Summer heat can make anyone’s hair look dull and lifeless.
The sun beats down, colors fade, and that fresh-from-the-salon look disappears fast. But the cool summer hair colors can change everything.
These shades not only survive the heat but actually look better under bright sunshine.
This blog will show you the best cool summer hair colors, how to pick the right shade, and tips to keep that color looking fresh all season long.
How to Determine if You are a Cool Summer Type?
Identifying a cool summer type requires examining three main features.
Each characteristic points toward specific color undertones. Together, they create a complete picture of someone’s seasonal type.
Skin Characteristics
The skin provides the first major clue about seasonal type. Cool summer individuals have specific undertones that set them apart.
Their complexion tends to have a pink or rosy base rather than a golden one.
When examining skin, people should look for these signs:
- Cool undertones: The skin has pink, red, or blue undertones instead of yellow or peachy tones
- Light to medium depth: Most cool summers have fair to medium skin that doesn’t tan easily
- Blue or pink veins: When checking wrist veins, they appear blue or purple instead of green
- Burns easily: The skin often burns before tanning when exposed to the sun
- Rosy cheeks: Natural flush appears pink or mauve rather than peachy or coral
Eye Characteristics
Eyes reveal important information about the color season. Cool summer types typically have soft, muted eye colors. Their eyes lack the bright, clear quality found in other seasonal types.
Look for these specific eye features:
- Soft blue shades: Blue eyes appear dusty, gray-blue, or soft blue rather than bright or clear
- Gray tones: Pure gray or blue-gray eyes are common among cool summers
- Soft green: Green eyes have a muted, gray-green quality instead of bright emerald tones
- Hazel with gray: Hazel eyes contain more gray and less gold or amber
- Low contrast: The iris and pupil don’t create a sharp contrast
Hair Characteristics
Hair color completes the cool summer profile. Natural hair typically falls into specific cool-toned shades. The key is noticing the absence of warm, golden tones.
These hair traits indicate a cool summer type:
- Ash tones: Hair has ashy or cool undertones without red or gold highlights
- Soft brown: Brown hair appears taupe-brown, ash brown, or mousy brown
- Cool blonde: Blonde hair leans toward ash blonde, platinum, or silver-blonde
- Gray presence: Natural gray or silver hair looks harmonious with the overall coloring
- No warmth: Hair lacks golden, copper, or red undertones
- Muted appearance: The hair doesn’t have a shiny, vibrant quality
- Cool black: If hair is dark, it appears soft black or brown-black rather than blue-black
Cool Summer Hair Color Ideas
Cool summer types look their best in hair colors that complement their natural cool undertones.
These shades improve their soft, muted features instead of fighting against them.
1. Ash Blonde
Ash blonde is a perfect match for cool summers. This shade contains gray or silver undertones that harmonize beautifully with cool skin tones.
It lacks any warm, golden hues that would create conflict.
Ash blonde works particularly well on those with fair to light skin. It creates a gentle look that increases pink undertones.
2. Platinum Ash Blonde
Platinum ash blonde represents the lightest end of cool blonde shades. This color has strong silver undertones that eliminate any hint of yellow.
Platinum ash blonde requires commitment and maintenance to keep its cool tone.
The shade works best on those with very fair skin and light eyes.
3. Icy Blonde
Icy blonde contains the coolest possible blonde tones. This shade has a frosted, almost white appearance with blue or violet undertones.
Icy blonde works beautifully with pink-toned skin and light eyes. The color requires professional application and regular toning to maintain its cool base.
4. Ash Brown
Ash brown is a go-to choice for cool-summer people who prefer darker hair.
This shade has gray or taupe undertones that eliminate warmth.
Ash brown complements cool skin tones without creating harsh contrast. It works well for both light and medium skin tones.
5. Cool Mocha
Cool mocha combines brown with subtle gray undertones. Cool mocha works beautifully with medium skin tones and adds dimension to hair.
It complements gray or soft blue eyes particularly well. Cool mocha offers depth without the heaviness of darker shades.
6. Taupe Brown
Taupe brown blends gray and brown in equal measure. It lacks any red, gold, or warm undertones.
The color works well with various skin tones within the cool summer palette. Taupe brown is an excellent choice for those wanting something different.
7. Icy Silver
Icy silver has gray hair with a cool, metallic finish. This shade has blue or violet undertones that keep it from looking dull.
Icy silver works best on those comfortable with a bold look. The color requires maintenance to keep its bright, cool tone.
It complements mature skin beautifully and celebrates natural gray.
8. Soft Gray with Blue Tones
Soft gray with blue tones offers a gentle approach to gray hair. This shade has a subtle blue cast that prevents it from appearing flat.
The color works particularly well with fair to medium skin tones. It requires less maintenance than platinum shades while still looking polished.
9. Dusty Blue
Dusty blue offers an unconventional yet flattering option for cool summers.
This shade has muted blue tones that appear soft rather than bright.
The color requires professional application and regular upkeep. Dusty blue demonstrates how creative color choices can still honor seasonal palettes.
Hair Colors to Avoid for Cool Summers
The right hair color makes a significant difference in cool summers. Certain shades clash with their natural cool undertones and create an unflattering effect.
| Hair Color | Why to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Golden Blonde | The warm, yellow-gold tones clash with cool undertones, making the skin look sallow or tired. |
| Honey Blonde | Rich honey shades contain too much warmth and create a harsh contrast with cool summer’s soft coloring. |
| Caramel Tones | These warm, toffee-like shades introduce unwanted orange undertones that clash with pink-based skin tones. |
| Copper | Bright copper hair introduces intense warmth that overwhelms the cool, muted features of summer types. |
| Auburn Reds | Warm red tones with orange bases make cool summers appear washed out and create visual discord. |
| Brassy Yellows | Yellow-toned highlights or all-over color look artificial and harsh against cool skin tones. |
| Jet Black | This harsh, blue-black shade creates too much contrast and appears severe on soft summer coloring. |
Maintenance Tips for Summer Hair
Keeping hair color looking fresh requires specific care. The goal is maintaining those ash tones and preventing warmth from creeping in.
Regular maintenance ensures hair stays true to its cool-toned beauty.
- Use purple shampoo weekly: This prevents brassiness and keeps blonde shades cool and ashy
- Avoid hot water: Wash hair in lukewarm or cool water to seal cuticles and maintain color
- Apply toning treatments: Use cool-toned toners every 4-6 weeks to refresh ash shades
- Choose sulfate-free products: Harsh sulfates strip color faster and cause unwanted warmth
- Deep condition regularly: Keeps hair healthy and color vibrant without fading
- Book touch-ups every 6-8 weeks: Prevents roots from showing warm undertones
- Sleep on silk pillowcases: Reduces friction and keeps color from fading prematurely
- Rinse with cool water: Final rinse should always be cool to lock in color and add shine
Conclusion
Summer’s the perfect time to try something new with hair color.
Cool summer hair color brings that fresh, breezy feeling everyone craves during hot months. They work with the season instead of against it.
Ready to make the switch? Book that salon appointment soon. Which color are you going for?
