Summer Highlights Ideas 2025: The Prettiest Dimensional Colors to Try This Season

As soon as we start seeing the sun more and crave iced coffee daily, our hair seems to want a change too. The question we should really ask is, what will be the popular highlights in 2025? Should we keep our hair blonde and smooth or try something new with deep, bronzy highlights? Above all, how can we choose a style that represents us and not just what’s popular for the moment?

If you’re relaxing by the pool, enjoying a rooftop meal or just want your hair to look great every day, these summer highlight ideas 2025 will make you shine in the most subtle and sunny way. Let’s break them down.

Layered Hazelnut with Creamy Vanilla Contour

This style is special to me right now — a thick hazelnut base with vanilla highlights softly painted on the front and middle layers. It’s easy to see how the fringe transitions to the rest of your hair, adding shape without being too noticeable. The light is warm, but not overly bright and it’s soft, but not too light. If you want to maintain the natural volume of your hair but keep it looking effortless, this is the perfect way to color it.

To keep the highlights from turning brassy in the summer heat, I’d go for a purple-based gloss every 2–3 weeks and use a hydrating, color-safe shampoo like Pureology’s Hydrate Sheer. It keeps the tone clean but doesn’t dry the hair out — major win when you’re under the sun a lot.

It’s like those mornings when the sun shines in and touches your cheekbone just right. It’s soft but glowy, and it feels quietly luxe. The vibe is high-maintenance energy with low-maintenance execution. Who doesn’t want that?

If you’re not sure about being blonde this summer, this look is a great compromise. It turns heads without asking for attention. Dreamy.

Golden Wheat Waves with Sandy Depth

These highlights live somewhere between sunbeam and champagne. The base is a light, sandy beige that blends nicely into golden wheat in the middle of the hair. What I really enjoy is the way the hair looks after a few days at the beach. The hair looks naturally loose and lived-in and it’s the kind that makes you feel a bit more glamorous than you might be on a Tuesday.

This tone needs moisture. The heat from styling and the sun can turn your lightened ends into straw. I’ve been obsessed with Kérastase’s Elixir Ultime lately — just a few drops on dry hair and it brings back that soft sheen without greasiness. Failing to treat your highlighted hair will quickly make you regret your choice.

You can use “I spend my weekends in Montauk,” even if you’re just relaxing at home. It feels powerful, even though it’s done with ease. That’s where the confidence hits different.

If you’re hoping to go blonde this summer, these highlights ideas will give you a hint of golden hair without making a major change.

Sleek and Silvery Blonde Blend

Okay, this one is for the girls who can’t stand a messy look. It’s sleek, smooth and has a perfect balance between cool beige and soft silver. It’s not icy or platinum — it’s a softer take that still brings brightness to the face without washing it out. Long, sharp edges and the layers inside make the hair look thicker and more defined. Minimalist chic at its finest.

An in-salon toner touch-up should be done on this type of blonde every 4–5 weeks. I use the Redken Color Extend Blondage line at home which helps the cool tones stay icy and gives me silky hair. If you choose to blow-dry, hold the round brush as you go and never skip the heat protection.

There’s something timeless about this. It gives me the same vibe as a glossy magazine editorial — it’s cool without putting in too much effort. If you’re not a fan of mess but love a polished look, this could be the right color for you in 2025.

And honestly? This sort of sound is going to be popular this summer. After the popularity of messy, air-dried hairstyles, we’re seeing a calm comeback of sleek, shiny looks.

Bronde Drift with Rooty Shadow

There’s something hypnotic about this rooty bronde fade. At first, the roots have a soft espresso flavor and then they fade into cool-toned caramel lengths. It’s beachy, yes — but also super grounded. You can have the easygoing surf-girl style with just enough contrast to make it stylish, not too crunchy.

For care, I recommend alternating a bond-repairing treatment like Olaplex No.3 with a hydrating mask (I rotate in Davines NouNou once a week). Both depth and brightness should be balanced with tone and strength to avoid the paint from splitting.

I always like this look in August, when my roots have grown out and my highlights are a bit longer. Except here, it’s done on purpose. And done well.

If you’d rather avoid root touch-ups or prefer something light, this style is perfect. The summer trends for 2025 are all about softness and movement, not strong contrasts and I think that’s great.

