Sun-kissed highlights for brunettes are like bottling the sunshine of a summer day and running it through your hair – warm, glowing, and absolutely irresistible. Whether it’s soft caramel ribbons, golden honey streaks, or cool ashy tones, these highlights add a kiss of light to the darkest of locks, which has a sunlit glow that is easy and yet bold. But how do you pick the right shade and how do you keep up the summer shimmer? So, let’s look at the must-have looks for 2025 and learn how to make those sun-kissed strands stay fresh all season long.
Warm Caramel Balayage for a Sunlit Glow
The perfect way to welcome summer? By going for those soft warm caramel highlights that give life to brunette hair. This look combines deep rich brunette with subtle caramel balayage in a way that makes it look like you’ve been laying by the pool for hours. It is that lovely contrast of the cool base and warm highlights that really make this style come alive.
In order to keep this beautiful appearance, I would suggest using the Redken Color Extend Blondage Shampoo. It’s a violet-colored formula which removes any unwanted brassy tones from your caramel balayage without making it dull. And don’t forget to do a weekly deep conditioning with the Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector — it’s a lifesaver to keep those highlighted strands soft and hydrated.
Ever notice how some colors just scream summer? That’s exactly what these caramel tones do. They’re warm and inviting, yet still sophisticated. If you are not sure about going lighter, then go for caramel ribbons to dip your toes. You may actually end up falling in love with that glowing beach look.
Soft Chocolate Waves with Golden Hues
If you are not ready to go all blonde, then add golden tones to soft chocolate waves. This is a look that is all about adding dimension with soft, sun-kissed highlights that flow effortlessly with darker strands. It’s subtle but in no way unchic — the kind of hair that catches the light just so.
For a style like this, lightweight products are key. I always suggest the Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray to pump up those natural waves without bogging them down. Spritz it on damp hair, scrunch and let air dry for the effortless tousle.
In my case, I believe that golden highlights are a wonder on chocolate bases. It is like giving a subtle shimmer that shines in the sun but still looks natural. In addition, it is an excellent way to go from spring to summer without going too bold too soon.
Ashy Blonde Balayage for a Cool Vibe
For the ones who want to maintain its cool and edgy, ashy blonde balayage is the right choice. This style is a classic sun-kissed highlights that are toned down with cool almost silver undertones that give brunette hair an unexpected twist. Think easy, undone waves with a touch of icy sophistication.
Maintaining ashy tones requires a bit more effort. I’d recommend that you invest in the Fanola No Yellow Shampoo to prevent brassiness. And if you want to do that extra mile, a gloss treatment at the salon every six weeks will help to keep that cool finish.
Ashy tones can be a little tricky, but when they are done right, they are insanely chic. There is something about that cool-toned, sun-kissed effect that screams confidence. If you’re after that model-off-duty vibe, this is it.
Sunlit Honey Blonde on Dark Brunettes
For brunettes who are in need of a brighter, more dramatic change, sunlit honey blonde highlights are a beautiful choice. It is that perfect contrast of light and dark-rich, dark chocolate roots that fade out towards a warm, golden glow of honey. This look is all about depth and contrast, and it’s almost ombré in effect, and striking and summery.
To keep those buttery shades, go for Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner. It is enriched with argan oil that helps to maintain those highlighted strands soft, shiny and frizz-free.
If you are trying to achieve that sun-kissed, just returned from vacation glow, honey blonde is the way to go. It’s warm, it’s vibrant, and it’s very flattering on darker skin tones. In addition, it photographs beautifully, reflecting the light in all angles.
Golden Bronde for a Subtle Lift
Golden bronde- it’s that in between color that is neither brunette nor blonde but somehow gets the best of both. This look is perfect for those who want to have a sun-kissed look without becoming blonde. It’s soft, it’s glowy, and it’s ideal for creating the depth in naturally dark hair.
To maintain that sun-kissed glow, a featherweight leave-in treatment such as the It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product can do miracles. It untangles, gives shine, and shields from heat damage, so those golden bronde strands stay luminous throughout the season.
