36 Dark Summer Hair Color Ideas That Will Turn Heads This Summer
Blondes don’t rule every summer. This year, dark hues are taking over — and they’re hotter than ever. If you’re searching for dark summer hair color ideas, think bold tones that offer contrast, shine, and serious personality. Rich colors like copper, honey brown, and cool ash fade less in the sun and keep their depth longer. Plus, they pair beautifully with bronzed skin and most summer outfits. Darker shades not only turn heads but also give your look a vibrant, confident edge.
Classic & Timeless Dark Shades for Summer
Espresso Brown
Deep and smooth, espresso brown flatters fair to medium skin tones effortlessly. As one of the top dark summer hair color ideas, it’s rich, chic, and universally flattering. You can explore more shades like this on hairstylesprimo. This shade adds dimension without needing highlights, making it perfect for a low-maintenance yet stylish vibe.
Rich Chocolate
This color adds warmth and elegance. It suits neutral and golden undertones beautifully. Chocolate brown is timeless and enhances darker eye colors. You’ll also see it featured in 30 cute summer hairstyle ideas as an ideal choice for daily wear and sun-soaked evenings. Add a glossy finish for extra shine.
Mocha Base with Cool Highlights
Mocha brings richness, while ash highlights cool down the tone — a fresh pick among dark summer hair color ideas. You’ll often spot this combo in 20 summer short hairstyles ideas, especially paired with curtain bangs and loose curls. Great for olive and cool skin, the contrast adds life to otherwise flat dark shades. It’s a modern twist on a classic brunette base.
Chestnut Brown
Chestnut offers soft reddish hues on a deep brown base. It complements warm, sun-kissed complexions. The subtle red tone creates a natural warmth. It’s often featured in elegant hairstyles with bangs for those who want glow without going light. Use shine spray to boost dimension.
Glossy Cocoa Brown
Cocoa brown looks sleek and hydrated. Add a gloss for an extra layer of shine. It works on most skin tones, especially golden or deep bases. You’ll find this shade often recommended in hairstyles for women over 40 with thin hair for its easy upkeep and radiant finish. Pair it with minimal makeup and bold lips.
Natural Black with Soft Depth
This shade brings bold contrast and stands out as one of the most striking dark summer hair color ideas. It works beautifully with lighter eye colors and deeper skin tones. It’s not flat black — instead, it has hidden lowlights for softness. Ideal for making a statement with minimal upkeep. Add waves for extra movement.
Walnut Brown with Subtle Shine
Walnut brown is soft and understated. It flatters medium and fair skin with neutral undertones. Shine-enhancing products can bring this shade to life. It’s also a subtle pick in summer hair color ideas for Black women, great for a low-key but polished summer style. Keep it silky with weekly masks.
Warm-Toned Dark Hair Colors for Summer Glow
Caramel-Kissed Brown
Caramel adds light and texture. It works well on dark bases and golden skin. The warm highlights look natural under sunlight. It’s perfect for softening a deep base without going blonde. Blend with soft waves for movement.
Dark Brown with Honey Highlights
Honey blends with deep browns to add warmth — a subtle yet radiant option among trending dark summer hair color ideas. Perfect for warm undertones, it mimics the look of sun-lit strands. This style shines on layered cuts that show off the contrast. Style with a round brush for volume and movement.
Auburn Brown Balayage
Auburn balayage mixes copper and red over a dark base. Great for glowing summer skin. The reddish hues catch light beautifully. This style grows out softly and suits wavy textures. Use heat protectant to maintain color.
Copper Melt Brunette
Copper melts into brunette roots for dimension. This blend enhances olive and deep skin tones. It’s bold without being too loud. Works great on straight or curled hair. Add a shine serum for glow.
Chocolate Cherry
This shade brings depth with a red twist. It flatters medium and cool complexions. The cherry hue gives off a glossy sheen. Wear it with minimal styling for an elegant touch. Great for short and mid-length styles.
Golden Bronze Babylights
Bronze babylights add shimmer to dark hair. They’re subtle but eye-catching in sunlight. They create depth without drastic contrast. Ideal for effortless-looking, low-maintenance summer hair. Pair with natural beach waves.
Redwood Brown
Redwood gives off earthy vibes. It suits warm skin and pairs well with neutral wardrobes. The muted red tones are rich but wearable. A great option for those new to red shades. Try it with long layers or shag cuts.
Cool-Toned & Smoky Dark Summer Shades
Ash Brown with Dark Roots
Ash brown neutralizes warmth. Dark roots create contrast and make it easy to maintain. The tone adds edge to classic brunette. Best for cool or pink undertone skin. Ideal for a straight, sleek finish.
Smoky Slate Brown
Slate brown blends grey and brown tones, making it a standout in today’s dark summer hair color ideas. It flatters cool skin and gives a modern, soft edge to facial features without washing them out. Ideal for layered cuts and textured waves — try a middle part for sleek framing.
Charcoal with Blue Tones
This color stands out. Blue hues give it edge. Best for fair or cool undertones. It offers a dramatic look without needing bright colors. Finish with a smoothing cream for high shine.
Dark Ash Blonde with Black Lowlights
Black lowlights give contrast. Ash blonde softens the look. Works well on neutral skin. This combo blends sophistication with a cool summer twist. Looks amazing styled straight or wavy.
