21 Stunning Dark Hair Color Ideas for Summer That Are Anything But Boring

Look, I get it. Every summer it’s the same story—everyone’s running to their colorist begging for beach blonde highlights. But honestly? I’m over it. Been there, done that, got the fried ends to prove it.

What if I told you dark hair could be just as summer-ready as those overdone platinum shades? Yeah, I’m serious. After years of fighting my natural brunette (and losing), I finally embraced the dark side last summer. Best decision ever. My hair actually looks healthy now. Wild concept, right?

So here’s the deal: I’ve pulled together 21 dark hair ideas that’ll have you canceling that bleach appointment ASAP. These aren’t your grandma’s boring browns either. We’re talking rich, glossy, catch-the-light-just-right colors that’ll make everyone wonder what your secret is.

Let’s dive in.

Deep Burgundy

Wine hair. That’s it, that’s the tweet. But really—deep burgundy is having a moment and I’m here for it. Dark enough to be low-key, red enough to be interesting. Plus it makes your tan pop like crazy.

The good stuff:

Those red undertones in sunlight? Chef’s kiss Actually unique (unlike the 47th blonde balayage you’ve seen today) Fades into this pretty reddish-brown situation

Cool-Toned Dark Brown

No red. No orange. Just pure, ashy brown goodness. If you’re tired of your hair pulling warm in the sun, this is your answer. Modern, sleek, expensive-looking (even if you DIY’d it).

Summer benefits:

Stays true to color, no brassiness That expensive salon look Olive skin tones, this is YOUR shade

Dark Mocha Melt

Basically ombré’s cooler sister. Dark base that melts into slightly lighter ends—but we’re talking subtle here. Not “I stuck my ends in bleach” vibes. More like “the sun naturally lightened my hair because I’m always at the beach” vibes. Even if you haven’t left your couch.

Why it’s genius:

Dimension without the drama Grows out beautifully Wavy hair + this = perfection

Jet Black with Blue Undertones

For when you want to go DARK dark but still have some fun. The blue’s super subtle—like, you might not even notice until you’re in direct sunlight. Then BAM. Instant cool girl status.

The perks:

Mirror-like shine (I’m talking GLOSSY) Makes a statement without screaming Literally everyone can pull this off

Dark Brown + Face-Framing Highlights

Not ready for all-over color? I feel you. Face-framing highlights on dark hair = instant facelift. Brightens your whole face without the commitment. Plus, growing them out is NBD.

Summer magic:

Hello, cheekbones Super customizable Low commitment, high impact

Espresso Brown: Your New Best Friend

Think of the richest, darkest coffee you’ve ever had. That’s espresso brown. It’s basically black until the sun hits it—then boom, you see all these gorgeous brown undertones.

Here’s why it’s perfect for summer:

Zero maintenance (seriously, roots? What roots?) That shine though… looks like glass in sunlight Goes with literally everything in your closet

Dark Auburn

The perfect brown-red hybrid. Gives major “I just got back from Italy” energy. Caught golden hour with this color once and I swear, I’ve never looked better. The camera loves it.

The benefits:

Instant warmth Dimension for days Curls look INSANE with this color

Black with Violet Undertones

For my alt girls. Black base, purple shimmer. Only shows in certain lights so it’s like… professional goth? The violet adds this crazy shine that regular black just can’t match.

Festival season approved:

Not your average black Extra glossy finish Stage lights make this POP

Deep Chestnut Brown

Warm, cozy, but still summer-appropriate. Like if fall and summer had a baby. Red undertones that catch the light without going full redhead. Beach hair goals, honestly.

Why it works:

Flatters pretty much everyone Natural but better Low maintenance queen

Dark Chocolate + Caramel Balayage

Okay so picture this: deep chocolate base with ribbons of caramel woven through. Not too much—just enough to make people do a double-take. The best part? When it grows out, it still looks intentional. No awkward grow-out phase here.

Summer perks:

Those caramel pieces literally glow in the sun Grows out like a dream Adds dimension without the commitment

Midnight Blue-Black

This one’s for my girls who want something… different. Indoor lighting? Looks black. Step outside? Hello, blue shimmer. Wore this to Coachella last year and honestly, felt like a whole different person. In the best way.

