15 Trending Summer Hair Colors to Try, from Almond Milk Blonde to Caramel Flan Brunette

Key Points

• While many go light for summer, you can switch up your hair color in lots of different ways.

• This summer, colors like Almond Milk, Caramel Flan, and Chandelier Blonde are trending.

Ever since Bella Hadid debuted her honey blonde hair, summer has never felt closer. The warm, golden shade felt like a departure from the cooler, edgier hues that had dominated much of the past season—and a signal that summer hair transformations are officially underway. From subtle caramel glosses to bold copper rinses, seasonal hair changes are starting to hard-launch in the best way possible.

Unlike in past years, when one viral tone (Think: Icy platinum or jet black) stole the spotlight, this summer’s color story offers a variety of softer and more customizable shades. We spoke to three expert hair colorists who broke down exactly what their clients are asking for and they revealed all their secrets.

From “supermodel blonde” to “glossy noir,” ahead, we share all the different hues you should expect to see this summer.

Meet Our Expert

• Jacob Schwartz is a celebrity hairstylist and Schwarzkopf Professional U.S. Hair Color Trend Ambassador.

• Dimitris Giannetos is a celebrity hairstylist.

• Juliana Ohlmeyer is a New York City-based colorist

Almond Milk

Glamorous with an old-money twist are the only fitting words to describe this stunning almond milk shade. “This is a soft, creamy blonde worn by Lindsay Lohan,” shares celebrity hairstylist Dimitris Giannetos. “Not only did this look shake the industry, but this shade is subtle but glamorous. It works beautifully with warmer undertones and feels rich, not flat. It’s a great alternative if platinum feels too harsh. I was honored to make this transition for Lindsay!”

Caramel Flan

Switch things up with a cool level of highlights as displayed on Amal Clooney. “Inspired by my fabulous client Amal, this warm, dimensional brunette with caramel ribbons brings softness and movement,” shares Giannetos. “It catches the light so so beautifully and looks effortless, especially with soft waves!”

Creamed Honey

This honey blonde has a luxurious and soft tone that feels like the perfect blend of soft and cozy. “This dabbles both in the lightest of brunette world and lightest of blonde so you get the best of both,” says colorist Juliana Ohlmeyer. “It immediately gives your skin a radiant glow due to the natural dimension, and is perfect for anyone who is looking for a change without going too dark, or who wants to lighten things up without being too bright.”

LiLo Red

There’s nothing that feels more nostalgic yet classic than a head full of red locks. “I gave the one and only Dixie D’Amelio this true, nostalgic Lindsay Lohan red,” said Giannetos. “It’s bold, playful, and wearable—especially when paired with minimal makeup and dewy skin. It’s a statement color that still feels cool and nods to our OG red head!”

Babydoll Brunette

Brunette but with a twist. As shown on Chloe Fineman, this warm brown shade plays up softness and femininity. “Clients love this shade because they want dimension and warmth, but they don’t necessarily want to lift their base or commit to blonde upkeep,” says celebrity hairstylist Jacob Schwartz. “Babydoll brunette blends honey, bronde, and caramel tones for a glossy, girly finish that flatters everyone. It’s a perfect summer shade because it gives you a headstart on sun-kissed hair color, leaving you looking like you just returned from your summer vacation.”

Diet Pepsi Brunette

I might be biased, but I’m a firm believer that brunettes have more fun. “This rich, glossy brunette—also on the gorgeous Meredith Duxbury—has just the right amount of depth without feeling heavy,” explains Giannetos. “It’s sleek and luxurious but not too dark for summer. When I think of this look, I think supermodel off-duty, but polished.”

Angel Blonde

Icy blonde has never looked so cool—no pun intended. “As seen on my lovely client Meredith Duxbury, this icy platinum blonde is sharp, high-maintenance, and totally worth it,” says Giannetos. “It’s clean, high-fashion, and always turns heads. It’s so perfect for summer when everything else is melting but your hair stays cool.”

Strawberry Whip

Yes, you can go for a traditional shade this season, but why not use this as an excuse to switch things up? “The iconic pink hair I did on Kate Beckinsale turned out like a strawberry-toned blonde, which is a flirty take on pink that doesn’t go too bubblegum,” says Giannetos. It’s romantic and grown-up—like rosé, but in hair form.”

Soft Mink Blonde

This is that perfect in-between blonde for when you don’t want to go all the way in. “When Lisa from BLACKPINK went from brunette to this creamy mink shade, it took over my DMs,” says Schwartz. “It’s neutral but rich, with a blend of beige, soft brown, and champagne tones that catch the light in the best way. What makes it so summer-friendly is how it elevates your look without going too bright.”

Supermodel Blonde

Bella Hadid’s iconic blonde-hair debut at Cannes was inspired by early aughts icons and reborn for today. “This is the blonde that turns heads: bold, glossy, and layered with a mix of cool and warm tones,” says Schwartz. “It’s trending because it ties nostalgia and glam together in an effortlessly wearable way, perfect for any summer vacation you have planned. Clients crave the look of 2000s supermodel blonde, but can’t always keep up with the maintenance.”

Light Suede Blonde

Sydney Sweeney’s light suede blonde feels soft, creamy, and effortlessly luxe. “It blends buttery tones with neutral roots for a dimensional finish that grows out beautifully,” shares Schwartz. “Perfect for summer, it catches the light just right—giving skin a glow without feeling too warm. Ideal for clients wanting a lived-in blonde that feels polished yet low-maintenance.”

Classic Brunette

This summer, it’s all about embracing what you already have. “Classic colors are less about reinvention and more about playing up your natural tone—because natural will always be classic,” explains Schwartz. “Think rich brunettes that give a refreshed look that feels authentic and easy—they are a little more monochromatic and have less contrast in the highs and lows. It’s the perfect approach for summer when simplicity, longevity, and effortless beauty take the lead.”

Luminous Copper

Varying shades of copper are here to stay, and this season, more people are leaning into golden and apricot hues that embrace the complex tones copper has to offer. “This can look like a more golden highlight with hints of copper, such as seen on Aimee Lou,” says Ohlmeyer. “This gives such an interesting glow to the hair and skin and is a flirty nod to the warmer months that will be spent under the glowing sun that will only illuminate it even more.”

Glossy Noir

The super sleek, shiny, and rich raven black on Kris Jenner has made waves for a reason. “This shade truly is youthful, a little bitchy, and a little rebellious and somehow super glam all at once,” says Ohlmeyer. “This bold choice is perfect for those with fair skin tones or olive tones who want to show off their silky texture and add a little bit of glam edge. It also feels kind of fun and naughty to go so dark when summer is around the corner.”

Chandelier Blonde

You don’t need to go full icy blonde to make an impact. Just take a look at Elsa Hosk, who has a really bright, shimmery, and grown-up like platinum. “This blonde is purely cool-toned without looking too dull, and adds a nice amount of brightness,” says Ohlmeyer. “It is a really beautiful tone for those who are naturally lighter or who are veering away from being platinum by incorporating a base color that is still light enough to make it feel as if these highlights are growing out of their head.”

Read the original article on InStyle