Beauty
Time to switch it up.
Is there any better way to usher in a new season than a hair color change? Sure, the whole “new season, new look” thing is a little cliché. But you have to admit: There’s just something about the summertime that gets the fun, carefree vibes flowing. And those uninhibited feelings are what make the upcoming months the perfect time to indulge in a bit of beauty experimentation.
Last year, the season’s most popular trends were (understandably) all about keeping it gorgeous, but low-maintenance. Now that many people have more mobility, hair color trends for the sunshine-filled season are all about departing from the hues you know and love, and booking a one-way ticket toward something fresh and different.
To figure out which trends are ones to watch, Bustle spoke to celebrity hairstylist Sami Knight, colorist Bianca Hillier, and North America Brand Ambassador for Wella Professionals Zach Mesquit. They revealed the top summer hair colors (from multitone blonde to the highlighted, money piece look) that are worth booking an appointment at your salon as soon as possible.
If you’re looking to change things up, read on for nine standout summer 2021 hair color trends that will help you celebrate the new season.
1Copper
Copper is such a gorgeous shade to wear in the summer — just ask Sophie Turner and SZA. Its hints of goldish red and brown shine in the sun, emphasizing your glow. Take the plunge and dye all of your hair or integrate it into your current color with highlights or lowlights.
2Money Piece Highlights
The “money piece” trend may have been named for its time-saving and cost-effective coloring process, but it’ll make you look like a million bucks. Chose any shade you like (though this summer, you’ll mostly see streaks of blonde or playful colors like pink or red) and go to town on the face-framing sections.
3Pastels (With A Twist)
Pastel hues are summer classics, but this year, expect to see some unexpected shades. Rosé-inspired hues like Chrissy Teigen’s will always be a summer favorite, but other playful pastels are the ones to watch. Like Keke Palmer’s soft peach tones. “A lot of my clients are asking for other playful colors like mint green and icy blue to try something fresh for summer,” says Mesquit.
4Creamy Platinum
Billie Eilish broke the internet when she traded her infamous black and green hair for this beautiful blonde. It gives you the best of both worlds: a cool-toned blonde with the warmth and creaminess of a honey blonde shade.
One thing to note: Knight says to make sure you’re armed with the right products to keep it looking fresh and free of brassy tones. A product like Wella’s Blonde Recharge Shampoo “incorporates violet into a nourishing wash to eliminate any yellows or brass tones from your tresses.”
5Caramel
This sweet shade of brown looks amazing on all hair types. Caramel is a great color choice to add warmth to your strands, and it’s a perfect one to mix with others.
6Chunky Highlights
Stars like Kelly Clarkson, Christina Aguilera, and Britney Spears popularized chunky highlights in the early 2000s, and the look has been making a major comeback lately. This summer, you’ll see the style incorporate lighter, brighter, and warmer shades to create a fun and dynamic look.
7Multitone Blonde
This ultra-cool take on a summery blonde will be all of your timeline in no time. The style blends different shades of blonde, ultimately creating a beautiful blend that looks like its own unique color. Kylie Jenner rocked the style a few months back and it’s major inspo for the new season.
8Grainy Golden
“With places to be and people to see, everyone is wanting an extra sparkle,” says Hillier. “Shimmering gold tones are all the rage, since they reflect the most light and give the appearance of ultra shine.” To get that summer shine, this grainy golden shade of blonde is the way to go.
9Almond
This hair color will have you looking like a snack — pun very much intended. The gorgeous shade of brown will add warmth and depth to your hair. Like caramel, it also plays well with other hues.