This time of the end of summer is that golden moment when everything is a bit softer, a bit slower and frankly, ready to be reinvented. It could be the golden light or that the beach season is coming to an end, but there is always something about this time of a year that makes me want to get a new look. A small shift. The hair colour of sunsets that are late and road trips that are impromptu.
What is the end of summer hair color 2025 then? It’s bold, but wearable. Romantic, but real. It toys with warmness, contrast and a touch of fantasy. And also whether you are team short hair, team medium hair or have made the life choice of long hair, there is something here that will have you go, wait, should I do this?
I rounded up 27 stunning, rocker, fun, and down right adorable hair color ideas that are causing a splash this season- Whether you are a brunette that desires dimension, a mermaid pastel or burnt copper queen. And I added some actual care tips, attitude, and even which of these colors would be better suited to a wedding hair bridesmaid or your next selfie by the pool.
Cherry Fire Pixie with Attitude
There is just something magnetic about a short hair cut that dominates the room- and this bright cherry-red pixie does not fail to do so. It’s cropped close around the sides with textured, choppy layers on top, styled just wild enough to whisper rebellion. The bright color shouts self-confidence and the angular shape provides your face with some breathing space. It is kind of an end of summer hair color 2025 step that does not simply declare I needed a change, but I began a new chapter.
To keep that fire-engine red vibrancy I would always suggest a color-depositing shampoo such as Celeb Luxury Viral Red. It maintains the boldness between visits to the salon, and combats that natural fade out that may set in with exposure to the summer sun. Pair it with a UV protectant if you’re still hitting poolside happy hours.
The first time I heard about this look, I immediately associated it with the post-breakup makeovers, however, in the most freeing sense. As celebrity stylist Guy Tang once stated, red is more than a color, it is a state of mind and I understand now. This one is to the females who are not afraid to be noticed. Would you go this bold?
Frosted Fade Drama
I can’t lie—I gasped when I saw this one. The platinum mohawk-undercut combination has the softness and sharpness balanced in a manner that feels so new in 2025. The cool ice blonde shade inclines towards the cooler end of the end of summer hair color 2025, which indicates the transition towards the less beachy blonde and towards the edgier territory. And the waves on the top make the cut cross-sectional and dynamic. It is neat, it is modern and it is so adorable on a short hair.
Let’s talk upkeep—because platinum is not for the lazy. You’ll need regular toning (I swear by Fanola No Yellow) and a deep moisture mask weekly. Olaplex No. 3 is still my ride-or-die. Then do not forget about heat protection; silver locks are really susceptible to the damages caused by styling.
Personally? This feels like a grown-up version of the rebellious high-school dye jobs we all tried (and usually failed at). It is what you put on when you are striding into your “I know now what I am” period. Do you envision this causing turns of heads at a pool party or even a wedding hair bridesmaid look for an unconventional vibe?
Effortless Luxe Bob
The magic of this style is in its airiness. Weightless, lived-in, whisper-soft layers and neutral balayage that shifts between deep ash and pearly beige makes this medium length hair bob practically weightless. It falls perfectly between sloppy and elegant, so it will become a routine in those in-between seasons, and especially at the end of summer in 2025 when the weather can not make up its mind, and your calendar is flip-flopping between casual Fridays and cocktail weekends.
To make that subtle texture feel fresh I spray Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray and every other day I flip my part to add volume without using heat tools. This bob indeed looks its best with very little effort- perfect back-to-school upgrade or going back to the office.
I had once questioned my stylist as to why this bob looks so good on literally everyone and she had replied to me: “Because it is the Goldilocks of cuts, not too long, not too short. This is the third time I have my own variation of this cut. It never disappoints. Also- how nice would this be as wedding hair bridesmaid stuff for contemporary bridal parties?
Blonde Curtain Cascade
This one is a show-stopper to the girl who lives in the land of long hair and does not want to cut it shorter but is still ready to get something fresh in the end of summer hair color 2025 glow-up. The platinum blonde is flickering, and these thick and full bangs are reminiscently retro in the most flattering manner – hi there, Brigitte Bardot via a Gen Z filter. It is luxurious in the way this hair is falling: it is heavy where it should be, it is swishy and it is strikingly well-kept.
The best thing about the style is that it looks great when the hair is healthy- hence you have to pamper it. Think a weekly nourishing mask (Redken All Soft Mega is incredible), and a leave-in like Kérastase Nutritive 8H for hydration overnight.
I had on something resembling it one summer, and was more in my silk bonnet than in the sun,–but it was all right. The compliments didn’t stop. This outfit can very well transform into a video content queen or dress down to school drop-off and run errands. It’s that versatile.
