Honey brown has that something about it that is universally flattering. It’s warm, inviting and great for that effortless summer glow without the full blown blonde commitment.
Classic Bob with Golden Blonde Highlights
Golden blonde highlights on a classic bob is a classic style that will instantly take your style game up a notch. This variation maintains the base a deep brunette while adding strategically located golden strands that lighten the whole appearance. It’s a subtle but definitely chic way to go sun-kissed without drowning out the natural brunette base.
Keeping golden blonde highlights can be challenging, but the Joico Blonde Life Brightening Shampoo is a good option to keep the brassiness under control. And if you want to keep those ends fresh, a lightweight leave-in treatment, such as It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product, can help to prevent breakage and keep shine.
I love the fact that this look adds a touch of old Hollywood glamour to a modern bob. It’s sleek but flirty, a hairstyle that is just as pretty when it’s worn straight as it is when it’s in tousled waves.
Cool Ashy Brunette with Luminous Streaks
For those who are not into a more edgy look, a cool ashy brunette with luminous highlights is the way to go. This look is a mixture of dark chocolate tones with ashy blonde streaks that are placed strategically to add depth and dimension without going too light. It’s the kind of style that reflects the light just right and gives a soft, radiant effect that is ideal for summer nights.
To avoid the ashy tones from turning to brass, use the Fanola No Yellow Shampoo once a week. It’s a must to keep that cool icy effect but without drying up the hair. And remember to use a heat protectant such as Living Proof Restore Perfecting Spray to protect those dainty highlights from the summer heat and styling instruments.
What I love about this look is its versatility. You can keep it sleek and straight for a more polished look or go loose waves for a more laid-back look. Either way, those ashy tones keep it in modern and fresh.
Sunlit Brunette with Subtle Caramel Touches
A sun kissed brunette with a touch of caramel is the perfect understated summer hair aspiration. It’s that type of look that leaves you feeling like you have spent the whole day in the sun – even if you haven’t left the house. The soft caramel ribbons run through the darker base, creating the depth and warmth without dominating the natural brunette tone.
To maintain the caramel strands looking fresh, a moisturizing shampoo such as the SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Yogurt Hydrate + Repair Shampoo is a must. It moisturizes hair without making it heavy, so that those lighter strands can remain bouncy and bright.
In my opinion, caramel highlights are one of the simplest techniques of adding warmth to brunette hair without a dramatic change. They’re soft, they’re subtle, and they’re ideal for people who want to have just a little something more without going all the way blonde. In addition, they look amazing when the sun shines on them in a certain way.
Soft Ash Bronde Waves for a Dreamy Summer Look
If you are trying to go for the sun without completely committing to blonde, soft ash bronde waves are the way to go. This style combines cool ash tones with warmer bronde highlights with ease, making for a breathtaking multi-dimensional effect. The soft, cascading waves reflect the light wonderfully, giving it that sunlit luster that is just right for summer.
In order to keep those ashy bronde tones, a purple shampoo such as Fanola No Yellow Shampoo is a necessity. It keeps the cool tones intact while preventing brassiness. And if you’re in the mood for a little extra shine, the Moroccanoil Glimmer Shine Spray will give you that extra sunlit effect.
The thing I love about this style is the fact that it can be easily worn from day to night. Whether you are going to the beach or going out for a late dinner, those soft, dreamy waves will always look gorgeous.
Sleek Caramel Balayage on a Long, Layered Cut
There is something definitely chic about a long layered cut with caramel balayage. The soft caramel undertones running through the darker brunette base gives a natural sun-kissed effect that adds warmth without overpowering the whole look. It is that perfect blend of sophistication and relaxed summer vibes.
To maintain that glossy and fresh look to those caramel strands, try the Redken All Soft Shampoo and Conditioner. It is designed to moisturize hair while giving it a silky and smooth feel. And for those long layers, a little bit of Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil can be used to prevent split ends and make those strands appear sleek.
What I love about this look is the amount of movement that it gives to the hair. Those long, flowing layers reflect the light perfectly, which makes the caramel balayage even more noticeable.
Golden Honey Waves with Dark Roots
If you are looking for a more dramatic effect of sun-kissed highlights, golden honey waves with dark roots will give you a dramatic contrast that is bold and yet effortlessly chic. The honey tones bring that warm, summery glow, and the roots are darker, keeping the look down to earth. It is the type of style that attracts attention but does not overdo it.
In order to prevent those golden tones from fading, a sulfate-free shampoo, like Pureology Strength Cure Shampoo, is a must. It is kind to colored hair and helps to preserve vibrancy without taking moisture. And if you are looking to add some texture, a few spritzes of Ouai Wave Spray will make those waves look beachy and tousled.
This style seems to be a perfect mix of sun-kissed and sultry. It’s got that warm, golden glow that is ideal for summer, but the dark roots bring it back down to earth and make it cool without even trying.
Rich Chocolate Brown with Subtle Blonde Highlights
If you are a brunette and you want to experiment with going lighter without jumping all the way in, rich chocolate brown with soft blonde highlights is a beautiful way to dip your toes into the sun-kissed trend. The warm blonde pieces run through the chocolate base giving it a soft, illuminated look that is fresh and young.
For maintenance, the Joico K-Pak Color Therapy Shampoo is excellent when it comes to keeping those blonde highlights without drying the darker strands. And for a bit of extra shine, the L’Oreal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Oil is perfect for adding that mirror-like finish.
I am in love with how this style makes things subtle yet striking. It’s a great way to give brunette hair a bit of a brightening without going for full-on blonde, which is perfect for those who are not so keen on a dramatic look.