Golden bronde is summer in a bottle – warm, radiant, and coolly chic. It’s that happy medium that makes it so universally flattering, whether you’re going to the beach or just brunching in the city.
Chic Bob with Sunlit Ash Blonde Tones
A stylish bob with slight sunlit ash blonde shades is the right combination of cool and warm, and it gives a sophisticated yet relaxed look. This style turns the classic bob into a summer-inspired style with subtle, sun-kissed highlights that frame the face and create dimension to the entire style. The combination of ash blonde and brunette is a perfect option for those who would like to keep it low-key but still want to go for that sun-soaked aesthetic.
In order to keep that ashy glow, I would suggest the Redken Color Extend Graydiant Shampoo. It is specially developed to prevent ash blonde tones from going brassy whilst intensifying those cool, sunlit shades. In addition, a weekly hair mask such as Kérastase Blond Absolu Masque Ultra-Violet will ensure the highlighted strands are soft and shiny.
What I adore about this style is that it is able to walk the line between polished and playful with such ease. It’s great for that work to weekend transition, providing just enough warmth to keep things interesting without going too crazy.
Warm Honey Brown with Soft Waves
If there is one look that screams summer, it is warm honey brown highlights falling through soft waves. This style highlights sun-kissed effect, which is natural yet totally mesmerizing, with golden strands reflecting light all the time. It’s the ultimate “just came back from the beach” but with a more polished, put together final touch.
In order not to let those honey tones fade too quickly, choose a sulfate-free shampoo such as the Pureology Hydrate Shampoo. It is kind to color-treated hair and helps keep those rich, warm tones and avoid dryness. And if you are looking to take the shine up a notch, a few drops of Moroccanoil Treatment can do wonders.
Honey brown has that something about it that is universally flattering. It’s warm, inviting and great for that effortless summer glow without the full blown blonde commitment.
Classic Bob with Golden Blonde Highlights
Golden blonde highlights on a classic bob is a classic style that will instantly take your style game up a notch. This variation maintains the base a deep brunette while adding strategically located golden strands that lighten the whole appearance. It’s a subtle but definitely chic way to go sun-kissed without drowning out the natural brunette base.
Keeping golden blonde highlights can be challenging, but the Joico Blonde Life Brightening Shampoo is a good option to keep the brassiness under control. And if you want to keep those ends fresh, a lightweight leave-in treatment, such as It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product, can help to prevent breakage and keep shine.
I love the fact that this look adds a touch of old Hollywood glamour to a modern bob. It’s sleek but flirty, a hairstyle that is just as pretty when it’s worn straight as it is when it’s in tousled waves.
Cool Ashy Brunette with Luminous Streaks
For those who are not into a more edgy look, a cool ashy brunette with luminous highlights is the way to go. This look is a mixture of dark chocolate tones with ashy blonde streaks that are placed strategically to add depth and dimension without going too light. It’s the kind of style that reflects the light just right and gives a soft, radiant effect that is ideal for summer nights.
To avoid the ashy tones from turning to brass, use the Fanola No Yellow Shampoo once a week. It’s a must to keep that cool icy effect but without drying up the hair. And remember to use a heat protectant such as Living Proof Restore Perfecting Spray to protect those dainty highlights from the summer heat and styling instruments.
What I love about this look is its versatility. You can keep it sleek and straight for a more polished look or go loose waves for a more laid-back look. Either way, those ashy tones keep it in modern and fresh.
Sunlit Brunette with Subtle Caramel Touches
A sun kissed brunette with a touch of caramel is the perfect understated summer hair aspiration. It’s that type of look that leaves you feeling like you have spent the whole day in the sun – even if you haven’t left the house. The soft caramel ribbons run through the darker base, creating the depth and warmth without dominating the natural brunette tone.
To maintain the caramel strands looking fresh, a moisturizing shampoo such as the SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Yogurt Hydrate + Repair Shampoo is a must. It moisturizes hair without making it heavy, so that those lighter strands can remain bouncy and bright.
In my opinion, caramel highlights are one of the simplest techniques of adding warmth to brunette hair without a dramatic change. They’re soft, they’re subtle, and they’re ideal for people who want to have just a little something more without going all the way blonde. In addition, they look amazing when the sun shines on them in a certain way.
