Soft Touches Summer Highlights Ideas 2025: Gorgeous Color Inspiration for Every Hair Shade

The summer season is here and we can’t help but want to update our look with something airy, easy-going and trendy. Did you see how a few highlights can brighten your hair and make it shine, just like the sun? This season, highlights for brunettes or blondes are meant to give you a new look while still keeping it natural. Ready to be inspired? We can now look at some of the most interesting and exciting summer highlight ideas for 2025.

Lilac Dream Waves

Soft, wavy hair with a lilac color looks so dreamy. It’s much like a pastel cloud, hinting at summer parties and evening walks. Its playfulness is nicely combined with elegance, preventing it from ever seeming overdone. The waves give the room character and the lavender color gives it a special charm for the season.

You can keep your blonde hair looking bright by using a shampoo that protects color such as Redken Color Extend Blondage. Not only does it color the hair, but it also removes brassy tones that may appear after your first few hair washes. A deep-conditioning mask should be used on your hair once a week to maintain its softness and beauty.

I feel that this style perfectly combines fantasy and elegance. It may seem daring, but it ends up looking quite wearable. What’s more, you’ll stand out at any summer party, whether you’re at the beach or out on a rooftop.

If you prefer to experiment, you can add lilac highlights just at the ends or in peek-a-boo sections. It allows you to follow the trend in a quiet and easy manner.

Golden Espresso Balayage

If your dark brown hair is looking a bit dull, a touch of gold may be all it needs to revive it. The highlight of this golden espresso balayage is the way the warm tones shine when the sun shines on them. The gold highlights blend beautifully with the dark color, leaving a soft and eye-catching glow on the hair.

For shiny and fresh golden tones, use Oribe Gold Lust Repair & Restore Shampoo. It helps maintain the shine of your hair and nourishes every part of your strands. You can use Moroccanoil Treatment to keep your hair shiny and lightweight.

To be honest, I find this outfit both put-together and easy to wear. This color looks great paired with jeans as well as with a dress in the summer. The gold highlights are just enough to brighten up a dark hair color.

Want a little extra something? Try styling these highlights into soft waves. Moving your head will highlight the golden tones, creating the attractive effect of multidimensional hair.

Ashy Blonde Contour

The purpose of this highlight technique is to shape the face in a way that looks best. The light colors and wavy pattern make the hair look fashionable and welcoming at the same time. It works well for those who want a hint of drama in their appearance.

To keep your hair looking ashy, apply Fanola No Yellow Shampoo once a week. The It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product will help to keep your hair moisturized and protect it from the sun.

The thing I like best about this style is that it makes any haircut appear more polished. You’ll enjoy it if you want to be fashionable, but not extravagant. Also, the highlights reflecting light make the hair seem even more attractive.

If you feel like being bold, add a money piece to your ashy blonde contour. It draws attention to your face and makes your features pop!

Caramel Sunlit Layers

If you could mix the right amount of light and warmth, that’s what caramel sunlit highlights achieve. The style is perfect for medium to light brown hair, as it makes the hair appear softer and fuller. The layers in the choreography make everything seem more graceful.

For a fresh-looking caramel color, use Davines OI Shampoo because it is nourishing and light. Be sure to spray your car with UV protection to prevent the sun from causing damage and fading.

There’s just something so inviting about this look. It’s warm, approachable, and incredibly flattering. Whenever I see myself in the mirror, it reminds me of the beautiful golden hour. This hair makes you think that summer is more than just a season.

Pair this color with loose waves to make the dimension stand out. It’s casual, chic, and always in style.

Sleek Chocolate Bob

A bob is a timeless style, but adding chocolate brown highlights makes it look modern. The soft and rich tones add volume to the hair, while the blunt cut ensures it looks trendy and sharp. It allows you to enjoy a dark and elegant summer style.

Pureology Hydrate Shampoo helps to keep your hair shiny and well-nourished without losing your color. The ends will look tidy and smooth if you use a finishing serum such as Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum.

