August is that enchanted time just before the change of the season. You have absorbed the sun rays, danced in the salt water and perhaps even considered something new- but have you considered your hair? When summer treated your hair well but not very exciting, it is time to make a statement, go soft, or somewhere deliciously in between.
Which of these august hair color ideas are worth it in 2018? Should you go lighter, warmer, more lived-in? Or is this the month that you finally adopt a daring tone with no regrets? You want to lean blonde, keep it brunette, or have an August wedding hair color moment–you are in the right place. I have collected the brightest thoughts about your locks, and all rolled up in the sunshine of late-summer gold.
Let’s jump in. These trends are fresh, inspiring, and just waiting for you to say, “Why not?”
Sun-Drenched Bangs with Beach Blonde
This mix of cut and color is as though golden hour was put into a bottle and poured directly into your hair. The bangs are gentle and broken, providing face-framing power without being full retro. Combined with sun-kissed beachy blonde layers that cascade like silk, it is the ideal hot-girl hair, but not in-your-face hot-girl hair. It provides surfer-girl zest and city-girl sophistication, and it is definitely one of the most refreshing august hair color ideas that blonde girls should take into consideration at the moment.
Trying to maintain this glow, I apply the dpHUE Gloss+ in Light Blonde twice a month. It is essentially a color-saving conditioner that leaves a light tint and leaves the hair shiny, not fried. Your friend here is dry shampoo, don’t over-wash or you will lose that perfectly undone finish.
A personal tip? I discover that this kind of blonde looks outstanding on cool toned or green-eyed people. It brightens the entire face without necessitating a complete root makeover after every three weeks. And it just looks right on your late-summer wardrobe, linen, white, tan.
This color is sheer romance in case you are attending an august wedding. Loose updos, braided halos or a lazy ponytail with ribbon, it all looks better with this type of soft blonde melting down the lengths.
Glossy Root Melt in Champagne Smoke
What’s August without a little glamour? This style is a tone-mixing lesson in itself, as neutral champagne roots fade into cool and smoky lengths. It is shiny, it is high-maintenance-in-a-good-way, and it is certainly not for someone who does not want his or her ideas to be blonde with a grown-woman effect. Ideal to a dark dinner party or a selfie after the sun goes down that does not require a filter.
This color thrives on shine—like, mirror-like levels. I would suggest Redken Shades EQ Gloss in the salon every 6 weeks, and Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil daily to make the ends as smooth as the roots. Nothing purple-ish here, it dulls the champagne glow of this shade which is so enchanted.
This is effective on almost every skin color in my experience. The genius part is the tonal control, it can fit your features like a chameleon. One of my trusted colorists, Matt Rez, states, Dimensional blondes must look expensive and low-contrast simultaneously. That’s what gives them depth.”
Honestly? This is the best hair color for August if you want something that looks like effort but doesn’t scream “new dye job.”
Muted Caramel Waves for a No-Fuss Mood
There is something innocently new about these matte waves that are soft and have a caramel brunette shade. It is the sort of shade that is of silent self-confidence. And in case you are sick of drama and merely need a polished update, this is among the best august hair color ideas brunette to save. It is timeless, soft, and insanely versatile to wear in boardrooms and bonfires.
Low-contrast shades like this still need love. I maintain the color as soft and rich with Moroccanoil Color Depositing Mask in Cocoa every two weeks. It moisturizes and leaves a film of warmth- without becoming brassy. It also helps to have a towel made of microfiber that is worn out to minimize friction and fading.
It is a tone that makes me think of late-August afternoons when everything is golden but somewhat sleepy. It’s chic without needing sparkle. This might be your perfect fit in case you are growing out an old balayage, or simply want to press the reset button.
And, to those seeking hair color inspiration in brunettes august, this is a soft tip of the hat to change-not a sharp turn.