Midnight Feather Shag
Rich, multidimensional, and enigmatic, this dark hair color is nothing but a simple black. It is deep, sultry and it is accompanied by curtain bangs that blend into textured layers. The moody color is balanced by the feathered ends which make it light. It’s giving soft rock girl, it’s giving ’70s muse, it’s giving main character energy at the tail end of summer.
It is an excellent method of faking fullness and shape on medium hair or on those growing out layers without having to chop it all off dramatically. To make sure that the shag is not weighed down, I suggest applying a lightweight styling cream, such as the Ghost Cream by Verb.
It is one of those cuts that I come back to. This sort of dishevelled, easy glamour is what I am missing every time I am trying something new. As stylist Anh Co Tran once stated, the shag is “undress but never dishevelled” and that quote is currently residing in my head rent-free.
Spiced Peach Romance
It has the same soft, spiced peach color as your favorite golden-hour filter: warm, romantic, and nearly nostalgic. It works perfectly well with long hair, which cascades in shiny waves that are equally retro and fresh. The curtain bangs will provide a refined outline to the face and will blur the appearance. There’s an easy glamour to this color, like it was kissed by late August light, making it a dreamy update for anyone not quite ready to let go of summer.
This type of copperiness warmth requires some small care to avoid sliding into brassy land. To maintain the color I always use a sulfate-free shampoo, Pureology Hydrate line is one of my favorites, and a weekly copper-toning mask, such as dpHUE Copper Gloss+.
In my case, this type of peach color has been proven to randomly trigger people to compliment you: at the cafe, in Ubers, at the Trader Joe’s line. It’s that warm and inviting. I remember one time celebrity colorist Tracey Cunningham mentioned, “Red tones open up the eye sparkle,” and I will never forget it.
Cotton Candy Melt
Something just feels rebellious enough about soft pinks throughout icy platinum. It is a classic end of summer hair color 2025 step if one wants to take their first steps in the world of fantasy colors without becoming a full unicorn. The silhouette of long hair gives the color a chance to flows smoothly white-blonde to pastel blush, resembling the ribbons of strawberry sorbet in vanilla. It’s both edgy and soft, flirty and fearless.
This palette does require some commitment particularly regarding avoiding the yellowing or fading. I have Overtone Pastel Pink Coloring Conditioner in rotation and it helps me not to wash out my pinks. Also: silk pillowcases are non-negotiable. Thank me later.
Whenever I come across a shade as cool as this one, I instantly think about TikTok video creators who have their pastel stages as pegs. But don’t let it be mistaken, this color is not only adorable on social media. It surprising enough, it is wearable and gorgeous in real life as well, particularly on cooler skin tones or with minimalist fashion.
Violet Crush Vibes
This glossy orchid color is an instant mood lift. It straddles that narrow borderline between lavender tender and magenta vitality and it shines in natural light and seems to be even more vivid in moonlight. The saturation is conversation-starter styled on soft curls on long hair. In the case of the end of summer hair color 2025 purple is fully in bloom once again-and not only among the teens. This is grown-woman glam with a playful edge.
Here is what I have learned when dealing with purples: hydration is key. The product that I would recommend is the Amika Bust Your Brass Mask, which tones and hydrates at the same time. It holds on to purples in that jewel-toned Goldilocks zone that is not too muddy or too neon.
The purple phase that I went through the last time took me six months to get over because it made my skin look good and my basic neutral wardrobe needed some color. As my stylist pointed it out, purple itself is a gateway drug to bold color, and she was not wrong about that. Would you dare to take that first hit?
Tutti Frutti Waves
Let’s take a moment for this masterpiece. Not a shy girl will be able to wear this fruity mix of coral, peach, magenta, and lavender. All that is mixed up in some carefree waves of curly hair with bangs to top the entire style. This has something festival-bound about it, it is a road trip, a rooftop performance and a summer night bonfire in one. The color and the texture are such a good match that this might be one of the most daring end of summer hair color 2025 statements to date.
This is not a low maintenance look but then that is the point of the fun. Arctic Fox dyes are my favorite to do at home to refresh the tones, and a curl-defining mousse, such as Ouai Air Dry Foam, is a good idea to add definition to the waves without crunch.
A very close friend of mine did this type of sunset inspired palette last year, and she reported it was the first time she ever felt like herself. That is the power of color it enables people to visualize your dynamism even before you utter a single word. Isn’t that kind of amazing?
