The sun-kissed days of spring 2025 have ushered in a beautiful new hair trend that’s captivating stylists and clients alike: gradient highlights that transition seamlessly from rich root beer tones to luminous honey ends. This dimensional coloring technique creates a stunning visual effect that adds warmth, depth, and movement to your locks—perfect for embracing the seasonal shift.
Why root beer to honey highlights are trending this spring
As May blooms with vibrant energy, this multidimensional color technique offers the perfect balance between rich depth and sun-kissed brightness. “What makes this gradient so appealing for spring 2025 is its incredibly natural appearance,” explains Chelsea Morgan, color specialist at Luminous Hair Studio. “The progression from deep, warm roots to lighter ends mimics how the sun would naturally lighten hair, creating an organic, lived-in look.”
This technique works particularly well for those looking to transform their hair growth into something fresh and dimensional, offering a beautiful solution that grows out gracefully.
The science behind the perfect gradient
The magic of this coloring technique lies in its strategic application and color theory. Master colorist Jason Reynolds explains, “We’re creating what I call a ‘solar flare effect’ where the deepest tones anchor the roots while gradually dissolving into warmer, lighter tones. Think of it like the way sunset colors blend across the sky—no harsh lines, just beautiful transition.”
The technique typically involves:
- Hand-painted balayage for natural-looking dimension
- Shadow root techniques to maintain depth at the crown
- Face-framing money pieces in lighter honey tones
- Gloss treatments to enhance shine and color longevity
Who does this color work best for?
The beauty of root beer to honey highlights is their versatility across hair types and face shapes. Those with fine hair seeking added volume will appreciate how the multidimensional color creates the illusion of thickness and depth.
“These highlights act like natural contouring for your hair,” notes Sophia Chen, editorial hair colorist. “The strategic placement of light and dark creates shadows and highlights that give the appearance of fuller, more voluminous hair—it’s like makeup for your mane.”
Maintenance made easy
One of the biggest advantages of this gradient technique is its low-maintenance grow-out. Unlike traditional highlights that create obvious demarcation lines, this blended approach allows for a softer regrowth pattern.
To maintain your color’s vibrancy:
- Use color-safe, sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners
- Apply heat protectant before styling to prevent fading
- Schedule gloss treatments every 6-8 weeks
- Consider purple-tinted products to prevent brassiness in honey tones
Styling your gradient highlights for maximum impact
The dimensional nature of these highlights truly shines when paired with texture. “I always recommend soft waves or curls to showcase the color variations,” says Chen. “It’s like watching sunlight dance through a prism—each turn of the head reveals new facets of color.”
For those with shorter cuts, techniques that add volume can further enhance the dimensional effect of these highlights.
Beyond the basics: Customizing your gradient
While the classic root beer to honey progression offers universal appeal, colorists are customizing the technique for individual clients. Those with gray hair can incorporate these highlights for a stunning blend that celebrates natural silver while adding warmth.
“Think of your hair as a canvas,” explains Morgan. “We can adjust the intensity of the root beer tones or make the honey highlights more pronounced depending on your skin tone, eye color, and personal style preferences. The gradient becomes as unique as your fingerprint.”
As we embrace the warmth and vitality of spring 2025, these root beer to honey highlights offer the perfect complement to the season—natural-looking, dimensional color that evolves beautifully as the months progress, just like nature itself.