Liquid Jet Black with Glassy Finish
The most daring august hair color is sometimes the one which says nothing, just glows like a sheet of obsidian. This sleek, liquid black look is unapologetically sharp. The hair is straightened to a glass finish and parted dead center to be as precise as possible. It is a complete commitment, but it is also one of the most underestimated concepts of a person who is over the sun-kissed everything.
With this shade, maintenance is everything. I use Virtue Recovery Shampoo and Conditioner always, it makes it smooth and strong but does not lose the black color. I use a pea size amount of Color Wow Dream Coat heat protectant after each styling.
My favorite part? It’s drama, but make it silent. This black hair can make the most romantic clothes edgy and make your plainest tee elegant. I have worn this to a summer event last year and felt that my entire face shape transformed, in the best way possible.
This dark color is a perfect match on blunt bobs, lob or angled crops in the case of girls who desire august hair color ideas short. It puts your haircut in the spotlight.
Dimensional Hazelnut with Curtain Bangs
A bit vintage, a bit contemporary, this style is the revival of a lived-in, layered brunette with hazelnut richness that plays with the light. Throw in full curtain bangs and you have yourself the best of both worlds: softness and cool-girl vibes. It is one of the most wearable august hair color ideas brunette out there, particularly in case you want something transitional.
This color lives on contrast and movement and thus I use Kerastase Chroma Absolu Shine Treatment to revive it every Sunday. And: a wide-tooth comb instead of a brush–always, so that those layers do not get lost.
I am always asked what tone suits such bangs. For me, it’s all about soft dimension. Go too dark and the fringe overwhelms your face. Too light and you lose definition. Hazelnut is that in-between color that is season-friendly, particularly to august hair color that can transition into fall.
Thinking of updating your look without going full transformation? This is the whisper, not the shout. Just enough change to feel new.
Neutral Mushroom Blonde with Feathered Bangs
It is a hair color that speaks of class with a touch of grunge. The color is a bit toward that ideal soft mushroom blonde, in between cool beige and warm ash. It does not pull yellow, and it does not go silver, it exists proudly in that creamy middle ground. Coupled with layered ends and airy bangs, it is the low-key bombshell of august hair color ideas blonde.
When you are aiming this subtle glow you will want to treat it as a cashmere sweater. I take an oath by the Amika Bust Your Brass Cool Blonde Conditioner once in a week- it tones and nourishes. In between washes, I apply dry shampoo that has a color-correcting effect to ensure that the root area does not go flat.
The beauty of this tone? It also looks good on warm and cool skin, so it is one of those concepts that almost everyone can use. I have suggested it to friends going into fall who do not want something that will conflict with a tan or fade by October.
Thinking long term? The color can blend into early fall tones such as cinnamon or toffee without an entire dye job. Definitely a strategic hair color for August move.
Sunset Blonde with Celestial Shine
There’s something almost ethereal about this look. It is a high-lift, light platinum blonde with buttery undertones, which is completely sunrise-kissed. This is the first idea that comes to my mind when I think of the bold august hair color ideas blonde. It shines on tanned skin and acts as a personal halo in golden hour.
Let’s be real though: this shade is high-maintenance. To fight brassiness, you will require a violet shampoo, and I prefer Kérastase Blond Absolu Bain Ultra-Violet. Before styling, I use a leave-in heat protectant such as IGK Good Behavior as well. It keeps the color pure and the strands strong.
One of my colorists once said, “When you go blonde-blonde, treat it like a luxury fabric, it is delicate, costly and not worth the care.” And I live by that rule. August is a good month to test drive, in case you have never gone this light before. The mood, the lighting, the vacation atmosphere, it all goes hand in hand.
And so whether you want to make a dramatic change or simply feel like a protagonist this summer, this might be your most successful hair jump ever.
Silver Blue Frosted Ombre
This is to the dreamers- the ones who desire that their august hair color will look good in a crowd yet be soft and wearable. This frosty mix of powder blue and dull silver makes an ombr effect that resembles a mixture between sea foam and cloud sparkle. If you’re looking for edgy ideas blonde with a twist or even ideas short in a fun palette, this delivers.
