40 Must Try Brunette Summer Hair Color Ideas You’ll Love
As summer approaches, it’s the perfect time to refresh your look with a stunning brunette hair colour. Whether you prefer subtle highlights, rich chocolate tones, or sun-kissed balayage, there’s a shade for every style and personality.
Brunette hues offer warmth, dimension, and elegance, making them ideal for summer’s radiant glow. In this guide, we’ve rounded up 40 must-try brunette summer hair colour ideas that will keep you looking effortlessly chic all season long.
1. Sun-Kissed Brunette Balayage

This soft, natural balayage blends warm brunette tones with golden highlights, creating a sun-kissed effect perfect for summer. The gradual transition from deep brown to caramel mimics the way the sun naturally lightens hair, giving you a fresh, effortless glow. It’s ideal for low-maintenance beauty with a touch of radiance.
2. Chocolate Brown with Honey Highlights

Rich chocolate brown paired with delicate honey highlights adds warmth and brightness to your brunette locks. This colour combination enhances dimension while maintaining a natural look. Perfect for summer, honey highlights reflect sunlight beautifully, making your hair appear more vibrant and full of life with every flick and turn.
3. Espresso Brown with Caramel Ribbons

Deep espresso brown gets a luminous upgrade with caramel ribbon highlights. This contrast adds depth and richness while softening dark brunette hues for a summery twist. The caramel tones shimmer in the sunlight, making your hair appear multi-dimensional and lively, offering the perfect balance of sophistication and playfulness.
4. Bronzed Brunette Waves

A gorgeous blend of bronze and brunette, this colour creates a metallic, warm glow that enhances wavy textures. The bronzed effect makes curls and waves look even more defined, reflecting light beautifully. It’s an excellent choice for those who want a radiant, beach-inspired brunette look without going too light.
5. Dark Mocha with Face-Framing Highlights

A deep mocha base with soft, face-framing highlights brings instant brightness to your complexion. The contrast between the dark roots and the lighter strands around the face enhances your features and adds a youthful touch. This effortlessly chic colour is flattering for all skin tones and perfect for summer’s golden glow.
6. Iced Latte Brunette

Inspired by the delicious tones of an iced latte, this shade mixes cool and warm brunette hues. With ashy undertones and creamy highlights, this refreshing colour provides a soft, multidimensional effect. It’s a great choice for those who want a subtle but trendy summer hair colour that complements both cool and warm undertones.
7. Warm Chestnut Brown

A rich chestnut shade infused with warm golden tones makes this look a summer favourite. It adds a natural vibrancy to the hair while keeping a rich, brunette base. Whether styled in loose waves or sleek and straight, warm chestnut brown reflects light beautifully, making your hair appear luscious and full.
8. Toffee Brunette Ombre

This delicious toffee-toned ombre creates a seamless transition from dark roots to warm golden-brown ends. The subtle gradient adds dimension and warmth, making it a go-to summer colour for those who want a stylish yet natural-looking change. It’s especially flattering on medium to long hair, enhancing movement and texture.
9. Ash Brown Balayage

If you love cool-toned brunette shades, an ash brown balayage is perfect for summer. This shade blends smoky brunette tones with soft ash highlights for a modern, elegant look. It’s a great option for those who prefer a cooler, more sophisticated brunette shade that pairs beautifully with light, breezy summer outfits.
10. Cinnamon Spice Brunette

A warm cinnamon-infused brunette shade adds a spicy touch to your summer look. The reddish undertones bring out warmth in your complexion, making it a flattering choice for sun-kissed skin. This rich and inviting hue looks particularly stunning in loose waves or curled styles, enhancing its depth and vibrancy.
11. Golden Brown with Sunlit Highlights

Golden brown hair with sunlit highlights gives a natural, beachy effect perfect for summer. The golden streaks mimic the way the sun naturally lightens hair, adding warmth and vibrancy. This low-maintenance colour blends seamlessly with your natural brunette shade, keeping your hair looking radiant and effortlessly stylish all season long.
12. Deep Mahogany Brunette

A deep mahogany brunette shade combines rich brown with subtle red undertones for a warm, sophisticated look. This sultry colour is perfect for summer as it shines beautifully in the sunlight, revealing hints of burgundy and auburn. It’s an excellent choice for brunettes who want to experiment with a bolder, deeper hue.
13. Soft Caramel Brunette

A soft caramel brunette shade adds a light, golden-brown dimension to your hair. The caramel tones brighten up your locks without going too blonde, making it a perfect summer update. This shade works especially well for brunettes with medium to long hair, enhancing movement, texture, and a sunlit, natural-looking finish.
14. Chocolate Cherry Brown

