Summer Hair Colour Ideas for Every Shade

As the summer heat slowly sets in, hair colour trends are shifting. From Margot Robbie’s old-money blonde to Tammy Hembrow’s warm balayage, this season we’re championing glossy, wearable shades that highlight the hair’s natural strength and shine. Here’s our look at the standout hair trends this summer, according to Cloud Nine’s Global Education Manager, Marie Nieuwoudt.

Blonde hair colour ideas

Old-money strawberry blonde

As seen on Margot Robbie and inspired by editorials in Vogue Australia and RUSSH Magazine, strawberry blonde is an effortless, creamy, and intentionally low contrast choice for summer.

Top tip: For a salon-fresh tone all season long, opt for a rose-gold gloss at your hair appointment and make sure to switch on Cloud Nine’s Revive Mode® when styling to promote even heat distribution and long-lasting shine.

Rooty bronde

The natural, lived-in bronde is here to stay this summer. Characterised by a natural depth at the roots, soft golden ribbons through the mid-lengths, and brightness around the face, this is a perfect colour for blondes looking to transition to a more natural shade, and brunettes looking to dial up the brightness.

Top tip: For a naturally glossy finish that makes your golden bronde tones shine, run Cloud Nine’s Magical Remedy through the mid-lengths and ends before and after styling.

The seamless balayage

The balayage is a year-round favourite look of ours, but it’s especially perfect for the warmer months. Offering a lower-maintenance look defined by its slower grow-out time, a soft balayage also causes less hair damage than traditional colouring in how it’s hand-painted and coloured further down the root.

Even better, it’s a look that will stay on-trend well into the new year. “The 2026 direction points toward looks that read as current but are manageable. The rise of the old-money, natural but wearable, hair is on the rise”, says award-winning stylist Mark McKenzie.

Top tip: Switch on Revive Mode® when styling your hair to promote even heat transference and maintain your hair’s natural health and strength.

The beachy blonde

Blonde hair is getting a summer upgrade, with brighter, beach-ready tones growing more popular as the sun starts to shine. Characterised by warmth and an indulgent, buttery base, this is a colour bound to turn heads this season.

Top tip: To keep your bleached blonde hair looking healthy and strong long after your salon appointment, turn down the temperature on your straighteners.

Brunette hair colour ideas

Golden brunette

Long praised as the “luxury brunette,” the golden brunette shade is a gorgeous summer hair colour that offers an understated option for anyone wanting to refresh their look without bleaching their hair or going darker.

Top tip: For long-lasting shiny hair, Marie recommends adding a clear-gloss service to every salon appointment and topping up daily with the Magical Remedy for a mirror-like finish that lasts.

‘Gourmand brown’

Brown is getting a refreshed spotlight this year. Recently promoting what they call ‘Gourmand Browns’, L’Oréal Professionnel’s shade of the year finds its inspiration in delectable, sweet treats like caramel, cinnamon, and chocolate.

“Cocoa and coffee-inspired shades continue to seep into the list of hair trends this summer. These rich, indulgent tones bring a luxurious depth to hair colour, echoing the runway’s love of warmth, sophistication, and modernity”, Marie says.

Top tip: Use a straightener with mineral-infused plates. Exclusive to Cloud Nine styling tools, Sericite® locks in the hair’s natural moisture, helping to boost shine and gloss every time you style.

Red hair colour ideas

Fiery red

If you’re thinking of switching to a bolder hair colour or simply amplifying your existing red locks, then the fiery red colour chart is destined to be your best friend this summer. From vibrant coppers to intense mahoganies and violet-toned reds, there are lots of stunning shades to choose from to make your colour pop all season long.

“The great thing about a fiery red shade is its versatility. You can be as bold or as subtle as you like, with this vibrant hue working beautifully in partial colour treatments, highlights, lowlights, or slices”, Marie shares.

Top tip: Always style at your optimum temperature with Revive Mode® to protect your vibrant colour and to avoid colour fade.

Cherry-cola red

Sported by the likes of Dua Lipa, cherry cola hair is one of our favourite hair trends this summer. Its rich burgundy and purple undertones can be customised to suit every skin tone, making it a bold yet wearable choice for anyone wanting a fresh, statement shade for the warmer months.

Top tip: To keep your colour looking glossy for longer, apply Magical Quick Dry Potion and Magical Remedy before styling with your heat-controlled styling tool of choice.

Our top tips for maintaining coloured hair

No colour trend matters without healthy hair. In salons across the country, stylists are now embracing cleaner colour formulas that deliver the glossy finish you want – without compromising the health of your hair or scalp.

Here’s our roundup of expert tips for preserving your new coloured hair all season long:

Turn on Revive Mode® when straightening, curling, or waving your hair to prevent colour stripping.
Take the Cloud Nine Temperature Calculator to find out which heat you should be styling at based on your hair type, length, and colour.
Use heat protectant and UV protection sprays daily to protect against natural heat damage while you enjoy the outdoors.
Hydrate after every swim - opt for a deep conditioner to replenish your strands.
Ask your stylist for a personalised colour placement, based on your eye colour and personal style.
Choose ammonia-free, kind-to-scalp formulas at the salon and at home – your stylist can help you navigate what products are best for you.

Are you experimenting with any of these hair colour ideas this summer? If so, we’d love to see your looks. Share your pictures with us on TikTok, Instagram or Facebook for a chance to be featured in our next hairstyle roundup.