Spring Hair Color Trends for Brunettes & Blondes – Balayage, Highlights & New Ideas

Spring hair colors are all about that fresh, vibrant energy that makes you feel ready for new beginnings. These looks are full of inspiration: honey balayage that adds gentle warmth, caramel ribbons that look dreamy and modern, toasted latte waves that feel cozy and lovely, subtle vanilla tones that brighten your smile.

Peachy blonde that feels soft and pretty, and short-bob spring shades that look polished and fun. Each one brings the season’s glow in the most flattering way. Choose the one that excites you, share it with your colorist, and enjoy how wonderful your hair looks and feels.

Spring Hair Color Trends That Are Dominating Your Feed

Spring is basically nature’s permission slip to switch things up, and your hair should absolutely be part of that glow-up. Whether you’re brunette medium length, rocking short hair, or have curly hair that deserves its own fan club, these new hair color trends work for literally everyone. I’m talking face-framing highlights, rich chocolate tones, and those cool summer hair colors that transition perfectly from March to June.

1. Honey Brunette Balayage

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This is the spring brown hair color that’s been blowing up my Pinterest boards. Honey brunette balayage gives you those sun-kissed, dimensional tones without going full blonde—perfect if you’re brunette with highlights but want something warmer. The caramel ribbons catch the light like actual magic, and it works beautifully on brunette medium length hair or long layers.

Face shape advice: This look is incredibly flattering for round faces because the vertical placement of highlights creates length. The dimension adds angles where you want them.

Styling & maintenance: You’ll want to invest in a purple shampoo (yes, even for brunettes—it keeps those honey tones from going brassy). Grab a good color-safe shampoo and conditioner from Target or Walmart. A heat protectant spray is non-negotiable if you’re using hot tools. For styling, a 1.25-inch curling wand creates those loose, beachy waves that show off the dimension.

Outfit pairing: This warm-toned look pairs gorgeously with spring neutrals and earth tones. Think Free People US’s flowy dresses in cream and terracotta, or a classic denim jacket from Garage Clothing.

2. Chocolate Cherry

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If you want spring hair colour with an edge, chocolate cherry is calling your name. This deep brunette base with subtle burgundy undertones is perfect for dark hair that needs dimension without going lighter. It’s moody, rich, and gives major “main character energy.”

Who it suits: Especially stunning on pale skin with dark features, and absolutely chef’s kiss on brunette short hair or medium length. If you have green eyes? Stop reading and book this immediately.

The vibe: This color screams sophistication. Pair it with a leather jacket from Diesel or Hugo Boss for that effortlessly cool look. For special occasions, a sleek black dress makes those cherry tones absolutely pop.

Products you’ll need: A color-depositing conditioner in burgundy shades keeps the cherry tones vibrant between salon visits. You can find these at most beauty retailers. Also, add a glossing spray to your routine—it makes the color look multidimensional and healthy.

3. Bronde Perfection

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Ah, bronde—the ultimate “can’t decide between brunette and blonde” solution. This spring balayage technique blends brown and blonde so seamlessly that you get the best of both worlds. It’s been trending hard, and honestly? I get it.

The breakdown: Bronde works on literally every base color. Whether you’re starting dark or already have highlights, a skilled colorist can customize this to your natural undertones. It’s particularly gorgeous on brunette with blonde highlights who want a more blended, natural finish.

Face flattering: Works for every face shape, but especially beautiful on those with round faces because the multi-tonal effect creates dimension and movement.

Maintenance must-haves: Bronde requires commitment, friends. Stock up on bond-building treatments (Walmart carries some great affordable options), a good heat protectant, and a quality hair mask for weekly deep conditioning. Between salon visits, a toning gloss from Target keeps everything looking fresh. Style with a large-barrel curling iron or try loose waves using a flat iron technique—YouTube is your bestie for tutorials.

4. Copper Red Glow

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Spring hair trends wouldn’t be complete without red making its annual appearance. But we’re not talking fire engine—this is a warm, coppery red that literally glows in sunlight. It’s giving optimistic main character, and I’m here for it.

