If you’re looking for a sign to switch up your hair colour, this is it.
The biggest shades of spring and summer 2025 are all about effortless luxury, bold self-expression and the perfect balance between nostalgic throwbacks and modern reinvention.
From glossy brunettes to vibrant jewel tones, this year’s trends are serving something for everyone.
Whether you’re leaning towards a subtle refresh or a full-colour transformation, L360 shares the shades that are dominating salons, Pinterest boards and celeb selfies this season.
Read more: Cowboy copper, hair dyes, inspiration and what to ask for at the salon
Mocha mousse
If there’s one colour you’re going to see everywhere this year, it’s mocha mousse.
Inspired by Pantone’s 2025 Colour of the Year, this warm, velvety brown is the ultimate low-maintenance, high-impact shade.
“Mocha mousse is a warm, brown shade imbued with richness — perfect for those who want darker hair without committing to deep brown or black,” says Franchesca Villar, beauty editor at Cosmetify.
What makes this shade a standout? Multi-dimensional depth. Featuring soft highlights and lowlights, mocha mousse works on every skin tone and can be customised for a natural or dramatic effect.
And with Pinterest searches for ‘mocha hair’ skyrocketing by 150%, this trend is already solidified as a 2025 must-try.
Read more: How often should you wash your hair? Shampoo schedule explained
Balayage
You heard it here first: balayage is back. The effortless, sun-kissed colour technique that took over the 2010s is making a strong return in 2025, and we are so here for it.
According to Toni&Guy, this revival is all about soft, blush-toned accents and face-framing brightness that enhances natural features. Think blended honey blondes, warm caramel, and golden tones that create depth without harsh contrast.
Franchesca agrees: “Celebrities like Beyoncé and Hailey Bieber have reintroduced balayage with a fresh, modern take. It’s effortlessly chic and ultra-flattering.”
So, if you’re after a low-maintenance, high-impact colour, this is the move.
Read more: How to choose the right hair mask
Jewel tones
For those ready to make a statement, vibrant jewel tones are officially back. Think emerald green, sapphire blue, amethyst purple and ruby red — rich, luxurious colours that are anything but subtle.
“This trend is a reflection of a broader shift towards bold self-expression,” says Franchesca. “There’s a huge nostalgia factor too — celebrities like Nicki Minaj, Britney Spears and Katy Perry rocked these shades in the early 2010s, and now they’re making a huge comeback.”
Whether you go full fantasy colour or opt for subtle jewel-toned highlights, this trend is all about celebrating individuality.
Read more: 6 best Dyson Airwrap dupes 2025 – from under £40
Cool brunette
Brunettes are owning 2025, and one of the most in-demand shades is cool brunette — a deep brown with blue, purple or ashy undertones for a sophisticated, refined look.
“This trend is part of a bigger return to natural beauty,” says Franchesca. “More people are embracing their natural colour or opting for subtle, earthy tones that are low-maintenance and elegant.”
Pinterest searches for ‘brunette hair inspo’ have jumped by 79%, proving this trend is major. If you’re thinking of making the switch, show your stylist a pic of Khloé Kardashian’s sleek, rich brunette bob.
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Warm blonde
Icy blondes? Not in 2025. This year, warm blonde is taking over, bringing golden, buttery tones that enhance natural features instead of washing them out.
“Many major celebrities — Margot Robbie, Sabrina Carpenter and Gigi Hadid — have embraced warm blonde this year,” says Franchesca. “These shades add radiance, soften features and give off a youthful, refreshed glow.”
With Pinterest searches for ‘blonde hair inspo’ up by 31%, it’s clear people are craving sun-kissed, effortless colour over the high-maintenance platinum of previous years.
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Vibrant copper
Bold reds aren’t going anywhere — and we have Chappell Roan to thank for that.
The Pink Pony Club singer took over last year with her signature vibrant red curls, and now everyone is jumping on board.
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“Chappell Roan has made bright copper one of the ‘it’ colours of 2025,” says Evelyn Richards, content editor at Living360. “It’s playful, eye-catching and full of personality.”
For a softer take, try brunette with cherry or cola undertones — a subtle nod to the trend without the full commitment.