The reason I love this style is that it looks so effortlessly cool. You can rely on this look since it is both easy and effortless, exactly what you need when you need a result that’s up to your efforts. Moreover, it looks great when worn with a strong lip and eye-catching earrings.

Thinking of trying this look? Add a center part for a chic, runway-inspired twist. It’s a small change that makes a big impact.

Smoky Ash and Soft Blonde Blend

The combination of smoky ash and blonde highlights is truly striking. The combination of cool and warm colors makes the hair look chic and almost like it belongs in a dream. Thanks to the loose waves, the hair looks fuller and more stylish.

To maintain this ashy blonde look, I recommend L’Oreal Paris EverPure Purple Shampoo, especially if you want to keep the brassiness away. Afterward, use Olaplex No. 8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask to ensure the ashy tones are not dull or dry.

I find that this look is both daring and comfortable at the same time. It’s just like a perfect summer night with a cool breeze but a warm atmosphere. Furthermore, the combination of ash and blonde is perfect for those who want their hair to look brighter without turning it platinum.

Want to take it up a notch? Use a large-barrel curling iron to give your hair loose curls that will reflect the light beautifully.

Honeyed Bronde Stripes

If you like the look of sun-kissed hair, these honeyed bronde highlights will make your dreams come true. The honey tones are carefully used to make brunettes’ hair look soft and three-dimensional. It gives you the same mood as a week at the beach, but without the sunburn.

Matrix Brass Off Blue Shampoo can be used to get rid of any unwanted brassiness in your hair. If you like a shinier look, a few drops of Moroccanoil Glimmer Shine will make your hair look just like it did after a salon visit.

I love honey tones because they give any hair color a beautiful warmth. You can enjoy a bit of summer wherever you are. Here, the goal is to make the image look soft and sunny, without making it too striking.

If you want to experiment with this style, add some shorter layers around the face to make the highlights appear more lively and full of movement.

Luxurious Golden Waves

Imagine the light of the sun shining through thick, beautiful waves – this style brings that image to life. The combination of golden and light brown gives the room a stylish and luxurious look. If you want to look glamorous this summer without being very blonde, this is the style for you.

If you want your hair to stay lush and glossy, apply Kérastase Elixir Ultime Oil Serum. It makes the hair look gorgeous and stops it from becoming frizzy in humidity. To get thicker hair, apply Bumble and Bumble Thickening Spray before you blow-dry.

To me, this style always brings back memories of late summer evenings, when everything is glamorous and a bit dramatic. It’s great when you want something more than usual, but you don’t want to go overboard.

Want to give this style a bit more drama? Part the hair on one side by flipping it over. It instantly adds that Old Hollywood glam vibe.

Soft Blonde Money Piece

The money trend will continue in 2025 and this soft blonde color is a perfect choice for the summer. The light blonde highlights on the face make the hair look brighter without needing to dye the entire head. It’s low-commitment but high-impact, which is always a win.

If you want to maintain your blonde look, use Amika Bust Your Brass Cool Blonde Shampoo. For a little more texture, use IGK Beach Club Texture Spray to achieve a naturally messy style.

I appreciate that this style brings out the face without making the hair color look too bold. You get the same summer glow as if you were in a salon, but it only takes a few minutes.

If you want to add some style, create soft waves in the hair. It adds a bit of extra shine to your jewelry.

Champagne Gold Curls

Champagne gold would be the color that best represents summer. They are just perfect – bouncy, shiny and full of golden warmth. The combination of champagne and gold gives your curls a sun-kissed look.

To ensure your curls look great and are not frizzy, use DevaCurl SuperCream Coconut Curl Styler. It moistens and shines the hair without making it look heavy. To keep your hair in place and moveable, gently spray the Ouai Texturizing Hair Spray for some extra hold.

Personally, this look is such a vibe. You can wear it to summer parties, on the beach or simply to feel like a goddess in your usual life. Also, champagne tones suit everyone and make the skin look warmer.