Toasted Espresso & Pumpkin Ribbons
This one is a treat to the brunettes who are not willing to become blonde but desire to have dimension. This appearance combines a base of rich espresso brown and face-framing highlights of cinnamon and pumpkin spice. It is a sexy take on the traditional highlights and the outcome is spicy and down to earth. It is a transitional dark hair color moment that is perfect because it is fall-ready, cozy but also sexy at the same time. The ideal hair color 2025 mood at the end of the summer when you are tan, but you want to wear sweaters.
And, of course, to maintain the shine and avoid dulling, in case you are wearing this color on medium hair or long hair, I would recommend applying a gloss treatment, such as Kristin Ess Signature Hair Gloss in Copper Mahogany. It’s easy, at-home, and won’t break the bank.
On a personal level, I am weak in the knees when it comes to orange-cinnamon colors during the fall season, and this duo fits the bill in terms of quenching my thirst whilst also being dressy. It also looks stunning braided, curled, or straight. No limits here.
Tangerine Daydream
This jewel-like orange-red color is the match to a sun-kissed clementine- it is full of life, warmth and plenty of personality. The wearability and casualness of the middle-parted waves rely on the fact that this hairstyle suits best those medium length hair admirers who need that statement piece without being too much. It is cheerful, impudent twister, yet completely up-to-date.
To make this color juicy, I would certainly rely on Davines Alchemic Copper Conditioner, it provides you with a mini-refresher each time you wash it out. Also, wash with lukewarm water (yes, I know—hard when it’s cold) to keep the color from slipping too soon.
I attempted a color of this caliber in college and did not feel like washing my hair to preserve the color vibrancy. The orange brought out my freckles and I felt happy all over. It is also remarkably complimenting on brunettes who desire to lighten up in a non-blonde, jesture.
Pop Rock Highlights
In case you are considering the bold color but are afraid to take the plunge- this combination of mocha foundation and neon pink ribbons will be your hack. The fashion falls between rocker and glam, with chunky streaks positioned to make a big frame. It has depth, it has action and it has major video star power. It is ideal to try this on long hair girls who are aiming to have that extra, back to school entry.
In order to ensure that those pinks do not wash out to become bubblegum or strange beige, I would suggest Keracolor Clenditioner in Hot Pink. And since bleach is involved, a bond repair system (like Olaplex or K18) should be your weekly ritual.
A friend of mine bought this combo before going to Palm Springs and claimed that the way her hair reflected the sun during sunset was crazy. That small boost of energy when you KNOW that you are a 10/10? That’s what this style gives.
Apricot Cream Melt
This light to gold blonde ombr e is a well executed slow fade. The luscious apricot at the roots fades slightly to a creamy vanilla, effortlessly undressy and and it looks gorgeous on medium hair. The tone particularly sings during the golden hour- it is the perfect tone to play during August and early September weddings, brunches or last minute invites to the pool party.
Due to the gradient, you can stretch out touch-ups a bit longer- all you have to do is top up with Wella Color Fresh Masks in Golden Gloss to maintain that honey tone looking soft and dimensional. A wave wand brings out the balayage’s full glory.
What I love so much about this is the fact that this is so discreetly chic. You don’t need neon or platinum to stand out. It is on the down-low glam girl- the one who never leaves the house without a facial appointment and a mimosa on-hold.
Smoky Ice Ribbon Balayage
This dark gray masterpiece is brooding in the most high-end manner. The dark hair coloring graduates into silvery-white ribbons which glimmer like the mist in twilight. That contrast is high, though, somehow soft, with these little waves providing a cinematic final touch to everything. Frankly speaking, this is of the most advanced interpretations of the end of summer hair color 2025 trend cool, mysterious and absolutely dominating.
Toners are all that in this case, Pravana Silver and Smokey Blue are incredible to make it edgy yet not green. Apply weekly with a violet-colored shampoo such as Matrix Total Results So Silver.
I remember seeing this color on a woman in Central Park wearing a leather trench and silver hoops. She didn utter a thing and yet she stole every head. That is the mystery of a hair color that does not require attention- it takes attention.
Silver Surf Bob
Rough, cold, and frozen like a glacier frappuccino- this silver short hair bob is all I need with my minimalistic edgy taste. The messy waves exist in a carefree beachy sort of way and the clean length is decidedly current. It is the haircut that goes with the downtown street style to the rooftop cocktails without missing a step. This one is IGNOU-style cool-girl classic with a futuristic slant.
Silver tones fade quickly, and I am devoted to using Amika Bust Your Brass line. I also add a clarifying shampoo once a week to get rid of any build-up of product which dulls the color. Have a sea salt spray nearby to re-work with texture in five seconds flat.
Two whole summers my hair was silver, and I tell you, it made me look totally different. I began to dress in a new way, make up more cooler and say no more often. Hair can absolutely be a personality reset.
