Sun Kissed Highlights for Brunettes Summer 2025 – Transform Your Look with Radiant Balayage

Summer has arrived and everyone wants to look naturally tanned. If you’re a brunette looking to brighten up your look, sun-kissed highlights are the way to go. But what makes them so captivating? Why do they just seem to scream “summer”? Most importantly, how can you use them to suit your own style? Let’s dive into the world of summer hair color for brunettes highlights sun kissed and find your perfect shade.

Beachy Waves with Golden Highlights

There’s just something about soft, tousled waves combined with hair balayage that feels effortlessly chic. This style gives off a California-girl feel, thanks to the golden highlights that brighten the brunette hair. The highlights are added in a way that resembles the sun shining on the hair and brightening the face. If you want to keep your brunette hair but add some warmth, this style of summer hair highlights is perfect for you.

I recommend washing your hair with Olaplex No. 4 to help preserve the color of your highlights. Once a week, treat your hair with a mask to help it remain soft and protect it against dryness caused by the sun.

One of my favorite things about this style? It transitions so well from day to night, whether you’re heading to the beach or out for cocktails. What’s more, it looks great on most people, mainly those with warm undertones. If your style is laid-back and boho, these waves will work perfectly for you.

Sleek and Polished Bob with Caramel Highlights

A bob can appear sharp and well-defined, but this style is softer and more fun. The caramel strands are mixed into the dark hair, giving it a contrast that is both elegant and not too noticeable. If you want to add a chic summer look to your brown hair, this sun kissed brown highlights will do the job.

If you want to maintain your hair’s perfect shine, use Kerastase Elixir Ultime Oil. It shines your hair and also shields it from the sun’s rays. Not much is needed to keep your car looking great.

I think it’s great that this style has a touch of elegance along with a bit of playfulness. It’s a little more structured than loose waves but still feels summery and light. If easy-care style is your thing, this is the one for you.

Bold and Edgy Undercut with Contrasting Brunette and Blonde

Those with a taste for adventure will find this undercut style with blonde highlights truly eye-catching. The contrast between the blonde and the brunette is so striking that everyone will notice this look. An excellent choice for anyone who likes to play with their hair and show their bold personality. This is the perfect summer hair color for brunettes with highlights that are sun kissed blonde, but with a surprising touch.

I suggest you get your hair done by a stylist every few weeks to maintain the undercut. To maintain the sharpness of the cut, use a smoothing serum such as Redken Frizz Dismiss between each cut.

I have to say, this style is not for those who easily get scared. However, if you want to be different and feel powerful, then do it. It’s impossible to deny that edgy cuts look best with the warm colors of summer.

Classic A-Line Bob with Honey Tones

An A-line bob with a hint of honey highlights could be the perfect style for you. This style is always put together and the hints of honey add a touch of summer to it. You could describe it as the summer version of brunette, with highlights that look like sun-kissed hair.

A round brush and blow dryer will help you maintain the classic curve of a bob. A purple shampoo like Fanola No Yellow can help prevent any unwanted brassiness.

This bob has a “put-together” feel that I think we all wish for sometimes. It’s a nice restaurant for a meal, but you can also enjoy it with friends. The golden tones also give your skin a lovely radiance.

Dimensional Brunette with Sunlit Highlights

If you prefer a more natural look with a strong effect, go for a dimensional brunette with highlights. Because of the mix of dark and light tones, your hair appears as if you’ve spent a day at the beach. For brunettes, this is the perfect summer hair color to highlight your curly hair, especially when your hair is a bit wavy.

A suggestion: Apply a light curl cream to get those waves without making them feel heavy. I enjoy using DevaCurl Wave Maker, as it gives my hair a wavy look and prevents frizz.

This look is all about being effortlessly gorgeous. It’s like waking up beautiful without really trying, which, let’s be honest, is the dream. With a new outfit, you can make your look casual or glamorous.

Dimensional Highlights on Sleek Lob

A lob with balayage hair is the definition of simple elegance. The ash blonde strands are carefully placed among the dark brunette hair, giving the impression of sunlight. If you want to try the summer hair color for brunettes highlights sun kissed blonde trend, this look is for you. Because of the gentle difference, it can be worn in either casual or dressy settings.

