19 Summer Highlight Ideas for 2025: Soft, Sun-Kissed Looks for Blondes & Brunettes

 You know that feeling when your hair catches the sun just right and suddenly you're starring in your own shampoo commercial? Yeah. That. Summer is basically highlight season. Whether you're a blonde beach babe or a deep brunette goddess, the right highlights can make your hair look like it belongs on a Pinterest board titled "Summer Glow Goals."

But what makes a highlight summery? It's all about those soft, natural, "Did she just get back from Capri?" vibes. We're going for low-maintenance, sun-kissed, and effortlessly glowy.

I've rounded up 19 stunning summer highlight ideas for 2025 that'll have you booking a salon appointment real quick. Trust me, your hair's about to have a major main character moment. Let's get into it.

1. Soft Caramel Ribbons on Brunettes

Caramel highlights? A classic for a reason.

Perfect for: Medium to dark brown hair

Why it works: Adds warmth without going full blonde

Bonus: Looks amazing in beach light and golden hour selfies

IMO, this one's a go-to if you want dimension without the drama.

2. Champagne Blonde for a Chic Upgrade

Not quite platinum, not quite gold—champagne blonde is where elegance lives.

Great for: Natural blondes or light brunettes going brighter

Gives you: A polished, grown-woman glow

Maintenance level: Medium (toner is your BFF)

This shade screams, "I vacation in the south of France," even if you're just sipping iced coffee at Target.

3. Face-Framing Babylights (aka the Mini Makeover)

Not ready for a full-head transformation? No stress.

Try this if: You want something low-key but still fresh

The vibe: Soft brightness around the face (super flattering)

Best with: Wavy or tousled textures

It's like contouring for your hair. Zero effort, maximum payoff. 😃

4. Honey Balayage That Melts Like Summer

Ah, honey tones. Warm, rich, and universally flattering.

Works on: Light to dark brunettes

Technique: Balayage (aka hand-painted magic)

Pro tip: Ask for lighter ends to really bring out that beachy feel

This one's perfect if you want to look sunkissed without ever stepping in the sun (SPF forever, okay?).

5. Icy Blonde Highlights (Because Cool Girls Still Win)

Let's not forget about the icy queens.

Ideal for: Pale blondes or platinum lovers

Tone: Cool, silver-ash

Warning: Needs toning and purple shampoo love

It's bold, it's crisp, and it turns heads. Just don't skip the upkeep unless you're going for yellow chic. 😕

6. Cinnamon Spice for Fiery Brunettes

This one's a bit slept on, but I promise it SLAPS.

Think: Warm reddish-gold streaks

Works best with: Deep brunette or auburn bases

Aesthetic: Cozy campfire glow meets summer heat

It's giving main character energy in a summer romance novel.

7. Sunlit Balayage That Screams Coastal Vibes

If you want to look like you live by the sea (even if you're landlocked AF), try this.

Key feature: Light pieces that blend softly with your base

Best for: Wavy, layered cuts

Add some: Texture spray + sea breeze = model off duty

Low-key obsessed with how natural this one looks IRL.

8. Bronze Highlights for Deep Brunettes

Blondes get all the spotlight? Not on my watch.

Color notes: Think warm bronze and deep mocha

Effect: Adds glow without lightening too much

Low maintenance: Yes please

This combo looks GORG under sunlight. Like, prepare for compliments.

9. Buttery Blonde Balayage

Let's be real—buttery blonde just sounds delicious.

Tone: Warm, golden, and soft

Works for: Medium to light blondes wanting a refresh

Salon tip: Ask for subtle root smudge for grow-out ease

It's giving golden goddess, minus the brassiness.

10. Sandy Beige for the Ultimate Cool-Toned Glow

Cool girls unite.

Perfect on: Ashy brunettes or neutral blondes

Aesthetic: Effortless & editorial

Upkeep: Low, if you keep your toner game strong

Think less "sunburnt tourist," more "Scandinavian model on summer holiday."

11. Rose Gold Highlights (Yes, Still a Vibe)

ICYMI, rose gold is not dead. In fact, it's having a comeback.

Pairs with: Blonde and light brown hair

Finish: Shimmery, pinkish-golden tones

Best for: Festival season, tbh

It's fun, flirty, and secretly flattering on more skin tones than you think.

12. Toasted Coconut Hair

Yes, that's a thing. And it's cute.

Look: Dark roots fading to bright icy ends

Combo of: Warm and cool tones

Edge: Gives contrast and depth like no other

Perfect if you want a summery style with a lil edge.

13. Soft Mocha Lowlights

Okay, hear me out. Highlights are great. But lowlights? Criminally underrated.

Adds: Depth and richness to lighter brown or blonde hair

Ideal for: Blondes looking to tone things down

Vibe: Luxe, cozy, and expensive

Soft mocha lowlights = your secret weapon for that "I pay a lot for my hair" look.

14. High-Contrast Money Pieces

Not for the faint of heart, but OMG, the drama.

Feature: Bold light streaks at the front

Best on: Long layers or short bobs

Mood: Fierce. Fun. Unbothered.

Think early 2000s, but like, if it grew up and got chic.

15. Vanilla Chai Blonde

This one sounds like your favorite Starbucks order and looks even better.

Shade: Creamy beige with soft gold undertones

Good for: Light brunettes going blonde

Style tip: Add soft curls for extra dimension

It's a warm, inviting blonde that doesn't scream "try-hard."

16. Mushroom Brown With Ash Highlights

Okay, this one's for the girlies who like a little edge.

Base: Cool brown

Highlights: Ashy and subtle

Aesthetic: Moody, chic, a little mysterious

Basically, if summer had a shadowy twin—this would be her hair.

17. Strawberry Blonde Glaze

Strawberry blonde but make it juicy.

More of a: Gloss than highlight

Adds: Warmth and a hint of fun to lighter hair

Cute for: Summer flings and flirty vibes

It's soft, it's glowy, it's giving main character energy.

18. Creamy Blonde Highlights on Cool Brunettes

This contrast? Chef's kiss.

Look: Soft creamy blonde on medium-cool brown base

Effect: Eye-catching but not loud

Maintenance: Just a lil toner here and there

You'll get all the "Did you do something different?" compliments.

19. Golden Hour Lights

Yes, I made this name up. But stay with me.

Inspired by: That magical pre-sunset glow

Style: Subtle golden highlights around the crown and ends

Result: Literal sunshine in your hair

It's giving effortless goddess and I'm here for it.

Final Thoughts: Your Summer Hair Era Starts Now

Whether you're team blonde or brunette (or somewhere in between), summer 2025 is all about low-effort glow-ups that look amazing and grow out even better.

Highlights don't have to mean high-maintenance. With the right technique and tone, you can ride the wave of sunny vibes without spending your life at the salon.

So go ahead, screenshot your fave, text your stylist, and enter your ✨ summer hair era ✨ like the glowing goddess you are.