Color science: Red pigment fades faster than any other color, so this is for the committed only. But when maintained properly? Stunning. It works beautifully on medium length hair with layers that catch the light.

Shopping list: You absolutely need color-depositing products specifically for red hair. Check out the color care sections at Target or Best Buy (yes, they have hair care sections now). Sulfate-free everything is crucial. Also, grab a wide-tooth comb because red-dyed hair can be more fragile.

Fashion pairing: Neutrals are your friend here—let the hair be the statement. Free People UK has gorgeous cream and olive pieces that make copper red hair absolutely sing. Avoid clashing reds in your clothing unless you’re going for a bold monochrome moment.

5. Ash Blonde Balayage

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For my blonde girls who want cool summer hair colors that feel fresh, ash blonde balayage is it. This icy, dimensional blonde eliminates brassiness and gives you that Scandinavian-chic vibe without going full platinum.

Best for: This works gorgeously on natural blondes or those already in the blonde family. It’s also stunning on pale skin with cool undertones—House of Colour devotees know what I’m talking about.

The reality check: Ash tones require serious upkeep. Purple shampoo becomes your religion, and you’ll need regular toning appointments. But the payoff? Absolutely worth it.

Product recommendations: Invest in a good purple shampoo and conditioner (not the same bottle—get both). A bond repair treatment is essential since achieving ash blonde often requires lifting. Groupon frequently has deals on salon treatments for maintenance appointments. Style with a texturizing spray for that effortlessly cool, lived-in look. Add a silk scrunchie to prevent breakage—Nike even makes cute athletic-styled ones.

6. Espresso Brown

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Sometimes you just want rich, glossy, dark hair that looks expensive. Espresso brown is that girl. This is one of the most flattering spring hair color ideas for brunettes who want to enhance their natural darkness without adding lightness.

The appeal: Zero brass, all depth. This color makes your hair look incredibly healthy and shiny. It works beautifully on black hair that wants subtle warmth, or on previously colored brunettes who want to go back to a natural-looking dark.

Styling tips: Dark hair shows shine like nothing else, so gloss treatments are your best friend. A boar bristle brush helps distribute natural oils and adds shine. For product recommendations, look for shine serums at Walmart or Target—they make a huge difference.

Outfit coordination: Dark hair is incredibly versatile, but it looks especially stunning with jewel tones. Check out Dynamite Clothing or Pinko for rich emeralds, sapphires, and deep reds that make espresso brown look even richer. Gold jewelry also creates beautiful contrast.

7. Caramel Ribbons

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This is hair color ideas for brunettes for spring in its most wearable form. Caramel ribbons through a chocolate base create warmth and dimension without the commitment of full balayage. Think strategically placed highlights that frame your face and add movement.

Placement matters: These work particularly well on brunette with highlights who want to refresh without going lighter overall. Ask your stylist for face-framing pieces and some through the crown for dimension.

For curly hair: This technique is especially gorgeous on curly hair because the ribbons peek through the curls for a multidimensional effect. Make sure to use curl-specific products—look for curl creams and gels at Target that enhance definition while protecting color.

Maintenance: Much lower commitment than all-over balayage. You can stretch appointments longer, but you’ll still want quality color-safe products and a heat protectant if you switch between curly and straight styling.

8. Rose Gold Brunette

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Okay, this summer hair color idea for brunettes is for my adventurous friends. Rose gold brunette is a warm, pinkish-brown that’s romantic and unexpected. It’s like if brown hair and sunset had a baby.

Who should try it: This works beautifully on brunette medium length or longer hair where the color can really show. It’s particularly stunning on pale skin, creating a soft, feminine contrast.

The commitment: Rose tones fade to peachy-gold, which is actually still pretty, but you’ll need regular glossing. Color-depositing masks in rose or pink shades help extend your color between appointments.

Product needs: Sulfate-free everything, a good bond treatment, and maybe a semi-permanent gloss you can apply at home. Many beauty retailers now carry at-home glossing treatments that are surprisingly salon-quality.

