The go-to hair color for summer is a lighter tone than usual. While highlights and blonde tones are the order of the day in the warmer months, brunettes and redheads also often go for a lighter look with some strategic baby lights and highlights. And as the temperatures rise, some are switching from dark to lighter colors altogether. According to celebrity hairstylist Clarice Anya Rubenstein, the idea of lightening hair in the summer comes from the natural side effect that exposure to sunlight has on hair. “Hair naturally bleaches and lightens, creating a sun-kissed effect, especially on the ends, which is why lightening hair in the summer is so popular,” she says.
But all of that will fade away in the summer of 2024, as major hair color trends really take off. According to Chase Kucero, celebrity colorist and co-founder of IGK Haircare, the trend toward dark hair colors is currently on the rise. “This is due in part to a desire for fresh, bold styles that stray from the traditional summer hair color palette,” he says. “Celebrities and influencers often set the stage for beauty trends, and lately, many have embraced darker hues, inspiring many others to do the same. Dark hair colors also provide a vibrant contrast to summer looks and tanned skin, helping you stand out.”
At Sally Hershberger Salon in New York City, celebrity colorist Sharon Dorham, founder and owner of Sharon Dorham Color, has seen a surge in clients dyeing blondes to bronze and bronze to brunette. “My natural brunettes are increasingly asking to go darker, and lighter brunettes are asking to go fuller. Those with highlights are asking to go a few tones darker for summer and are opting for bronze and caramel shades,” she says. “People are now leaning toward rich, deep shades that are typically popular in the fall and winter, like chocolate and espresso. They're looking for a more polished look that's relatively low-maintenance compared to blonde.” Or maybe they're following in the footsteps of Megan Fox, Kaia Gerber, and influencer Danielle Zaslavskaya, who have all recently tried darker colors. So is the unspoken rule of hair color that says lighter is essential for summer over? Maybe. “Dark hair in the summer is striking and makes you look more alluring, mysterious, and sexy,” adds Dorram. “Plus, it looks naturally healthy and radiant.”
Ahead, TZR shares more about the hair colors that are trending right now, what to ask for at the salon, and how to maintain your darker tones.
Rich girl brunette appears
Hair color trends tend to come and go in waves, but brunette hues are currently trending because they look rich and healthy. Rubenstein says darker hair looks great against tanned skin. “Not only does it provide a nice contrast to the bright colors typically associated with summer, it also exudes sophistication and elegance.”
Darker colors are a departure from the typical sun-kissed hair colors that some brunettes favor when the sweltering heat hits, and they're also a good way to revitalize damaged hair, since they require less or no bleach use. They help preserve the health of your hair and reduce damage. “Typically, to maintain brunette color, you'll need to lighten less, so it's less harsh on your hair,” adds Kucero. Another reason to darken is for added shine. Darkening hair closes the cuticle with a semi-permanent or semi-permanent color, allowing it to reflect more light, he says. “When you lighten your hair, it opens up the cuticle, which can take away from the shine.” Rubenstein adds that darker tones also give a more even color, preventing the uneven, golden look that can happen with lighter hair.
Blondes get deeper and darker
Blonde is always on trend for the summer, but this year it's deeper shades. For blondes looking to darken their hair, Kusero recommends asking for caramel or honey tones. “These will add a warm, subtle depth. It's best to ask your colorist for a shade that complements your skin tone and natural hair color.” Additionally, incorporating lowlights can add dimension and depth to your hair without having to dye it completely, Kusero says.
Strategically applied highlights can add depth to lighter hair if your overall goal is to add depth to your hair. “Dark highlights add dimension and depth to your hair, making it look fuller and more dynamic,” says Kucero. “Using a shade that's slightly darker than your base color creates a subtle, natural contrast without making your hair look too light.”
What to ask for at the salon
If you want to darken your hair this summer, you can't just walk out of the salon with a jet black or lifeless blonde. Colors like teddy bear brown, brown copper, chocolate milk, and espresso are all the rage among brunettes for the summer. But it's important to consider your skin color and skin tone to get the look you want. “If you're going from light to dark, achieving your desired darker tone may require multiple sessions as it can take time to absorb the color and ensure hair health,” says Rubenstein. “Ask for a transition plan tailored to your hair type, including intermediate colors and treatments to protect and prepare your hair, rather than a specific color.”
For brunettes looking for a subtle change, going just a few shades darker from your current color can make a big difference. “Going a shade or two darker can give you a fresh look without straying too far from your natural color,” explains Cucelo. Another option is to leave your hair its natural brown color and add some caramel-colored highlights. This will give you the effect of a slight tan, says Rubenstein. Lowlights can also add depth as you transition to a darker color.
For blondes looking to venture deeper into the color spectrum, Rubenstein suggests shades like raw honey or caramel highlights: “These colors will add warmth and dimension while still keeping your hair blonde. You don't have to go completely brunette; you can tone down the color or make it more pronounced.”A few strategically placed thin money pieces that are one to two shades lighter than the rest of your hair are another way to add depth and dimension to normally light hair.
A semi-permanent conditioner can also help. Dorham recommends trying a semi-permanent conditioner first to see how dark your hair color will be and see if you like it. “Semi-permanent color lasts up to eight weeks. Testing out a darker color with a semi-permanent conditioner is a great technique for anyone with highlights who wants to go darker. Highlights will be a slightly lighter shade than your natural base color. Your hair will also look healthier.”
Rubenstein says her main advice for those wanting to darken their skin for summer is to consult with a colorist rather than trying to do it yourself at home. “It's important that the colors you ultimately choose complement your skin tone,” she says. “Always discuss the specific makeup looks of others with similar skin tones and be prepared to adjust your makeup routine accordingly.”
How to maintain your new dark color
Darker colors require a different at-home care plan, as sunlight, everyday shampooing, and even salt water can strip the pigment molecules from your hair. To prevent sunlight and pool water from stripping your hair's pigment, Dorham recommends using a barrier cream product like Crown Affair Renewal Masque or Philip B Thermal Protection Spray. “Use before going out in the sun or blow-drying your hair to keep the color fresh.”
The right hair care products are essential to keeping your new hair color healthy. “Chemically treated hair is prone to oxidation, which can result in undesirable red or green hues if not properly cared for,” says Rubenstein. To minimize oxidation, she says, a quality color-protecting shampoo and conditioner, such as Nexus Color Assure Shampoo and Conditioner, are a must. “Also, using a hair mask instead of your regular conditioner every fourth wash will help keep your hair hydrated and prevent oxidation,” she adds. Toning products work wonders to keep dark browns and deep blondes looking fresh. At-home toning masks, such as IGK Color Depositing Masque Brown Bella and Overtone Chocolate Brown Coloring Conditioner, add pigment to subtly enhance the color, making it look more vibrant.
What will you do when autumn comes?
If you have dark hair, you don't need to make drastic changes once summer passes and fall arrives. Cucero says these on-trend hues will last you through fall, and because these shades are versatile, they'll seamlessly transition into the cooler seasons. “You can darken the color a bit or add in richer, autumnal hues like deep auburns and chestnuts, but this subtle change will keep your look fresh and seasonally appropriate,” he says.
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