A delicious blend of chocolate brown and deep cherry red, this colour is bold yet refined. The red undertones create a stunning contrast against the dark brunette base, giving your hair extra depth and warmth. This shade is ideal for summer, as it glows beautifully under natural sunlight, revealing its rich tones.
15. Bronzed Brunette Babylights

For a subtle but effective summer transformation, add bronzed babylights to your brunette hair. These ultra-fine highlights enhance your natural hair colour, creating a soft, sun-kissed look. The bronzed hue reflects light beautifully, making your hair appear fuller and shinier while still maintaining a natural and effortless summer vibe.
16. Espresso Brown with Ashy Ends

A deep espresso brown with cool-toned ashy ends creates a modern, edgy look for summer. This sophisticated colour combination gives dimension and contrast, making your hair appear thicker and more voluminous. Perfect for those who love darker shades but want a trendy, seasonal update, this shade is stylish yet easy to maintain.
17. Hazelnut Brunette Ombre

A hazelnut brunette ombre brings warmth and depth to your hair, with a smooth gradient from dark brown roots to hazelnut-toned ends. This colour flatters a variety of skin tones and adds a natural sun-kissed effect, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a subtle but noticeable summer refresh.
18. Cocoa Brown with Auburn Undertones

A rich cocoa brown base with subtle auburn undertones creates a multidimensional look that’s warm and inviting. The deep brown adds sophistication, while the auburn hues add a fiery touch when hit by sunlight. This combination is perfect for summer, offering a natural but radiant glow that enhances your overall style.
19. Brunette with Butterscotch Highlights

Adding butterscotch highlights to brunette hair gives it a sweet, golden glow that’s perfect for the sunny season. The warm highlights brighten up your overall look while maintaining a natural feel. This colour works beautifully on wavy or curled hairstyles, as the golden strands catch the light, enhancing movement and depth.
20. Rich Mocha Brown

Mocha brown is a luxurious brunette shade that’s neither too warm nor too cool, making it universally flattering. This smooth, deep brown shade is ideal for summer as it looks polished and radiant under the sun. It’s a great option for those who prefer a solid, glossy brunette look with rich undertones.
21. Honey-Dipped Brunette Highlights

Honey-dipped highlights add warmth and brightness to brunette hair, creating a naturally sun-kissed effect. This soft, golden hue blends seamlessly with your natural brown shade, making it ideal for summer. Whether styled in waves or sleek and straight, honey highlights bring dimension and vibrancy, enhancing your overall look with minimal upkeep.
22. Dark Brown with Sandy Blonde Balayage

A dark brunette base with sandy blonde balayage offers a stunning contrast while keeping the look soft and natural. The light sandy hues add a beachy, effortless vibe, making it a perfect summer hair colour. This style works beautifully for medium to long hair, enhancing movement, volume, and a fresh, sunlit glow.
23. Espresso Brunette with Rose Gold Accents

For a unique summer twist, add rose gold accents to deep espresso brown hair. The soft pinkish-gold tones provide a subtle but trendy pop of colour, making your hair look fresh and stylish. This combination is perfect for brunettes who want a playful yet sophisticated upgrade for the warmer months.
24. Milk Chocolate Brown with Bronde Highlights

Milk chocolate brown hair with bronde (brown + blonde) highlights strikes the perfect balance between dark and light tones. The highlights add brightness without overpowering the natural brunette base, making it an easygoing summer look. This colour is great for those who want dimension and movement without dramatic upkeep.
25. Warm Walnut Brunette

A warm walnut brunette shade blends deep brown with soft golden tones, creating a naturally radiant look. The warm undertones add richness and depth, making your hair appear shinier and more voluminous. This versatile colour works well with different hair textures, complementing waves, curls, and straight styles alike for a summer-ready look.
26. Amber-Toned Brunette

Amber-toned brunette hair incorporates warm, golden-brown hues with subtle reddish undertones for a fiery, sunlit effect. This shade is perfect for summer, as it glows beautifully in the sunlight, giving your hair an almost iridescent shine. It’s a flattering choice for those looking to enhance their natural brunette with a rich, golden finish.
27. Deep Brown with Burnt Caramel Highlights

A deep brown base with burnt caramel highlights creates a luxurious and dimensional effect. The caramel tones add brightness, while the deep brown maintains richness, offering a sophisticated yet playful summer colour. This look is great for those who love contrast and warmth without going too light, ensuring a stylish seasonal refresh.
28. Mahogany Brown with Golden Babylights