If you want to maintain your smooth and shiny hair, I suggest applying Living Proof No Frizz Nourishing Styling Cream. It keeps your hair smooth and shiny, highlighting the highlights.

The reason I like this style so much is that it looks both slim and detailed. It’s the kind of look that says, “I woke up like this,” even though it’s definitely salon-worthy.

Playful Bob with Sandy Blonde Hues

If you want a relaxed look, this sandy blonde bob is a fun way to try out the brunettes highlights sun kissed trend this summer. The soft tones of sandy blonde make the brunette look warmer and give the hair a beach-like style. A middle part can make this style look great on almost any face.

If you want to keep your hair bright and light, apply Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray. It gives your hair a windblown style and adds a little volume.

This style is so cool, as if you just put on your favorite shades and walked outside. It’s casual yet undeniably chic.

Voluminous Waves with Honey Blonde Streaks

If you’re a brunette, sun kissed balayage highlights in your summer hair colour are an excellent way to blend your dark roots with light, honey-blonde ends. The waves in the hair bring in extra movement and make the brunette look more like a surfer girl.

If I want waves that last through the day, I always use Oribe Apres Beach Wave and Shine Spray. It makes your hair look tousled and gives it a soft shine.

The style is unique because the honey tones contrast with the darker background. The color is beautiful whether viewed in bright daylight or in a dimmer room. Perfect for summer nights out.

Soft Waves with Ash Brown Highlights

For a gentler version of the summer hair color for brunettes, you can try ash brown highlights. They match the base color so well that there is a gentle lift in the hair. If you have long hair, this look allows the highlights to fall gently from the roots to the ends.

To keep the hair cool and ashy, I advise using Matrix Total Results Brass Off Shampoo. It ensures your hair does not become brassy and looks just as cool-toned as before.

This style perfectly combines casual and elegant. It’s a great way for brunettes to keep their brown hair yet still feel they’ve changed their look for the summer.

Dark Brunette with Cool Blonde Accents

If you’re looking to make a statement, these cool blonde accents against a dark brunette base are bold and daring. To get the summer hair color for brunettes, place the lightest strands near your face, as this brightens your skin tone.

For clear and strong contrast, I recommend you apply Moroccanoil Blonde Perfecting Purple Shampoo at least once a week. It gets rid of brassiness and maintains the cool and fresh highlights in your blonde hair.

I love that this style is both fashionable and chic. Just like a favorite summer accessory, it stands out but is still elegant enough to wear anywhere.

Golden Sun-Kissed Waves with Subtle Layers

If you imagine the late afternoon sun shining on your hair, that’s how golden these waves look. The soft layers and summer hair color for brunettes highlights sun kissed blonde make the hair look like it’s been kissed by the sun, without being dull. It looks like you’ve been to the beach all day, even though you’ve only been at the salon.

To maintain the shine in your blonde hair, I recommend using Joico Blonde Life Brightening Masque. It keeps your hair healthy and shiny as it prevents your highlights from turning brassy even in the summer heat.

What I love about this style is its versatility. No matter if you’re spending the day at a rooftop restaurant or on the beach, these waves will make your skin glow. Besides, it’s simple to add more body and movement to long hair without changing its original texture.

Chic and Natural Brunette with Subtle Ash Hues

If you want a simple yet fashionable look, this ash brown color is the perfect summer hair color for brunettes highlights sun kissed brown. Cool highlights are blended with the dark hair and help enhance its depth without drawing too much attention. It’s that perfect middle ground between edgy and classic.

To maintain the ash tones in your hair, you need to use a purple shampoo such as Matrix Total Results So Silver. It cools down your hair, so your highlights look charming and trendy.

I think this color is perfect for people who enjoy a touch of brightness without giving up their brunette look. It has a special charm that makes it suitable for every day.

Bronzed Blonde Highlights on Layered Curls

If you’re looking to add a touch of drama to your look, these bronzed blonde highlights on layered curls are a showstopper. The highlights in a sun kissed balayage are placed on brunettes to enhance their natural waves and make their hair look sunlit. The style is designed to be noticed, but it does so quietly.

If you want to keep your curls soft and bouncy, I suggest applying Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Heat & Humidity Gel. It ensures that the hair remains curly and it avoids any frizz caused by summer humidity.

