Ever noticed how some people seem to glow in certain hair colors while others… well, let’s just say their dye job is doing them zero favors? Below, we’ll dive into the world of the best soft summer hair colors, which will help you embrace your ethereal goddess with perfectly muted, cool-toned locks.
Best Hair Colors for Soft Summers



Ashy Blonde
The world of ashy blondes offers numerous options for soft summers. Medium ash blonde stands out as a particularly flattering choice, providing a soft yet radiant look that harmonizes beautifully with cool undertones. Another excellent option is luminous pearl blonde, a neutral shade that maintains low contrast with the skin tone while enhancing natural beauty.
Here are some ashy blonde hair dyes that you could try out yourself:
- Garnier Olia Light Ash Blonde
- John Frieda Precision Foam Color, Extra Light Natural Blonde
- Clairol Nice’n Easy, Medium Ash Blonde
- Revlon Colorsilk, Light Ash Blonde
- L’Oreal Preference Infinia, Light Ash Blonde
- Clairol Age Defy Permanent Hair Dye, Light Ash Blonde
Cool Brown
When it comes to brown hues, soft summers shine in light to medium ash browns. These shades perfectly reflect the muted nature of the soft summer palette while providing depth and sophistication. For those seeking added dimension, a neutral ombré technique can create stunning results, transitioning from slightly darker roots to cooler, lighter ends.
Here are some cool brown hair dyes that you could try out yourself:
- Frosty Chocolate (Garnier Olia 5.15)
- Iced Chocolate (Garnier Olia 4.15)
- Cool Dark Brown (4A) by L’Oréal – from the Superior Preference line
- Cool Crème Ultra Ash Brown (4.11) by L’Oréal
Pastel Shades
Soft summers can beautifully pull off certain pastel shades, provided they remain cool-toned. Gentle pinks, subtle lilacs, and muted blues can add a whimsical touch while maintaining harmony with the soft summer aesthetic. Rose blonde, a delicate blend of blonde with a whisper of pink, offers a perfect balance of color and softness.
Here are some pastel-toned hair dyes that you could try out yourself:
- Smoky Pink (P2 Rosy Blush) by L’Oréal
- Lavender (P3 Lilac Mist) by L’Oréal
- Muted Blue (P1 Soft Blue) by L’Oréal
- Rose Gold (6.5 from the Colorista Line) by L’Oréal
Refined Reds
While red hair colors typically lean warm, soft summers aren’t entirely excluded from the red family. The key is choosing cooler, more subdued red tones. These muted reds can add warmth without overwhelming the naturally soft features. For those hesitant about committing to red, demi-permanent options provide an excellent opportunity to experiment.
Here are some refined red hair dyes that you could try out yourself:
- Cinnamon Brown 5.6 (from the Feria line) by L’Oréal
- Rich Mahogany 4.23 (from the Feria line) by L’Oréal
- Burgundy 4.62 (from the Excellence line) by L’Oréal
- Copper Red 6.43 (from the Excellence line) by L’Oréal
- Medium Reddish Brown 5.6 (from the Nutrisse line) by Garnier
- Light Intense Auburn 7.4 (from the Nutrisse line) by Garnier



Incorporate Soft Balayage & Highlights
Soft Summers can beautifully enhance their natural hair color with highlights and balayage techniques. These methods, when applied thoughtfully, add dimension to your hair while complementing your unique color palette.
Balayage for Soft Summers
Balayage offers a subtle, sun-kissed effect that works well for Soft Summers. This technique creates natural-looking highlights that blend seamlessly with your base color. For the best results, choose soft balayage highlights in ashy brown or cool beige tones.
These shades add gentle dimension without introducing stark contrasts, preserving the soft features characteristic of Soft Summer coloring.
Highlighting Tips for Soft Summers
When considering highlights, stick to cool, muted tones that align with the Soft Summer palette. Avoid warm highlights like gold or auburn, as these can clash with your cool undertones. Instead, opt for ashy blonde or light brown shades that harmonize with your overall look.
Overall, both balayage and highlights offer relatively low-maintenance options. The gradual grow-out means less noticeable regrowth lines, allowing you to maintain your look with fewer salon visits.
Not Sure Which Hair Color Suits You Best?
While the general suggestions above can give you a good starting point, we all know that every individual has unique undertones that can make a huge difference in how a color looks! 🎨✨
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Common Mistakes to Avoid
Unlocking the perfect hair color for a Soft Summer complexion is like orchestrating a delicate symphony – one wrong note and the whole composition falls flat. So, how to avoid choosing the wrong shade? It’s all about embracing your cool side. Remember, cool undertones are your best friends, while warm shades like fiery oranges and bright yellows are the ones to steer clear of.
Most importantly, view your natural color as a starting point, as going too dark or too light can result in an unflattering look. The goal is to find a shade that enhances your features without drawing too much attention. So, make sure to look for a color that feels like a natural extension of yourself, subtle and harmonious.

Frequently Asked Questions
Consider your skin’s cool undertones, the level of contrast you prefer, and the maintenance required for different shades. Aim for colors that enhance your natural features and fit harmoniously with your overall look.
Yes, mixing shades within the Soft Summer palette can create beautiful dimension. Just ensure that all colors remain cool-toned and muted for the best effect.
Soft Summers should steer clear of warm highlights like gold or auburn, as these can clash with cool undertones. Instead, they should opt for ashy or muted tones that harmonize with their hair.
Absolutely! Soft Summers can wear cool-toned pastels like gentle pinks, muted blues, and subtle lilacs, with rose blonde being a lovely option for added softness.
Yes, light to medium ash browns are ideal for Soft Summers, providing depth without overwhelming their features. Shades like Frosty Chocolate and Cool Crème Ultra Ash Brown work particularly well.