Brunette Highlights for a Sun-Kissed Look – Summer 2025: Bold and Radiant Hair Ideas

Summer 2025 is all about that effortless, sun-kissed glow. Still, we’re referring to brunette highlights that make your hair look like it’s been kissed by the sun. If you want your hair to be either soft and gentle or bold and striking, these styles will make you feel like the leading star of the season. We’ll look at the most exciting brunette highlight styles for summer.

Ash Blonde Face-Framing Highlights

Ash blonde highlights around your face are the best way to add a touch of drama without coloring your whole head. The style is created by placing soft, cool-toned blonde highlights around the face on top of rich brunette roots. They accentuate both the features around the face and the cheekbones, giving the whole style an impressive finish.

When taking care of your hair, try Redken Color Extend Blondage Shampoo to make sure your blonde locks stay icy and not brassy.

I really enjoy that this look instantly makes your skin look brighter. You’ll love it when you wish for a stylish touch without being flashy. To be honest, this style works equally well for relaxing at the beach or going out on a date.

Bold Blonde Full Highlights

Ready to make a statement? A blonde highlight on a brunette base gives your hair that eye-catching difference that reminds everyone of summer. By adding streaks of bold blonde hair to dark brunette, this style brings out a unique and interesting look. The style is bold and bright, with no hint of subtlety — the blonde is meant to be noticed.

If you want your blonde hair to stay bright, Fanola No Yellow is the perfect purple shampoo. It prevents your hair from getting too warm and keeps your blonde fresh and clean.

There’s something so unapologetically fun about this look. It’s eye-catching, stands out and is the hair version of a power suit. Besides, it gives you a chance to change your dark hair without having to go all the way to a light base.

Warm Caramel Highlights for Curly Hair

Curly hair and caramel highlights? A match made in summer heaven. A combination of dark brown and light caramel highlights gives this hairstyle a bright and lively look. The dark base brings out the rich and bright highlights in each curl.

If you want to keep your curls intact and your highlights shining, you need the Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream. It provides moisture, shapes the hair and makes it shinier, without leaving it heavy.

I’ve always admired how caramel highlights make curls shine and catch the light with every step or movement. The style looks fresh, beautiful and always ready for those warmer days.

Classic Bronde Balayage

Bronde balayage is the best way to mix warm and cool tones for a summer look. The natural brunette background is made even more beautiful by adding light and dark blonde highlights. The layers make the painting look interesting and draw attention to the highlights without making them too noticeable.

I would recommend the Joico Blonde Life Brightening Shampoo for keeping your bronde color bright. It ensures the blonde highlights stay bright and the base is still dark.

I consider bronde balayage to be one of the best summer hair styles. It’s ideal for anyone who wants a golden tan without turning completely blonde. Plus, the way those blonde ribbons catch the light? Absolutely stunning.

Soft Face-Framing Blonde Streaks

Have you ever wanted to enhance your hair without getting highlights? Face-framing blonde streaks are the ultimate answer. This style applies a dark base of brunette and highlights the face with blonde strands, making you look healthy and bright.

For your blonde highlights, use Fanola No Yellow Purple Shampoo once a week. The products ensure your blonde looks smooth and normal, preventing brassiness.

I love how this look is subtle but impactful. It’s a great choice for summer since it adds a touch of summer sun to your hair without making you blonde. It also looks great on hair that is either straight or wavy.

Classic Beige Blonde Balayage

Beige blonde balayage is the perfect way to achieve a casual summer look. This look combines soft, sandy blonde tones with a natural brunette base, creating a seamless blend that looks like it’s been kissed by the sun. The soft face-framing layers give the style vibrancy and movement which is ideal for holidays and days spent in the sun.

For maintaining that creamy blonde tone, I’d recommend the L’Oreal Paris EverPure Blonde Shampoo. While neutralizing brassiness, it also adds moisture to ensure those waves remain soft to the touch.

I find that the light and airy style doesn’t take away from the rich brunette color. This is the type of clothing that is ideal if you simply want a little upgrade for the summer. In addition, it looks stylish whether you’re having fun by the pool or going out for drinks with friends.