If you want to add some glamour to your daily look, this is the style for you. It’s feminine, bold, and oh-so-summery. Moreover, the warm bronze color creates a bright glow that’s very appealing.

Face-Framing Highlights with Beachy Waves

The combination of highlights on the face and messy, wavy hair is very appealing. The summer hair color for brunettes highlights sun kissed curly hair is meant to make the eyes and cheekbones stand out, so it is a good option for just about everyone. The light touch of sunshine in the makeup makes it ideal for the summer season.

If you want touchable waves, apply Bumble and Bumble Surf Infusion Spray. It helps the hair look and feel like it was just on the beach, but without making it dry.

You want to look as if you’ve just returned from a relaxing trip—that’s what makes this look cool. It is easy and stylish, so it’s ideal for both summer and warm, breezy evenings.

Bold, Cool-Toned Blonde with Dark Roots

If you want to try something bold this summer, choose a cool blonde with dark roots. The combination gives the outfit a fashionable and eye-catching appearance. This hair color for brunettes emphasizes the pink highlights on the lighter parts, creating a slightly edgy and cool look.

If you want to avoid brassy blondes, I suggest using Amika Bust Your Brass Cool Blonde Shampoo. It is made to keep the hair cool and also nourish it.

The reason this style is so interesting is that it combines light and dark, bold and subtle elements. A leather jacket adds a sense of style to any outfit, whether you are wearing it casually or for a night on the town.

Layered Blowout with Smokey Ash Blonde Highlights

If you prefer a big blowout, this layered look with hair balayage is perfect for making your hair stand out. The smokey ash blonde highlights are ideal for anyone who wants to keep their brunette hair and look more stylish and refined. It has an old Hollywood look, but its style is updated for today.

If you want to keep your hair looking soft and bouncy, I recommend Oribe Royal Blowout Heat Styling Spray. Besides shielding hair from heat, it also leaves your hair looking and feeling silky and salon-ready.

This style is so attractive because the highlights reflect the light, making every layer appear more dynamic and alive. When you want to look lovely and glamorous in summer, this is the perfect way to do it without much effort.

Pin-Straight Brunette with Cool Blonde Ends

A polished look can be achieved with this pin-straight hairstyle and cool blonde highlights. A sun kissed brown hair color for brunettes leaves the roots dark and lightens toward the ends, giving the hair an attractive ombre look. It combines roughness with sophistication which is why it’s great for any occasion.

If you want to keep your hair looking straight and smooth, apply Kérastase Discipline Fluidissime Spray. It prevents your hair from becoming frizzy and keeps it smooth and sleek for the whole day.

I like that you can wear this style both formally and casually. The slow change in color makes the look dramatic, but not too much.

Romantic Waves with Subtle Honey Highlights

For anyone after an easy, natural-looking sunny style, these romantic waves with a hint of honey are perfect. With sun kissed balayage highlights, brunettes’ black hair gains golden tones and looks soft, but striking too.

For soft-looking waves, I recommend using IGK Beach Club Texture Spray. It increases volume in your hair without making it look heavy, giving you a lovely messy style.

The style is perfect for summer, as it is relaxed, bright and absolutely beautiful. It’s ideal when you want to be carefree but still want to look nice.

Sleek Brunette with Caramel Strands

If you want a well-groomed, neat appearance, these caramel highlights in a sleek brunette base look wonderful. You get an eye-catching summer look for brunettes by lightening up some of your hair with light brown caramel.

To protect your caramel hair from frizz, use Moroccanoil Treatment Oil. This product is loved by many because it strengthens hair and gives it a lovely shine.

The style features simple lines and a few splashes of color. It suits both work and going out on a date.

Textured Bob with Blonde Accents

Anyone looking for a quick and easy style can try this textured bob with blonde highlights. Brunettes with curly hair can try a summer look that highlights the face, brightens their skin and keeps their hair looking natural.

If you want to keep your hair wavy but soft, apply Ouai Wave Spray. It gives enough grip to your hair without interfering with your natural waves and curls.

The reason it looks so new and exciting is that it adds a summer feel to a traditional cut. It is easy to wear, youthful and still makes a statement.