At this time of year, I always feel the urge to change things up. It starts with the obvious—rearranging my home, refreshing my wardrobe—and inevitably, it ends with my hair. There’s something about the arrival of summer that calls for a top-to-toe reset, and few changes feel quite as transformative (or instantly gratifying) as a new hair colour.
As we head into summer, the conversation around colour is shifting. This season, summer hair trends are less about dramatic reinvention and more about elevated, wearable shades that feel effortless yet intentional. Think soft dimension, seamless blends and tones that work with your natural base rather than against it. There’s a noticeable move towards hair that looks naturally sunlit—colours that feel as though they’ve developed over time, rather than being freshly applied in the salon chair. From warm, golden hues that mirror late-evening light to cooler, glass-like finishes that lend a polished edge, summer hair colours for 2026 are all about balance. It’s where low-maintenance meets luxury, and where personalised colour takes centre stage.
Whether you’re considering a subtle refresh or a complete tonal shift, the trends ahead promise something for every style and skin tone. Below, we break down the shades set to define the season—according to the experts.
7 Biggest Summer Hair Colour Trends of 2026
1. Honey Blonde
"Honey blonde will be all the trend for summer 2026—the perfect blend between warmer, richer shades and an in-between balance for someone wanting lighter hair with lots of richness and depth," says Hannah G, colourist at Hershesons Belgravia. It’s a softer, more elevated take on blonde, leaning into warmth without feeling brassy. "It's an intense golden blonde—hair that’s pure honey, and more intentional than golden highlights," adds consultant colourist James Samuel, who recommends asking for a base bump technique to achieve this effect. "This brings out the warm undertones, giving the hair a truly golden hue."
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A next-generation purple shampoo that goes beyond toning, this formula actively defends against oxidation to keep colour looking fresh for longer. It brightens blondes while helping to maintain strength and shine, making it ideal for those aiming for both tone correction and long-term hair health.
Part hairspray, part styling product, this flexible formula allows you to shape and rework hair without stiffness or crunch. It delivers buildable hold with a brushable finish, perfect for creating polished styles that still feel touchable.
2. Strawberry Blonde
"Reds are definitely adding some lighter tones for the summer," explains Hannah, pointing to strawberry blonde as a key shift for 2026. "This is a mix of lighter, blonde tones while still keeping that fiery red shade—a natural sunlight version, for low maintenance and longevity." The result is a soft, glowing red that feels less high-maintenance than traditional copper, with delicate blonde ribbons adding brightness and movement.
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This sleek wax stick is the ultimate on-the-go finishing tool for taming flyaways and adding glossy definition. It smooths without greasiness, giving hair that polished, editorial finish in seconds.
Lightweight yet powerful, this hair dryer delivers fast drying without excessive heat damage. Designed for ease and control, it creates smooth, salon-quality results with minimal effort.
3. Sunset Red
"This fun, dimensional red is all the craze this summer," says Hannah. "As featured on Addison Rae—it’s a true mix of copper and reds, the image of a sunset summer evening." Bold yet wearable, this shade blends golden undertones with richer red hues for a multi-tonal finish. "A vibrant statement colour, for those not afraid to have fun," she adds. It’s the ultimate choice if you want your hair to stand out while still feeling warm and sunlit.
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A shine-boosting treatment that works to repair and strengthen damaged strands while delivering a high-gloss finish. Hair looks instantly healthier, softer and more reflective after just one use.
This lightweight hair oil deeply hydrates without weighing hair down, leaving lengths silky and smooth. It adds a subtle, expensive-looking shine while helping to control flyaways and dryness.
4. Hazelnut Brunette
"Hazelnut brunette is the perfect summer shade for naturally darker hair," says James. "I suggest pieces rather than all-over colour—balayage strands are best." Keeping it just a couple of shades lighter than the base avoids unwanted warmth, while a warm hazelnut gloss to finish ties everything together. The result is a subtle, dimensional brunette that feels fresh, sunlit and effortlessly wearable.
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This reparative styling balm strengthens hair bonds while smoothing and softening. It’s ideal for damaged or over-processed hair, delivering both treatment benefits and a polished finish.
True to its name, this multi-tasking cream does a bit of everything—smoothing, defining, and lightly conditioning. It’s perfect for effortless, air-dried styles with a natural, lived-in feel.
5. Teddy Bear Bronde
"The teddy bear bronde is back and better than ever," Hannah notes. Sitting perfectly between blonde and brunette, "this is where dark blonde meets golden brown—a seamless mix of sun-kissed tones." The appeal lies in its softness—"a sunlit finish, and a powerful, glossy, rich, effortless colour." It’s an easy, flattering option for those wanting dimension without committing fully to either end of the spectrum.
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The iconic intensive at-home treatment is designed to rebuild broken bonds and restore hair strength. With consistent use, it improves texture, reduces breakage and leaves hair noticeably healthier.
A hydrating shampoo that gently cleanses while supporting bond repair is exactly what coloured hair needs. Paired with the matching conditioner, it leaves hair feeling soft, strong and nourished without stripping moisture.
6. Supermodel Brunette
"This timeless brunette is back and better than ever—and will be summer 2026’s biggest trend for brunette hair," says Hannah. "It's a true deep chocolate brown mixed with hints of gold for dimension." The effect is subtle yet impactful. "A way to elevate your brown, while keeping the shine and ‘I’ve been in the sun’ effect," she adds. It’s polished, expensive-looking hair that still feels soft and natural.
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These lightweight drops instantly boost shine while helping to smooth and soften hair. A little goes a long way, making them perfect for finishing any style with a glossy touch.
Designed to enhance natural texture, this spray creates effortless, undone styles without heat. It adds subtle definition and movement, making air-drying look intentional and chic.
7. Smoked Espresso
For those drawn to darker shades, "this tone-on-tone blending creates a softer, dark version," Hannah explains. "Adding warmth makes it more wearable but still sharp and impactful." Smoked espresso moves away from flat, inky tones, instead offering depth and gloss. "It’s the perfect summer dark version—saying goodbye to the harshness of dark and hello to a soft, glossy finish."
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This targeted treatment is focused on improving hair density and overall scalp health. With regular use, hair appears fuller, thicker and more resilient.
A deeply nourishing hair mask that restores hydration to dry, stressed hair. It leaves strands softer, smoother and more manageable after just one treatment.
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