Mahogany brown hair with golden babylights gives off an elegant, multi-tonal effect that catches the sunlight beautifully. The golden strands subtly enhance the deep reddish-brown base, creating a soft, warm glow. This colour is perfect for summer, adding vibrancy to your look while keeping your brunette hair polished and chic.
29. Cool Ash Brunette with Subtle Platinum Streaks

If you prefer cooler tones, a deep ash brunette with subtle platinum streaks offers a striking yet understated summer transformation. The cool-toned highlights add depth and contrast, making your hair appear naturally sun-lightened. This style is perfect for brunettes who want a sophisticated, trendy look with an edgy, modern twist.
30. Cappuccino Brown with Beige Balayage

Cappuccino brown hair with beige balayage creates a creamy, neutral-toned look that’s soft and effortlessly stylish. The beige highlights blend seamlessly with the natural brunette base, adding subtle dimension and movement. This hair colour works beautifully with all hair types, offering a fresh, polished appearance that’s perfect for summer outings.
31. Toffee Brown with Golden Highlights

Toffee brown hair with golden highlights creates a rich, multi-dimensional look perfect for summer. The warm, buttery tones brighten up the brunette base, adding softness and depth. This colour is ideal for those who want a natural, sun-kissed effect without going too light, making it a versatile and flattering choice.
32. Dark Brunette with Bronze Balayage

A dark brunette base with bronze balayage adds warmth and shine, enhancing your natural colour with a metallic glow. The bronze tones reflect beautifully under the summer sun, giving your hair a radiant appearance. This low-maintenance style grows out naturally, making it an excellent choice for a soft, blended summer look.
33. Reddish-Brown Cinnamon Swirl

Cinnamon swirl brunette combines rich brown with warm reddish hues, mimicking the cosy, spicy tones of cinnamon. The result is a vibrant, eye-catching shade that glows beautifully in the sunlight. Perfect for summer, this colour enhances curls and waves, adding dimension and a playful yet elegant touch to your hair.
34. Melted Mocha Balayage

Melted mocha balayage creates a seamless transition from deep brown roots to a soft mocha hue at the ends. This sophisticated colour technique adds warmth and contrast without harsh lines. The mocha tones bring out the richness of brunette hair, making it an effortlessly chic and low-maintenance summer hair colour.
35. Chestnut Brown with Soft Auburn Streaks

Chestnut brown hair with soft auburn streaks is a stunning way to add warmth and vibrancy to your look. The auburn tones create a fiery, sunlit effect that enhances the brunette base, making it perfect for summer. This combination works beautifully on layered hair, highlighting texture and movement.
36. Ash Brown with Subtle Silver Lowlights

For a modern, cool-toned summer look, ash brown hair with subtle silver lowlights adds depth and sophistication. The silvery hues create a soft contrast against the brown base, giving your hair a trendy, contemporary edge. This shade is ideal for those who prefer an understated yet stylish transformation.
37. Deep Chocolate Brunette with Amber Hues

Deep chocolate brunette hair with amber hues is a luxurious choice for summer. The amber undertones add warmth and dimension, catching the light beautifully in the sun. This shade works well on both straight and wavy hair, offering a glossy, polished appearance that’s both timeless and trendy.
38. Rich Brown with Subtle Burgundy Glaze

A rich brown base with a subtle burgundy glaze gives your hair a deep, velvety finish. The burgundy tones add a hint of red, making your brunette shade more vibrant and eye-catching. This is a great summer colour for those who want a little drama without going too bold or bright.
39. Mushroom Brown with Beige Undertones

Mushroom brown hair with beige undertones is a cool-toned, natural-looking shade perfect for summer. This neutral brunette hue offers a sophisticated and effortless appearance, making it a great option for those who prefer softer, earthy tones. It works well on all hair textures and maintains a chic, polished look throughout the season.
40. Sunkissed Espresso Brunette

A deep espresso brunette with subtle sun-kissed highlights is the ultimate classic summer hair colour. The soft, lighter streaks add a natural glow, making your hair look fuller and more dimensional. This shade is ideal for brunettes who want to enhance their natural colour while maintaining a timeless, elegant aesthetic.
Conclusion
From soft caramel highlights to deep espresso hues, brunette hair colours offer endless summer styling possibilities. Whether you want a natural sunlight effect or a bold transformation, there’s a brunette shade to complement every skin tone and hair type. Embrace the warmth and richness of brunette hair this summer and let your locks shine beautifully under the sun!