Raven Black with Soft Ash Ends
This dramatic style adds depth. Ash ends give the hair movement and brightness. It suits a wide range of tones. Best styled sleek or with soft waves. Adds dimension without needing highlights.
Midnight Blue
Midnight blue shows in sunlight. It gives black hair a bold, subtle twist. Great for nighttime summer events. Best for cooler undertones and edgy styles. Looks luxurious on long sleek styles.
Deep Violet Undertones
These add mystery to dark bases. Great for fair and deep skin with cool tones. The violet peeks out in light for added drama. Looks stunning on sleek bobs or long layers. Adds drama without going too bold.
Trendy + Dimensional Dark Hair Colors for Summer
Tortoiseshell Blend
A mix of warm browns, caramel, and honey makes this one of the most versatile dark summer hair color ideas. It creates natural-looking movement and adapts beautifully to curls or waves. Flattering on nearly every skin tone — soft yet sophisticated.
Tiger Eye Balayage
Inspired by the gemstone, it blends golden caramel and dark brown. Stunning on warm skin. Adds richness and depth to fine hair. Perfect for a beach-to-dinner look. Try it with face-framing layers.
Plum-Toned Brunette
Plum gives a purple edge to brunette hair. It suits cool skin and looks bold. A great way to try color without going bright. Best on long or mid-length hair. Adds visual interest in natural light.
Blackberry Hues
Blackberry shades mix violet and black. Unique and flattering for medium to deep tones. The hue gives your look a mysterious edge. Ideal for night events or evening wear. Best on straight styles for clarity.
Indigo Black
Indigo adds a blue sheen to black hair. Best viewed in sunlight. Ideal for edgy styles. Works best with short cuts or sleek styles. A top pick for statement looks.
Mahogany Red Velvet
This mix of deep red and brown adds richness. Great for olive and neutral skin tones. It adds shine without being too light. Try with curls or waves for added dimension. Use gloss spray for shine boost.
Sombré (Soft Ombré)
Soft transitions between shades. Lower maintenance and looks sunlit. A great summer refresh without drastic change. It flatters all face shapes and skin tones. Perfect with beachy waves.
Melted Dark Brown + Copper Ends
Copper ends add warmth to a deep brown base. Eye-catching and stylish. Best for warm undertones. Ideal on thick or layered hair. Add curl cream for bounce.
Espresso with Honey Babylights
Honey babylights lift espresso bases. Great for summer glow and brightness. Creates a natural, beachy vibe. Easy to grow out and touch up. Use sea salt spray for texture.
Blue Black Shine
This sleek dark base with hints of navy catches light just right. It’s subtle but powerful. Great for those who want bold without bright. Works beautifully with all hair lengths. Especially striking in updos.
Summer Color Ideas Based on Skin Tones & Undertones
Fair / Cool Skin
Choose ash brown, mocha, or violet undertones. These shades balance pink or cool skin. They bring softness and contrast. Avoid too much warmth near the face.
Olive / Warm Skin
Caramel, copper, and chocolate work well. These enhance golden or greenish undertones. Rich warm hues look radiant in the sun. Add babylights for extra glow.
Tan / Golden Skin
Honey highlights, chestnut, and auburn suit warm complexions. They create glow and dimension. Dark bases keep things grounded. Add gloss for extra shine.
Deep / Neutral Skin
Dark chocolate, blackberry, and redwood brown add richness and depth. These shades pop on deeper tones. Cool or warm hues both work well. Choose based on your wardrobe and eye color.
Low-Maintenance Dark Hair Colors for Summer
Grown-Out Root Melts
This look grows in gracefully. It reduces the need for constant touch-ups. Works well with any base color. Ideal for busy schedules or travel season.
Soft Babylights + Dark Base
Babylights blend easily with natural roots, making them a subtle choice among dark summer hair color ideas. They add softness and texture, and the style grows out effortlessly. Perfect for beachy, tousled summer looks.
Shadow Root Espresso
A darker root keeps the color grounded. Perfect for warm brunettes. It adds depth and is easy to maintain. Great for long styles or lobs.
Glossy One-Tone Cocoa
One-tone shades look sleek and are easy to manage. A gloss boosts vibrancy. It works well on all skin tones. Ideal for minimal upkeep and polished looks.
Dark Brunette with Face-Framing Lowlights
Lowlights around the face add definition. They brighten the face without going lighter overall. Perfect for enhancing your features subtly. Easy to grow out and maintain.
How To Care for Dark Hair in the Summer
Use sulfate-free, color-protecting shampoo. Deep condition weekly. Apply UV protection before sun exposure. Avoid daily heat styling. Touch up gloss every 4–6 weeks. To prevent brassiness, avoid hard water and use purple shampoo if needed.
FAQs
Will dark hair get too hot in the sun?
No. Hair color doesn’t hold heat. Just protect your scalp from direct sunlight.
Does dark hair fade faster in summer?
Yes, with sun and chlorine exposure. Use UV protection and wash less often.
Can brunettes go darker without damage?
Yes. Choose ammonia-free color and add gloss treatments for shine.
Final Word: Don’t Be Afraid to Go Dark This Summer
Dark hair makes a bold summer statement. Whether you choose caramel, copper, or jet black, you can own the season with confidence. Looking for dark summer hair color ideas? Go deeper, glow richer, and show off your tone. This summer is all about going dark — and doing it your way.