Soft Chocolate Highlights with Curtain Bangs

If you prefer a soft look, chocolate highlights with curtain bangs will make you very happy. The style keeps most of the color dark and puts in wisps of highlight to catch the sun at the perfect angle. The curtain bangs add a touch of romance by highlighting the eyes and cheekbones.

For bouncy and fresh-looking bangs, use the Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo. It soaks up the oil without making your hair feel heavy or weighed down.

I often wear this style in summer since it’s so simple to put together and keep up. The soft chocolate in her hair gives the look a bit of variety and the curtain bangs make it more flirty and fun.

Beachy Caramel Waves

Nothing says summer quite like caramel waves. It uses dark brunette as a base and adds golden caramel streaks, giving the hair a sunlit look. Because of the loose waves, the style looks easygoing and relaxed which is ideal for summer or days spent by the water.

You can shape and soften your waves by applying the Ouai Wave Spray. It gives your hair a soft, loose appearance instead of making it crunchy.

I enjoy seeing how caramel shades can bring out the best in a brunette color. It blends just the right amount of color to your hair, making you look fresh and summery without appearing too bold.

Sleek Brunette with Wispy Bangs

Those who want a smooth look should go for brunette hair styled with wispy bangs. The matching soft strands give the hair a shiny look and the bangs create some fun in the haircut. The light touches are positioned to highlight the face in a gentle but beautiful way.

For that glossy, sleek finish, the Kerastase Elixir Ultime L’Huile Originale Oil is a must. Using the spray, your bangs get shine and stay sleek and well-kept.

I appreciate this style the most because it seems so sophisticated. It’s ideal whenever you hope to look nice without trying too hard. Plus, those wispy bangs? Total summer vibe.

Bold Face-Framing Platinum Streaks

If you want to stand out, striking platinum streaks around your face will make a strong impression. With icy blonde highlights around the face on top of a deep brunette color, this style adds contrast to your look. It’s edgy, it’s bold, and it’s undeniably chic.

If you want to keep your hair looking cool and platinum, Fanola No Yellow is a must-have purple shampoo. It prevents the icy blonde from becoming brassy.

It’s almost as if this hairstyle gives you an instant sense of attitude. If you want to make a statement this summer, try adding some platinum streaks to your hair.

Layered Sunlit Balayage

The soft layers and sunlit balayage give brunette hair a lovely summer glow. With this hairstyle, beige and caramel are mixed with dark roots to provide a sun-kissed look. The different layers give the hair a light and airy appearance.

To keep your hair feeling soft and bouncy, I would suggest using the OGX Argan Oil of Morocco Weightless Healing Dry Oil. It moisturizes your hair without making it feel heavy or weighed down.

I appreciate that this style gives you the look of someone who’s just spent time at the beach, but without going over the top. This hair style looks good no matter if it’s styled or just allowed to dry naturally. Moreover, the highlights enhance the look without making the base color too bright.

Rich Chestnut and Honey Waves

If you enjoy a dramatic style, chestnut and honey highlights add depth and shine to your dark brunette hair. This wood has an interesting and pleasing effect thanks to warm chestnut and soft honey shades. The soft waves make the style easy to touch and ideal for summer evenings.

When you want your hair to be smooth and shiny, the Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil is perfect. It leaves the hair smooth, shiny and protected from heat—very important for keeping waves bright and healthy.

The combination of chestnut and honey feels very luxurious. It’s cozy, it has depth and it combines boldness with a hint of subtlety. If you want a look that attracts attention without being too much, this is your choice.

Creamy Beige Blonde Curls

For anyone looking for something very summery, try blonde curls in a creamy beige shade. In this style, golden buttery highlights are softly added to the brunette hair, making the whole look gleam and shine. The curls make the hair look fuller and more playful.

I always use the DevaCurl SuperCream Coconut Curl Styler for perfectly shaped and frizz-free curls. It makes my curls soft and bouncy without leaving them stiff as any other cream would.