Candy Cloud Color Play
Unapologetically whimsical, this pastel palette is a cotton-candy daydream. This curly hair style is tossed with waves of baby blue, soft yellow, peach and blush pink in this fantasy inspired style. It’s part mermaid, part carnival chic, and completely unforgettable. In case you were in need of a hue that will make you feel happy just looking at it, this one is hair serotonin in a bottle, so to speak, creatives, children at heart or anyone who needs some magic in their life will absolutley adore it.
To such fantasy tones, patience is indeed a requirement -color safe, everything is mandatory. I recommend using Overtone’s Vibrant line (they even have a multi-color bundle now) and shampooing in cold water. Limiting the use of a styling tool or using low-heat tools is best.
I have noticed this appearance crop up more and more at music festivals and each time it does, it makes me sigh in my tracks. It is daring yet jovial- and there is something very liberating about it. Why not bring a little play into your everyday?
Cherry Punk Micro Fringe
We are back with another red- however this one has an entire new edge. The pixie hair cut is very snug and tame with micro bangs that flirt with the punky look and the bright cherry hue is darker than the classic red. It has that entire cool-girl-that-wears-Doc-Martens vibe and I am here. I pictured early fall wardrobe, leather and denim and then this absolute power statement.
This crop looks best when it has a little wax or cream worked into it- I am fond of Aveda Control Paste to give it a matt finish. For color upkeep, use dpHUE’s Color Boosting Gloss in Copper. It keeps the tone hot without crossing into orange.
I believe that the key ingredient, in this case, is contrast – sharp shape and bright color. It is that type of gaze that says to the world, I have a plan and it does not involve being small. Before the season turns would you venture to go this bold?
Polished Pearl Pixie
Delicate, smooth and slightly asymmetrical- this cool pearl blonde short hair pixie is a classical beauty with the edge of nonconformity. The side-swept bang adds dynamism to it, and the silvery color provides a touch of frost that is enough to catch eyes. It would be an awesome summer-to-fall transitional color, clean and light yet earthy.
This blondes require care, however, with a proper regimen, it will become habitual. I am also so addicted to the Christophe Robin Shade Variation Mask in Baby Blonde, which tones and moisturizes at the same time. Heat protectant is a must, icy tones are the most likely to get burnt under curling irons.
If you guys have tried the long hair look and are over it and want something that is more sleek then this is your sign. I attempted some variation of this cut last year and immediately felt more pulled together, even on days when I was in sweats and barely caffeinated.
Sun-Soaked Platinum Crop
A little tousled, a little windblown, and undeniably fierce. This color almost-white platinum is the one that comes out of a runway editorial. Textured and short hair crop with lots of lift, it is a cross between post beach bombshell and back to school rebel. Paired with sunnies and that late-summer tan? Unreal.
Silver shampoo will be your best friend here—try L’Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Silver Shampoo twice a week. And because bleach is in the equation a protein treatment such as Redken Extreme Cat is ideal to use in between treatments to strengthen the hair.
This type of cut-color duo is not for the faint of heart, however when you do it, you can never turn back. You will feel like you are in a Vogue spread of your own- yes, even when you are getting a matcha.
Antique Rose Curl Bloom
This rose-gold mixture is airy andethereal, with the vintage softly mixed with salon chic. Her huge curly bob is turned to a perfect shape to display the pink-beige undertones, and the styling is majorly retro-glam. It is the romantic heroine of the end of summer hair color 2025 tale- a kiss at the end of the strong personalities.
To maintain the tone, reach a sulfate-free cleanser and rely on color-refreshing masks, dpHUE Rose Gold gloss is a perfect option to do that. In between washes a curling wand can be used to re-work the style, however, be sparse on product to avoid losing bounce.
Whenever I application a rose color such as this one, I cannot inhibit thinking about floral perfume and satin robes. There’s something ultra-feminine about it without being overdone. It you want something that looks artistic and yet put together then this is the one.
Sunlit Sandstone Blonde
This is what I call “million-dollar blonde.” A combination of sandy warm undertones and golden sun-kissed highlights, this long hair masterpiece is naturally moving with a mere touch of the beachy texture. The layers provide lift, but not volume, and the undone waves make everything look casual-chic, as though you woke up with a Hamptons blowout. It’s glamorous without being high-maintenance—yes, it exists.
This color does best with a purple shampoo once a week and a UV protectant spray- Bumble and Bumble have a good one called Hairdresser Invisible Oil. It has the smell of summer and it protects your strands against the sun damage.
And in case you are a person who is constantly blonde and is bored with it but is looking to add a little something, then this golden sand color may be your next step. It also appears amazing in natural light, or more specifically, the golden hour.
