Summer hair colors are all about fun. Whether you go for classic sandy blondes and golden tones or make a bold statement with neon and pastel shades, the warmer months bring out the playful side in our hair choices.

But if bright colors aren’t your style, don’t worry—this season is also about embracing soft, natural-looking hues. Celebrity colorist and Redken ambassador Laurie Heaps says, “We’re leaning into warm, sun-kissed tones that enhance your natural beauty—nothing too extreme, just effortless and believable color.”

With summer here, the hair color possibilities are endless. To help you find your perfect shade, we asked the experts which trends they predict will dominate—and exactly how to ask for them. Consider this your go-to guide for summer hair inspiration.

### Soft Copper
Copper hair has been trending for a while, but this summer, Heaps says it’s taking a softer approach. “It’s less intense than full-on red—just a warm, sunlit glow that feels natural and effortless.”

### Cinnamon Gloss
For brunettes or darker blondes, Heaps suggests adding a subtle cinnamon tone for depth. “This isn’t about going full red—just a soft, warm enhancement.” To maintain shine between salon visits, she recommends using products like Redken’s Acidic Color Gloss Shampoo and Conditioner.

### Golden Sunset
Summer is the perfect time for blondes to shine. Heaps loves golden honey blonde for that beachy, sunlit look. “Think soft, lived-in blonde with a buttery glow,” she says. “Let your natural roots blend into lighter ends—this season is about enhancing, not covering up.”

### Lived-in Espresso
A deep, dimensional brunette with soft face-framing fading, this shade keeps hair looking natural yet polished.

### Spiced Rum
As we swap spring cocktails for summer sips, why not give your hair a warm, coppery twist? Colorist Kirsten Stuke loves this elegant take on brunette. “It’s simple yet stunning,” she says. While darker hair requires less upkeep, blondes and redheads may need touch-ups every four to six weeks.

### Golden Brunette
Imagine a rich brunette with golden caramel highlights—like a sunlit, ethereal glow. “This adds warmth and dimension to dark hair,” says colorist Leysa Carrillo. Ideal for those with naturally dark hair, it’s low-maintenance—just refresh with a gloss when needed.

### Charcoal Brunette
Mysterious and cool-toned, this deep shade has ashy undertones that keep brunettes from turning brassy in the sun. “It helps neutralize redness from sun exposure,” says colorist Lauren Mildice.

Just a heads-up: If you have… (Note: The original text was cut off here.)Natural Light Hair Color
If you have naturally light hair, salon touch-ups every four to six weeks are a must, as your roots will stand out starkly against a deep brunette shade.

Barely-There Pastels
These soft pastel shades are like delicate macarons for your hair. Starting with a platinum blonde base, they’re infused with just a hint of color—think lavender, baby pink, or mint. Colorist Philip Foresto recommends a demi-permanent, translucent hue for easy removal when you’re ready to switch back. Since these shades require high maintenance, a subtle application is key.

Crème Brûlée Blonde
This warm, buttery blonde has a slightly toasted twist, blending lemon, gold, and bronze tones for a multi-dimensional effect. Colorist Diana Mildice explains that the mix of shades adds depth and the illusion of thicker hair.

Sandy Blonde
A lived-in look with dimensional highlights in varying brown tones, sandy blonde is low-maintenance compared to last season’s bold Hollywood blondes. Dark roots actually enhance its natural texture, says colorist Richy Kandasamy.

Microlights
While traditional highlights make a statement, microlights offer a softer, more refined effect—like delicate amber flecks woven through the hair. Mildice notes they’re especially stunning on wavy or curly textures.

Soft Black
Not as stark as classic black, this velvety shade sits just shy of the darkest hue on the spectrum—mysterious yet inviting. Colorist Mariah Joseph suggests a single-process color for lasting depth or a gloss for a more gradual fade.

Color Blocking
Like mixing your sun and moon signs, color blocking lets you express every facet of your personality through bold sections of contrasting shades. Whether symmetrical or asymmetrical, the options are endless—from blondes and brunettes to vibrant fashion colors. For a subtler take, try high-contrast highlights, like platinum streaks on dark hair, for an anime-inspired effect, says colorist Anthony Garcia.