Summer hair color trends keep evolving, with blonde taking the spotlight
A popular columnist on beauty and style notes that this summer’s standout trend leans toward a striking blonde, described as a Pamela Anderson-inspired shade. The buzz began after the launch of the series Pam and Tommy, which spurred many well-known brunettes to switch to a bright, pure blonde. The aim is a clear, uninterrupted tone that reads as bright and polished from root to tip.
Celebrity hairstylist Tom Smith explains to a fashion publication that achieving this vivid platinum effect typically involves bleaching, followed by keeping the hair in its natural, undyed state afterward. This method creates a lasting, luminous tone that isn’t overworked with dye afterward.
Meanwhile, a London fashion outlet suggests that coppery heat and deep chocolate browns are set to shine this summer. A colorist notes that copper and dark chocolate have moved from fall and winter into spring demand, with a halo of popularity around a Hailey Bieber-inspired coloring often called the “dear brunette” among colorists themselves.
Some Russian stylists urge readers to be cautious about chasing Western trends and celebrities. They warn that a summer refresh inspired by star colors can backfire if not carefully considered. The emphasis is on the complexity and cost of maintaining a look that mirrors celebrity coloring, which may require meticulous upkeep. Other professionals echo this caution, emphasizing that attempting to replicate star hues often entails significant time and expense. An interview with hair professionals highlights which shades work well in summer and which trends might fade away.
NO: full blonde
One expert, Semyon Malikov, doubts the practicality of a monochrome blonde from roots to ends, noting it dominates runways and social media but demands ongoing salon visits and diligent care. He stresses that such a shade can be impractical in the heat of summer, when sun exposure can further dry already fragile hair. The message from the colorist is clear: frequent root touch-ups every few weeks are no longer fashionable, and effortless looks that still signal attention to personal grooming are preferred by many clients.
YES: shatush, balayage, air touch
Blondes are encouraged to consider more natural-looking tones. A softer approach reduces damage and lowers the need for constant salon visits, aligning with a trend toward easier maintenance. The idea is to let natural texture and subtle gradations define the result rather than a stark, uniform color.
The idea of ombre and gentle transitions becomes fashionable again, with lighter ends blending into a natural base. Subtle transitions from roots outward can be a practical way to maintain the look without heavy upkeep. A stylist notes that warm, lighter tones may still feel relevant in the right context, but the emphasis shifts toward gentle, sun-kissed effects rather than bold, uniform color.
For those seeking deeper, cooler brunettes, the guidance leans toward a classic cold spectrum—from light brown to rich, dark tones. The concern is avoiding undertones that lean warm, which can appear uneven in sunlight and may shift toward red-orange over time.
NO: warm undertone
Colorists warn that warm tones can wash out or shift in sunlit conditions, creating an inconsistent appearance that requires adjustments every several weeks. When a warm shade fades, a red undertone may appear, necessitating either ammonia-free toners or pigmented shampoos to restore balance.
YES: rich color and highlights
As an alternative to warmth, deep cold shades offer a sophisticated option. A darker, saturated monochrome look has strong appeal on red carpets and at fashion events. The trend includes pairing these shades with modern, edgy haircuts to maintain visual impact.
Another evolving idea is combining a dark, cool base with a distinctive haircut. The mullet revival shows how silhouettes matter just as much as shade, with elongated and varied lengths creating movement and style without relying on heat-charged color alone. An example referenced in a fashion discussion highlights how this approach has shown up in contemporary cinema and celebrity styling.
Historically bright reds are receding from fashion narratives. The guidance is to avoid red and pink tones, leaning instead toward copper as a safe, vibrant alternative for those wanting color without drastic shifts.
YES: pastel tones
Pastels are getting a renewed focus, with a shift away from bold reds toward softer, dusty hues. A common refrain among colorists is to avoid the dated, burgundy-inspired shades of previous decades and to favor delicate pinks and pale blues that read as fresh and modern in summer light.
Another note is the emphasis on avoiding reddish undertones in the pink family. The goal is to keep colors light, airy, and complementary to a sunlit complexion while still offering personality and confidence in style.
Bottom line: the season invites a balance between celebrity-inspired inspiration and practical, low-maintenance color choices. The overarching message is to pick shades that work with the hair’s natural health and the climate, ensuring a look that feels effortless yet intentional rather than overly staged. Citations: industry professionals at various salons and stylists who discuss color trends and maintenance considerations.