45 Caramel Hair Color Ideas for a Glowy Spring Look
Caramel, believe it or not, looks just as delectable as a hair color as it does as a filling in a chocolate bon-bon (well…almost). The burnt-sugar shade is particularly stunning on those with neutral to warm undertones, or those who fall into the color seasons warm autumn and warm spring. “Its golden tones enhance their naturally warm complexions, adding richness and dimension,” says hairstylist and colorist Marie Nino, who adds that cool-toned complexions can still pull off the color with “the right balance of beige or ash.”
“Caramel is a versatile shade that can add dimension to brunettes, depth to blondes, and soft, warm highlights to black hair,” she continues. “To keep caramel tones looking fresh and vibrant, I always recommend using sulfate-free shampoos, color-safe conditioners, and scheduling a toning gloss every six to eight weeks to maintain warmth and prevent brassiness.”
Whether you’re ready to commit to a rich, all-over caramel shade or prefer a more low-maintenance option, like a caramel-dipped balayage or sun-kissed highlights, keep scrolling to get a glimpse of 45 caramel hair color ideas that will make any complexion instantly appear a little more luminous.
Burnt Caramel Balayage
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A burnished caramel balayage adds a touch of color and warmth to Zoe Saldaña’s jet-black hair. “Since the color starts lower, there’s no need to worry about root touch-ups as often, making it low-maintenance,” says Johnson.
Sandy Caramel
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If you have cool undertones, fear not. “A neutral caramel or a sandy caramel might work with a bit of adjustment; think J. Lo,” says Johnson.
Bright Caramel
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A bright caramel with amber lowlights gives beachy, summer-ready vibes, while depth at the root makes this color easy to maintain on natural brunettes.
Candied Caramel Swirls
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Caramel and bright blonde highlights bring so much dimension to Keke Palmer’s side-parted bob and wand curls. A full head of highlights will require careful at-home care with sulfate-free products and touchups every four to six weeks.
Caramel Ribbons
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Whisper-thin caramel and ash-blonde highlights enliven Camila Cabello’s chestnut brown base. Thinner highlights add volume, making them perfect for showing off naturally thick strands or adding body to fine-to-medium density hair.
Caramel and Blonde Highlights
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“Caramel works wonders on brown hair, especially when it’s used as highlights or lowlights,” says Johnson. “It adds a sun-kissed glow and makes the hair look naturally radiant.”
Medium Caramel
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Light shades of caramel create “a soft, luminous effect on fair skin,” says Nino. This buttery hue complements Suki Waterhouse’s neutral undertones perfectly.
Caramel Ribbons
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“Curly hair looks stunning with caramel highlights, as it adds contrast and makes curls pop,” says Johnson.
Reddened Caramel
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A rich red with caramel undertones and grown-out roots brings a rosy glow to Hoyeon’s fair complexion. Since reddish hair colors are some of the hardest to maintain, touch up your color every other week with an at-home glaze.
Caramel Goddess Locs
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If you typically opt for black or brown hair in your protective styles, caramel is a fun and subtle way to freshen up your look for the warmer months.
Caramel-Colored Tint
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A caramel gloss sparkles in the sun but looks low-key indoors. If you’re craving a change but don’t want to commit to a dramatic transformation or a lot of maintenance, this is the way to go.
Peekaboo Caramel
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Even the most subtle peeks of caramel color brighten Kelly Rowland’s complexion and enhance her skin’s golden undertones.
Caramel Coils
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A caramel color enhances Rihanna’s curl pattern and makes every coil pop.
Subtle Caramel Highlights
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“Rather than a full-head color, caramel highlights create a natural, sun-kissed effect, which means less noticeable roots and longer-lasting color,” says Johnson. “They grow out more seamlessly than an all-over dye.”
Beachy Caramel
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A full head of caramel highlights on a golden brown base looks effortlessly cool combined with Shay Mitchell’s tousled beach waves.
Honey-Dipped Caramel
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Bella Hadid’s grown-out hue fades from deep brown to a warm caramel, to a bright honey blonde. Her hairstylist Jenna Perry previously told InStyle that she uses Olaplex No.1 and No.2 to keep Hadid’s hair healthy through every color transformation.
Caramel Colorblocking
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Miley Cyrus’s color-blocked hime cut at the 2025 Grammy Awards was an instant viral hit—and proof that a caramel color can take on an edge.
Caramel Blend
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Chrissy Teigen wears a caramel balayage that’s so seamless, you can barely tell where the color begins and ends. It looks as if there’s a natural luminosity to her brunette bob.