Style it with: Romantic, feminine pieces from Free People US or Free People UK complement this color beautifully. Think flowing fabrics, vintage-inspired pieces, and soft colors.

9. Platinum Highlights

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For blonde enthusiasts who want to make a statement, platinum highlights on a darker base create incredible contrast. This isn’t for the faint of heart—it’s bold, high-maintenance, and absolutely stunning.

Real talk: This requires bleaching, which means damage control is crucial. You need bonding treatments, deep conditioning masks, and possibly professional treatments. Check Groupon for deals on Olaplex treatments or similar services.

Product investment: This is where you need to spend money on quality. Bond-building treatments, purple shampoo, hair masks, and leave-in conditioners are all essential. Retailers like Target and Best Buy carry professional-quality lines that are more affordable than salon prices.

Fashion coordination: The high contrast of platinum highlights pairs beautifully with bold fashion choices. Think structured pieces from Hugo Boss or statement items from Diesel.

10. Mocha Mousse

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Pantone’s color influence hits hair too, and mocha mousse is giving rich, cool-toned brown with gray-ish undertones. It’s sophisticated, modern, and works across all hair lengths from short hair to long.

The technique: This is typically an all-over color rather than highlights, which means lower maintenance than dimensional techniques. Perfect if you want spring hair trends without constant touch-ups.

Best for: This cool-toned brown looks incredible on those with cool undertones in their skin. It’s also gorgeous on dark hair that wants to lighten slightly without going warm.

Styling products: Since this is an all-over color, shine is everything. Invest in a good hair oil (argan or jojoba-based), a shine spray, and a quality blow dryer for smooth, glossy results. You can find excellent hair tools at Best Buy or Target.

Wardrobe wins: Cool-toned browns pair beautifully with other cool colors—think grays, navy, and true whites. Garage Clothing and Dynamite Clothing both have great basics in these tones.

11. Face-Framing Blonde Highlights

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This stunning money piece trend features bold, bright blonde streaks framing the face against a rich brunette base, blending into soft waves for that ultimate glow-up. The high-contrast highlights add instant dimension and brightness, making long, wavy hair look ultra-modern and spring-ready with a touch of ’90s-inspired edge.

  • Best for face shapes: Oval, square, and heart— the bright frames soften angles and draw attention to eyes and cheekbones.
  • Outfit pairings: Killer with black tops for drama, flowy spring florals, or neutral knits; elevates casual jeans or date-night looks.
  • Occasions: Perfect for festivals, weddings, or everyday confidence boosts—screams fresh energy as winter fades.
  • Styling tips:
    • Curl with a large barrel iron for beachy waves that show off the contrast.
    • Use purple shampoo weekly to keep blondes icy and brass-free.
    • Low-commitment highlight—grows out gracefully, refresh every 8–12 weeks.

This look is all about that pop of light for effortless, head-turning vibes!

12. Caramel Balayage Waves

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This luscious caramel balayage melts from deeper brunette roots into warm golden-caramel ends, creating a soft, sunlit glow on long, loose waves that’s pure spring magic. The hand-painted highlights add incredible depth and movement, making mid-to-long hair feel effortlessly voluminous and radiant.

  • Best for face shapes: Round, oval, and diamond— the waves soften contours while highlights brighten the overall look.
  • Outfit pairings: Stunning with earth tones, white tees and jeans, or flowy boho dresses; perfect for spring picnics or casual brunches.
  • Occasions: Everyday glow to weekend vibes— low-key yet luxurious for warmer days ahead.
  • Styling tips:
    • Use a curling wand for those beachy bends, then finger-comb with texturizing spray.
    • Protect with heat serum and gloss treatment to keep the caramel tones vibrant.
    • Super low-maintenance; refresh every 12–16 weeks as it grows out seamlessly.

Warm, inviting, and totally on-trend—this is your go-to for that golden-hour hair all season!

Shopping & Essentials for Spring Hair Color Success

Let’s be real—leaving the salon with gorgeous spring hair colour is only half the battle. Keeping it looking fresh requires the right arsenal of products, and honestly? It’s an investment. But here’s the breakdown of what you actually need (not what beauty influencers are being paid to push).

