Is it just me, or is the best time to change up your personal style in the summer months? With the drastic change of weather comes the perfect opportunity for us to alter our wardrobes, nail trends, and even our hair colors.
I find that whenever I change my hairdo even the slightest bit, it plays a major role in how I perceive myself. For instance, when I cut my hair from waist-length to flirty bob, I suddenly felt sprightlier, fresher, and bubblier- even though all I did was chop off some locks.
The same logic applies to changing up my hair color. Whether I’m adding simple highlights or dying my hair full-on pink, (hello, post-breakup-hair-dye-transformation!), I find that altering my hair shade can be one of the simplest ways to shake things up for the better.
In fact, according to several psychological studies, altering your hair shade alone can play a major role in how you feel about yourself. Giving yourself the freedom to switch up your hair according to your own personal style and preferences, is a great way to boost your confidence as well as your sense of control.
With that being said, picking which shade to dye your hair can be a major decision. So if you’ve been hoping to change things up but don’t know where to start, check out Topdust’s list of the trendiest Summer hair colors we’re seeing in 2024.
Coffee and Cream
Want to take your caffeine addiction to the next level? Consider the sophisticated Coffee and Cream look. This trendy two-tone hair shade is excellent for all the brunettes out there who want to experiment with a bit of a lighter look (without completely neglecting the dark side.)
The Coffee and Cream color, which has been rocked by celebs like Beyonce and Dua Lipa alike, blends blonde and brunette shades which make for a fun and elegant change of pace. So if you find yourself utterly torn between being blonde or brunette- why not choose both?
Playboy Bunny Blonde
@solimar0422 Bunny blondes 🐇🐰 #hair #hairinspo #blondehair #blonderetouch #shadeseq9vg #stylesbysolimar #hairideas #hairinspiration #styles_by_solimar #solidblonde #bleachblonde ♬ sonido original – Karol G
Whether you’re a natural blonde or a raven-haired beauty, switching to the specific Playboy Bunny Blonde look can be a perfect addition to the carefree nature of the season. Nothing says “I’m ready for the beach” like this playful, flirty hair shade.
Since our hair naturally gets lighter in the summer due to the sweltering heat and sun rays, the Bunny Blonde color is much easier to maintain during this time of year compared to colder seasons. And because of the uptick in Barbie-core trends over the past year, there’s no denying this look is totally in.
Pretty in Pastel
@hairbymelanieokray Pastel Rainbow #hair #hairtok #hairtransformation #hairstylistsoftiktok #vividhair #hairstylistmichigan #hairstyles #pastelhair #rainbowhair #pastelrainbow ♬ Paint The Town Red – Doja Cat
If you’re feeling bold and want to rock a more care-free shade, you can never go wrong with the pastel look. Nothing says “I’m not afraid to be who I am,” like going for a unique hair color that breaks from the traditional mold.
If you do decide to take the plunge and dye your hair a pastel shade, you’re instantly telling the world without words that you’re a person full of character. And who doesn’t want to be around a person full of character?
Some of the best pastel shades we’re seeing in 2024 include Blue jeans, Lavender Haze, and Cotton Candy Pink. (See? Even the names sound fun!) So go ahead and channel your inner Ramona Flowers by choosing a shade a bit against the grain this summer. You won’t regret it.
Whipped Butter Blonde
@imtorielyse Okay but THIS > is the butter blonde 🧈 @brie.sweeney of summer 2024! I am DROOLING over this blonde. Save for your next hair date. I added keratin tip extensions to give her the most natural looking length to her ends. You would never know that she’s wearing extensions. Do we want a formula breakdown? #imtorielyse #butterblonde #summerhair #scottsdalehairstylist ♬ original sound – Imtorielyse 🥀
Did you know that blondes are considered more approachable than brunettes? According to studies, men found it easier to chat up the fair-haired beauties compared to their darker-haired counterparts.
Although I’ve personally been rocking the jet-black hair since birth, (give or take a few pastel shades following bad breakups), my twin sister loves to switch up her hair color depending on the season. She told me first-hand that when she made the transformation from a lifelong brunette to a Khaleesi-style blonde, she could barely feign off all the attention she was suddenly getting from men.
It’s safe to say not everyone likes this overwhelming amount of attention. But if you’re on the market or hoping to meet that special someone, your chances can potentially be improved with a more approachable Butter Blonde look.