Sunlit Espresso with Honey Ribbon Highlights

Let’s talk about dimension. The style is created by starting with an espresso brown base and adding small, woven ribbons of honey to the crown and around the face. It’s the layering that gives the artwork its bouncy, lively feeling which is more vibrant than flat art. It’s got edge, but there’s also a softness that makes it suitable for all skin tones.

Maintenance-wise, this combo is super forgiving. You won’t see the highlights right at the root, so you can go a few months before you need to touch them up. I’d still use dpHUE’s Gloss+ in Warm Blonde to keep the honey tones bright and merge any faded parts of your hair.

I feel like I’m in a wildflower field with this one; it’s natural, earthy and filled with sunlight. The kind of hair you want when you’re barefoot on a porch with a drink in hand.

What I most enjoy about this style is how flexible it is. If you want a blowout, go for it or just let it dry with a wave spray and it’s still perfect. It’s gentle, sensual and makes you think of summer without having to shout.

Buttercream Highlights with Layered Bounce

This look has a light golden blonde and soft ash color that is blended into feathered layers that move when you walk. I find it beautiful because the way the layers are built lets each strand stand out and catch the light on its own. The base is natural, so it’s not too much and the sliced highlights on the top sections make it look bright, just like morning light. It’s giving movement, gloss, and that barely-brushed-through elegance.

I use a light volumizing mousse such as Oribe Grandiose, to keep the bounce and separate my hair. It keeps your hair in place, even if it tends to lose volume in the middle of the day. I spray in a light heat protectant before using a large-barrel curling iron to get those subtle, flicked ends.

Honestly? To me, this style of highlight looks like what you see in salon ads, but it’s simple enough for everyday activities. It’s all about looking nice without going over the top.

If you want your hair to look fuller or if it’s just feeling limp, these summer highlight ideas for 2025 will work better than any YouTube tutorial. Trust.

Cool Beige Blend with Loose Sculpted Curls

This color uses cooler taupe-beige tones which are blended well over a medium ash brown base. The main points are not loudly stated, but rather hinted at which is why they go with almost anything. Along with soft, sculpted waves, the look appears neat but not too fancy. It’s giving light-reflective dimension with a quiet-luxury undertone.

I often mention that cooler colors like this look their best when paired with toners. If you’re not at the salon every month, you can still use dpHUE Cool Blonde at home to keep your hair looking fresh and prevent brassiness. It’s worth the 5-minute ritual.

I find this tone to be like iced coffee, enjoyed in a linen shirt. Cool, calming, always in style. It doesn’t chase trends — it just is. Sometimes, that’s the best beauty flex of all.

You’ve probably noticed that some shades seem like they’re meant for Paris. This is one of them. Classic, minimal, and forever chic.

Golden Beige Balayage with Shadow Root

Now this is summer in a strand. A combination of golden beige and an untouched root makes the hair look like it’s been on the beach all day. It looks so good when it’s not done perfectly — painted by hand and blended to perfection. I enjoy how the sound stays warm and doesn’t become too brassy.

To keep this fresh, a weekly mask is non-negotiable. I love Moroccanoil’s Intense Hydrating Mask — especially if your hair is processed or you’re spending a lot of time in the sun. Don’t sleep on hydration. Healthy hair reflects color better. Period.

I’ve tried different shades of this over time and what I like best is how easy it is to wear. Grow-out is soft. Updos still show color. It just works. If you want the look of highlighted hair, but don’t want to deal with the upkeep — this is for you.

What makes it one of my favorite summer ideas for 2025 is its mix of deep roots and plenty of sunlight. It also looks great as the weather cools which is something you don’t always hear about.

Light Champagne Ribbons with a Bright Face Frame

Talk about shine! The ribbons are made from creamy champagne and placed over a light honey base, with a little extra lightness around the face. The styles are soft and not overdone, letting the colors do the main job. It stands out, especially when you’re outside and it gives off a true Italian-style glow that’s hard to copy.

I always say to be careful with this one, because keeping that champagne blonde calls for a good purple shampoo. Amika Bust Your Brass is always my first choice because it keeps my hair soft. It’s also good to use a microfiber towel to prevent any breakage, as hair can be more delicate after this much lightening.

