Braids are so versatile that they work for any season, but like any hairstyle, you can easily tweak them to suit the season. Specifically, you can experiment with braiding hair colors inspired by the current time of year. That said, we wanted to find out what shades are currently trending for summer 2025. We spoke with three hair care experts to gain insight into what their clients are asking for and why. Ahead, discover the five most popular braiding hair colors for summer, from platinum blonde to ginger.
Meet Our Expert
Takeisha Berry-Brooks is the owner of Define Natural Hair and A Natural Affair Beauty Lounge.
Dayonna Worrell is a certified hairstylist specializing in wigs and extensions.
Riyana McDowell is a New Jersey-based expert braider.
Rich Brown & Gold Combos
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Brown braiding hair is lovely on its own, but with highlights and lowlights, it adds extra pizzazz. “For 2025, the hottest braid colors are rich espresso tones with golden brown and butterscotch highlights, creating a sun-kissed, radiant dimension with stunning depth and warmth,” hairstylist Dayonna Worrell says. “Butterscotch and golden brown tones flatter a wide range of skin tones—from warm to cool and everything in between.”
Specifically, braider Riyana McDowell says that the color toffee, also known as color #30, is the ‘it girl’ color right now. “It feels natural but still gives just enough of a pop if you’re testing out color for the first time,” she says.
Worrell adds, “These shades are perfect for knotless braids, bohemian-inspired goddess braids, boho braids, and chic bob braids, as the highlights bring added depth and make each style pop.”
Platinum Blonde
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Test out that adage about blondes having more fun with platinum blonde braids. This shade often trends during the summer, being sought after for its bright tone and playfulness. “[Platinum braids] allow people to give the color a test run,” salon owner Takeisha Berry-Brooks says. “Knotless, stitch braids, and cornrows are always great blonde styles.”
Ginger
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Try out being a redhead with ginger braids, a summer-friendly hair color often referred to as #350. “Ginger is that rich, warm, coppery tone that just hits, especially on melanin,” McDowell says.
Berry-Brooks points out that it’s important to work with an experienced braider who can properly tuck your natural hair underneath the copper extensions. “For any of the colors, the tucking method is the most important part,” she says. “You need to ensure they apply the correct amount of tension when braiding and tucking. This [technique] allows for the [braiding hair] color to shine through even if it isn’t your natural color.”
Berry-Brooks suggests experimenting with including knotless, boho knotless, Fulani braids, and cornrow styles, while McDowell is a fan of half-up, half-down styles with soft curls framing the face.
Vibrant Tones
@leighannepinnock / instagram
Summer is the perfect time to rock a bold, colorful braided look. “Explore more vivid, bright colors including reds, blues, green, and purple,” Berry-Brooks suggests. “Many braiders can mix these hues and create a unique custom color blend, which can set [the braiding hair] apart from the rest.”
In particular, McDowell is a fan of bright red braiding hair. “Red is bold, vibrant, and powerful,” she says. “It demands attention and gives main character energy every time.”
Black
@renee_downer / instagram
Of course, good ole 1B works for any season, including summer. Berry-Brooks says, “Traditional and more natural hair colors are always popular with braids, especially with people who do not desire much change and want a subtle, polished look to their braid styles.” Worrell agrees, adding, “Classic black remains a timeless, versatile choice that works with any look.”
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