In need of a little change? So are we! And we’re already searching for summer hair color ideas. Though the groundhogs predict winter will stick around a bit longer, we know warmer weather is on the way, and those longer days and sunnier skies have us dreaming of updated locks. Our beauty choices will start to reflect our collective desire to shake off any leftover bad vibes — bad haircuts and bad dye jobs, too! — and adopt a brighter hair outlook.
On the hair menu for 2021 is more than just shedding those homespun hair cuts and box dye. We’re all looking to lift up our spirits and the perfect summer hair color is a great way to do just that! Top hairstylists are predicting that summer hair color trends will either be super laid-back or extremely over the top. Whichever direction you’re feeling, we've got the scoop on the biggest hair color trends pros are predicting will make a splash this summer.
The most-wanted look right now creates a lovely lightness around the face.
Word is that this is the most popular trend in hair color: the money piece. It’s a face-framing highlight that invokes instant brightness. It starts at the roots and continues through the ends of the hair and can easily be done at home with lightener or primary colors for a pop of color.
Brunette sun-kissed strands never really go out of style.
The perfect summer hair color for brunettes is a natural-looking honey brunette, but that takes some serious skill. Lightening your natural color to light brown, then lifting the highlights to a light golden blond is just the beginning of this process. Then the hair needs to be toned to a cool gold. This all-over lift will surely cure the cold-weather blues — and we’ll be seeing this shade everywhere in the next couple of months — but it needs to be done by a professional.
Warmer weather leads to warmer gold, ginger, and strawberry tones for this year, reminiscent of the ‘90s.
Modernized ’90s hair color is another summer hair color trend for 2021. Some terms to keep in mind when heading to the salon are: high-contrast highlighting, color blocking, and split dye. Color blocking has already made a comeback and you can find it both in high-contrast and soft lines. This is great for people who love a low-maintenance style, that will still have that edgy ’90s vibe.
'The Queen’s Gambit' has made a stunning shade of red popular.
The Netflix series was a runaway hit, and so was the red hair of the star Anya Taylor-Joy. The sleek and sophisticated color that is all the rage this year is a true red, meaning it’s deeper than a copper red, but lighter than auburn.
New year, new healthy hair hue seems to be an overall theme for the summer.
The next trend we’ve got our eyes on is fancy yet simple: expensive-looking hair. If you’re doing an all-over color, it has to be high gloss that will make your hair look healthy and shiny. Otherwise, you can do a slight revamp on a balayage going back to more golden highlights and less root.
Hairstylists agree that after months of few chances to mix it up with our hair, some bold statement looks will take hold.
Looking for an amped-up version of you for summer 2021? A pastel balayage is the perfect look for those who want something playful, but don’t want to commit to a full head of bleach.
Keep it simple.
If you’re concerned about having to visit the salon so often to keep your color fresh, try a dialed-back hair color that more closely resembles (or exactly matches) your natural hair. This way, as your hair grows out, the color can last for an extended period without glaring roots creeping through. Ask your hairstylist about placing highlights so they have better staying power, too.