I love this style because it makes the face look brighter, without altering the brunette color too much. It’s easy to wear, it’s enjoyable and it always looks stylish in the summertime.

Face-Framing Platinum Blondes

Looking for a striking style without having to highlight your whole head? Face-framing platinum blonde streaks are the perfect compromise. Here, deep brown is used as the base and extra icy blonde is added around the face for a sharp, trendy effect. It gives your face a lift and makes it look brighter.

For cool-toned and sparkling platinum, I suggest using the Fanola No Yellow Shampoo. It removes brassy colors and makes the blonde color look icy and clean.

I really enjoy the way these streaks make my face look more interesting and exciting. It allows you to try out light colors without painting your entire hair. I have to say, the look is truly impressive, especially when you wear it with loose waves or a ponytail.

Sunlit Champagne Waves

If you want to look dreamy and soft in the summer, sunlit champagne waves are the way to go. The combination of champagne blonde highlights on a dark brunette base gives the hair that lovely “sunshine on your locks” effect. With the loose waves, the hair appears softer and well-styled without looking tight.

If you want your hair to stay soft and shiny, apply the Moroccanoil Treatment Original. It adds moisture and shine in the perfect amount for your hair.

I love the way this outfit makes her look so carefree and bright. You can enjoy it at summer weddings, on weekends for brunch or by the pool. And the best part? It requires little upkeep, yet looks very impressive.

Soft Ashy Waves with Blonde Babylights

A combination of ashy waves and blonde babylights adds a striking difference to the rich brunette color. This color is ideal for people who want to brighten their hair without becoming blonde. Thanks to the ash tones, the look remains tastful and appropriate for the summer season.

To keep your hair ashy, I suggest using the Fanola No Yellow Purple Shampoo. It prevents the babylights from turning brassy and helps them stay crisp and cool.

I find it impressive that this style can be both subtle and noticeable at the same time. This style is perfect for both office and beach days.

Bronde Highlights on Shoulder-Length Waves

Waves that fall to the shoulders are given a summer makeover with bronde highlights. Blending caramel and ash tones gives this look a beautiful sunlit effect. The waves in the shoulder-length hairstyle make it cheerful and stylish.

If you want to keep your soft bronde color, try using Joico Blonde Life Brightening Shampoo. It adds to the brightest colors, preserving the darker brunette underneath.

What I enjoy most about this style is how simple it seems. It’s easy-going, reminds us of summer and is ideal for anyone who wants a touch of lightness without getting really blonde.

Dark Silver Streaks on Jet Black Hair

Adding dark silver highlights to jet black hair is a great way to make the hair more dramatic. The metallic accessories make this ensemble seem bold and unique, ideal for any summer outfit. If you want to make a statement, this is the style for you.

If you want to avoid yellowing in your silver, use Redken Color Extend Graydiant Shampoo. It balances out brassiness and gives your hair a shiny look.

I absolutely adore how striking this look is. The style gives you a rockstar vibe, whether you wear your hair straight or wavy.

Pastel Pink Ombre on Brunette Waves

Pastel pink ombre is a great way to achieve a fun and summery look. It starts with a deep brunette color and moves into bright pink waves. The ombre style gives the hair a soft and feminine feel, but it also includes a bold color.

Pastel Pink Deep Treatment from Overtone is great for keeping your hair pink. It refreshes the pink in your hair and conditions it.

There’s something so fun and carefree about this look. It allows you to experiment with colors without coloring your whole head. Plus, the way those pink waves catch the light? Absolutely stunning.

High-Contrast Blonde and Black Highlights

If you like bold looks, opt for blonde and black highlights. It makes use of blonde highlights against a brunette foundation which gives the hair a bold and unique look. Bright, bold slashes make the look look truly street-style and it’s an ideal way to dress up for summer evenings.

To keep your hair looking bold, you need Matrix Total Results Brass Off Shampoo. It maintains the cool tones in your blond hair and prevents the dark base from fading.

This style is very brave and not meant for those who lack confidence. If you want to make a bold statement this summer, it’s the best way to do it.