If you want a lighter and brighter look but platinum isn’t for you, this is the perfect choice. It’s warm, but controlled. Luminous, not loud.

What I love best is that this style looks great with every outfit and makeup style. Neutral without being dull — that’s what makes hair really special.

Rooted Vanilla Melt with Soft Layers

It’s a dramatic look, but in a beautiful way — a dark espresso base that turns into a soft vanilla blonde. The layers keep the hair light, despite its obvious thickness and good condition. The highlight is placed near the face and continues around the crown, giving both lift and a radiant look. It’s luxurious but effortless, like soft-serve swirled with gold.

Honestly, I’d treat this like an investment. A weekly bond builder such as K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair, is a must and a shampoo with low sulfates will keep your hair ends from getting dull. Don’t skip the heat protection either. Vanilla tones lose their shimmer when they’re fried.

I keep choosing this combination every summer since it has everything I look for: simple grow-out, lots of dimension, warmth and movement. This color allows you to pull your hair back however you like and it will still draw attention.

If you want something that’s both bold and soft, with a structured feel but also flowing — this is the perfect fit.

Rooted Ash Melt with Platinum Flow

This highlight story should use contrast, but do it in a stylish way. The ash brown root gradually becomes platinum in the middle and ends, with no noticeable change in color. The waves make the high-lift blonde style appear richer and fuller, instead of just plain. It blends both icy and earthy tones and the restrained use of color feels very much like what’s ahead in 2025.

If you’re choosing this shade, you have to be careful with the blonde. After a root-to-tip transformation, I always use Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother. It prevents your hair from splitting and controls frizz without making it feel heavy. I also love sleeping in a satin bonnet (or pillowcase at least) to reduce friction — especially for lightened hair.

The style makes influencers look their best, without forcing it or overdoing anything. I imagine it featuring off-the-shoulder tops and almond gloss nails. It just works.

This is one of my favorite summer highlight ideas for anyone who wants thick, glossy hair without losing their natural roots. It lets you glow, but stay grounded.

Mocha-to-Honey Balayage with Soft Dimension

The softness in this outfit makes it a perfect way to move from spring to summer. The bottom is a rich mocha color and it slowly fades to warm honey blonde at the ends. How the hair moves highlights the difference in light and dark tones. It’s sunkissed, but still moody. Modern, but totally wearable for the everyday girl.

This shade thrives on moisture and shine. I’m a fan of Bumble and Bumble Invisible Oil on wet hair; it helps keep moisture in and makes everything shine. A single pump at mid-lengths is enough to make this kind of dimension appear.

The thing I like best about it is how natural it is. Perhaps you didn’t really do anything… you’re just that attractive. That illusion? That’s what expert color placement gets you.

You understand why it’s the “if you know, you know” of summer hair when you see it — it’s so understated, smart and flattering.

Fine Caramel Foil with Precision Layers

This look is still popular: thin caramel highlights mixed into chocolate brown hair, given extra bounce by those well-cut layers. The illuminating parts are very light, so the look stays natural and doesn’t appear messy or uneven. If your hair is limp, these highlights will add extra lift and movement to it right away.

I always advise a clarifying wash every two weeks or so and Kristin Ess Scalp Purifying Micellar Shampoo is one I like. It cleans your hair without making your highlights look dull which is very important when your highlights are light and delicate.

I really enjoy that this style looks both new and classic. You see it in real life and can’t wait to schedule your own appointment.

If you’re not ready to color your hair but want to try highlights, this is the perfect place to start. It’s gentle, it’s cozy and it works perfectly with everything you wear in the summer.

Wheat Blonde Waves with Pop Bright Front

Now we’re talking light, beachy energy. The result is a wheat blonde look that’s not buttery or beige, but rather clean and bright. The front pieces are made to be lighter which creates the beautiful face-framing effect that looks great on you. There’s a touch of messiness in the waves which makes the whole style look young and fun.

For these tones, you’ve gotta keep that brightness alive. I’m really into Kérastase Blond Absolu Cicaextreme because it leaves my hair smooth and light without making it heavy. A little goes a long way, especially post-shower.