Want to make it even more striking? If you want a glamorous look, use a shimmer spray to get that “music video” shine. It’s a small detail that makes a big impact.

Sandy Blonde Layers

Soft, sleek and perfectly blended sandy blonde layers always seem to stand the test of time. With a look like this, you can touch up your skin without becoming too pale, since having a bit of color can make any change eye-catching.

To keep my hair looking like that, I rely on Joico Blonde Life Brightening Shampoo. It is meant to keep your blonde hair looking bright and not dull. Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil leaves the hair looking shiny without feeling too heavy.

In my opinion, this style makes the face look brighter without needing much effort. If you feel like looking good but casual, these outfits are great for events such as a city walk or spending time up on a roof.

If you want to add some style, use a flat iron to create soft and wavy hair. It allows you to brighten your hair, but not as much as if you had curls.

Cocoa Spice Curls

If you have curly hair, these highlights are sure to make a big difference. The warm colors highlight the natural texture and make all the twists and curls stand out. It has just the right balance between spice and elegance.

To maintain your curls, I suggest using DevaCurl SuperCream Coconut Curl Styler. It moisturizes your hair without making it heavy and it’s necessary for enhancing the cocoa color. A few sprays of Ouidad Curl Immersion Triple Treat Deep Conditioner will add more definition to your hair.

What I like best is that this look enhances my curls without making them too strong. It looks great and adds a touch of summer flavor to your hair.

Thinking of making it pop even more? Spray a little gold shimmer on your face to achieve a sunlit look. It may cost a bit more, but it’s worth it when you go out in the summer.

Honey Blonde Pixie

If you want to make a statement, this honey blonde pixie cut will do the trick. The playful and bold short curls are balanced by the soft, feminine honey highlights. The style is so effortless that it naturally catches people’s attention.

If you want your curls to stay moisturized and soft, apply Cantu Curl Activator Cream. It is made with shea butter and essential oils which give your curls shape without making them crunchy. To make your curls shine, use SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Hold & Shine Moisture Mist.

I find that this style is both modern and strong. This is a different kind of summer wave and the honey tones make it perfect for any skin tone.

Want to go even bolder? Adding a few platinum highlights will add some contrast to your look. It adds an extra touch to the honey blonde color.

Natural Ash Brown Waves

A light natural color with wavy, untidy hair will suit anyone who prefers a casual and stylish appearance. The look is achieved by sticking to your natural color and adding some light ash highlights.

If you want to prevent your ash tones from turning to brass, use Fanola No Orange Shampoo. It is made to remove any warm tones found in darker hair. If you want some extra volume, the Living Proof Full Dry Volume Blast will give you a carefree beach look.

Personally, I adore this look for its understated vibe. This hair goes well with anything, from a casual white shirt to a fancy little black dress. It’s versatile, timeless, and so easy to maintain.

If you want to give your hair a bit of edge, apply some sea salt spray for a carefree beach-like style.

Honey Wheat Waves

There’s something incredibly luxe about honey wheat waves. The combination of soft golden and sandy blonde makes the hair appear rich and radiant. It’s ideal for anyone who wants to look summery but not too pale.

If you want to maintain the honey wheat tones’ shine, John Frieda Highlight Activating Enhancing Shampoo is necessary. It is made to keep blonde and light brown hair shiny and prevent it from becoming dull. To achieve that soft bouncy look, add a few pumps of Amika The Wizard Detangling Primer to your hair.

I appreciate that this style is warm but not too bright. The blend of golden and blonde hair gives summer a perfect look. Being honest, who wouldn’t want the sun-kissed look for their hair?

A center part can add some extra excitement to your waves. It gives the hair a cleaner and more updated appearance.

Ash Beige Tousled Waves

Ash beige is a great way to introduce some depth to naturally dark hair. The ashy color makes it look chic, while the beige tones make the style look more casual and unkempt.

If you want to keep your hair that ashy beige color, use Amika Bust Your Brass Cool Blonde Shampoo. It keeps your hair from turning brassy and still gives it a muted look. If you want your hair to look a bit messy and textured, Ouai Wave Spray gives your hair the perfect amount of grit.