Burnished Cinnamon Flow
This cool earth cinnamon red is so extraordinarily down to earth. It is moisturizing yet not heavy and the fact that it has a glossy finish makes it healthy and luxurious. This color is ideal if you are a brunette who desires to go a bit warmer, or if you have late-summer sun and deeper skin tones: it is just so flattering. It is slicked or dressed in gentle curls, it is self-assured and almost authoritative.
To prevent it from fading I suggest using sulfate-free color protectant shampoo such as Pureology Strength Cure and using leave-in gloss spray. Cinnamon reds have a habit of fading quickly- therefore consistency is of the essence.
This is the type of color I would always recommend when a client would state, I want to go red, but not firetruck red. It is grown up, romantic and does not scream to be noticed yet it surely does get all the attention.
Espresso Soft Balayage
And here is a medium long hair dream- mocha-brown base with some soft caramel ribbons put exactly where the light touches it. It is an dimensional update to classic brunette and yet it is wearable with ease. This is the most honesty versatile one: it is work appropriate, brunch appropriate and it also looks beautiful braided as a wedding hair bridesmaid look. A truly timeless choice.
It is not high-maintenance; all you have to do is to revive the shine every 6–8 weeks and apply a light oil, such as Gisou Honey Infused Hair Oil to maintain the shine at all costs.
I would recommend this appearance to everybody who is starting to wear color. It darkens your own color without causing an ultimate compromise. It’s the best kind of cheat code.
Cocoa Curls at Sunset
The mood here? Softly structured, richly pigmented, and full of movement. These curly hair coils are cut into a round shaped figure that gives a natural look to the hair density and its form. The rich chocolate brown is copper toned–absolutely beautiful at dusk. It’s understated, powerful, and completely authentic.
Curls need TLC, and this shape demands it. Briogeo Curl Charisma system is my favorite- it is moisture-locked without being weighed on the curl. Also, a silk bonnet or pillowcase is necessary to maintain definition.
It is that type of style that does not strive to be impressive, it simply is. It functions perfectly well at school, on date nights and everywhere in between.
Watermelon Sugar Curls
This vibrant duo-tone look screams fun. The roots are hot pink and the ends are leafy green, so it is a candy-colored waterfall of confidence in long hair. The spiral curls make the entire appearance alive and animated, and the color (story) renders it festival-, party-, or even video-shoot ready. It is playful yet sophisticated -as though Barbie had a tropical alter ego.
Fantasy colors need some serious aftercare. My favourites are Arctic Fox in Electric Paradise and Phantom Green and I do touch-ups every other week with these colours and I always deep-condition once a week.
When I last spotted this duo in a Pride march it actually brought traffic to a standstill. When you are finally ready to take the center stage then this is it. Don’t just enter the room—color it.
Forest Tips & Frame
Here’s one for the dark-haired girls ready for a surprise twist—deep emerald braided, dipped, or face-framing. The inky black and pine green contrast is broody, enchanted and very cool. This style is composed of soft waves and is edgy yet not loud. It has a creative studio, late night museum date, and indie concert styling.
I would use a deposit conditioner that is green-specific, Keracolor makes one, and I would spray a shine spray, like IGK Good Behavior, to give it that mirror-shine without making it heavy.
This one is great when you need attention, but you are not willing to scream. Green hair has a grounding quality. Earthy and fresh, but still totally avant-garde.
Clementine Cream Dip
And we wrap with this sunlit orange creamsicle gradient. Buttery ends and warm clementine at the roots is the kind of thing that provides that youthful, citrusy zest that we all know and love as late summer in a hair form. It is a floaty, flirty long hair style and a just little unexpected long hair style is the best way to wrap up the season.
To add softness and shine, I would recommend using the Color WOW Dream Coat spray prior to heat styling, humidity is no match and keeps color crisp. And an sulfate free shampoo to make your dip-dye last.
It is something in this color that reminds me of the final golden hour of summer vacation. As that final bite of a popsicle before September rolls around. Nostalgic, sweet, and wonderfully short lived.
And there you have it, 27 memorable colors that will make your hair more than fine, to fully feeling yourself this summer on its decline. But these are not mere trends, these colors are statements, soft reboots, and proposals to enter September a bit bolder than before.
But whatever you are tilting towards glossy espresso, daydream pastels or anything that is unmistakably green, I hope this gave you the itch to experiment a bit. Hair is among the few things that we can change within a short period and still feel so different. And honestly? You don’t need an excuse.
Just the itch to glow up is enough.
Which one are you booking for next weekend? Or are you already texting your stylist? Either way—tag me when it’s done. I want to see it.