Pastel shades that have been colored are delicate- so this is not a wash and wear. To keep the color vivid, I would suggest Overtone Blue Toning Conditioner once in a couple of washes. And don no heat without Color Wow Dream Filter-you need protection against minerals in water, particularly when you are at the beach.
In my opinion, this is a magical color with a minimum amount of makeup and monochrome clothes. Let the hair be the moment. It is surprising but not violent a color that attracts attention without seeking approval.
Is this the august wedding hair color that nobody expected? Honestly, yes. Particularly when it comes to a nontraditional bride who likes moonlight ceremonies or destination elopements. It’s romantic and radical all at once.
Espresso Babylights with Precision Fringe
This style is all about control and depth. The foundation is a deep cool-toned espresso brown, interrupted slightly with micro-babylights that appear under direct light. Throw in the pointy, chiseled fringe and you have a style that is both 1960s French cinema and 2025 runway-ready. In the case of august hair color ideas brunette, this is as chic as it can get.
The summer sun fades dark colors quickly. I top up shine and tone using R+Co Gemstone Color Shampoo- it is sulfate-free and makes dark colors shine. I also use Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser Invisible Oil Mask as a deep-conditioner once a week.
I wore a variation of this look on a city break in late August last year and I felt invincible, as though every outfit had an added coolness factor. It’s neat, defined, and yet somehow sultry. It is the magic of such a bold fringe combined with such a classic color.
If you’re done with sun-bleached streaks and craving something cleaner, this is a confident pivot. And yes, it works beautifully on short styles too.
Golden Champagne Curls with Breezy Bangs
This one’s made for the glow-up. The color is a warm sunny champagne blonde with dimensional lowlights through long mermaid-like waves. Throw in the airy, eye-skimming fringe and you have a hair style that goes with you- sunsets, wine nights, beach weddings, you name it. It’s peak August femininity.
I would suggest Oribe Bright Blonde Shampoo on this tone, it adds warmth but does not allow things to get too brassy. I also have a curling wand at hand to touch up pieces and give them bounce when necessary. The fringe is given a little dab of styling cream so it is swingy and not stiff.
The best thing about this look is that it is versatile. It can be romantic or playful based on what you wear, and it does not need to be over-styled to be polished. It is one of my best ideas blonde this season, and I mean it.
When you have a fancy wedding invitation, or you are the bride, this look is ethereal without being too much. It’s pure sunshine energy.
Classic Red Revival with Soft Volume
This type of august hair color does not require a caption, it takes over the room before you even open your mouth. Saturated, deep, and grounded in natural ginger tones, this deep copper red is providing Renaissance painting meets modern muse. It has a velvety texture and an understated elegance, which is why I think it’s one of the most romantic august hair color ideas for those with cool-toned skin or freckles.
Red, while powerful, needs babying. I apply Davines Alchemic Copper Conditioner once a week- it assists in making the copper without the brass. I also do not over-wash and use dry shampoo in-between to keep the vibrancy.
This tone gives me confidence. There’s something incredibly grounding about it. When I wore a similar shade last summer, people in the stores and cafes would stop me asking what it was. It’s a red that feels editorial, not costume.
In the event that you ever thought about going red but were afraid of the maintenance–August is your golden window. The sun catches it, makes it flicker like firelight. A true standout in a sea of predictable shades.
Sunny Vanilla Blonde with Melted Ends
The thing is this: platinum takes all the credit, but vanilla blonde? She’s the understated queen. This is a seamless, multi-tonal, balanced melting root that is a bit darker, but does not look stark, rather sunkissed. It is a vibe that I will always suggest to anyone who is looking to find new ideas blonde that does not make them look washed-out in the middle of summer.
Toning is key with this one. I use Matrix So Silver Purple Shampoo to maintain it light and creamy, not icy. And heat protection is a no-go zone- I always apply Living Proof Restore Repair Leave-In prior to each blow dry or wave.
