17 hair colour trends that are going to be huge this summer
Our strands are ready.
For most of us, 2021 has meant we've had to take a hiatus for the hair salon, but as restrictions begin to ease and life appears to be resuming, we're already planning which hair colours and trends to try this summer...
Of course, our first port of call was Instagram - more specifically - the IG feeds of our favourite hair stylists, salons and influencers, to see which looks are getting all the likes. From Bleach London, who have mastered some of the boldest colours out there, we're talking metallic rose strands and a slime-green dye job that'd make even Billie Eilish proud... To hair stylist Samantha Cusick (who tends the locks of influencers Niomi Smart and Zoe Sugg), and who's London salon has single-handedly convinced us we need to go bright blonde for summer with this dreamy milky balayage.
So, whether you're ready for something a little dramatic this season (if so, let us point you in the direction of slide five) or you want a low-key hair makeover (slide ten will give you all the feelings, trust), we've covered all bases to bring you the hair colour trends that are about to blow up...
Honey-tinted strands
Every single thing about this honey-tinted hair colour sparks our joy... With a mixture of lighter and deeper blonde highlights, it's the perfect summer hue.
Metallic rose
I'm sorry, but can we all just take a moment of appreciation for this metallic rose hair colour? It's quite possibly the most beautiful shade we've ever seen. `
Buttercream blonde
Going blonde for summer is a rule we're more than happy to live by - especially when we're talking about a beautiful buttery blonde like this...
Slime-green goodness
There are many many reasons why we love Billie Eilish - one of them? She introduced us to slime-green hair.
Rainbow strands
A pastel rainbow underneath our locks? Sounds like the 'My Little Pony' hair colour we've been dreaming of since... well, forever.
Goldilocks
Just when we thought we'd seen all our favourite hair colours for summer, influencer Tamie Lawson gave us golden braids - and our hearts skipped a beat.
Neon-pink
Pink hair is always, I repeat, always a good idea. Case in point: this neon baby-pink bob. Perfection.
Halo Highlights
We've been obsessing over the halo highlights trend for a while now, but this copper look is hands down the best version we've seen.
Milky blonde balayage
Ok, just when we thought we were bored of balayage, Samatha Cusick comes along with this stunning multi-dimensional blonde and we're 1000% sold.
Bronze Micro Highlights
Mirco highlights are genius for lifting and warming hair colour in a subtle-but-stunning way. Of course, Lesley (of @FreshLengths) is our go-to muse with this bronze-tinted brunette hue.
Sandy Beige
Blondes don't have to be oh-so bright to give us the feels, this sandy-beige shade is sophisticated, chic... and probably our next hair colour.
Ultra-Violet Rinse
Want to go bold without going OTT bright? Let us introduce you to these silky lilac-tinted lengths.
Copper Babylights
Copper is set to be the hair shade of summer 2021, but if you don't fancy going all out with a full head, try adding a few babylights through the lengths.
Toffee Blowdry
In the past, cool ashy blondes have reigned supreme, but not any more... Yep, warm blondes are back people - and this look is our ultimate inspo.
Peaches and Cream
There is something so pretty about this peaches and cream hair colour... We just can't stop staring.
Copper glaze
Shiny, high-gloss, metallic copper hair is the stuff dreams are made of (and Katie Jane Hughes is definitive proof).
Ribbon Highlights
These chunky ribbon highlights are the perfect way to update your hair colour for the summer season and add a little extra dimension.
Victoria Jowett is an award-winning journalist and the former Beauty Director at Cosmopolitan UK. She was named one of PPA’s 30 Under 30 for her work in beauty journalism and oversees the skincare, hair, makeup and fragrance content across all of Cosmopolitan’s platforms. She's worked in the beauty industry for over 13 years (and tested 1000s of products), making her an expert when it comes to recommending beauty brands that truly work. Having started her career working weekends on a makeup counter, Victoria began interning at the likes of AnOther and IDOL magazine, before landing her first Beauty Writer job at weekly fashion magazine, LOOK. Joining Cosmopolitan in 2016, Victoria has always remained a beauty fanatic and has been lucky enough to interview everyone from Britney Spears to Kourtney Kardashian about their beauty routines. Follow her on LinkedIn.
7 easy updos that work for all hair types
Behold, the best low-maintenance haircuts for spring
VB looks just like daughter Harper with new hair
Do hair growth serums actually work? We found out