Soft Ash Bronde Waves for a Dreamy Summer Look
If you are trying to go for the sun without completely committing to blonde, soft ash bronde waves are the way to go. This style combines cool ash tones with warmer bronde highlights with ease, making for a breathtaking multi-dimensional effect. The soft, cascading waves reflect the light wonderfully, giving it that sunlit luster that is just right for summer.
In order to keep those ashy bronde tones, a purple shampoo such as Fanola No Yellow Shampoo is a necessity. It keeps the cool tones intact while preventing brassiness. And if you’re in the mood for a little extra shine, the Moroccanoil Glimmer Shine Spray will give you that extra sunlit effect.
The thing I love about this style is the fact that it can be easily worn from day to night. Whether you are going to the beach or going out for a late dinner, those soft, dreamy waves will always look gorgeous.
Sleek Caramel Balayage on a Long, Layered Cut
There is something definitely chic about a long layered cut with caramel balayage. The soft caramel undertones running through the darker brunette base gives a natural sun-kissed effect that adds warmth without overpowering the whole look. It is that perfect blend of sophistication and relaxed summer vibes.
To maintain that glossy and fresh look to those caramel strands, try the Redken All Soft Shampoo and Conditioner. It is designed to moisturize hair while giving it a silky and smooth feel. And for those long layers, a little bit of Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil can be used to prevent split ends and make those strands appear sleek.
What I love about this look is the amount of movement that it gives to the hair. Those long, flowing layers reflect the light perfectly, which makes the caramel balayage even more noticeable.
Golden Honey Waves with Dark Roots
If you are looking for a more dramatic effect of sun-kissed highlights, golden honey waves with dark roots will give you a dramatic contrast that is bold and yet effortlessly chic. The honey tones bring that warm, summery glow, and the roots are darker, keeping the look down to earth. It is the type of style that attracts attention but does not overdo it.
In order to prevent those golden tones from fading, a sulfate-free shampoo, like Pureology Strength Cure Shampoo, is a must. It is kind to colored hair and helps to preserve vibrancy without taking moisture. And if you are looking to add some texture, a few spritzes of Ouai Wave Spray will make those waves look beachy and tousled.
This style seems to be a perfect mix of sun-kissed and sultry. It’s got that warm, golden glow that is ideal for summer, but the dark roots bring it back down to earth and make it cool without even trying.
Rich Chocolate Brown with Subtle Blonde Highlights
If you are a brunette and you want to experiment with going lighter without jumping all the way in, rich chocolate brown with soft blonde highlights is a beautiful way to dip your toes into the sun-kissed trend. The warm blonde pieces run through the chocolate base giving it a soft, illuminated look that is fresh and young.
For maintenance, the Joico K-Pak Color Therapy Shampoo is excellent when it comes to keeping those blonde highlights without drying the darker strands. And for a bit of extra shine, the L’Oreal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Oil is perfect for adding that mirror-like finish.
I am in love with how this style makes things subtle yet striking. It’s a great way to give brunette hair a bit of a brightening without going for full-on blonde, which is perfect for those who are not so keen on a dramatic look.
Sunlit Blonde Ribbons on Dark Waves
For a beachy, boho-inspired style, sunlit blonde ribbons against dark waves create a gorgeous contrast that is effortlessly cool. The soft, wavy feel coupled with those bright, sunlit strands gives a laid back, vacation ready feel that is ideal for summer.
To prevent those blonde ribbons from going brassy, a weekly purple mask such as the Redken Color Extend Blondage Express Anti-Brass Mask can be a wonder-worker. And if you are going for that beachy texture, a little bit of Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe Texturizing Sea Salt Spray will give you that perfectly undone, wavy look.
The thing I like most about this style is its flexibility. You can leave it sleek and straight for a more sophisticated look or scrunch it up for that beachy wave thing. Either way, those blonde ribbons are just the right amount of summer sunshine for brunette hair.