This color is the cool girl who reads poetry on the beach to me. It’s warm, but not golden. Bright, but not bleachy. In other words, it is your blonde sweet spot, and in case you have been in a foil-highlighting rut, this might be your next august hair color ideas blonde pivot.
Throw in some oversized shades, a black turtleneck and you will feel like a Bond girl on vacation.
Platinum Ice Cut with Micro Fringe
Say hello to the sharpest cut of the season. Equipped with blunt ends, fluffy micro fringe and a mega-cool platinum blonde shade this is sci-fi and still street-friendly. This is my favorite on anyone with a short or medium length hair cut who desires something icy but still has its foundation on streetwear cool.
No secret that this tone disappears quickly, and my savior in this situation is K18 Molecular Repair Hair Mask every 2-3 washes to preserve strength and retain that gorgeous tone. And, remember to bring a UV protectant when you are going to be outside, sun yellows this color like mad.
I love this style on urban girls, artists, and anyone who is experiencing a new era. It is daring, as though you are losing old narratives and creating your own. Ideal to listen to in late August when the mood changes and you need something that will allow you to make a decision.
It is also applicable when you are thinking of august wedding hair color but you want to be unconventional. Polished and editorial, yet deeply expressive.
Dark Mocha Balayage with Natural Roots
This hue is an evidence that low-contrast brunettes are not boring at all. Mid-length to tip has soft mocha brown shades that blend well with lighter balayage ribbons that run through the ends. The roots remain natural, which gives depth and durability, which is a win-win situation to the lovers of august hair color ideas brunette with low commitment.
This color thrives on glossiness. I love Pureology Strength Cure Shampoo, then a shine spray, such as IGK Antisocial Overnight Bond-Building Dry Hair Mask. It provides a salon finish even when you have not been there in weeks.
Frankly speaking, when you are busy and have no time to do touch-ups, then this is your girl. It disappears gracefully and leaves you with that illusion of having expensive hair without having to visit the salon every month.
I had one client who said to me once, I want hair that will tell people I vacation in Milan even when I am at Trader Joe. And this color? Delivers exactly that vibe.
Toasted Almond Waves with Face-Framing Highlights
In the case of august hair color ideas, softness can be your best flex. This appearance is dreamy toasted almond with buttery highlights that brush the cheekbones and chin. The overall effect? Lit-from-within elegance that looks expensive even with minimal effort.
To tame the tone, I would recommend Joico Blonde Life Brightening Veil, which will act on light brunettes and blondes, and keep frizz at bay, as well as make the layers shine. In case your ends are dry, squeeze some Ouai Hair Oil in the middle of the week.
The thing I love about this color is that it is very flattering to everyone. It makes your outfit look soft and glowing whether you are in a dress or reading a book. If you’re gathering ideas blonde for August but feel like platinum is too sharp, this is your warm, wearable answer.
Would I wear this to a beach wedding? A thousand percent yes. It flows gracefully in gentle breeze and shimmers like a magic.
Soft Auburn Drama with a Retro Finish
It is something infinitely fascinating about this layered auburn tone–fiery and yet soft, and not at all flat. The warm light here is contrasted with the dimensional tones, making this one of the best hair color for August when you want to have depth but not go dark. This is not your every day ginger; this is deeper, smoother, with a touch of burnished copper that makes people turn around without being obnoxious about it. This is your style in case you are into that vintage glam but with a modern touch. Wear it with a thick cat eye or bare skin, either will do.
To keep this tone from fading into dullness (because reds always love to escape), I’d use the Pureology Reviving Red Shampoo and Conditioner. It’s sulfate-free and helps prolong that warmth without brassiness. Every week, add a cool gloss or hair mask to re-freshen the shine.
Individually, I have always been attracted to red tones that are not costume-like. It is somewhere in between natural and drama- this one is Jessica Rabbit meets old-Hollywood minimalism. It is a statement lip, but on your entire head.