This is the kind of hair you have when you go to a farmer’s market on a Sunday. Carefree but curated. It’s full of movement, has a nice texture and just enough blonde to avoid looking bleached.

Just the face frame detail can make your whole summer look pop. I think this is one of the most beautiful summer highlight ideas I’ve seen this year.

Champagne Butter Blend on Mermaid Lengths

Here’s the drama — in the softest way possible. There is a sea of extra-long waves in layers of champagne and butter blonde which makes the hair look almost as if it were lit by fairy lights. The highlights are applied in cascading ribbons which ensures the hair still looks layered and has plenty of depth. The difference between the two is soft and the style is like a modern Rapunzel meeting a glam beach girl.

I make sure to condition my hair deeply to keep it healthy. I switch between Joico Moisture Recovery and K18 Leave-In every week. If you don’t use it, long blonde ends can become dry in no time. A wide-tooth comb is your best tool for detangling your hair.

I’ve always saved this look to my Pinterest, but never actually did it — this year, I’m considering trying it out in 2025. There’s something unapologetically feminine and strong about it.

If you’re looking for a dramatic change, this is the highlight style for you. Soft, rich, and absolutely unforgettable.

Golden Mocha Waves with Silky Volume

This color combo is all about contrast and continuity. The base of the color is mocha and honey ribbons are added to give the hair more volume and shine. The texture mixes well with the highlights, giving the image a gentle bounce that comes to life as you change your view. I love how the movement and colors complement each other, so there’s not much else needed to make it stand out.

For upkeep, you’ll want to maintain hydration and shine. I’ve been using Virtue’s Recovery Conditioner recently because it’s light, helps my hair stay shiny and prevents my highlights from fading too soon.

This color reminds me a lot of the golden hour. That late-afternoon warmth that makes everything look cinematic. If you want a summer style with a bit of depth that’s not too obvious, this is the one for you.

Let’s face it, it’s nice when your makeup looks great in the office and in photos taken at sunset.

Apricot Brunette Fusion with Sleek Layers

Now this is subtle statement energy. The base is a warm apricot brunette and the ultra-smooth layers help lift the style. The reason it’s summer-ready is that the warmth comes from many directions and doesn’t seem overdone.

I think adding a light oil to your ends is a good idea — Gisou Honey Infused Hair Oil gives your hair a little shine and smells amazing. Be careful not to use too much; this color looks best when it’s soft, not shiny.

I really like that it’s not icy or golden, but still feels fresh and new. It’s cozy but still feels solid and it’s perfect for changing seasons without having to change everything.

If your wardrobe is mostly neutral and you’re looking for a pop of color that goes well with you, this blend could be perfect.

Neutral Sand Melt with Face Glow Lights

This is one of those looks that just flatters. A soft sand-colored melt is applied through the mid-lengths and then — surprise! — a few glow lights around the face brighten the whole style. It’s minimal but clever. Natural, but clearly curated. Think of it as a way to make your hair look naturally healthy.

It’s great for people with fine to medium hair — it gives your hair more depth and volume without the need for layers. I prefer a heatless wave; braid your hair before bed and use sea salt spray to fluff it up in the morning. OUAI Wave Spray is my go-to.

It reminds me of taking walks along the beach in a big shirt and sandals. This is the season for natural skin and light makeup — summer beauty made easy.

If you’re looking for something easy and fun this summer, you’ll love this.

Caramelized Bronze with Midshaft Brightness

Okay, let’s talk richness. The roots are a darker caramel bronze and the color fades into a lighter cinnamon and honey look as you go down the hair shaft. The clever part is that the lightness is applied where your waves are most visible, so your whole hairstyle looks great without obvious roots.

Since there’s warmth in this mix, I suggest using a sulfate-free shampoo to protect the shine — Color Wow Color Security Shampoo is gentle and helps maintain your color.

I think this is great for brunettes who want to add brightness without going blonde. It feels luxe, layered, and like you know your angles (and your undertones).

They show us that you don’t have to go blonde to have summer highlights. Dimension is the real star here.

Cool Honey Lights with Sandy Brown Root

This color combination feels very soft and easy to wear. The hair is held together by a neutral sandy brown root and cool honey highlights are added through the ends and lower parts. The result is warm and bright, a little like wearing your favorite knit tank in the sun.

