a casual summer day, long hair curtain bangs might be perfect for you. It’s chic, easy and will look great as the wind whips through your hair on a cliffside.
Smokey Ash Balayage: The Cool-Toned Chic
Sometimes you just have to say goodbye to warm colors and dive headfirst into the cool zone. Smokey ash balayage is here to help with that.
This style goes best with people who have cooler skin tones, as all those ashy colors can make warm complexions look washed out. If your hair is naturally very dark, this could finally be the color change you’ve been waiting for, but it may require several lightening sessions before getting there.
To keep everything from turning brassy and losing its silver-toned edge, try using Olaplex No.3 once a week along with a silver-toning shampoo.
And if you’re feeling particularly daring, medium length hair highlights caramel ombre would create an amazing visual contrast between those icy-cool tones and soft-warm ones.
Lavender Dream: The Cool Contrast
Just like iced coffees and late sunsets, a lavender dream brings a cool change of pace for the summer.
This lush wavy mane looks like it was plucked straight out of the sky at twilight, and makes for an amazing contrast with all those traditional warm tones.
So there you have it! The hottest summer hair color trends for brunettes in 2024 are here to help you find your perfect look.
This style is a daring choice, but it’s an ideal for those that want all eyes on them. It’s designed to compliment olive and darker skin types, which make the deep purple pop against your skin. However, this quirky color might not be the best for fair-skinned individuals or someone who doesn’t have the time to constantly maintain it.
To keep your lavender locks looking vibrant and healthy, try out the Schwarzkopf Professional Bold Color Wash Shampoo. The sulfate-free formula makes sure your hair stays fresh for longer.
The final touch? A perfume that matches your eccentric taste! Try out Yves Saint Laurent’s Black Opium for a delightful aroma that will leave everyone in awe. Not only does it smell incredible, but it pairs perfectly with bold fashion choices like this one.
Honeyed Waves: A Toast to Tawny Elegance
When we think of summer hair color for brunettes 2024, honeyed waves under the sun are what instantly comes to mind. This sprawling tumble of tawny elegance is so perfect it’s almost enviable. Highlights sun-kissed to perfection create a gradient as smooth as the summer breeze itself.
Photo credit by: @guy_tang
This color suits all skin tones, from fair to deep, because of its varied tones from dark brown to highlights caramel light. Hair on the thin side? These waves give volume even when there isn’t any! But those with very straight hair might find they need a little more oomph for that bounce.
The secret recipe behind these luscious waves: a good heat protectant and a trusty curling wand. The Moroccanoil Perfect Defense will guard against the heat, while the T3 SinglePass Curl creates undulating waves that last. And don’t forget a spritz of texturizing spray for that final beachy touch.
Imagine those waves catching light in every turn, different lengths reflecting different shades of caramel balayage—it’s like pure summer magic.
Sun-Kissed Shag: Embracing the Warmth of Summer
A fresh, warm take on brunette hair is just the summer look we all deserve. Introducing the sun-kissed shag—a layered cascade of caramel kisses that twinkle in the sunlight. This cut is equal parts fun and lively, with its textured edges and bangs that curtin the face like a soft caress.
Not everyone has the guts to rock a shag, but if you have a bit of wave and texture in your hair, this one’s for you! The natural flow is perfect for those who fall within a medium thickness range—but don’t fret if you have fine hair! All you need is some volumizing product to give it a lift.To keep up with this summer hair color for brunettes 2024, be sure to use color-protecting shampoos and a weekly mask. I personally recommend Balayage
Caramel Face Framing products—their highlights caramel concoctions are divine. And of course, don’t forget about moisture! I love using L’Oréal Paris Elvive Color Vibrancy Protecting Mask on my color-treated hair.Can you imagine how stunning it must be to catch different shades of highlights mid-turn? Layers on layers bouncing off your shoulders as each layer lights up differently—it’s almost too gorgeous to bear.
Rich Ruby Waves: The Deep Dive into Color
The scorching summer heat calls for something just as hot—the brilliance of these rich ruby waves. When we’re talking about summer hair color for brunettes 2024, this is the fine wine of the bunch. It’s deep, intoxicating, and absolutely divine. Shiny as a pearl and vibrant as can be—this look might just take your breath away.
Photo credit by: @guy_tang
This hue is perfect for people with a warm undertone. It will add life to your face and make it more vibrant. But, it’s not a color that anyone can pull off. It requires confidence and attitude to wear. Not to mention all the work you have to do to maintain it or else the red will fade.To care for my hair I use Kerastase Reflection Bain Chromatique shampoo and fondant. They help keep that red shine alive through every wash.