And don t hesitate to invest in this shade with a fair or neutral undertone, it will show off freckles, light eyes, and all of that late-summer glow we all strive to achieve. And if your wardrobe lives in the cream-beige palette? Even better.
Bubbly Pink Bob with Baby Bangs
Here’s where things get a little playful. This pale strawberry-pink bob with these razor sharp baby bangs is a style detour that the girl is not afraid of. It screams editorial edge, but it’s still totally wearable. The hue is pastel but confident—no Easter egg here. And the structure? One of the most lasting trends of the year is that French bob silhouette. The two are a power combination that is as much attitude as it is color.
Such pastels are liable to fade, in the sun-drenched month of August. I suggest using Olaplex No. 4P Blonde Enhancer Toning Shampoo- it keeps cool pink tones and returns moisture to bleach-tired hair.
I’ve flirted with pastel pink before, and my advice? Your brows should be thick and your makeup should be minimal- it prevents the look to go into the cosplay realm. And also, it is a very empowering feeling to be able to walk around with pink hair among the brunettes.
And should you be seeking ideas that are both short and sweet enough to cause an impact but low-key enough to keep up with heatwaves and spilled iced coffee, then you have found your match. It’s the kind of color that turns into your whole personality (in the best way).
Deep Espresso Waves in a Power Pony
Okay, let’s talk luxe. This espresso-black hair color with cascading, voluminous waves that are slicked into a high ponytail is not only a fashion statement, but a power statement. This is a shiny, ink-black, unashamedly bold tone, but the styling makes it light and playful. It is one of those hair color ideas that brunettes August were born to be: dark enough to be grounding, but with enough shine to catch the light. Not everything about summer has to be golden.
This style lives off of shine, so have a bottle of Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray ready to go. It excludes moisture and leaves your waves glassy but not sticky. Trust me, that pony will bounce like it’s on camera—even if it’s just your Zoom call.
I love ponytails that are fancy and yet powerful. It’s giving boss energy without shouting. And, when you have a late-summer wedding party, this is your august wedding hair color play–elegant and high-impact–no curly-curly melting in the heat.
We occasionally forget that deep brunettes have the ability to steal the show. This one tells us: elegance is not a shade range, but a mood.
Red Velvet Lengths with Sleek Center Part
This is a glossy pin-straight red, the hair version of putting on a velvet dress, luxurious, smooth, and quietly confident. The color is a shade between deep copper and cherry cola, and that center part brings a modern sophistication that does not scream but definitely gets attention. This is your goldilocks shade in case you have been searching august hair color ideas brunette or want to go red but not neon.
With such looks, I adore Kristin Ess Weightless Shine Air Dry Crme. It adds that smooth finish without having to flat-iron every single inch of your hair and it makes your red tones soft instead of harsh.
Straight hair is predictable at times but this is not that kind of style. It is royal, romantic, and slightly mysterious, which makes it ideal to go on sundown dates or rooftop hangs. Plus, it’s incredibly photogenic.
The best part? This color flatters warm and cool tones alike. It’s a universal crowd-pleaser, just like a well-made sangria.
Spiraled Sunset Waves with a Side Flip
This color is wildly soft, like warm rust with golden undertones, molded into beachy spirals, which are just undone enough. The side flip gives a chilled grace that I associate to those post-summer night dinners where the sky turns peach. It is a color and a cut that plays in the natural light and never appears the same twice, which is what makes it so addictive. This one might be my favorite.
Curls like these love moisture. I never fail to reach out to Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Heat & Humidity Gel to seal the definition and combat the August frizz war. A wide-tooth comb and satin pillowcase? Non-negotiable.
I think this color is what people mean when they say “you glow different.” It is not the filter, it is not the tan, it is your hair that is playing with the sun as though it were a natural part of it. It is August hair color that works at the beach, at brunch or wherever you are opting out of people and in favor of peace.
And, to be honest, a good flip can make even the most mediocre day a main-character experience.