Caramel-Dipped Balayage
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Chelsea Lakzani’s deep brown roots transition seamlessly into a caramel and ash blonde balayage, styled with a sultry side part and romantic barrel curls.
Lived-In Highlights
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Lived-in highlights provide “a more low-maintenance approach” than allover color, says Nino. Brenda Song pairs hers with a shadow root close to her natural color, which allows for an even more graceful grow-out.
Coppery Caramel
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Da’Vine Joy Randolph’s bob is a beautiful blend of caramel and cowboy copper. While the all-over color will require frequent touchups, there’s no denying how striking it is.
Light Caramel
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“Caramel hair color requires some maintenance to keep the shades vibrant and prevent fading, especially if you’re going for a lighter caramel,” says Johnson. She recommends glossing your hair in between appointments with Nous Haircare’s N.02 Stay Golden.
Caramel and Ash Blonde
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Mixing dark caramel tones with ash-blonde highlights is the secret to making caramel colors work on skin with neutral undertones.
Caramel-Kissed
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A sprinkling of face-framing caramel highlights give Ciara’s chestnut brown waves a whole new attitude. For a similar look, ask your stylist for thin caramel money pieces and babylights.
Caramel Glow
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This subtle caramel balayage complements Gabby Windey’s olive complexion and almost matches the color of her bronzer, lending her an overall refreshed glow.
Caramel Espresso
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Jet-black hair may be Megan Fox’s signature look, but that doesn’t mean she’s shied away from variations of caramel. Her lived-in balayage is a low-maintenance way to brighten a deep brunette base.
Caramel Brows
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A subtle bleached brow paired with a caramel color softens the face and gives off an editorial-meets-angelic vibe.
Caramel Boho Braids
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Jackie Aina’s boho braids are dipped in caramel and gold, with the brightest blonde strands placed closest to her face for a naturally sun-kissed effect.
Butterscotch
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A lighter, redder variation of caramel stuns on fair complexions with warm undertones. An all-over hue like this is easiest to maintain on natural strawberry blonde to light brown hair.
Rich Caramel
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A rich, gilded caramel styled in waist-length mermaid waves—now that’s what we call glamour. Bright blonde money pieces frame Bey’s face and add further dimension to her color.
Natural-Looking Caramel
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Sofia Vergara may be a natural blonde, but you’d never know it by how soft this caramel hair color looks on her. As a warm autumn color season, it makes sense the brunette hue is such a perfect fit.
Caramel Gradation
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Tyla’s black-brown roots gradually fade into a bright, golden shade of caramel.
Dimensional Caramel
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Threads of caramel are woven through Penélope Cruz’s dark brown bob, adding volume and dimension.
Brushed With Caramel
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Caramel hair is Eva Mendes’ signature, and for good reason—the warmth of the color makes her olive skin tone appear even more naturally radiant.
Mahogony Caramel
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Subtle caramel highlights are strategically placed to brighten Zendaya’s rich, reddened-brown base color and accentuate her eyes and cheekbones.
Light-Reflecting Caramel
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The darker your hair, the more it can reflect light—take Cara Delevingne’s shimmering caramel strands as an example. For maximum shine, use a boar-bristle brush, which will help to evenly distribute your hair’s natural oils, and finish with a shine spray.
Caramel-Coated
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Monochromatic caramel hair and brows give Jordyn Woods a soft, ethereal glow.
Bold Blonde
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Jennifer Lopez’s bright blonde highlights offer a bold contrast to her caramel base tones, while a shadow root tricks the eye into believing the color is au naturale.
Neutral Caramel
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Golden hues sit opposite of green on the color wheel, which is why this neutral caramel shade makes Tyra Banks’ already-penetrating gaze pop even more.
Touch of Caramel
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A barely there caramel balayage gives chestnut brown hair a subtle refresh while requiring minimal maintenance.
Sun-Streaked Caramel
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Sofia Richie Grainge’s slicked-back caramel strands are a study in clean-girl cool. Blonde highlights offer sparkling contrast and dimension.
Caramel with Ash Tones
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Sydney Sweeney’s cool undertones and icy blue eyes call for a caramel shade with a blend of ash-blonde highlights, concentrated mostly around the face for extra brightness.
Dusting of Caramel
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Halle Berry’s wavy bob features a light dusting of caramel highlights at the ends, giving her a beachy, effortless vibe.
Blonded Caramel
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Move over, expensive brunette—this lustrous shade is a lighter, brighter, and equally low-maintenance take.
Sleek Caramel
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Glossy, pin-straight hair shines in a rich caramel hue that gets gradually lighter towards the ends.
