Sun-kissed highlights for brunettes are like bottling the sunshine of a summer day and running it through your hair – warm, glowing, and absolutely irresistible. Whether it’s soft caramel ribbons, golden honey streaks, or cool ashy tones, these highlights add a kiss of light to the darkest of locks, which has a sunlit glow that is easy and yet bold. But how do you pick the right shade and how do you keep up the summer shimmer? So, let’s look at the must-have looks for 2025 and learn how to make those sun-kissed strands stay fresh all season long.
Warm Caramel Balayage for a Sunlit Glow
The perfect way to welcome summer? By going for those soft warm caramel highlights that give life to brunette hair. This look combines deep rich brunette with subtle caramel balayage in a way that makes it look like you’ve been laying by the pool for hours. It is that lovely contrast of the cool base and warm highlights that really make this style come alive.
In order to keep this beautiful appearance, I would suggest using the Redken Color Extend Blondage Shampoo. It’s a violet-colored formula which removes any unwanted brassy tones from your caramel balayage without making it dull. And don’t forget to do a weekly deep conditioning with the Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector — it’s a lifesaver to keep those highlighted strands soft and hydrated.
Ever notice how some colors just scream summer? That’s exactly what these caramel tones do. They’re warm and inviting, yet still sophisticated. If you are not sure about going lighter, then go for caramel ribbons to dip your toes. You may actually end up falling in love with that glowing beach look.
Soft Chocolate Waves with Golden Hues
If you are not ready to go all blonde, then add golden tones to soft chocolate waves. This is a look that is all about adding dimension with soft, sun-kissed highlights that flow effortlessly with darker strands. It’s subtle but in no way unchic — the kind of hair that catches the light just so.
For a style like this, lightweight products are key. I always suggest the Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray to pump up those natural waves without bogging them down. Spritz it on damp hair, scrunch and let air dry for the effortless tousle.
In my case, I believe that golden highlights are a wonder on chocolate bases. It is like giving a subtle shimmer that shines in the sun but still looks natural. In addition, it is an excellent way to go from spring to summer without going too bold too soon.
Ashy Blonde Balayage for a Cool Vibe
For the ones who want to maintain its cool and edgy, ashy blonde balayage is the right choice. This style is a classic sun-kissed highlights that are toned down with cool almost silver undertones that give brunette hair an unexpected twist. Think easy, undone waves with a touch of icy sophistication.
Maintaining ashy tones requires a bit more effort. I’d recommend that you invest in the Fanola No Yellow Shampoo to prevent brassiness. And if you want to do that extra mile, a gloss treatment at the salon every six weeks will help to keep that cool finish.
Ashy tones can be a little tricky, but when they are done right, they are insanely chic. There is something about that cool-toned, sun-kissed effect that screams confidence. If you’re after that model-off-duty vibe, this is it.
Sunlit Honey Blonde on Dark Brunettes
For brunettes who are in need of a brighter, more dramatic change, sunlit honey blonde highlights are a beautiful choice. It is that perfect contrast of light and dark-rich, dark chocolate roots that fade out towards a warm, golden glow of honey. This look is all about depth and contrast, and it’s almost ombré in effect, and striking and summery.
To keep those buttery shades, go for Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner. It is enriched with argan oil that helps to maintain those highlighted strands soft, shiny and frizz-free.
If you are trying to achieve that sun-kissed, just returned from vacation glow, honey blonde is the way to go. It’s warm, it’s vibrant, and it’s very flattering on darker skin tones. In addition, it photographs beautifully, reflecting the light in all angles.
Golden Bronde for a Subtle Lift
Golden bronde- it’s that in between color that is neither brunette nor blonde but somehow gets the best of both. This look is perfect for those who want to have a sun-kissed look without becoming blonde. It’s soft, it’s glowy, and it’s ideal for creating the depth in naturally dark hair.
To maintain that sun-kissed glow, a featherweight leave-in treatment such as the It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product can do miracles. It untangles, gives shine, and shields from heat damage, so those golden bronde strands stay luminous throughout the season.
Golden bronde is summer in a bottle – warm, radiant, and coolly chic. It’s that happy medium that makes it so universally flattering, whether you’re going to the beach or just brunching in the city.
Chic Bob with Sunlit Ash Blonde Tones
A stylish bob with slight sunlit ash blonde shades is the right combination of cool and warm, and it gives a sophisticated yet relaxed look. This style turns the classic bob into a summer-inspired style with subtle, sun-kissed highlights that frame the face and create dimension to the entire style. The combination of ash blonde and brunette is a perfect option for those who would like to keep it low-key but still want to go for that sun-soaked aesthetic.
In order to keep that ashy glow, I would suggest the Redken Color Extend Graydiant Shampoo. It is specially developed to prevent ash blonde tones from going brassy whilst intensifying those cool, sunlit shades. In addition, a weekly hair mask such as Kérastase Blond Absolu Masque Ultra-Violet will ensure the highlighted strands are soft and shiny.
What I adore about this style is that it is able to walk the line between polished and playful with such ease. It’s great for that work to weekend transition, providing just enough warmth to keep things interesting without going too crazy.
Warm Honey Brown with Soft Waves
If there is one look that screams summer, it is warm honey brown highlights falling through soft waves. This style highlights sun-kissed effect, which is natural yet totally mesmerizing, with golden strands reflecting light all the time. It’s the ultimate “just came back from the beach” but with a more polished, put together final touch.
In order not to let those honey tones fade too quickly, choose a sulfate-free shampoo such as the Pureology Hydrate Shampoo. It is kind to color-treated hair and helps keep those rich, warm tones and avoid dryness. And if you are looking to take the shine up a notch, a few drops of Moroccanoil Treatment can do wonders.