Effortless Updo with Sun-Kissed Tendrils
A relaxed updo and soft sun kissed tendrils are the perfect casual summer style. The delicate, sunlit strands complement the face perfectly, giving that perfect touch of brightness to darker brunette hair. It’s that perfect “I just threw my hair up but still look fabulous” feeling that is perfect for those lazy summer days.
In order to maintain those lighter pieces soft and hydrated, the SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Yogurt Hydrate + Repair Multi-Action Leave-In is a must. Not only does it detangle but also adds moisture without weighing down the hair, a must for those loose, face framing tendrils.
I am in love with how this look is effortless and chic. You can wear it at the beach or dress it up for a casual dinner, so it is a great summer style that never disappoints.
Sleek, Straight, and Ashy Brown
For those who are looking for more polished look, sleek, straight hair with ashy brown tones is a bold option. This style makes things simple yet sophisticated with soft cool-toned highlights that add depth but do not overdo it. It’s a contemporary, minimalist approach to sun-kissed hair – low-key but impossible to ignore.
Maintaining sleek, straight hair requires some extra care. A smoothing serum such as the Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum is a wonder in keeping frizz away and adding shine. And if you’re going to use heat tools, do not forget to use the Gisou Heat Protecting Spray to maintain those highlighted strands healthy.
What I love about this look is the fact that it is so effortlessly chic. It’s ideal for the ones who wish to experiment with the sun-kissed trend without making a drastic change.
Classic Blonde Money Pieces on Ash Brown Waves
Blonde money pieces around the face are a timeless means of taking brunette hair to the next level without going full-on highlights. This hairstyle is based on contrast – ash brown waves with bright golden blonde streaks that attract all the attention to the face. It’s bold, eye-catching, and right for making a statement this summer.
For that perfect blend of blonde and brunette, a purple shampoo like Amika Bust Your Brass Cool Blonde Shampoo can make sure those blonde strands shine without washing out the brunette base. And if you are going for that glossy finish, then the Oribe Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil is a must-have.
This is a dramatic look and contrast, and it is the type of style that will make people turn their heads whether you are going to the beach or the city streets.
Warm Beige Blonde on Voluminous Waves
Warm beige blonde highlights on big waves add a bit of old Hollywood glamour to contemporary brunette hair. The warm tones give depth and dimension and the voluminous waves give that lush, bouncy look that is so glamorous.
To keep that amount without weighing hair down, Living Proof Full Dry Volume Blast is a game changer. It gives body and texture with no sticky residue, and it is ideal for those big, bouncy waves.
There’s something so timeless about this style. It’s like the best of beachy and polished all in one, but still carefree with a touch of glam that makes it feel sophisticated and luxe.
Rich Ashy Brown with Subtle Blonde Highlights
If you are after that perfect summer glow but not too bright, rich ashy brown with subtle blonde highlights will be a beautiful choice. The ashy undertones maintain the look down to earth and contemporary, and the soft blonde pieces add a touch of brightness that is so easy and natural.
For ashy tones, the Redken Shades EQ Gloss treatment is perfect for maintaining brassiness at bay and for adding shine. And if you are in need of a little touch-up between salon trips, the IGK Mixed Feelings Leave-In Blonde Toning Drops can help keep those cool tones.
This look is ideal for anyone who is looking for a soft, low-key summer pick-me-up. It’s soft, subtle, and has a little shimmer to keep things spicy.
Golden Beige Balayage on Long, Flowing Layers
Summer goddess hair is the golden beige balayage on long, flowing layers. This style adds the richness of brunette and imbues it with warm sunlit shades that flow through the hair without a hitch. The result? A glowing beachy effect that flows perfectly with each step.
To keep that sunlit glow without losing the moisture, the Joico K-Pak Color Therapy Luster Lock Treatment is a lifesaver. It helps to set those golden hues in place without making hair hard and frizzy. And if you’re in the mood for that extra bit of shine, then a few drops of Biosilk Silk Therapy Original can give you that silky and polished finish.
The thing I like best about this style is its dynamism. Whether you are lounging by the pool or going for a summer night, those golden beige highlights catch the light and they’re giving the sun drenched gleam that’s impossible to miss.