What I love most is that this style is both laid-back and neat. The style is ideal for afternoons at the beach or when you just want to stop for coffee. Besides, the ash colors give the outfits a slight edge that looks super stylish.

If you want to make the style stand out, add some layers in front of your face to make the highlights look fuller and more dynamic.

Sunlit Honey Waves

There’s something undeniably radiant about sunlit honey waves. Because of the soft golden colors, every wave seems to have been caressed by the sun’s rays. It gives dark hair a lovely and warm touch.

Maintaining your blonde highlights is easy with Oribe Bright Blonde Shampoo. It keeps your hair moisturized and still gives it a sunny color. Moroccanoil Glimmer Shine spray will help your waves shine and sparkle.

I love that this makeup gives a sunkissed effect, but it doesn’t look too heavy. It is gentle, cozy and suits summer days spent by the water. It also looks lovely with casual clothes or an elegant evening outfit.

To make your hair more interesting, braid the sides and merge them into the waves. It gives the room a fun and playful atmosphere.

Sleek Vanilla Blonde

If you want to lighten your hair without making it platinum, vanilla blonde is the perfect option. It’s soft, has a creamy look and is just the right level of lightness. The idea is to have smooth and shiny hair that looks classy.

To keep your hair blonde and creamy, you need to use Redken Color Extend Blondage Shampoo. It ensures the blonde hair remains free from brassiness and stays looking bright. Paired with Living Proof Perfect Hair Day 5-in-1 Styling Treatment, a flat iron will make your hair smooth and frizz-free.

What I like about this outfit is that it looks both elegant and fun. It allows you to have lighter hair without bleaching your entire head. Additionally, the vanilla tones add enough warmth to prevent the color from being too cold.

You can create a soft wave by using a 1.5-inch curling wand. It will keep the style clean and also add some motion.

Golden Glow Balayage

Golden glow balayage is designed to add some sunshine to darker hair. The highlights are arranged to offer a multidimensional look that reflects light in every direction the model turns. It’s warm, inviting, and perfect for summer.

The golden effect on hair is kept fresh and glossy by using Davines OI Shampoo. For soft and nourished hair, a weekly treatment with Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector will do the trick.

What I like best is that this style enhances the warmth in brunette hair without making it too strong. This is the ideal style for anyone who wants to lighten their hair but not become blonde.

If you want a little more style, try creating loose waves in the hair. It gives your hair extra body and movement, making your blonde look brighter.

Platinum Pearl Waves

There’s no denying the allure of platinum pearl waves. The goal with this look is to achieve a glowing, fairy-tale-like effect. The waves give this style more volume and the platinum color makes it look very fashionable.

For your hair to maintain its platinum color, you have to use Fanola No Yellow Shampoo. It removes the brassiness and makes the hair look cool and fresh. To get a beautiful shine, try using Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum.

I love how glamorous, bold and noticeable this style is. It has a way of making a statement all on its own. Even though this color requires lots of effort, the results are truly amazing.

A softer version can be achieved by mixing platinum with a touch of silver. It will give the space more character and make the entire look more interesting.

Cinnamon Sunset Waves

The combination of cinnamon colors and soft, wavy hair is truly hard to resist. The combination of sultry and sweet, with a little warmth, makes dark brown hair shine. The red colors give the image a sense of depth and make it appear as if it were taken during the golden hour.

To keep your hair looking warm and cinnamon, Aveda Color Conserve Shampoo is very helpful. It is meant to keep your hair colorful and hydrated at the same time. If you want your hair to be softer, I suggest using Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask which also makes your hair shine.

I find that this look gives off a sense of the sunset at the end of the summer. It’s warm, inviting, and undeniably romantic. If you’re not ready for a bold red, reddish tones are the perfect way to start.

For soft and thick waves, use a 1.25-inch curling wand. Don’t wrap your sections too tightly so that your hair moves as you walk.