As summer approaches, beach-inspired hair trends are making waves in the beauty world. Among these, Copacabana highlights are gaining popularity as the must-have look for the season. This Brazilian-inspired technique captures the essence of sun-kissed strands that look naturally lightened by days spent on Rio’s famous beaches.
What are Copacabana highlights?
Copacabana highlights, or ”Een Braziliaanse zomertint” as they’re also known, create a natural, sun-drenched effect that mimics how hair lightens after days in the Brazilian sun. Unlike traditional highlighting methods, this technique focuses on creating a dimensional glow that works with your natural hair color.
”The beauty of Copacabana highlights lies in their subtlety,” explains Maria Eriksson, senior stylist at Stockholm Hair Design. ”We’re creating an effect that looks like your hair has been naturally kissed by the sun during a summer in Brazil, not obviously highlighted in a salon chair.”
Why this Brazilian-inspired trend is perfect for summer 2025
As we head into the summer of 2025, these highlights offer the perfect refresh for those wanting a low-maintenance yet striking change. The technique creates multi-dimensional color that grows out beautifully, meaning fewer salon visits during your busy summer schedule.
For those who’ve been considering a more dramatic change, you might want to explore this year’s voluminous pixie technique, which can be beautifully enhanced with subtle Copacabana highlights.
The technique behind the magic
Unlike traditional foil highlights that can look stripy or unnatural, Copacabana highlights use a freehand painting technique similar to balayage, but with specific placement inspired by how the Brazilian sun naturally lightens hair.
”I place the highlights where the sun would naturally hit – around the face, crown, and ends. It’s like capturing a moment of Brazilian summer in your hair,” shares Carlos Mendes, Brazilian hair color specialist.
Who does this technique work for?
The beauty of Copacabana highlights is their versatility. They work on all hair types and colors, though the effect varies beautifully depending on your base shade:
- Dark hair receives a subtle, caramel-kissed dimension
- Brunettes gain golden, honey-toned brightness
- Blondes develop a natural, beachy brightness with minimal maintenance
- Redheads can enhance their fiery tones with strawberry-gold accents
Caring for your Brazilian summer highlights
To maintain your sun-kissed look, proper care is essential. Looking for volume alongside your new color? This summer’s volume technique pairs perfectly with Copacabana highlights.
- Use color-safe shampoo with UV protection to prevent fading
- Apply weekly toning masks to maintain your ideal shade
- Consider nourishing hair oils to keep highlighted strands healthy
The versatility factor
One of the most appealing aspects of this Brazilian-inspired technique is how it enhances various haircuts. The highlights bring movement and dimension to everything from a French choppy bob to longer styles.
Like waves dancing on Copacabana beach, these highlights bring a rhythm and flow to your hair that flat, one-dimensional color simply cannot achieve.
Ready for your Brazilian hair transformation?
If your hair needs refreshing after winter, or you’re looking for a revitalizing summer routine, Copacabana highlights might be your answer. This technique isn’t just about color—it’s about capturing that carefree summer spirit in your look.
Like a vacation in a hairstyle, Copacabana highlights bring that relaxed Brazilian beach energy to your everyday life. Are you ready to embrace the sun-kissed glow of Rio this summer? Your hair deserves its moment in the Brazilian sunshine.