If your hair gets warm easily, I suggest you use Fanola No Orange Mask every few weeks. It keeps the honey sound going, but avoids brassiness.

I like this style because it doesn’t change your natural color — it makes it better. It feels like a real-girl color. Just like the kind of hair that suits a claw clip and no makeup as much as it does a full face and a beachy look.

It’s easy, gentle and has the perfect amount of sun.

Toasted Honey with Caramel Ribbons

This look? It’s giving rich, golden vacation energy. The main shade is a smooth honey brown that fades into delicate caramel streaks — it’s not too chunky or highly contrasted, only real sunshine. What I find most appealing is the way the layers are feathered to reflect light. It’s dimensional, but wearable. Bold, but soft. Like, “I woke up like this,” but with my hair styled and glossed by a pro.

If you’re in something so warm and bright, make sure you’re not skimping on moisturizer. Summer heat can turn pretty pieces brassy fast. I highly suggest using Redken Color Extend Blondage Shampoo to get rid of dullness and keep your blonde hair golden, not yellow.

I remember having a shade like this after I visited Charleston. I paired the dress with white linen and big hoop earrings and I got so many compliments from people I didn’t know during my coffee break.

What this tone needs to pop? A few highlights at the hairline can give you that beach-living look, even if you’re far from the ocean.

Shadow Root with Icy Ends

Okay, THIS is the moment. The smooth transition from dark to ultra-light beige is the perfect look for 2025 — a cooler version that isn’t ashy and still feels trendy. The money pieces up front? Subtle but framing. They shape the face in a natural way and that’s important this season. It’s romantic and modern all at once.

If you’re using this little product, you should always use heat protectant. I rely on the Kérastase Blond Absolu Cicaplasme leave-in cream, as it’s rescued my ends from frying several times. Especially if you’re waving with hot tools like in this look.

It’s the perfect look for a city girl who has just returned from Cannes. You’ll find it looks even better on the second day if you spray dry texture on it. I’d do a middle part and add a small wave to it.

Want to give it more punch? Add pearl-toned lowlights for shine that looks like it’s built in, not painted on.

Golden Mocha Waves

This is what I think gives summer brunettes their edge. It has depth, it’s warm, but it’s not blonde and that’s the secret to its success. These golden mocha highlights are placed throughout the mid-lengths and ends without taking over the base. The look stays grounded but bright. Think: sunlit café au lait.

Living here is very easy from a maintenance point of view. I wouldn’t use a toner unless it’s the middle of the pool season. I recommend using a glossing mask every so often — dpHUE Gloss+ in Light Brown is a great way to add shine and refresh tone at home.

I decided to wear this tone during summer and teamed it with bronze makeup. It gave me a glowing look without being too much work. It’s the color you’d wear if you had a passport stamp and a tan.

It could also be the most universally attractive color on this list. Add some soft layers or curtain bangs and you’re looking like a 2000s celebrity, updated for today.

Cool-Toned Sandy Blonde

This tone? Barefoot luxury. A color that makes you look like you spent a lot on your hair, but you didn’t have to. It’s a neutral color, not too warm or cool and the layering gives it a comfortable swing and softness. It’s super editorial in its simplicity. I keep noticing how the ends get thinner — just like how beach foam blends into the sand.

I always use Olaplex No. 4P Blonde Enhancer Toning Shampoo once a week to keep the muted look in my hair. Not every highlight wants to be white-hot. This one thrives in its beige moment.

I think it’s safe to say this color reminds me of the ones I’ve saved on Pinterest, but always doubt I could wear. Yet, maybe we should stop thinking that we can’t have a cool summer?

You know what would elevate this even more? Wearing one earring on the back of your ear, with the other side left free. You can count on it — the color will shine like light from champagne.

Milk Chocolate Tousled Bob

I’m deviating from the plan and I think that’s great for us. The cut is in the middle length, colored with rich milk chocolate and softly enhanced by cinnamon-scented waves. The key is a texture that’s beachy, yet polished, just as if you’ve slept in your vacation blowout only once. It’s a simple design, not too fancy and has a good amount of curve.

You don’t need a lot of upkeep here — just a good texturizing spray (I’m all about Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray) and maybe a light cream to keep frizz in check. The focus here is on the shape and color which make the look stand out.