On top of that, there’s also the fun part of finding the perfect styling products. A smoothing serum like John Frieda Frizz Ease helps me achieve the sleekness and shine these waves need.When you’re done with everything else, finish up your look by adding some soft waves to your hair. Even if your hair isn’t long enough, there’s still a short hair tutorial out there that’ll show you how to get those waves just right. This gives everybody a chance to rock this look no matter what length their locks are at now.
Ambiguous Ash: The Sophisticated Chill
When going with cool tones, the silver ash flow is a bold choice for those who want to break free from warm hues that dominate summer’s palette. It feels like stepping into a crisp morning — just after getting out of a bed that you could fall back into and be sucked in for hours. This color is not for a trendsetter or style maven— it’s for both of them in one.
People with neutral or cool skin tones should opt for this hair color as it can wash out those with warmer complexions; however, it also takes an audacious person to wear such smokey tones.
Maintaining the fresh and vibrant look will require using products similar to Redken Color Extend Blondage Purple Shampoo. Especially because brassiness is not what you’re looking for.
And don’t forget how easy styling this versatile look is, whether you’re trying pull off a sleek ponytail or just giving your hair its normal free-flowing waves, this color makes the ultimate statement on personal style that screams “I woke up like this.”
Dizzily Dark: A Loud Statement
Are we still living? Are we still partying? Because I’m pretty sure my head’s still spinning around in circles from last night. Thank god I have dark hair, it doesn’t show as much when people are twirling me on the dance floor. Dark, rich and absolutely arresting — Espresso Elegance is a testament to the timeless beauty of dark hair. The depth of the dark brown is accentuated with subtle waves that add a touch of sophistication and body, making it a versatile look for both a day in the office or a night out.
This color is perfect for those who cherish their natural dark tones but wish to add some complexity. It’s a great option for all skin tones, particularly if you have warm undertones that are complemented by the espresso hue. Those with very light skin may want to proceed cautiously, as the dark color can be quite a contrast.
To maintain this luxurious depth, I recommend the Aveda Black Malva shampoo to prevent fading and keep the color vibrant. When styling, use Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Heat/UV Protective Primer will help ensure those locks stay healthy.In the fourth paragraph, imagine adding a subtle twist — perhaps highlights dark chocolate brown peeking through the waves to add dimension. It’s all about embracing the richness of your natural beauty while elevating it with a hint of playfulness.
Mocha Delight: Sip On Style
Caramel highlights on medium brown hair is a cup of mocha delight we’d love to sip on all day long. This subtle blend features warm caramel painted onto rich brown hair to create an elegant yet comforting shade—think chic coffee shop vibes.
This universally flattering shade is ideal for brunettes who want to add some dimension to their locks. It’s also perfect for those who don’t want the high-maintenance upkeep that comes with frequent salon visits. The grow-out process of this balayage technique is extremely forgiving, making it a great option for low-maintenance beauty gurus.
Taking care of this color couldn’t be easier. Wash your locks with a color-safe shampoo and hydrate them with Moroccan Oil Hydrating Conditioner. And if you need a quick style change? Soft waves like these can transition any daytime look into an evening masterpiece.
Sunlit Dimension: The Light You Need
For the dark-haired person who wants gold locks, this style adds a touch of light to your hair and face. It looks like you spent your days outside in the sunshine.
This color is great for warmer skin tones because it brings out the best in them. Cooler tone will appreciate how it contrasts softly with their skin.
Once you have these golden tresses, all you have to do is maintain them with a mask once a week and an everyday serum, so they look luscious all season long. And that’s what summer sophistication looks like: hair that says professional but also ready to par-tay!
Cascading Balayage: The Flow of Elegance
The Cascading Balayage is an elegant, neverending flow of soft tones that movess like a river from dark roots to lighter ends. It’s the style that tells a story about summer adventures and moonlit dances.
This balayage technique is perfect for those who prefer low-maintenance styles with a soft grow-out. It’s best for medium complexions as it adds warmth and depth without overpowering your features.
To keep the cascades radiant, use a bond-building treatment like Bondi Boost Rapid Repair Serum. And when it comes to styling, you can’t go wrong with a ceramic wand to make those flowing waves. Let your hair move as gracefully as you do.
Dark Enigma: The Mysterious Allure
The Dark Enigma is where darkness meets allure—the style that embraces the darkest browns (almost black) with just enough balayage highlights to leave people wanting more. It’s for the woman who loves her natural darkness but can’t resist keeping them inquisitive.
This style is a win for all skin tones but is particularly striking for those with deep complexions. It screams confidence and promises to turn heads wherever you go.
The enigmatic allure requires little effort, a smoothing conditioner will tame the frizz, and a gentle curl cream will add volume to the waves. Ensure your hair is as captivating as you are!
Sunkissed Ribbons: The Playful Dance
Sunkissed Ribbons is a playful dance of dark brunette roots that effortlessly blends into warm golden caramel highlights. With this style, it’s like the summer sun played hide and seek with your hair but left behind a trail of warmth.
