SUMMER lovin'

COPIED

1 mins

INSPIRATION

SUMMER lovin'

FROM MOCHA MOUSSE TO SUN-KISSED BALAYAGE, BRUNETTE IS BEING REIMAGINED FOR SUMMER 2026 WITH SOFTER TONES, HIGH-SHINE FINISHES AND TECHNIQUES DESIGNED TO ENHANCE DEPTH, DIMENSION AND CONDITION

CHRISTIAN WILES

Move over blonde, brunette is set to have its main-character moment this summer. The classic shade, renowned for its refinement and understated appeal, is fast becoming perceived as a premium, summer-ready hair colour that complements most skin tones. Here, we explore summer 2026’s most coveted shade, looking at shade variations, colour techniques, treatments and product recommendations.

JOICO

SUGARED BRUNETTE

For clients who are looking to add a little warmth to their brunette colour for the summer months, sugared brunette provides a soft warmth with added dimension. The shade comprises a rich brunette base with delicately infused caramel and honeyed highlights.

WELLA PROFESSIONALS - FRANCESCO GROUP

LIGHT AND REFLECTIVE TONES

A notable feature of the summer brunette trend is that current shades are created to be light reflective and provide depth and effortless luxury. “We’re seeing a shift away from flat, heavy tones into softer ones,” says Susannah Richardson, Director of Butchers Salon, Chester. “Think sheer espresso, sun-kissed chestnut, and ‘molten’ brunettes that catch the light rather than absorb it, lighter placement around the face, diffused ends, and a high-gloss finish.”

INNERSENSE EDUCATION

MOCHA MOUSSE

When the shade mocha mousse was announced as Pantone’s Colour of the Year last year, it signified that we had entered an era where comfort, indulgence, and everyday escapism were feelings we collectively craved. The colour, associated with calm, has trickled down to become the hair colour choice du jour, and now there is an increasing demand for coffeerelated shades for summer 2026; think mocha, latte and espresso.

Laura Van Flute, Paul Mitchell Educator, says: “Year on year that ‘lived in’ look has been trending and this year is no different, but the real shift is the importance of shiny, glossy healthy hair, moving away from heavy use of bleach.”

MARK WOOLLEY, ELECTRIC LONDON ASHLEY LONG

BRUNETTE BALAYAGE

Clients will likely request colour-enhancing treatments like balayage to add a touch of brightness to their brunette colour during the summer months.

“I LOVE TO OFFER MY BRUNETTE CLIENTS A SLIGHT TWIST COMING INTO THE SUMMER MONTHS TO FEEL A BIT MORE ‘SUMMERY’.”

says NXT Brand Ambassador Holly Bullock. “Balayage techniques, adding subtle dimension, are great for this as they allow clients to not feel too light while adding a little brightness for summer. I personally like to use a chunky weave to make sure the dimension doesn’t get lost and prevent them feeling too light. I love using the NXT Toners and Demi-Permanent range to keep the depth, add shine and nourish the hair. This is also great for toning down clients if they’re feeling a bit too light from the sun.”

Go glossy

ISOBEL ANDREWS AT SMITH ENGLAND, REVLON MASTER COLOUR EXPERT, SHARES HER TIPS FOR MAINTAINING GLOSSY, BRUNETTE HAIR

During the summer, I lean heavily into glossing services. Even just refreshing the tone and adding that high-shine finish can completely transform brunette hair without needing a full colour service.

• The biggest thing I tell clients is that shine comes from condition. You can have the best colour in the world, but if the hair isn’t healthy, it won’t reflect light properly.

• Less is more with heat styling in the summer. If you can air-dry or use lower heat, you’ll protect that glossy finish for much longer.

• Regular glossing appointments make a huge difference. Even a quick in-salon refresh between full colour services keeps brunettes looking rich and polished.

• And finally, invest in a good leave-in conditioner or treatment. Hydration is what keeps brunettes looking silky and means the difference between everyday colour and something that looks truly premium.

ASHLEY LONG

EXPENSIVE BRUNETTE

The ‘quiet luxury’ beauty ethos has made its way to hairstyling trends, and we’re seeing an uptick in women requesting brunette shades that evoke a sense of ‘expensive-looking hair’, which translates to hair looking glossy, enriched and exuding a healthy vitality. “More and more clients are coming in asking for ‘expensive brunette’ over high-maintenance blondes,” explains Ashley Long at Directors – Revlon Creative Artist. “They want something that looks polished, grows out beautifully and keeps their hair feeling as good as it looks. As all my clients are realising, healthy hair is the new luxury. Brunette works because it showcases shine,condition and thoughtful colour, making it the ultimate premium summer choice.”

SMITH ENGLAND

ASHLEY LONG

HOT RIGHT NOW

SIOBHAN HAUG, SCHWARZKOPF PROFESSIONAL

STRAWBERRY BLONDE

SCHWARZKOPF PROFESSIONAL AMBASSADOR, SIOBHAN HAUG, EXPLAINS HOW TO ACHIEVE A SUBTLE LIGHT TONE TO YOUR CLIENT’S EXISTING BRUNETTE THIS SUMMER

“There’s a clear shift right now towards expensive-looking, low-maintenance colour, and brunette is firmly stepping into the spotlight as a premium, summer-ready choice. Rather than high-contrast blonding, clients are asking for softness, dimension and a glossy, healthy-looking finish that enhances their natural base.

With these sorts of looks, the aim is to introduce subtle lightness that complements the skin tone. To achieve this, I use a balayage technique applied in a way that acts as a ‘filter’ over traditional balayage. This allows you to softly diffuse brightness, creating dimension while maintaining depth and shine – ideal for brunettes wanting a sun-kissed effect without compromising hair condition.”

The technique

• Begin by creating the lightest tone using wide, freehand painting for a soft, diffused base.

• Layer a textured weave over the top to introduce dimension, using a softer lift to maintain control and subtlety.

• Allow the brightest colour to sit underneath as the foundation of the look.

• Let the textured weave act as a ‘filter’ across the top.

• This creates softness and dimension, preventing the lightness from overpowering the overall result.

This approach works beautifully on brunettes, enhancing natural depth while subtly illuminating the complexion.

“A SHADE I HAVE ON MY RADAR IS HAZELNUT BRUNETTE - A GLOSSY, EXPENSIVE-LOOKING SHADE. A WARM COCKTAIL OF MOCHA AND CARAMEL HUES THAT HELP YOU TO ACHIEVE THE PERFECT, TIMELESS BRUNETTE ALLURE WITH THE ADDITION OF SOFT HIGHLIGHTS TO MIMIC THE SUN’S NATURAL LIGHT.”

BONA JÖRG

JOICO CREATIVE COLOUR ARTIST, EMEA & BLONDE LIFE AMBASSADOR