If you’re interested in trying darker colors this summer, this is a great place to start. Even though it’s a bit warmer, the sun and breeze are still around.

Want to go even deeper? Ask your stylist to leave your base color dark and to add a little bit of copper glaze to the ends. Instant sunlit sophistication.

Champagne Beige Dimension

Have you ever seen those soft, buttery highlights that make your hair look like it’s in a hair commercial? That’s exactly what this is. Mixing beige, pearl and golden strands results in a dimensional effect that isn’t too much. The movement in those long, round layers makes the color appear soft and bouncy.

How you care for your hair after leaving the salon determines how well this tone works. I use Pureology Strength Cure Blonde Purple Conditioner regularly to avoid my hair’s highlights from becoming lackluster. Also? A silk pillowcase helps your hair stay shiny.

The thing I like about this style is how well it can be changed. You can wear it just as easily with a beach dress as you can with a work shirt. It feels like the perfect “grown-up blonde” — chic but still carefree.

I may add a few more face-framing pieces next time I do it. I’m not looking to change the energy, just to make it a little more focused.

Creamy Latte with Icy Ends

This highlight pattern is art. The look starts with a soft mocha color at the root and ends in a vanilla-toned icy blonde — it’s dramatic, but it’s easy to wear. Because it’s both warm and cool, it matches a broad range of skin colors, especially with the wavy pattern.

I always add a violet pigment shampoo like Fanola No Yellow Shampoo to my hair once a week to keep the light color and cool tone. If you add too much, you lose the coziness that makes this work special.

I saw one of my friends in this color at a beach wedding and it looked amazing in the sunlight. Her hair seemed thicker, shinier and a bit longer after the contrast. That’s the kind of color that really stands out to others.

I’d recommend adding a few platinum highlights close to the hairline to give your hair that shiny, glazed donut look.

Sun-Kissed Cinnamon Melt

Okay, this is summer in hair form. A cinnamon base that gradually turns into golden copper at the mid-lengths and ends. It’s fiery but subtle, dimensional but grounded. This one stands out thanks to its feathered shape — the color appears to dance along with the wind.

Forget toning shampoo; instead, choose products that add moisture to your hair. I use Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Heat/UV Protective Primer to protect my hair from the sun, as the color can fade fast.

Whenever I want to feel comfortable and strong, this is the tone I go to. It brings out the color in green and hazel eyes and can give any outfit a touch of summer.

If you’re someone who’s never tried going red-adjacent, this is the gateway tone. Soft, cozy and striking enough to stand out, yet not too noticeable for a makeover.

Cool Honey Drop Balayage

This one’s all about contrast — but done right. A soft root blends into a cool-toned honey balayage with vertical ribbons that stand out. The reason this work is so effective is the way the objects are arranged. It’s not heavy. It breathes. Light sections are cut in a sleek, straight way with just a small amount of texture at the tips.

If your natural hair is close to the base shade, you won’t have to do much to maintain this highlight. I suggest using Color Wow Dream Coat, a color-sealing serum, to keep your color shiny and safe from humidity if you’re in a humid place during the summer.

I enjoy that this color is both sweet and sophisticated. You look like you’re having a fancy drink on a rooftop, but your hair is held up by a claw clip.

Honestly? I’d avoid changing anything in this room — perhaps just add a few accessories. A gold hair cuff or a few stacked clips would make it even more stylish.

Espresso and Vanilla Swirl

This is a combination that should be in both a gelato shop and your salon’s next mood board. A strong espresso base blended with creamy vanilla which adds soft and bright ribbons to the face. Here, the colors are placed with purpose and that’s meant to be noticeable. It adds volume and intensity without going full skunk-stripe.

Since there is so much contrast, I have to refresh the light areas every week. I rely on IGK Mixed Feelings Leave-In Blonde Toning Drops, as you can control the shade to match your hair.

The color combination makes me think of ‘90s celebrity hairstyles, but it’s now softer and less styled. Just a confident statement tone with actual movement.

If I was to work on this more, I think I’d add a little more feathering to the ends of the ribbons. But honestly, it’s giving editorial, it’s giving attitude, and I love that for summer 2025.