This style is perfect for medium to dark skin tones where the contrast between the highlights and base color brings out the liveliness of your hair. If you want a subtle change that still makes a statement in movement and depth, this is the style for you.
To maintain the sunkissed look, use a color enhancing conditioner regularly. And for those who want to embrace their waves, a salt spray will give it texture without sacrificing the softness of the highlights. Carefree summer vibes all around!
Balayage Brilliance: The Subtle Transition
Balayage Brilliance is all about subtlety—a beautiful transition from rich brunette roots to softened caramel ends. This style is perfect for someone who wants versatility and class without having to schedule touch-ups every two weeks.
With its naturally faded dark to light look, it’s hard not to fall in love with this hairstyle. It looks great on all skin tones, but especially those warmer ones that are accentuated by the caramel ends. To put it simply, it’s inviting you to experiment with lighter colors while still keeping your brunette roots.
Now as for maintenance and longevity, the key is gentle treatment. Using a sulfate-free shampoo and regular treatments should be more than enough to keep your ends looking healthy and free of splits. And if I may add one more thing: This look isn’t just a color, it’s a statement of elegance that whispers rather than shouts.
Tousled Contrast: The Bold Statement
For the brunette babes that want to make a bolder statement, Tousled Contrast gives you the best of both worlds with dark, rich roots transitioning into bold caramel twists. It’s a dynamic style that represents summer’s duality and is perfect for the woman who isn’t afraid to show all sides of her personality.
This high contrast look really pops against olive to dark skin tones, where dark roots bring out the full impact of warm caramel highlights. The only colors someone this vibrant wears are on her hair.
In order to keep this look so perfectly balanced, regular protein treatments are going to be essential in maintaining healthy locks while still keeping those highlights vibrant. Styling should be effortless—embrace your natural texture and let those curls and waves be wild and free.
Lustrous Hazelnut Tides
Hazelnut tides will take you away. This lustrous blend pairs dark chocolate roots with hazelnut ends for a warm embrace of color that mirrors light and shadow in the sunset.
This color blend is stunning on a variety of skin tones, but it especially brightens up medium complexions and gives them a radiant glow that can light up every room.
Maintaining tides this lustrous means sticking to a routine of moisturizing products. A hydrating, color safe shampoo and conditioner will be your best friend for keeping these hazelnut highlights vibrant all summer long. To add an extra touch of elegance, use a curl defining cream for soft waves that move effortlessly in the warm breeze.
Soft Mocha Swirls
These Soft Mocha Swirls are bound to give you whiplash from how quickly heads are going to turn. The cascade of mocha shades throughout this dark brunette base offers subtle yet sophisticated flavor and warmth.
This universally flattering shade adds depth to warm undertones, making every glance just as sweet as biting into your favorite chocolate treat.
Maintaining this mocha masterpiece has never been easier. A deep conditioning treatment with natural oils will keep the hair soft and the color rich. A round brush and gentle blow out will bring out the full swirl of these bodied waves so that every day can feel like a special occasion.
Cinnamon Spice Cascade
The Cinnamon Spice Cascade is as strong as your morning cup of joe, with warm cinnamon highlights cascading from root to tip like syrup in your favorite latte. This vibrant style adds flavor to any look.
This style is versatile for various skin tones, but it especially shines with those who have golden or olive undertones. For people with that complexion, the cinnamon hues will really make a statement. This works best for someone who loves summer and adventure and wants to add some spice to their style.
To keep this spicy hue rich, use color-enhancing hair masks regularly so the highlights stay vibrant. When styling your hair, let loose waves show off the cascade of cinnamon by using a large-barreled curling iron. That way, your hair can make a bold statement that’s all its own.
That concludes our list of summer hair colors for brunettes in 2024! We’ve covered everything from ash to espresso so you can find the perfect one for you. Each style promises a summer full of new experiences and vibrant locks. Which one will you choose? Comment your thoughts so we can start enjoying the sun on these beautiful hues!
Whispering Contrasts: The Soft Edge
This look is subtle enough to be barely noticeable but boasts contrasts that catch light and create an edge so soft it will leave people wanting more. They say that less is more, and whoever said that was absolutely right about this hairstyle — just take a look at how much personality it packs into its simplicity.
Though this muted style is a good choice for all skin tones, it really pops on people with cooler undertones. This allows the ash and chocolate shades to shine bright like diamonds — or maybe more soft and subtle, depending on your vibe.
To maintain the integrity of this understated elegance, use sulfate-free shampoo. For perfectly poised waves that aren’t too wild or out there, lightly spray hair with a light-hold product. This is what we call “the hair of a woman who commands a room with her subtlety and charms with her depth.”