Why it slaps:

Not your basic black The shine is unreal Works on pixie cuts, bobs, long hair—whatever

Smoky Plum

Can’t decide between purple and brown? Why choose? Smoky plum is this moody, mysterious shade that changes depending on the light. It’s giving main character energy without trying too hard.

Summer wins:

Subtle but make it fashion Cool-toned = instant refresh in the heat Berry lips + this hair = unstoppable

Rich Mahogany

Classic for a reason. Mahogany’s that perfect brown-with-a-hint-of-red that never goes out of style. Had this color at my cousin’s beach wedding—looked bomb in every. single. photo. Even the ones where I was sweating buckets.

Why it works:

Warm but not brassy (huge difference) So. Much. Shine. Curly girls, this one’s especially good on you

Black Cherry

Imagine black hair with a secret. That secret? Cherry red undertones that only show up when they want to. It’s mysterious, it’s fun, it’s… actually pretty easy to maintain?

The details:

Never looks flat (dimension for days) Professional enough for work, fun enough for weekends The fade-out is actually pretty

Deep Olive Brown

Stay with me here. Green-toned brown sounds weird but looks AMAZING. Especially if you’ve got warm or neutral skin. It’s unexpected in the best way—like finding $20 in your pocket.

Why try it:

Unique without being loud Makes tanned skin glow Gold jewelry + this = chef’s kiss

Dark Brown + Rose Gold Highlights

Rose gold but make it wearable. Subtle pink-gold pieces through dark hair = romantic summer vibes. Wedding season hair sorted.

The magic:

On-trend but not overdone Soft, pretty dimension Photos? You’ll look incredible

Inky Black

The darkest dark. We’re talking black hole levels of black. But here’s the thing—when your hair’s this dark, it looks SO healthy. People will literally ask about your hair routine. (The secret? The color. That’s it.)

Black hair benefits:

Maximum shine factor Statement hair without trying Zero fade issues

Dark Brown + Toffee Lowlights

Plot twist: going darker for dimension. Toffee lowlights in dark brown create this rich, thick-looking situation. Fine hair? This is your trick.

The lowdown:

Adds crazy depth Looks so natural Makes thin hair look fuller

Dark Brown to Smoky Gray

Not ready for full gray but want to experiment? Smoky gray ends on dark hair = instant edge. Like you’re too cool to care but also… you definitely care.

Why it’s cool:

Still trendy Easy to cut off if you’re over it KILLER on short hair

Dark Brown + Copper Highlights

Just a touch of copper through dark hair and suddenly you’re glowing. The warmth is subtle but trust—people notice. Every photo looks like it has a filter. But it’s just your hair doing its thing.

Copper perks:

Catches every bit of light Work-appropriate but fun Natural grow-out

Dark Brown + Hidden Teal

My personal favorite for festivals. Teal pieces hidden under your top layer = surprise color when you want it. Tie your hair up? Party. Leave it down? Professional. Best of both worlds.

The fun factor:

Perfect for summer adventures Show it off or hide it Completely customizable

Picking Your Perfect Dark Summer Shade

Alright, 21 options might be overwhelming. Here’s how to narrow it down:

Skin tone matters:

Cool undertones? Ashy browns, blue-blacks, plums Warm undertones? Mahogany, chestnut, anything with copper Neutral? You lucky duck, pick whatever

Be real about maintenance:

Lazy girl summer? Solid colors or subtle highlights Down to touch up? Go wild with burgundy or teal

Your life, your rules:

Conservative job? Natural shades, maybe some face-framers Creative field? Peekaboo color, bold undertones, whatever

Sun protection is key:

Dark hair fades too, people UV spray = your new BFF Moisture, moisture, moisture

Keeping Your Dark Hair Fresh All Summer

Real talk: summer is rough on hair. Sun, salt, chlorine—they’re all trying to ruin your vibe. Here’s what actually works:

Sulfate-free everything (seriously) Weekly deep conditioning (set a reminder) Cute hats aren’t just for bad hair days Rinse that pool/ocean water out ASAP Root touch-up spray between appointments

Final Thoughts

So yeah, blonde might be having its moment (again), but dark hair? That’s forever. These 21 shades prove you don’t need to fry your hair to look summer-ready.

Whether you go classic espresso or wild with hidden teal, dark hair in summer is a whole mood. And honestly? While everyone else is dealing with their brass disaster, you’ll be out here with glossy, healthy-looking hair that actually photographs well.

The dark side’s calling. You coming or what?