Must-Have Hair Care Products

Color-safe shampoo and conditioner: This is non-negotiable. Regular shampoo strips color faster than you’d believe. Target and Walmart both carry excellent color-safe lines at various price points. Look for sulfate-free formulas.

Purple/blue shampoo: Even brunettes need this if you have any highlights. It prevents brassiness and keeps ash tones cool. Use 1-2 times per week max.

Deep conditioning mask: Weekly treatments keep colored hair healthy and shiny. You can find everything from drugstore options to higher-end treatments at major retailers.

Heat protectant: If you use hot tools (and let’s be honest, who doesn’t?), this is essential. Colored hair is more vulnerable to heat damage.

Bond-building treatment: For anyone who’s gone lighter, treatments like Olaplex or similar bond-builders repair damage at a molecular level. Game-changer.

Gloss or glaze: At-home glossing treatments between salon visits keep color vibrant and add incredible shine.

Product TypeBudget-Friendly OptionPremium OptionWhere to Buy
Color-safe shampoo$8-12$25-35Target, Walmart
Purple shampoo$7-10$20-30Target, Walmart
Hair mask$10-15$30-50Target, Best Buy
Heat protectant$8-12$25-35Walmart, Target
Bond treatment$15-20$28-40Target, beauty retailers

Styling Tools That Actually Matter

Quality blow dryer: Invest here if you can. A good ionic blow dryer reduces frizz and drying time, which means less heat damage overall. Best Buy has excellent options across all price ranges.

Curling iron or wand: A 1-1.25 inch barrel is the most versatile for creating waves that show off dimensional color.

Flat iron: Look for ceramic or titanium plates and adjustable heat settings. Your colored hair deserves variable heat control.

Round brush: For blow-drying, a thermal round brush (medium or large barrel) creates volume and smoothness.

Fashion & Accessories to Complement Your New Look

Your spring hair color deserves an outfit upgrade to match the energy. This doesn’t mean a complete wardrobe overhaul—strategic pieces make all the difference.

For warm-toned colors (honey brunette, caramel, copper red): Earth tones, creams, and rust colors look incredible. Free People US has gorgeous spring collections in these shades. Pair with gold jewelry.

For cool-toned colors (ash blonde, mocha mousse, espresso brown): Jewel tones, true whites, and cool grays complement beautifully. Check out Dynamite Clothing for sleek, modern pieces in these colors. Silver jewelry enhances cool tones.

For bold colors (platinum highlights, rose gold): Keep outfits neutral to let your hair be the statement, or go full commitment with monochrome looks. Garage Clothing has great basics that work as a canvas.

Accessories that protect your investment: Silk or satin scrunchies prevent breakage (even Nike makes cute athletic ones now), hats for sun protection (UV damage fades color), and quality sunglasses that complement your new color (think Hugo Boss or even stylish options from Target).

Budget-Friendly Shopping Strategies

Use Groupon: Seriously, check Groupon for salon treatments, glossing services, and professional products. The deals are often incredible.

Buy during sales: Major retailers like Target and Walmart have regular beauty sales. Stock up on your essentials during these periods.

Subscribe and save: Many online retailers offer discounts for subscription services on products you’ll use regularly anyway.

Try before splurging: Start with drugstore options for some products, then upgrade the ones that matter most to your routine.

Final Thoughts

Listen, screenshot-ing hair inspo for your stylist is literally a personality trait at this point, and these spring hair color trends deserve to be in your camera roll ASAP. Whether you’re going for subtle summer hair color ideas for brunettes or committing to a full platinum moment, the key is preparation. And by preparation, I mean showing up with realistic expectations, some reference photos, and please having the right products ready at home before you leave the salon.

Your colorist can create magic in the chair, but maintaining that magic? That’s on you, bestie. Stock up on the essentials before your appointment—there’s nothing worse than spending $200+ on gorgeous hair only to wash it with whatever’s in your shower and wonder why it faded in two weeks. Been there, learned that lesson.

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