Espresso Martini
@beautylaunchpad espresso martini ☕️🍸 by @hairrbyemily depth: @@Goldwell Professional 4n and 4bp toner: @Redken Pro 7nw 7p and 7m #redkenobsessed#brunettebalayage #dimensionalbalayage #livedinhair #balayage #balayagist #beautylaunchpad #livedincolor ♬ Water (Remix) – Tyla & Travis Scott
That’s that me espresso! While lighter shades tend to be more “in season” for the summer months, there’s no denying the timeless beauty of darker hair. Dyeing your tresses an Espresso Martini shade can be an excellent way to add elegance and poise to your aesthetic.
While studies suggest blondes are seen as more carefree and approachable, brunettes have their own strengths as well. According to Psychology Today, brunettes are often perceived to be more sophisticated and intelligent. (Is it silly to judge someone’s character based on the color of their hair? Duh. But first impressions are here to stay, whether we like them or not.)
So if you’re looking for a classy, timeless look, don’t be afraid to come to the dark side! Regardless of the time of year, you can never go wrong with this Espresso Martini brown shade.
Mermaid Hair Dye
I’m gonna let you in on a secret. When I was a kid, my greatest ambition in life was to be a mermaid. I used to have dreams about having long flowy mermaid hair. Then I’d wake up in tears because it was only a dream.
As a kid, I watched The Little Mermaid so many times that I wore out the tape on VHS. And although I’m in my 20s now, I still have a soft spot in my heart for all things mermaid. With the recent release of The Little Mermaid remake, (*cough, cough* one of the only good Disney remakes,) there’s no denying the underwater aesthetic is totally in vogue.
Similar to the pastel look, the mermaid hair color is a perfect way to let your playful spirit shine. It may be on the bold side, but since when is that a bad thing? The Mermaid hair colors come in gorgeous two-tone shades, from blue and green combos, to lavender and turquoise.
Cherry Cola Red
@manicpanicnyc The ultimate #DyeHard guide to achieving DIY CHERRY COLA HAIR AT HOME ♥️⚡️ #cherrycolahair #cherrycolazz #dovecameronhair #metallicred #heatless #ponytail #hairdyetransformation #veganhaircare #manicpanic #hairfyp ♬ pieces of me – rosecoloredworld
There’s something so undeniably gorgeous about red hair, IMO. To me, this particular shade of “cherry coke” red represents a fiery passion and fierceness that cannot be replaced. This particular color is the perfect blend of playful and sophisticated. It’s hard to combine the two, but this shade does so just perfectly.
The Cherry Coke Red look is best suited for those with naturally dark hair, by combining rich violet and red hues. In honor of the latest revival of Y2K trends, it’s no wonder this color is all the rage again.
Watermelon Sugar Waves
@haleyalxs watermelon sugar baby 🍉 #hairtransformation #hairtok #hairstylist #colorcorrection ♬ Watermelon Sugar – Harry Styles
Hem, Hem. “Alexa, Play Harry Styles!”
Watermelon sugar high (I mean, waves) are an excellent addition to your summer style transformation. This bubbly two tone blend combines pink and green shades that align perfectly with the feel-good nature of the season.
It’s giving “summer.”
You have full control over whether you want to exaggerate these colors for a bolder look, or go for something a bit lighter and airier.
Quiet Luxury Chic
@circlesofhair This colour is everything 🤎 Using 2 packets of tape extensions for thickness & length ✨ Process video coming soon 💋 #hairsalonperth #perthbeautysalon #hairdresserperth #perthisok #brunettehair ♬ fade into you – refilmx
The Quiet Luxury look is in, folks. Whether that’s due to the recent Succession finale, or a counter-reaction to the maximalist Barbiecore trends of last summer, it’s no secret that Quiet Luxury has taken a front seat in 2024.
This minimalist style honors sophistication and simplicity. What better way to embrace a more poised aesthetic than by going for a timeless, monochrome hair color? Some of the best Quiet Luxury shades to rock this summer include “glossy brunette” and “old money blonde.”
Trend-setting celebs like Zendaya and Margot Robbie have recently rocked the quiet luxury look, and this style doesn’t seem to be going away any time soon. The look is both healthy and timeless so you really have nothing to lose with this one.