7 Warm Hair Colors to Try

New season, new hair color, right? Although multi-colored rainbow and holographic manes are super-popular these days, there’s something to be said about subtle color changes, too. And by subtle, we mean something as simple as switching tones. Why not turn up the heat a bit? While you might normally lean towards the cooler end of the spectrum, now is as good a time as any to let your hair follow suit.

This means it’s time to step away from the pearl and ash blondes and take a rain check on black cherry and eggplant in favor of colors like bronde, peach, and caramel brown. Unlike their cool counterparts, these warmer hair colors are characterized by red, orange, and gold undertones that can help add more color to your face and leave you looking kissed by the sun.

Warm Hair Color Idea #1: Bronde

If brown and blonde hair had a baby, this would be it. The trick to this pretty color is to maintain your darker base color while layering it with subtle highlights that look almost shimmery when hit by the sun. The result? The epitome of sun-kissed locks. (Here’s everything you need to know about going bronde.)

Warm Hair Color Idea #2: Strawberry Blonde

If you’ve been toying with the idea of red hair but aren’t quite ready to take a plunge into deep crimson territory, dip your toe into the shallow end of the vibrant hue with the toned-down half red, half blonde color known as strawberry blonde.

Warm Hair Color Idea #3: Brass Brown

Brunettes often get a bad rep for being boring but with the right highlights added into the mix, the results can be truly dazzling. Case in point: brass brown tresses. Taking its name from the metallic gold tone, you can expect to look angelic and glowing as soon as you step out of the salon with the gorgeous new ‘do.

Warm Hair Color Idea #4: Honey Blonde

Best suited to those with light brown hair, honey blonde incorporates a series of babylights (a.k.a. ultra-fine highlights) to lighten and brighten your allover color without losing dimension.

Warm Hair Color Idea #5: Golden Brown

Whether you want to achieve the look with a series of golden highlights woven throughout your hair or prefer an allover douse of color, this hue is perfect for those who love their brunette locks but want a change of pace for the sunny season. Get the look at home with the L’Oréal Paris Féria in Light Golden Brown.

Warm Hair Color Idea #6: Warm Cinnamon

There’s just something about this soft red shade that’s spicy enough to turn heads and warm enough to keep all eyes on you. The allover color is characterized by being somewhere in the middle of strawberry blonde and crimson for a slightly darker redhead option that maintains its warmth.

Warm Hair Color Idea #7: Peach

Pastels are in—you know that already. What better way to show the world you’re super-on trend than by sporting a warm peach mane? To get the summer fruit-inspired look at home, use the L’Oréal Paris Colorista Semi-Permanent Hair Color in Peach, which works on blonde, bleached, or highlighted hair.

What You Need to Know About Changing Up Your Hair Color

Opting for a warm hair color this summer is a great way to embrace the warm weather season. That being said, keep in mind that if you have brown hair and are interested in going lighter, you’ll need to bleach your hair first. Depending on how dark your starting hue is (and how light you’d like to go), it could take multiple sessions to achieve your desired hair color. ( Read our guide to bleaching your hair at home.)

And once your dye job is complete, it’s a good idea to switch up your hair care routine. So, use a system of shampoo, conditioner, and mask formulated for color-treated hair, like the L’Oréal Paris Hair Expert Color Vibrancy Intensive Shampoo, L’Oréal Paris Hair Expert Color Vibrancy Intensive Conditioner, and L’Oréal Paris Hair Expert Color Vibrancy Intensive Ultra Recovery Mask.