The Best Summer Hair Colors Look Like a Luxury Upgrade

Starlet Blond

One of the season’s defining blond shades is what Schwartz calls “Starlet Blond,” a polished shade inspired by the color he created for actress Michelle Randolph.

Moving away from the ultra-bright blonds of years past, Starlet Blond incorporates subtle honey tones and softly blended highlights for an expensive-looking finish. “It's a polished, creamy blond with subtle honey tones and bright, blended highlights that create a luxurious, camera-ready finish,” says Schwartz.

Ethereal Blond

“Ethereal Blond” is the shade Schwartz created for Bella Hadid. “It features soft neutral tones that reflect light beautifully and feel almost effortless,” he says.

To create these kinds of blonds, he relies on Schwarzkopf Professional’s BLONDME Lightener 9+ “for clean, controlled lift” and IGORA Vibrance “to enhance shine and create that seamless, light-reflective finish,” he says. Both are available to professionals.

Dimensional Linen Blond

Another blond shade gaining traction this season is dimensional linen blond, as seen on actress Lili Reinhart. “Blonds are feeling softer this season, with a mix of creamy beige, champagne and honey tones rather than anything overly bright or icy,” says Kener. The combination of brightness and depth creates a multidimensional effect that feels polished yet effortless.

Natural Brond

Can’t decide between blond and brunette? You’re not alone, and now, you don’t have to. Colorists say brond continues to be one of the most requested shades in salons because it delivers the best of both worlds. “It's the perfect balance between blond and brunette, with brightness placed strategically around the face and throughout the lengths,” says Kener. It’s an effortless summer hair color that looks bright, soft and easy to maintain.

Golden Strawberry Blond

Warm, strawberry-inspired tones are having a major moment this summer. First up is “Golden Strawberry Blond,” which Schwartz created for Grace Van Patten. “There is a growing appreciation for warmth,” says Schwartz of this summer’s hair color trends. “Clients are embracing balanced, sunlit color that feels healthy and natural.”

Unlike a traditional red, this color is softer and more approachable, making it an easy entry point for anyone experimenting with warmer strawberry tones for the first time.

Strawberry Brunette

Coppery warmth isn’t reserved just for blonds this summer. Schwartz predicts Strawberry Brunette will become one of the season’s biggest brunette trends, introducing subtle rosy undertones into a rich brunette base. “It's a softer, more dimensional result,” he explains. The shade adds depth and movement without obvious highlights, making it especially low-maintenance.

Rich Brunette

Whoever said blonds have more fun never tried rich brunette hair color. This shade is a luxe upgrade from classic brown without relying on heavy highlights. “Brunettes are becoming glossier and more luxurious,” says Kener. “We're focusing on shine, depth and subtle tonal variation that catches the light.” The result is timeless and sophisticated, with hair that looks healthy, polished and expensive.

Caramel Accents

Adding soft caramel pieces throughout the hair creates movement and brightness without completely altering your base color. “It’s perfect for clients who don’t want a major color change,” says Kener.